PHOTO COURTESY OF YAMAHA
Yamaha WaterCraft announced the expansion of its DRiVE X low-speed handling to 252SD and 255XD boats, offering a combination of Yamaha’s DRiVE paddle control system that moves the boat forward and aft while always keeping the driver’s hands on the steering wheel, and adds functionality to the steering wheel that allows the driver to slowly move the boat starboard or port, rotate 360° on its axis, and holds the boat against the dock for quick loading and unloading of passengers.
In addition, the company unveiled its new 1.9L High Output Yamaya marine engine for WaveRunners and boats previously equipped with the Yamaha 1.8L HO motor. A new 1898cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, 16-valve High Output marine engine, the 1.9L High Output delivers more power, quicker, smoother acceleration and a higher top speed. It’s also one of the first Yamaha-manufactured parts to include plant-derived cellulose nanofiber reinforced resin in its engine cover.
Brand new to its lineup, the 255 FSH Sport H Center Console adds Yamaha’s Helm Master EX and joystick control to the 255 FSH Sport E for smooth, precise low-speed maneuvering with the same performance, comfort and convenience.
“The introduction of Helm Master EX and the expansion of DRiVE X are excellent examples of how we’re leveraging developing technologies to appeal to next-gen, first-time boaters who are already familiar with these kinds of driver-assist features through the automobiles that they own,” says Yamaha WaterCraft General Manager Bryan Seti. “These new features are designed to keep people engaged in boating longer in their life, introduce new people to boating, speed up the time to become confident users, and give our current customers a reason to stay with the Yamaha brand.”
To learn more, visit yamahaboats.com.
