Practicing our very most self-restraint to keep from bursting into the chorus of “You’re Welcome!” from Disney’s Moana, once again The Watercraft Journal has delivered the goods on a less-than-super-secret new offering from Yamaha WaveRunners. Officially christened the “CrossWave,” this large flat-decked, fishing-specific center console-like 4-seater runabout (due in dealerships by Spring ’26) was first spied back in March of 2024.
Since that time, WCJ has speculated on its finer details but the message is abundantly clear: Yamaha wants to secure a big portion of the PWC fishing market and the CrossWave is their big salvo. Again, the recreational fishing market averages over $130 billion dollars a year, much of which is the small vessel/kayak market. Sea-Doo tapped into this segment in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since, and Yamaha wants in bad.
Although official measurements have yet to be unveiled, the 4-seater CrossWave promises to come in less than 13-feet long, retaining its “personal watercraft” registration requirement. (Width, we speculate, might be a different matter.) Featuring the industry’s first and only walkaround deck, “offering nearly 13 feet of flat, marine-matted space from bow to stern,” according to Yamaha’s press release published to its social media channels.
This design, unlike others, permits the fishing enthusiast a full 360-degrees of mobility. Add to that oversized footwells and Yamaha’s new integrated “T-track” mounting system that allows for modular accessories for fishing, storage, lounging, and more to be mounted to the deck. Powered by Yamaha’s new 1.9-liter High Output Marine Engine, the CrossWave produces 200-horsepower on 87-octane pump gas.
At the helm is a massive dual 7-inch Connext® and Simrad® display placing navigation, onboard monitoring, and entertainment controls upfront and center. Beneath the deck, the CrossWave is “pre-wired for a Group 24 deep-cycle marine battery, making it the first PWC capable of supporting trolling motors, lighting systems, and other high-draw electronics,” satisfying the demands from the industry’s more intense sportsmen.
Due to the expanded size, the CrossWave includes it’s own trailer in the price. On the craft itself comes with a uniquely stylized removable cooler and a new port system for cleaning out debris from the jet pump. In all, the CrossWave is more-or-less exactly as we revealed over a year ago, and while deviates strongly from Yamaha’s 40 year tradition of PWC, seeks to access a whole new segment of potential buyers.
Here’s the official press release:
Yamaha Unveils All-New CrossWave WaveRunner at 40th Anniversary Celebration
Yamaha WaterCraft marked its 40th anniversary of jet propulsion innovation with the global debut of a groundbreaking personal watercraft: the all-new CrossWave WaveRunner.
Purpose-built to redefine versatility in the personal watercraft category, the CrossWave features the industry’s first full walkaround deck, offering nearly 13 feet of flat, marine-matted space from bow to stern. This design allows for 360-degree mobility, oversized footwells, and unparalleled freedom for boarding, loading, fishing, or simply relaxing on the water.
At the helm, dual 7-inch Connext® and Simrad® displays put navigation, system monitoring, and entertainment controls right at the rider’s fingertips. Riders can further customize the deck using Yamaha’s integrated T-track mounting system, which supports modular accessories for fishing, storage, lounging, and more.
Beneath its innovative deck, the CrossWave is engineered for today’s tech-driven rider. It’s pre-wired for a Group 24 deep-cycle marine battery, making it the first PWC capable of supporting trolling motors, lighting systems, and other high-draw electronics.
Unique to the segment, it also includes a factory-installed clean-out port — adapted from Yamaha’s jet boats — that allows riders to clear the jet pump without entering the water. A custom Yamaha trailer and premium cooler come standard, delivering turnkey value right from the showroom.
“The CrossWave is more than a new model — it’s the start of an entirely new category of WaveRunner,” said Bryan Seti, General Manager of Yamaha WaterCraft. “It embodies our commitment to innovation, usability, and fun, while honoring the legacy that began in 1986 with the very first WaveRunner.”
The CrossWave will be available at Yamaha dealerships in Spring 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
