Yamaha WaterCraft has introduced four 20-foot sport boats for the 2027 model year, replacing its established 19-foot platform. The new 205XD, 205SD, AR205 and AR200 share an enlarged hull designed to accommodate nine people while retaining the company's emphasis on trailering and garage-friendly storage.
The series was announced on 23 August 2026, and Yamaha expects deliveries through US boat dealerships in the first quarter of 2027. All four are single-engine jet boats, but their power systems and watersports equipment differ across the range.
Four versions of the same platform
The new hull measures 20 feet overall with an 8ft 6in beam, a higher bow and a deeper cockpit than the outgoing 19-foot boats. Yamaha has added a convertible portside seat back, a moulded cooler and a watersports tower as standard features across the four models.
The 205XD is configured for wake and surf use with integrated ballast, additional ballast bags and a manual folding wake scoop. The 205SD offers some of the premium control technology without that complete wake-focused equipment package, while the AR205 and AR200 occupy other positions in the range.
Power and low-speed control
Yamaha installs its supercharged 1.8-litre SVHO engine in the 205XD, 205SD and AR205, while the AR200 uses the naturally aspirated 1.9-litre HO engine. All four use internal jet propulsion with an accessible clean-out port rather than an exposed propeller beneath the transom.
The company's new single-engine DRiVE system is fitted to the 205XD and 205SD, using paddle controls and electronic throttle functions for precise movement around docks. It should not be assumed that the AR205 and AR200 include the same feature, since Yamaha specifies the system for the two 205 premium variants.
Connected equipment and ownership
The redesigned helm features a seven-inch Connext display, and Hertz marine audio is standard on the 205 variants. Yamaha says the 205XD is also pre-wired for its Siren 3 connected-boat system, allowing an owner to add compatible monitoring and alerts.
The 20-foot platform is a significant new small-boat launch because it combines a family-sized cockpit with features usually associated with larger tow-sports boats. Buyers should compare the four individual specifications rather than treating the series as one equipment level.