It’s often a very gray line that separates a full-blown performance watercraft from a top-of-the-line luxury watercraft. While some lean to hard to the prior (Kawasaki 310LX) others list too far in the other direction (Sea-Doo GTX Limited 155). Striking the right balance is not only imperative to establishing the appropriate tone with the vehicle itself, but also communicating to the desired audience.
According to a recent study by Info-Link, the average age of the new PWC buyer has increased nearly 10 years since 1997 (49 years of age); throw in that statistically, those drawn to full-tilt luxury craft rank considerably older, we’re looking at a mature audience. This is why most manufacturers maintain more reserved, adult coloring options for their luxury lineup. Even Sea-Doo’s controversial 2015 color palette retains some very conservative hues for its GTX line.
Yamaha Motor Corp‘s fresh batch of luxury watercraft are equally classic in their appearance. For 2015, the surprisingly popular Pure White jumps from the naturally-aspirated FX High Output Cruiser to the top-of-the-food chain SVHO. Equipped with a corpulent amount of bells and whistles, including Pull-Up Cleats, Cruise Assist/No Wake Mode, Command Link instrumentation controls and tiered stadium-style Cruiser seat, we immediately pegged the the the Super Vortex High Output-powered Cruiser was part of the brand’s luxury lineup.
Unfortunately, we erred in thinking so and were quickly corrected by Yamaha Product Manager Scott Watkins, “The Luxury units max out with the SHO (Super High Output) engine. Anything equipped with the SVHO is definitely part of our Performance line.” And right he was. Yamaha’s Performance lineup outweighs its Luxury and Versatility models by no less than two units, and the FX SVHO Cruiser isn’t all that removed from it’s sportier FX SVHO doppelganger.
Nevertheless, by wielding the company’s most powerful powertrain as well as nearly every accessory package available, the 2015 FX SVHO Cruiser hardly suffers from a lack of luxury. Of which, the SVHO powertrain remains unvaried from last year’s model, improving the Super High Output (SHO) engine by increasing overall efficiency by 110-percent.
The SVHO engine impressed many with its new 8.5:1 compression forged pistons, larger 60-pound fuel injectors, and a larger intercooler (providing an impressive 22-percent increase in efficiency), and a large 86mm HKS supercharger with a 6-vein impeller presses out 60-percent more boost. A racy 8-vein pump housing hosts a 160mm impeller, churning gobs of thrust.
Although the powertrain hasn’t changed, overall performance has increased nominally due to Yamaha’s all-new NanoXcel 2 hull and deck material. The new lightweight material shaves off nearly 50 pounds off of the FX platform, optimizing the runabout’s power-to-weight ratio for quicker acceleration and throttle response.
The weight savings is noticeable too. When unleashed, the FX SVHO Cruiser erupts from a standstill like a cannonball, launching a single rider (with only a gallon or two of fuel in its 18.5 gallon tank) from 0-to-30 in 1.5 seconds, and to 60mph just a blink over a second past that. Of course, once properly broken in (a factory-suggested minimum 10 riding hours), the SVHO-powered FX has been said to creep past 70 miles per hour.
Of course, the big news for 2015 is Yamaha’s all-new RiDE dual-throttle brake and reverse system. Rather than acting like a gear lever, left trigger immediately engages reverse thrust, dramatically improving docking, braking and loading/unloading from a trailer. Calibrated for the FX’s 140.2-inch beam and stout 260 (unconfirmed) horsepower, the RiDE system progressively decelerates without pitching forward or lurching suddenly.
When deployed at speed, the braking comes on as hard as you hit it. With some finesse, RiDE actually can be operated intuitively, providing precision braking through turns without overriding the forward throttle like Sea-Doo’s iBR. That being said, RiDE rewards those with a gentle touch, particularly in tight confines like a dock or rocky shore. The dual-outlet reverse bucket directs thrust horizontally, aiding in performing tighter zero-point turns.
Directional “gears” (Forward, Neutral and Reverse) are displayed in a new LCD screen flanking the centered, white-faced analog gauge. With the new RiDE system also comes Yamaha’s first-ever electronic trim control, which is indicated in the opposite-side in-dash LCD screen.
The FX SVHO Cruiser’s 33.2 gallons of storage is spread throughout the craft, from its large bow galley to twin strew-top watertight bins found in the dash and beneath the rear passenger seat. The “wet storage” is ideal for tow ropes, diving goggles or masks or just a pair of flip flops, which of course, opens up to the large swim platform and wide, folding boarding step.
As we’ve come accustomed to, Yamaha’s Cruiser seat is amply cushioned and positions most average-height riders within comfortable distance from the five-way tilt handlebars. The RiDE system does require some added width to the bars (less than an inch total), but carries over its pistol-grip hand grips. Ergonomically, the cabin is thoughtfully designed, requiring very little contorting to reach any in-dash buttons or handlebar controls.
As we hinted before, the RiDE can come on strong if you’re a little too ham-fisted like us. We also found the seat is a little too wide at the knees for our taste and the bolsters are a tad too forward for anyone 6’2″ and above. Additionally, we hoped for slightly more responsive toggle controls, as we found the Cruise, trim and No Wake a bit slow to inputs. But we need to emphasize that those were the only parts of the FX SVHO Cruiser that could ever be called slow.
Throttle response is so quick, it’s precognitive. The FX SVHO Cruiser will pin you back into its scalloped seat with pleasure, and happily devours long, sweeping arcs across the water, hungrily accelerating out of the apex when prompted. The FX hull has never been better than under the power of the brutish Super Vortex High Output 1,812cc four-cylinder. And whether sluicing through Pacific Coast chop or serene lakeside glass, the FX tracks smooth and masterfully.
Also available in Torch Red Metallic (although we could never see anybody wanting anything but the Pure White, in our humble opinion), the FX SVHO Cruiser rings up the cash register at $15,799. Again, it’s the very most that Yamaha WaveRunners brings to the table, so be very aware of everything that comes with it. The top of Performance lineup, the FX SVHO Cruiser, with all of its accommodations and refinement, handily owns top billing for Yamaha’s Luxury lineup as well.
Another great review. I feel like Yamaha is listening to the viewers with what they are putting out for sale. I do like the 87 fuel being able to run in this new SVHO models as many fuel stops along the rivers and marinas only have that grade. No more having to carry those gas cans with the right octane gas for the right mix to power the machines.
I have ridden the 2015 Yamaha. As a Sea Doo fan for 20 years. I am sad to say they are behind in the HP war. I own an RXTX/ RXPX and love them. Unless S.D. brings more to the table than what they have. Yamaha will get my next purchase besides the Super Jet I just purchased for my daughter.
I understand, though, that max performance comes using only 91 octane. But if it can also use 87, that is a definite plus for longer distance cruising.
Kevin, your review of the new 2015 FX SVHO Cruiser is outstanding in everyway. Data, details, and of course the outright fun factor … i mean 0-60 in just 2.5 seconds ! 🙂
Just bought one, and yes it’s incredible. I love it. It’s my first ski too, had many fast motorcycles but I have a son now so we have that same wind in your hair feeling but more family oriented than a motorcycle. It’s comfortable for the family and an animal when I go out alone, and a hell of a lot safer than a bike too, carving up that river at 77 mph and doing hole-shots for fun.
If your on the fence thinking about one of these things get out and buy it, go for the svho too, remember like anything it’s only as fast as you squeeze the trigger or twist the throttle, and believe me when you pin it at 50 mph you will see where that extra money went.
If I had any suggestions for Yamaha as an owner, maybe wish the laquer on the paint was a little more durable if that’s possible, scratches really easy, even just taking the cover leaves marks that you have too buff out, and the fuel gauge, it drops in digital bars of 2, so you got to really watch it, had a really nervous trip back on my 4th outing cutting the river apex to apex at 27 mph because I seemed to remember that was the most efficient speed lol but I made it on vapors.
Anyway go get one and smile like you never smiled before
I just bought one, and it’s amazingly smooth and outrageously fast. Have a Honda Turbo with a kit on it,many it’s fast (like 68) BUT it’s slowwwww in comparison to this beast – 75 is a snap. What a machine in every way – luxury & speed !!
The owners manual clearly states a MINIMUM Octane rating of 91 – If it said recommended 91 and minimum 87 octane I would buy the info in this article – where does Yamaha post the information that 87 octane is an acceptable alternative, because I am pouring a lot of 93 octane into my 2015 and wouldn’t mid saving .50 a gallon if I could.
I but a brand new Yamaha 2015 FX SVHO and the timing chain broke off with only 27 hours . i am very disappointed with Yamaha .
Yes, the timing chain is becoming a major issue for both the 2014 and the 2015s. The 2016 version it should be fixed.
MY SVHO fzs yamaha waverunner also snapped its timing chain at 55 hours. I have been struggling to get the warranty repair performed now for most of the entire riding season…..luckily I’m under warranty as otherwise this would be a total loss.