Yamaha DRIVE Low Speed Steering Technology | Detailed Review & On Water Demonstration

[@biffdotorg]

I love the fact that a glowing review comes from one of the leaders in Yamaha steering products! Nice work Will, your opinion carry a ton of weight!

[@JetBoatPilot]

We try to be honest and impartial in our opinions. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[@scottsowers4261]

I think it’s good for a novice boater but prefer utilizing manual mode and being able to use the engines in opposite directions to pivot and also fine tune slow speed at dock with sometimes only one engine in forward and one in neutral. I love maneuvering around docks and don’t even touch the steering wheel. Throttles only.

[@jonathanv9587]

Good to know. I may skip the drive mode. Seems like an expensive upgrade.

[@here2456]

That would be great…thanks

[@howardkramer2099]

Great video. How about doing this for a SX190? Will be a it of practice, for next season!

[@JetBoatPilot]

@@howardkramer2099 this tech is not available on single engine models. But you can add Thrust Vectors and Lateral Thrusters and actually get better control around the dock.

[@dropanchor]

Cool to see how easy this system is to use. My goal is to get my family on Yamaha Jet Boat.

[@JetBoatPilot]

It's remarkably simple to use. Definitely a cool feature.

[@anthonys7534]

Nice review Will! Love these boats

[@JetBoatPilot]

Good to hear! We've been working hard lately to up our video game!

[@samuelmathews6120]

Thing about the Yamaha jet boat throttles is that you gotta throw that thing in hard reverse to get it to go backwards. It’s not like other boats where you can simply put it into gear to get a fair amount of movement from each forward/reverse gear change, when compared to that of let’s say a world cat. They are waterjets, so they need a fair amount of throttle to move. The paddles are indeed nice for novice capts. but they are a lot better seeing as how it’s a jet boat. The paddles are a luxury now, but I see Yamaha putting those paddles on base models in the future. I captain the 2023 252SE sometimes. I like it alot but the auto trim tabs I’m not liking so much so far. So far, in rough water, the trim auto trim tabs don’t seem to be very helpful. I’d put both of them in auto mode and the boat pulls crazy hard to starboard. Maybe I gotta get use to it. Not sure.

[@here2456]

Great Info... Can you do a full review of the 25ft 2024 Yamaha with the X Drive ... if possible?

[@JetBoatPilot]

We have a 2024 25 FSH H on order. When it comes in we'll do a review of the helm master. We don't have access to the 25 Foot X boat.

[@shannonkelly4071]

what is your recommendation 252Se (articulating keel) or 252sd driveX . Boat would be used for jaunts to Bahamas. Also looking at adding seakeeper or would the 275Sd without Seakeeper be a better choice.

[@JetBoatPilot]

@@shannonkelly4071 for bigger water I'd do 255 FSH with Helm Master, if sport is what you want and you also want Seakeeper don't get the XD. It won't work with the Seakeeper.

[@FernandoGonzalesPortillo]

Can you make a video on the functionality of the joy stick that’s is there. Is just for scrolling on the screen / volume / cruise control. Or does it have other utility.

[@JetBoatPilot]

Its really only there to adjust the volume and help you navigate the connext screen. I'll see if we can get one made.

[@thyris795]

Hey just got one of these last year first boat for me too. Can u press both port and stbd start buttons at the same time or do u have to stagger em

[@JetBoatPilot]

I've never tried it before but they are Independent systems so I imagine they will start simultaneously. Just make sure your batteries are topped off.

[@andrewdean4285]

I would feel confident letting someone else drive my boat with that drive system. Right now I own a scarab 195. And letting someone random drive is a recipe for disaster at the dock

[@JetBoatPilot]

True, this gives novices much more confidence than boats without the tech.

[@Tonar18]

It seems with DRIVE you wouldn’t need the thrust vectors or lateral thrusts. Is that correct? Not sure if I want the 22’ 222SD with drive, or a base AR250. Both about the same money. What’s a better investment? Bigger boat or more technology? The storage is great on 25’ but I think I like the features of the 222SD. Suggestions? (I did watch your 22 vs 25 video and I’m still confused 🤔) thanks for the great content!

[@JetBoatPilot]

I've found that Drive helps if you have very little experience driving a boat, But after owning a Drive equipped boat that also had Thrust Vector and Lateral Thruster installed and I had far more command and control in Docking situations with The TV/LT combo. Especially when you split the Throttles, or use one Throttle only.

[@Tonar18]

@@JetBoatPilot so the TV/LT combo will work on a 222SD correct? I have a 2018 SX210 now with TV, so it sounds like it might be better to go with the 222SE and put the TV/LT combo on it and save a little money and have great control. Am I thinking correctly? Is the throttle by wire a much better option than the std 222S?

[@here2456]

Hi Will , great information .... Question? Are Yamaha Boats available for sale in Puerto Rico? On the Yamaha site the dealer page does not list dealers in Puerto Rico.

[@JetBoatPilot]

No unfortunately only in US and Canada

[@here2456]

@@JetBoatPilot Thank you for getting back to me.

[@JetBoatPilot]

@@here2456 you're welcome

[@sharonbraselton4302]

best way do like top gid f14

[@thyris795]

Hey do you have any issues with a BCU error after killing engines with wheel turned far left or right?

[@JetBoatPilot]

Could be a software issue. I'd have your dealer diagnose the software and see if it needs an update. This fixed mine.

[@FernandoGonzalesPortillo]

I do not like the drive system to back in stern first in docks with currents. It’s fine if water is calm/ no current or you are going bow first. But backing up in reverse you don’t get enough throttle in reverse using drive imo.

[@JetBoatPilot]

I agree, I do better without it.

[@jody2055]

I have a 2019 AR195 and the connect screen will not respond to touch. Display works but no touch response. Do you know any fix to this issue? Warranty is out of date so no free replacement for me.

[@JetBoatPilot]

No sorry. That is a dealer specific service item.

[@austinw638]

Is this the same thing as Drive-X? I see the 252SE has "Drive" but the 252SD has "Drive-x"...what's the difference there?

[@JetBoatPilot]

No not the same as Drive X. This system is similar to Waverunner Ride System. Puts forward and reverse into the driver's hands while holding on to the wheel. Drive X utilizes a radical new reverse bucket and software that allows even beginners to aide shift the boat and rotate on axis.

[@austinw638]

@@JetBoatPilot thank you for the reply! Love your channel. I have a 10’ opening for my garage door and the total height on trailer with tower folded per Yamaha’s website for most of these boats is 9’11” …looks like the boats that don’t have the large Bimini frame attachment are 9’4”. I hope the 9’11” is accurate…that gives me 1 inch of room to squeeze the boat inside. Do you happen to know if those numbers are pretty accurate (or if that large Bimini frame on the 252XE is removable)?

[@JetBoatPilot]

@austinw638 not sure, check on JetBoaters.net and see if anyone can comment.

[@shemraschke]

But does it really do anything you cant do without "drive"?

[@JetBoatPilot]

@shemraschke no, we can do more in terms of control by splitting the throttles and using our Lateral Thruster.

[@Sazonman]

I wish they would've the drive on the 19 ft 🚢

[@JetBoatPilot]

It's nice but honestly I feel i have more precision control with Thrust Vector and Lateral Thruster

[@sharonbraselton4302]

hi theée foud right did slock duck streing usé firward revers alot jet drive

[@realdan1]

is this really necessary..?

[@JetBoatPilot]

@danmeyo it's cool but not absolutely necessary. HELM MASTER is a Must!!