yamaha 30 sailboat review

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Considering buying Yamaha 30-2

• Thread starter DimonOpa
• Start date Jan 31, 2017
• Tags yamaha 30
• Brand-Specific Forums

Hi guys, I am seriously considering buying Yamaha 30 tall rig. It would be my first boat. I'm hoping to be able to do some long distance racing and maybe some beercan racing. I have 8 years of racing experience sailing Sonar 23. Yamaha looks like a sound boat and seem to be perfect for my needs for cruising. My concern is, how competitive is Y30 design? (Having a heavy inboard and a fuel tank in a bow...) I appreciate your input.  

My marina neighbour is a 1982 Yamaha 30 that he bought new and is very pleased with it. She has the same Yanmar YSM12 motor that I have in my CAL. I would not worry about the motor being in the bow, the hull is designed for that. They changed the design in the later 1980s and moved the motor to the traditional rear location. I’m told Yamaha sailboats have a very good reputation for both quality of build and sailing ability. If I was looking for a newer boat, I would have a look at these local boats: http://www.thunderbirdmarine.com/boat-info.php?ID=4400 http://www.thunderbirdmarine.com/boat-info.php?ID=4337 Depending on your size and budget desires it may be worth while to look at this one: http://www.thunderbirdmarine.com/boat-info.php?ID=4426 Remember that the cost of ownership goes up exponentially with the length. i.e. Marina moorage, maintenance, sails, hardware, insurance, etc.  

palacegrand

I have a Yamaha 30 Tall Rig, in Sidney at Westport. The fellow I bought it from in Seattle used to race it and I understand it did fine. But me, I don't race so I don't really know how well it does beer canning. I mostly single hand daysail & cruise, though the girlfriend will come along when her schedule allows. The boat is very well built, solid and well thought out. Original gear seems top notch. Engine in the bow, and while I thought it was too small (12hp) it is actually more than sufficient. Satori single hands very well, is very comfortable and will move along well. Doesn't feel like it points quite as tightly as my old Ranger 28, but then few will. I find the tall rig handy for a lot of the summer/fall quiet days, but for winter & spring sailing I'll reef early to keep her a bit flatter. She seems to slow if overly heeled, but I've often sailed with main 2nd reef and jib to 1/3 in 15+knots and still do an easy 6/7 knots. For cruising it's a dream. There's a lot of room inside, nice headroom, and a decent galley (though I'll add a cooler for longer trips). I added a Newport propane furnace which does a nice job (and quick) for cooler weather cruising. The V-berth is ... a tad short for two, but my girlfriend is a real "snuggle then stretch out" so I can find myself cramped. The large quarter berth can sleep two, or nice size for a single. I patched together a setup between the two settees that allows us more room sleeping across the saloon. I kinda wish I had the 33 for even a bit more space, but I don't actually know if the V berth is any longer. One downside for me: I'd like to have a dodger for winter but the boom is a bit low and the traveller is in the way of making a good sized one work. Though I have seen them on a couple of Yam's. How's that for some starting info?  

We used to have a Yamaha 30 Mk II with the engine under the cockpit. Well built boat and the boat we moved up to after owning a San Juan 24 for 17 years. The light air performance was no-where as good as the San Juan 24 and the motor in the stern model had more weather helm than the San Juan 24. WE hit a log in English Bay in Vancouver in The Yamaha 30 and I hauled the boat and there was only paint damage. I suspect the keel would have ripped off hitting the same log in our old San Juan 24. I remember it was a bit of a problem getting the 8 lb "fat boy" propane tanks needed for the propane locker so make sure these are still available. Don't worry about the foot rails on the cockpit seats, they are comfortable. We now have a Yamaha 33 tall rig with lead keel and motor in the stern. New motor. Keep that in mind when you buy and get a mechanical inspection.  

kampuniform

Jalepeno said: My marina neighbour is a 1982 Yamaha 30 that he bought new and is very pleased with it. She has the same Yanmar YSM12 motor that I have in my CAL. I would not worry about the motor being in the bow, the hull is designed for that. They changed the design in the later 1980s and moved the motor to the traditional rear location. I’m told Yamaha sailboats have a very good reputation for both quality of build and sailing ability. If I was looking for a newer boat, I would have a look at these local boats: http://www.thunderbirdmarine.com/boat-info.php?ID=4400 http://www.thunderbirdmarine.com/boat-info.php?ID=4337 Click to expand

It will probably cost a $1000 to put AC on the Yamaha 33 talked about above. By the time you purchase the panel, tinned copper wire, shore power outlet, shore power cable and maybe an ELCI and a couple of enclosures you're up there. There was no AC in our Yamaha 33 when we bought her so we put AC in. Probably worth considering replacing the AC system on any boat more than 30 years old (depending of course on the specific condition).  

Captain Crunch

I went from a Sonnic 23 to my 84 Yamaha 30. Sailed it for years with my family. I raced her, cruised her. She is fast and points very high a great racer!! We lost her in a storm due to a dock cleat failure. We (my family) are heart broken!!! I had a brand new UK Genoa racing sail made for her which I didn't get until the end of the season. I used it twice. If you find a 30 and you are in need of an amazing performance sail let me know. Good luck in your search- Ken Hart  

If there is anyone out there looking to buy a great turnkey Yamaha 30 with many recent updgrades, $25,500 CDN in British Columbia near Campbell River! -Quadraite  

If it's the one I'm thinking of, I think people are being put off by that massive stainless arch. I was put off by the arch and the new cabin heater ( prefer propane/no through deck chimney).  

Hey OP, I've got a Yamaha 30 1981, Engine in the bow. Great boat for me so far. It rode through Hurricane Matthew recently, the dock it was attached to broke. Had some decent damage to the bow, but considering what happened it came out pretty lucky. I learned a little about fiberglass after that!! Anyway, for sailing it can be a little tippy. Its light, so it's often necessary to reef. All in all a fun boat to sail.  

Midnight Sun

Captain Crunch, Do you still have the Genoa? Cheers Craig  

Captain Crunch said: I went from a Sonnic 23 to my 84 Yamaha 30. Sailed it for years with my family. I raced her, cruised her. She is fast and points very high a great racer!! We lost her in a storm due to a dock cleat failure. We (my family) are heart broken!!! I had a brand new UK Genoa racing sail made for her which I didn't get until the end of the season. I used it twice. If you find a 30 and you are in need of an amazing performance sail let me know. Good luck in your search- Ken Hart Click to expand

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Anybody out there have much information on this boat? Not many around and hard to get information. Thanks  

There was an article in Good Old Boat magazine about the Yamaha sailboats recently.  

Made in Japan, by same company that supplies motorcycles etc, "STILL" being made in Japan, but they sell all they can build in eastern asia. There is a 37 across from me, talking with the owner a few weeks back, I seem to recall there being a forum like this for Yamaha owners. If I see him, I will ask what the addy is. He has found 3 of 5 boat owners for his boat, being as only 5 were made, that is doing pretty good at the yamaha forum owners group. Marty  

Gentleman thanks for the info. Tim  

Try here for info, I found a sales brochure for a 30'r along with a number of other Yamaha sailboats http://www.yamahasailboats.org/ Marty  

Good looking old IOR boat. Not very fast, lot's of them on the west coast.  

The Yamahas all have some nice touches, - recessed genoa tracks, clever cabinetry etc. The 30 has good volume for its size, excellent headroom, but is deemed slowish. Two models were produced, the earlier ones had the engine under the Vberth, with obviously extensive prop shaft/bearings etc. I think the idea was to promote the then-favorable bow down trim for IOR measurement. Of course all the weight is in the wrong place. Sometime along in production they changed to a more conventional under-companionway configuration. The forward engine models are less popular and less costly today.  

Yes, yamaha 30 service manual, like a copy! I have a yamaha 30, as well as the original service manual, would you like a copy? Just found this web site  

Iknow it has been 5 years- but I would like a copy, if you have it. Thanks.  

Re: Yes, yamaha 30 service manual, like a copy! I would love to have the manual if you still have it?  

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• Sailboat Guide

Yamaha 30-1

Yamaha 30-1 is a 29 ′ 5 ″ / 9 m monohull sailboat designed by Peter Norlin and built by Yamaha starting in 1978.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

It is thought that the YAMAHA-30 is based on the Norlin designed SCAMPI MKIII. A tall rig version was also available. I: 12.4m/40.68 J: 3.7m/12.14’ P: 18.8m/35.43’ E: 3.2m/10.5’

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Review of Yamaha 30 Mk II

Basic specs., sailing characteristics.

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Yamaha 30 Mk II is 2.18, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.5 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Yamaha 30 Mk II is about 157 kg/cm, alternatively 879 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 157 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 879 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Yamaha 30 Mk II it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

YAMAHA 30-1 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of YAMAHA 30-1. Built by Yamaha and designed by Peter Norlin, the boat was first built in 1978. It has a hull type of Fin with rudder on skeg and LOA is 8.97. Its sail area/displacement ratio 16.28. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel.

YAMAHA 30-1 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about YAMAHA 30-1 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, contributions, who designed the yamaha 30-1.

YAMAHA 30-1 was designed by Peter Norlin.

Who builds YAMAHA 30-1?

YAMAHA 30-1 is built by Yamaha.

When was YAMAHA 30-1 first built?

YAMAHA 30-1 was first built in 1978.

How long is YAMAHA 30-1?

YAMAHA 30-1 is 7.19 m in length.

What is mast height on YAMAHA 30-1?

YAMAHA 30-1 has a mast height of 10 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Yamaha 30 1

The yamaha 30 1 is a 29.42ft masthead sloop designed by yamaha design group and built in fiberglass by yamaha since 1978..

The Yamaha 30 1 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

Yamaha 30 1 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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• Sailboat Reviews

Living the 30-Foot Dream

Who can forget that first day? When you finally took command of your new used boat, and, probably with a friend or spouse, sailed it home? If the boat is well used, like the nine boats featured in our used boat report (“ Pracical Sailor Puts Used Sailboats from the 1970s Under the Microscope “), the odds are great that some mishap enlivened the voyage home.

I still have faded photos of my friend Steve Cannon, with his whole head wrapped up in gauze (think Bugs Bunny with a toothache), grinning at the tiller when Tosca finally met the sunlight-spangled waters of Biscayne Bay, Fla., her new home. In his chin were seven stitches, the result of a sharp blow from a slippery fuel dock on the Intracoastal Waterway. Whenever I dig up the photo, I still can smell the diesel in Steve’s T-shirt — residue from six hours of cycling the boats algae-laden fuel through a home-made filter. Thus began the great adventure.

Tosca cost $6,000, no small sum for two 20-somethings back in the day. But it was a bargain considering where she eventually took us. During the following three years, Steve, Theresa Gibbons, and I roamed the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and on down through the Caribbean to Venezuela. After that, Theresa and I sailed Tosca for eight more years … the Galapagos Islands, Bora Bora, Palau, Bali, Borneo, Singapore, Thailand. Though heavy, the 1937 William Atkin ketch was just over 30 feet on deck.

Too small? Not at all.

Used to be that 30 feet was a big boat. Check out the old brochures for the sloops in this months feature, and the implicit message is that this boat will carry you anywhere your dreams may wander. Indeed, there’s no shortage of sailors who have made great voyages, even circled the globe, in boats of 30 feet or less. (Steve sailed on from Venezuela to Australia in a 23-foot mini-Transat racer.)

While the aging boats featured this month would not be my first choice for exploring the Pacific today, with some elbow grease and upgrades, they can be an affordable start to adventures that will last a lifetime. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I received a letter this month from Alex Messima, a recent college grad who had just bought a 1983 Catalina 30. He also sent a great photo of him and his friend David Erickson sailing the boat, Island Time , home to Los Alamitos, Calif.

Their beaming faces recalled Steve’s smile (minus the gauze) and the thrill we felt that day. It reminded me that you don’t need a fortune to dream big. Good friends and a 30-foot boat will do just fine.

Darrell Nicholson Editor

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

So, where is the eval. of the 30-footers???

Yeah, where’s the actual article / eval??

could you publish the 30 foot article ?

Click on the link in the first paragraph to read the article.

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Yamaha Boats

By Jeff Hemmel | March 2023

Learn more about Yamaha boats by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.

Yamaha traces its roots back to the company’s success in the personal watercraft market. It was there Yamaha produced its first jet propulsion engines, engines that quickly gained a reputation for both power and reliability. The company’s first boat, the 1995 Exciter, was a nimble, open-bow performer that showcased the advantages of jet propulsion. Today, the Yamaha Boats product line has matured into a collection of family-friendly, jet-powered runabouts . These include open-bow runabouts in the 19’-27’ range divided into all-around, watersports and luxury trim levels; five models from 22’-25’ aimed specifically at the fast-growing wake-surfing market; and seven fishing-focused, center-console models from 19’-25’. All use Yamaha Marine Engines in single or twin-engine pairings.

On this page:

Quick overview.

• Types of Boats
• Boat Tests & Reviews

Yamaha currently produces a diverse collection of jet-powered sport boats, all powered by Yamaha marine engines. Craft come in 19’, 22’, 25’ and 27’ lengths and are divided into recreational, watersports, luxury, and center-console models.

Types of Yamaha Boats

Yamaha builds a wide-ranging fleet of open-bow sport boats , including family-oriented models from 19’ – 25’, watersports-oriented models from 19’-25’, luxury models from 19’ – 27’, wakesurf models from 22’ – 25’ and center-consoles from 19’ – 25’. Depending on size, power is provided by single or dual Yamaha Marine Engines transferring their power to the water via enclosed jet pumps.

• Yamaha offers five models in the 19’ range with an eight-passenger capacity. These include the SX 190 and AR 190, powered by 1.8-liter High Output engines; and SX 195 , AR 195 , and 195 S powered by the supercharged Super Vortex High Output engine.
• All feature open bows, wraparound windshields, wraparound cockpit seating and large aft swim platforms that work for coving, hanging out at the sandbar or gearing up for watersports.
• SX designates base models.
• AR models add watersports-specific features including overhead tow towers.
• The 195 S is a premium model, including watersports tower and touchscreen display.
• Five 22’ models up seating capacity to 10 and include the SX220, AR220, 222S, 222SE and 222SD. Both the SX220 and AR220 are powered by twin, naturally aspirated TR-1 High Output engines.
• The 222S, 222SE and 222SD feature twin, naturally aspirated 1.8-liter High Output engines.
• SX, AR and S models indicate base, base with watersports tower and premium with watersports tower features.
• The SE adds E-Series drive-by-wire features, including push-button start and stop, RPM engine sync and single-lever throttle pairing.
• SD models add E-Series drive-by-wire features and DRiVE throttle controls that enhance low-speed handling and maneuverability.
• The 25’ category increases seating capacity to 12 and features the SX and AR 250, 252S, 252SE and 252SD. All five are powered by twin-engine pairings of the naturally aspirated, 1.8-liter High Output Yamaha Marine engine.
• SE models add E-Series drive-by-wire features, including push-button start and stop, RPM engine sync and single-lever throttle pairing.
• SD models add E-Series drive-by-wire features and DRiVE throttle controls that enhance low-speed handling and maneuverability. Additions include convertible stern setbacks, up to 12” touchscreen control and portside head compartment.
• Two models — the 275SE and 275SDX occupy the premium , yacht-certified 27’ category. Power is increased to twin supercharged versions of the Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine engine. Both include encoded portside head compartments and 12” touchscreen helm control.
• The SE includes E-Series drive-by-wire features and an aluminum, folding wake tower.
• The SDX features a hardtop with panoramic tinted skylights, E-Series drive-by-wire features, DRiVE throttle controls and DRiVE X dock-assist features, steering wheel mounted controls that let you move the boat fore and aft, laterally, rotate on its axis or stay in place against a dock.
• Wake models are designed to satisfy the growing wake surf crowd .
• They include the 222XE, 222XD and 252XE, powered by twin, naturally aspirated 1.8-liter High Output engines; and the 255XE and 255XD , both powered by twin, supercharged versions of the Super Vortex High Output engine.
• All introduce wake-inducing hulls, onboard ballast systems, and button-activated Wakeboosters, large plates below the swim platform that can enhance the wake on a surfer’s preferred side.
• Designed to appeal to the active coastal buyer , center consoles can fish, cruise, and pull towables from tubes to wakeboards.
• Models include the 190 FSH Sport , 195 FSH Sport , 220 FSH Sport, 222 FSH Sport, 222 FSH Sport E , 252 FSH Sport, and 252 FSH Sport E.
• Layouts include center console with leaning post, overhead T-top or hardtop with rodholders, in-console storage that can double as a changing room, live well and bucket storage.
• Seating capacity ranges from 8-12 depending on size.
• Power includes Yamaha Marine Engines in single 1.8-liter High Output, single 1.8-liter Super Vortex High Output, twin TR-1 High Output, and twin 1.8-liter Super Vortex High Output.

Yamaha Personal Watercraft Models

Yamaha builds and markets a wide range of Waverunner personal watercraft. There are lower-cost models and top-end models. Yamaha Waverunners can carry one, two to three people depending upon the specific model. A wide range of engines ensures that the Waverunner’s power can mate to the boat buyers’ desires. Whether for cruising, fishing, touring, or high-performance , Yamaha Waverunners suit many on-water activities.

• The EX series models are lightweight and compact in size
• All four versions are three-passenger models
• Most economical of Yamaha Waveruners to purchase
• All EX models feature the three-cylinder four-stroke TR-1 Engine including a watersports tower and touchscreen display .
• Yamaha VX Series Waverunners offer fun and versatility
• Industry-leading amount of standard features
• The top-selling VX series offers buyers many technologies
• Choose a 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 Yamaha Marine Engine in regular or High Output configuration
• 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.8 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engine available for VX Limited HO model
• Seven models in the Yamaha Waverunner VX Series lineup all for up to three passengers
• Five three-passenger FX model Yamaha Waverunners designed for comfort and cruising
• 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.8 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engine
• Some models available with the supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine
• Connext Screen, Electric Trim, Ride and more technologies available
• Optional RecDeck expands the swim platform and makes a range of other options available
• Performance PWC, Yamaha Waverunner GP1800 models provide exhilarating speed and performance
• Two three-passenger models are available
• 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.8 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engine and Supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine available
• The GP1800R SVHO model is the Choice of Champions, representing the top race series in the world , and it’s race-ready right out of the box
• Available with factory-installed audio speakers for a clean, streamlined look
• Yamaha Waverunner SuperJet and Waveblaster are for freestyle PWC riders
• SuperJet is a one-person stand-up PWC with vintage vibe and modern performance
• Waveblaster offers trick-making agility with unique styling
• 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha Marine Engine for WaveBlaster
• 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 Yamaha Marine Engine for SuperJet

Boat Tests & Reviews

As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of over 15 Yamaha boats . These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities, but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety.

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Yamaha Waverunner Boat Tests & Reviews

As the most trusted source of boating information in the world, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of over 18 Yamaha Waverunner PWC models . These tests are conducted by our expert staff made of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger and rider amenities, but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, propulsion technology and overall safety.

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Yamaha Videos

Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Yamaha boats and personal watercraft. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff, enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat or PWC…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.

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Faqs about yamaha.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Yamaha boats, including the types of boats Yamaha makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Yamaha boat that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Yamaha currently produces 29 models , with their focus split between recreational, luxury, watersports, wake surf and fishing-oriented center-consoles.

• The list of 19’ models include the SX 190, AR 190, SX 195 , AR 195 , and 195S
• 22’ models include the SX 220, AR 220, 222S, 222SE, and 222SD
• 25’ boats include the SX 250, AR 250, 252S, 252SE, and 252SD
• 27’ boats include the 275 SE and 275SDX
• Wake Series models include the 222XE, 222XD , 252XE, 255XE, and 255 XD
• Center Consoles feature the 190 FSH Sport, 195 FSH Sport, 220 FSH Sport, 222 FSH Sport, 222 FSH Sport E , 252 FSH Sport, and 255 FSH Sport E.

Yamaha Motor Corporation is headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia. Yamaha Boats are assembled in Vonore, Tennessee.

Yamaha Boats exclusively use Yamaha Marine Engines in either naturally aspirated or supercharged versions.

Yamaha warrants that 2019 and newer Yamaha Boats purchased from an authorized Yamaha Boat dealer in the 50 U.S. States and Canada and registered for use in the 50 U.S. states and Canada will be free from defects in material or workmanship for the following periods:

• Hull and Deck – Duration of ownership of the first retail owner for pleasure use; one year commercial use.
• Engines, engine-related components, jet pump and jet drive pump-related components – One year from date of purchase for both Pleasure and Commercial use.
• Components, except for those covered under Structural and Engine warranties – Three years from date of original purchase for Pleasure use, ninety (90) days for commercial use.
• Cosmetic Imperfections in exterior cosmetic gelcoat finish (cracks, crazing, mold marks, etc) and upholstery — one year from date of original purchase for both Personal and Commercial use.

Yes, Yamaha boats are considered easy to maintain. Basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull , flushing the engine (especially after use in saltwater), keeping engine compartments clean and dry, and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep a Yamaha boat looking like new for years to come. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil and filter changes, to ensure reliable, safe operation. Yamaha has a large dealer network that can perform more complex maintenance and service that is recommended to be performed by the dealer.

All Yamaha Boats can be used for recreational watersports, including skiing, wakeboarding and inflatable tubing. Swim platforms, tow hooks and reboarding ladders provide the necessary features to make watersports both fun and safe. Wake Series models are specifically designed to enhance the wakes for the sport of wake surfing. Jet propulsion eliminates exposed propellers in close proximity to surf riders. Hulls are also designed to sit lower in the water and offer features including external, wake-boosting hardware off the transom, onboard ballast systems, and intuitive touchscreen control.

As jet propulsion uses an enclosed impeller, Yamaha jet boats can safely be used for wake surfing. The Wake Series models are best as they’re specifically designed for the sport. They include surf-enhancing extras such as onboard ballast systems, wake-enhancing transom hardware, speed control and intuitive touchscreen controls.

Any of Yamaha’s many boat models can be used for recreational fishing. Center console models, however, are designed specifically for the task with features including overhead T-tops with integrated rodholders, leaning post helm seating, live wells and third-party electronics like large Simrad touchscreen displays.

Yamaha has one of the largest dealer networks in North America, and representation in countries around the world. Find your local Yamaha Boats dealer here .

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Yamaha 30D Outboard Motor Review

Originally published in TrailerBoat #270, June / July 2011.

Back in 1986, Yamaha released the world’s first three-cylinder 30hp two-stroke outboard motor. This followed on from the success of its more powerful three-cylinder engines, starting with the 75hp introduced to Australia in late 1982.

Known as the 30D, Yamaha’s new 496cc 30 had features such as a three-carbie loop-charged powerhead and variable-ratio oil injection, yet at 61kg for the manual-start longshaft version, it was only 17 per cent heavier than the popular twin-cylinder cross-flow 521cc Johnson 30, which weighed 52kg. The Yamaha 30D developed 29.6hp at 5000rpm while the Johnson developed 30.0hp at 5500rpm.

As with the Yamaha 40V released a year earlier, the Yamaha 30D used exhaust gases from one cylinder to scavenge the next, making it far more fuel efficient than a big twin. It also had “Precision Blend” oil injection, where the oil was injected at the reed valves, with a fuel / oil ratio that varied from 80:1 at WOT (wide open throttle) way down to 200:1 when trolling.

The only competition to the Yamaha 30D has been the oil-injected Suzuki three-cylinder DT30C outboard, an innovative engine that idled on two cylinders. However, this engine was discontinued in the Aussie market when Suzuki Australia stopped local distribution of outboards in 1999. Both before and since the Suzuki DT30C, the Yamaha 30D has had the market all to itself.

Unfortunately you’ll only find oil injection in the electric-start version of the 30D (the 30DETOL), which also has power trim and tilt. Manual start versions make do with a fixed 100:1 fuel / oil premix, after the initial 10-hour break-in period on a ratio of 25:1.

Whereas the larger three-cylinder Yamaha engines have cold-start fuel primer systems, the Yamaha 30D has a manual choke. In any case, because of the inherent balance of this engine, it’s remarkably easy to start.

ON THE WATER

Since 1986 I’ve spent a fair amount of time using Yamaha 30D outboard engines. Although they’ve enjoyed modifications and improvements over the years they have remained the benchmark in this class.

I recall one instance where I found myself powered by a 30D aboard a 7m Yamaha 23 workboat — a boat that planed easily with three guys aboard. In another instance, which I’ll detail here, I was on a 4.5m Sea-Al Seaman aluminium dinghy, which was a perfect match for saltwater angling.

After carefully running in the Seaman’s new engine for 10 hours, it was subjected to extensive testing over a three-month period. Particularly impressive was the remarkably low level of vibration exhibited by the engine when trolling at the minimum of 670rpm, although I have to say it was also quiet across the entire rev range, and even at WOT — where the roar of carbie induction often creates quite a racket. Through tight figure-of-eight turns at 4000rpm there was no hint of prop ventilation, despite the Seaman’s long keel. There’s no doubting the fact that Yamaha makes excellent alloy props!

For the performance trials the Seaman was loaded with two adults and fishing tackle, bringing the total displacement to 460kg. Cold starting required a firm two-handed pull, while only one hand was needed when the engine was hot. Only when running on the break-in mix did the engine blow any oil smoke, and even then this only occurred when the engine was cold. The upfront gearshift was easy to use and, providing the anti-ventilation plate remained immersed, power astern was good when operating on shallow-water drive, with no adverse effect on the engine’s cooling system.

The only real operating problem encountered during the loan period was a “flat spot” on transition from the idle jet to the main carbie jets when the throttle was opened quickly. According to owners of this engine I’ve interviewed over the years, this has been a common problem, but it doesn’t occur when the throttle is opened gradually. No amount of tuning seems to resolve the issue, however.

The manual-start Yamaha 30D I borrowed had oil injection, but the 0.9lt undercowl oil tank didn’t take up much space on the powerhead and even with a starter motor fitted, the engine would still be easy to service. Whichever model is chosen, there’s easy access to the spark plugs and carbie / throttle linkages (the 30D has mechanical ignition timing advance).

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Yamaha recommends servicing the 30D every 100 running hours, or annually after the first service at 20 hours.

Since its release the 30D has developed a reputation for reliability and survival in salt water, particularly since Yamaha YDC30 alloy was introduced in the ’90s. It provides saltwater anglers with affordable, reasonably fuel efficient, easily maintained and smooth-running power, and because it’s unlikely that we’ll see outboard exhaust emissions laws introduced in Australia before 2015, the Yamaha 30D should be around for a good while yet.

As of April 2011, a manual longshaft Yamaha 30D has a price of $4385 RRP, while the electric-start version has a price of $6053 RRP. A spare alloy prop is $176, and for recreational usage these engines are covered by a three-year warranty.

YAMAHA 30D PERFORMANCE