The Yamaha brand is synonymous with innovation, so fittingly it’s the first to roll out a 21-foot jet-drive center-console, the 210 FSH, designed and rigged to serve the needs of avid anglers and their families in a variety of inshore and offshore situations.
For those unfamiliar, the Yamaha jet drive is a reliable and fuel-efficient propulsion system incorporating a pair of compact and lightweight TR-1 HO four-stroke jet powertrains, and employing internal propellers to pull water and push it out with high thrust and precise direction.
Lacking an exposed drivetrain or lower unit, it minimizes the potential for losing hooked fish to break-offs, decreases draft for better shallow-water access, and allows the boat to plane quickly, with minimal bow rise.
The internal propulsion system also eliminates the need for a bulky engine hatch, opening up the rear of the boat for crewmembers to relax close to the water or land their catch unobstructed.
The word that best describes the Yamaha 210 FSH is “fun,” because the boat combines a number of comforts and conveniences with features for a variety of activities. But make no mistake, when it comes to fishing, this center-console offers far more than the basics. There are rod holders aplenty, a 26-gallon livewell appropriately finished in calming blue, an insulated fish box, a trolling-motor mount at the bow, and lots of storage.
There are three versions of this boat; the base 210 FSH; the 210 FSH Deluxe, which adds wiring for dual batteries, a stainless rub rail, head-compartment curtain, trolling-motor mount, and upgraded upholstery; and the 210 FSH Sport that also adds an aluminum T-top with a four-rod rocket launcher.
Like many center-consoles, bow seating aboard this 21-footer is provided by raised compartments to port and starboard with cushions on the lids that can be quickly removed to create a platform to stand and cast. There’s substantial storage underneath the port seat; however, its starboard counterpart is an insulated fish box with overboard drain.
Just forward of the seats rests a dedicated anchor locker. Abaft, Yamaha placed twin storage pods that provide fixed backrests for lounging, two tabletop surfaces with SeaDek for rigging tackle or preparing snacks, plus dry stowage. Between the bow seats, an in-floor hatch hides a deep compartment to stash bumpers or other large gear, with dedicated space for the essential 5-gallon bucket.
The front of the center console with integrated seat is a large door that lifts, providing entry to the sizable storage inside, which doubles as a head compartment with a canvas privacy curtain. Vertical racks hold three rods to port and three more to starboard.
At the helm, a sizable glove box stashes valuables below the tilt steering wheel and twin throttle controls. Above sit analog tachometers for both motors, plus a Yamaha Connext, a touchscreen that provides essential system information and integrates the boat’s entertainment features and operation functions, and a panel of waterproof switches, leaving real estate for a stereo, flush-mounted chart plotter/fish finder, and a compact VHF radio.
A doublewide seat at the helm enables driving while standing or seated. A fold-down footrest enhances the latter, a backrest that flips back and forth lets the skipper and a companion sit facing aft when fishing or relaxing, and there’s enough space under the seat for a 50-quart cooler.
Horizontal racks on both gunwales hold four additional rods, while SeaDek coaming pads protect the crew’s hips in bumpy seas. A nifty raw-water washdown system takes advantage of the water pressure created by the propulsion system, making it a cinch to keep the cockpit clean.
A four-day sea trial that included a 500-mile round trip from the Florida Keys to Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, long hours of trolling in blue water, and plenty of reef and flats fishing left no doubt that the 210 FSH is tough and performs well shallow and deep, in varying sea conditions.
Takeoffs were quick as the boat went from zero to 30 mph in 10 seconds. Top speed was 43.5 mph at 7,800 rpm, burning 16.9 gph, but fuel efficiency vastly improves while cruising under 32 mph, wiping away worries of making the 76-mile leg from Bimini on 50 gallons of gas.
The articulated keel improves tracking at high and low speeds, and handling is impressive. There’s a feature that maintains constant rpm while turning, and the boat not only turns on a dime, it also backs up with incredible precision. You could easily parallel park the 210 FSH like a car. We did just that, repeatedly, at the dock.
If you’re on the hunt for a great all-around boat that won’t break the bank, is easy to run and trailer, will let you fish inshore and off with confidence, and ably tackles many other water-related activities, don’t overlook the Yamaha 210 FSH.
