The 2015 Yamaha 242 Limited S jet boat brings several new innovations to the market, including a new hull design that has dramatically enhanced the ride and handling.MissionYamaha tells us they designed the 240 Series, and the 242 Limited S to be the best possible all around family runabout that would deliver an exceptional ride, handling, and watersports capabilities, in a twin engine performance package.Shown is the Articulating Keel for the Yamaha Watercraft 240 Series for 2015.InnovationsArticulating KeelProbably the biggest change to jet boat design in the last ten years, the Yamaha Articulating Keel has dramatically changed the way this boat drives. Essentially they changed the shape of the hull with the addition of a dihedral keel, culminating at the stern with an articulating piece measuring approximately 11” long, 6.5” tall, 0.5” wide (thickness). Acting in concert with the motion of the jet nozzles, this rudder like extension has enhanced the overall ride stability as well as the low and high speed turning of the 242 Limited S in a remarkable way.This image shows how the Articulating Keel is joined to the starboard jet nozzle via a connecting rod which ensures the two work in concert.From this angle you can see the extended part of the dihedral keel on the 2015 242 Limited S.The usual wondering experienced in most jet boats was significantly reduced. Turning was crisp and sharp at all speeds and the new hull design also had the added affect that when one let go of the wheel while in a turn, the wheel and the boat immediately centered up on a smooth straight path. Even across moderate wakes, the tracking of the new hull design was exceptional. Yamaha specifically designed this articulating part to NOT extend below the bottom of the hull, thus maintaining the same shallow water capabilities these boats have been known for. Operating via a connecting rod from the starboard jet nozzle, this new design is clever and simple. The overall hull length has also been extended by 6” (0.15 m).Yamaha’s 7” Connext multi-function display screen on the 242 Limited S.Connext Helm Control SystemKeeping track with trends in the automotive industry, the team at Yamaha has created a new touch screen helm control system that they call Connext. Based off of a 7” display, Connext is truly intuitive and easy to use. During our test drive it was easy to switch between the radio, engine functions and set up menus. What we liked most about this system was how common sense the visuals are and the fact that you can change screens and control functions with either the joystick mouse, the function buttons or with the touch screen.The Yamaha Connext Helm Control System screen showing the boats status while in float mode, and the easy menu options atop and below.Some of the information provided on the display includes rpm, fuel flow and GPS speed as well as water depth. You can also pull up miles per gallon, average speed, trip odometer, elevation and engine temperature.The Connext joystick mouse controller on the 2015 Yamaha 242 Limited S jet boat allows you to easily run through the menu and select and control display and radio functions.Connext is also the main control for entertainment, such as the lighting controls and the radio. While testing this boat it took us less than one minute to connect our phone to the radio and have tunes cranking out via Bluetooth. The process was easier and faster than on some cars.Other items that are controlled by Connext include Yamaha’s Cruise Assist and No Wake mode, which makes it very easy and convenient to use via the joystick or touch screen.This image of the Yamaha 242 Limited S’ engine compartment shows all of the additional sound attenuating foam that has been added to help reduce noise levels.Quiet Cruise PlatformIn the past, a little extra noise from a jet boat was the balance struck for all the other advantages and performance of a jet boat. That is now a thing of the past. Yamaha has made a combination of engineering changes along with the addition of large amounts of sound deadening materials and significantly reduced the overall noise in the 240 Series. During our test and evaluation, we noticed the idle noise level at the helm was 69 dBA, and a level of 91 dBA when running at wide open throttle, clearly a welcomed improvement. We were even able to maintain conversations from the helm with people in the bow without having to shout.The Yamaha 242 Limited S has a higher freeboard at the bow and stern and a new easy fold sport tower.Other Key Features:Deck and CockpitYamaha has redesigned the upper deck on the 240 Series which changes their profile quite a bit. The result is a higher freeboard in the bow and stern. In the cockpit there is a feeling of being lower with more protection and very good visibility through the windshield.The cockpit of the 2015 Yamaha 242 Limited S is designed to maximize the usable interior space.By opening up the design of the under gunwale area to port, there is a feeling of spaciousness, additional storage and the ability to easily swivel the companion seat 360 degrees. The helm and the companion chairs are very comfortable and the design, along with the heavily padded armrests give a feeling of security. These chairs also recline, with the armrests maintaining level when they do so. When swung around to face aft, they naturally blend into the social aspect of the cockpit.The reclining cockpit chairs are shown facing aft on the 242 Limited S.Port side bow seating cushions shown into the raised position with the new position hinge.Yamaha has provided premium vinyl with a variety of textures and a design that enhances the overall appearance of the entire 240 Series. All of the seating in the 242 Limited S has a cam-system hinge which makes it easy to raise and securely store in the open position.The cam-system hinge of the 240 Series secures the seat cushion in the open position.The stern seating and swim deck on the Yamaha 242 Limited S with the textured SeaDek matting.The stern seating and swim deck area has been a key feature of all Yamaha boat designs. It’s achieved mainly due to the compact nature of the Yamaha 1812cc engine package. The swim deck is covered in SeaDek matting which add a great look to the back end as well as a level of comfort.Both stern seat back cushions open to reveal large wet storage compartments which are self-draining overboad.Keeping the watersports activities centered at the stern, Yamaha has designed wet storage behind each of the stern seat cushions. These compartments self-drain overboard and provide a significant amount of additional storage, and help keep the cockpit dry and uncluttered.Companion storage on the portside of the 242 Limited S.The companion storage has two storage areas, the first of which is designed like the fold down tray table for an airline seat, but with enough room for ten sodas or bottles of water. The hatch secures with powerful magnets, an improvement over latches and springs. Below is an additional storage area which is more like a glove box.The anchor locker hatch with SeaDek matting, quick close and release latch and solid closed mold construction which is finished on both sides.The anchor locker on the 242 Limited S is very well designed to allow for the deployment of the anchor or the beach boarding ladder independently.The anchor locker is self draining and over 18” deep with more than enough room for plenty of line. When open there is an assist strut and the angle of the open hatch is such that it’s unnecessary to worry about accidental closings.The stern seating and swim deck with the low tow point indicated by the arrow. Also shown is the mount for the side table, Polk Audio speaker, and freshwater shower.When it comes to watersports, one of the essential tools is a tow point, preferably on a tower. The 242 Limited S has two tow points, the standard low hook, centered between the stern seats. Its elevated so that it will not rub on the swim deck when towing toys like a tube. The second location is on top of the easy fold tower with an integrated Bimini.The 242 Limited S shown with the integrated Bimini top on the folding tower. The aft end of the Bimini is adjustable enabling it to be lowered with using the high tow point.The 2015 tower on the 242 Limited S has several features. The first is the high tow point/ anchor light. Second is the integrated Bimini top which has the added feature of being adjustable. When using the high tow point, the aft end of the Bimini can be lowered so as not to interfere with the tow line.Adjustable support for the integrated Bimini top on the 242 Limited S.The third and most convenient feature is the easy fold design of the tower. With just a quarter turn and removal of the self-locking quick release pin, the tower folds down in the forward position to provide clearance when trailering your boat to and from locations.Shown here are the quarter-turn quick release pins for the sport tower on the 242 Limited S, making lowering the tower quick, easy and safe.Powder coated aluminum tower for the 242 Limited S with integrated LED high intensity lighting and Polk Audio speakers.The Yamaha 1.8L four cylinder, 4-stroke specially designed marine watercraft engine.The 2015 Yamaha Limited S is powered by twin 1.8L four cylinder, 4-stroke electronically controlled engines designed specifically for use in jet power applications. These engines have been proven to be some of the most reliable engines on the water and have been upgraded with new engine mapping for 2015.The 242 Limited S has a length overall of 24' (7.32 m) and a beam of 8'6'' (2.59 m) and is rated to carry 12 people, which our test and evolution showed she can do with ease and in comfort. She carries 50 gallons (189 L) of regular unleaded 87 octane fuel and is manufactured here in the USA in Vonore, TN.We will be bringing the full video test and review in just a few short weeks so keep an eye out.