2013 Yamaha 242 Limited S
Description
The 2013 Yamaha 242 Limited S is the jet boat that refuses to be ignored — and in striking black, it commands every dock it pulls up to. Powered by Yamaha's twin high-output engines and built on a 24-foot platform with a generous 102-inch beam, this boat was engineered to deliver serious performance without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're pulling wakeboarders across Percy Priest Lake or cruising the Cumberland with the crew, the 242 Limited S offers the space, stability, and punch to make every outing memorable.
As a used vessel priced at $29,000, this Yamaha represents outstanding value in the jet boat segment. The 242 Limited S was Yamaha's flagship family performance boat, packed with premium features from the factory — wide-open cockpit seating, a spacious swim platform, and Yamaha's signature jet drive system that keeps the fun going in shallow or crowded waters where traditional sterndrives can't go. The bold black hull gives this boat a sleek, aggressive look that still turns heads a decade after it first hit the water.
Located in the Nashville/Gallatin area and ready to explore some of Tennessee's finest waterways, this 242 Limited S is an opportunity you won't want to miss. If you've been searching for a roomy, performance-driven jet boat at a price that makes sense, this is the one. Contact us today to schedule a showing or sea trial — boats like this don't last long.
Specifications
What owners & reviewers say
Based on 8 reviews from across the web
The 242 Limited S gets consistent praise from both expert testers and our owners for the way it handles. Yamaha's Articulating Keel and rack-and-pinion steering give it confident, straight-line tracking and real composure in hard turns, while low-speed control near docks is noticeably better than older jet boat designs. Several reviewers note it compares favorably with sterndrive alternatives in real-world handling.
On the practical side, our owners appreciate the thoughtful layout. Storage is genuinely generous, the ski locker is oversized, and the cabin gives everyone a comfortable place to sit. The Connext-integrated electronics and Polk audio system draw positive comments, and the controls feel smooth and well-integrated. The 1.8L engines have a strong reputation for durability, with owners reporting trouble-free running well into the hundreds of hours.
Fuel consumption is the one area where opinions vary, though it tends to come up mainly among owners who run the boat at full throttle regularly. The engine note at higher rpm is louder and higher-pitched than a sterndrive, which is simply part of jet-boat ownership. Anyone coming from a sterndrive will want a short adjustment period for low-speed maneuvering, though most owners say it becomes second nature with time.
What owners like
- Articulating Keel delivers confident handling and straight-line tracking
- Responsive and composed in hard turns and high-speed cornering
- Low-speed dock maneuverability well above typical jet-boat standards
- Exceptional storage throughout, including a large ski locker
- Comfortable cabin seating for everyone aboard
- Connext-integrated electronics with Bluetooth and Polk audio
- 1.8L engines have a strong long-term reliability record
- Controls feel smooth and well-integrated
Tradeoffs to consider
- At wide-open throttle, fuel consumption is higher than a comparable sterndrive
- Higher-pitched engine note at speed can feel more tiring on longer runs
- Low-speed handling has a learning curve for boaters coming from sterndrives
Frequently asked questions
How does the 242 Limited S handle compared to a sterndrive boat?
Expert testers tell us the combination of rack-and-pinion steering, the Articulating Keel, and Yamaha's Advanced Responsive Handling technology makes it track and corner in a way that compares favorably with sterndrives we have tested. The main adjustment is at low speeds, where jet propulsion behaves differently, but most of our owners say it becomes natural fairly quickly.
Is the Articulating Keel really a difference-maker for slow-speed docking?
Every tester who evaluated it came away impressed. It gave our reviewers real responsiveness near docks and a level of control that older jet boat designs simply do not offer. There are also aftermarket options available if you want to go further.
How reliable are the 1.8L engines over the long term?
Our owners and forum contributors consistently describe them as very durable. One owner ran his to 750 hours without an issue, and the general consensus is that these engines hold up well with normal care.
What is the fuel consumption like?
At wide-open throttle, consumption is higher than you would see in a comparable sterndrive, with some owners reporting around 25 gallons per hour at full throttle. Cruising at more moderate speeds brings that down considerably, so how you run the boat makes a real difference.
How is the storage and onboard layout?
Our owners consistently highlight storage as one of the strongest points on this boat. There is a designated space for almost everything, and the ski locker is large enough for skis, wakeboards, and tow ropes with room to spare. The cabin seating is comfortable for a full group.
Is the engine noise noticeable at higher speeds?
Jet engines run at higher rpm than sterndrives, and the resulting tone is higher-pitched and more present at speed. Most owners accept it as part of the jet-boat experience, but it is worth knowing if you spend a lot of time at full throttle on longer runs.
Summarized by AI from public sources across the web — owner forums, marine publications, and other boating sites. Provided for research; not authored or endorsed by the dealership.
Location
Nashville/Gallatin
Contact Dealer
Interested in this boat? Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you soon.
Or call us directly:
(615) 575-8021Ready to Take the Next Step?
Connect with us to learn more about this boat or schedule a visit
Or call us: (615) 575-8021
Similar Boats You May Like
Based on brand, condition, and year
Yamaha Resources
The Amazing Pleasurable Boating Experience on Yamaha Boats
Yamaha has been the go-to choice for many who want a reliable, quality boat. Learn about the superior features that make Yamaha boats an all-time favourite.
What to Know Before Buying a Yamaha Outboard
With unmatched performance, legendary reliability, and incredible power, Yamaha outboards are outstanding. Here are key points to consider before purchasing.
How to Protect Your Yamaha Outboards from Ethanol
Ethanol is corrosive, absorbs moisture and is a solvent. Here's a four-step solution to protect your Yamaha outboards from ethanol damage.