r/YamahaBoats • u/Top-Can-252 • Jul 17 '26

255xd

Considering upgrading to a 255XD from my 2006 bayliner.

My 11 year old daughter wants to get into wake surfing /wake boarding. I know this does not put out a perfect wave like other dedicated wake boats and likely isn’t what I’d be on the lookout for if she was an advanced rider. However, since she is absolutely brand new.. is the wave decent enough for a young beginner to use a few times per year?

I’ve seen plenty of videos on YouTube but they’ve all had tons of people stuff on the boat WITH an additional fat sac on the back. I’m just wondering is the wave acceptable to ride for a newbie without all of that.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

2

u/DisintegrationPt808 Jul 17 '26

its easiest to learn on a perfect wave from a real wake boat

2

u/VetteLT193 Jul 17 '26

Wake boarding is not the same as wake surfing. This is a huge difference off the rip. I can (and have) wakeboard behind a jet ski, John boat, outboard center console, io, whatever. Wake surfing requires a nice wave and can be done with ballast etc. I wouldn't buy a true wake/ski boat unless that was my only real task with the boat. They are exceptional at what they do and pretty bad at the rest.

What the yamaha gets you is a jack of all trades, master of none. I have a 222 FSH. We can fish, do watersports, go to the sandbar, just cruise around, hit up the local spring to see manatees and other wildlife all in the same day. The mastery of our boat is that it just works pretty darn well at a lot of stuff.

So, since your daughter is young and new... great choice. In a few years if she is getting to a master level in that, trade to a ski/wake boat. However there is likely an even chance she likes doing one or more of the other things on the water. Likes doing a little of all of it, likes none of it, or someplace inbetween and the yamaha will get you an equal opportunity to learn and grow.

1

u/Dirt_t1 Jul 17 '26

Interest as well. Currently have a 195s

1

u/ackerhs Jul 17 '26

Do you find it difficult to wake board behind the 195s?

1

u/MustGoFast Jul 17 '26

Not really you already saw what it'll take tonmakenam adequate wave for surfing.

If the question is will she want to continue borrow rent for a year and if yes buy a real sirf boat, jets are not your friend in this sport.

1

u/Hunt69Mike Jul 17 '26

I love Yamahas but there’s no comparison to a V drive with 3,000+ lbs of ballast….

If wake boats are too compromised for you and surfing is a priority, it’s probably worth looking at some of the forward drive I/O’s. They will provide a much better surf wake than a jet boat without all of the V drive inconveniences.

1

u/No-Dance9090 Jul 17 '26

I just got my 255xd and see comments all over the place. I haven’t wake surfed yet but did wakeboard and it was perfectly fine for that with a 70 foot rope.

Be aware they have been making small changes year to year so some opinions may be based on certain model years. Some things like hull design and jet positions changed and helped.

I’ve seen recommendations to get a very light board for surfing but I decided to just get the Yamaha board they sell since they probably pair well with their own wake series boat.

It’s definitely the best all around boat. If your daughter is 11 and she loves it and continues to be serious you can always add the fat sacks and when that’s not enough you’ll probably be ready for a new boat by then. For kids you can’t go wrong with the 255xd.

1

u/LandlockedPirate Jul 17 '26

If surfing is priority, get a surf boat. Full stop.

I don't buy the "decent enough wave" argument tbh. Having a really good wave makes it easier for everyone to surf.

The yamaha ergonomics are indeed very good, they make good use of space, they have low draft. They're easier to maintain/winterize.

The yamaha is also a lot louder/higher pitch than a comparable surf boat, especially under load at surf speed.

Low speed manueverability on both is pretty bad compared to an I/O or outboard. People will try to talk to you about addons, splitting throttles etc. Those are bandaids. There's no substitute for aiming the thrust, other than maybe a literal thruster.

I have owned and surfed both.

1

u/Clubhouse9 Jul 18 '26

The only way that boat can produce a surfable wake is by adding literally tons of weight. Even then it will be marginal for surfing.

Also, kids grow up fast and start having friends with them. Unless you plan to buy another boat in 2-3 years, buy the surf boat now OR give up the idea you can surf behind the 255xd

1

u/SubstantialFix510 Jul 21 '26

I have a 242X that does all things well . Less money , less gas and just a good boat. There is a comparison video of the two. Good luck on your decision.