2019 Yamaha FX SVHO, FX HO unveiled

After months of speculation the wait is finally over. Yamaha has unveiled its 2019 WaveRunner line-up.

The headline act is the first completely new FX series since 2012.

The flagship of the Yamaha WaveRunner fleet has a new deck and hull, and an industry-first 4.3-inch digital touchscreen.

The dash display includes more detailed fuel information, ride controls, diagnostics, and screen customisation.

Unfortunately the dash still lacks two key features: it does not have a clock, only a ride time odometer; and it lacks a GPS-assisted speedometer – available on rival Seadoo models – instead relying on a mechanical spindle-wheel speed sensor next to the ride plate, which is less accurate.

There are two new sturdy mounting points near the base of the handlebar assembly for phones, navigation devices, audio speakers or fish finders.

An extra-large watertight glovebox increases the amount of storage on the watercraft from 125 to 153 litres, including under the nose and the rear seat, and near the flush nozzle.

Despite rumours of a new engine – namely the possibility of three-cylinder turbo power – the 1.8-litre four-cylinder in the FX HO and the supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder in the FX SVHO are carried over from the current model.

Although the 1.8-litre engines have had several power bumps since they were introduced in 2008, there’s no more grunt this time around – and still no official claimed output.

However, Yamaha’s 1812cc four-cylinder remains the largest capacity engine among its personal watercraft peers – versus Seadoo’s supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder with a claimed 300 horsepower and Kawasaki’s supercharged 1498cc four-cylinder with a claimed 310 horsepower.

The FX's 70-litre fuel tank capacity remains the same as before but Yamaha says it may be possible to improve economy and range via new riding modes.

The new FX series has “more control over speed and acceleration settings for learner riders, towing, and fuel management” as well as improved reverse assistance for easier launching off trailers.

There are now three speed settings for the “No Wake” mode (rather than one as before) to better comply with different speed zones.

The FX deck and hull are now slightly longer (by 2cm to 3.58 metres) and wider (by 4cm to 1.27 metres) than the outgoing model.

The extra width could pose a problem for those trying to legally squeeze two FX WaveRunners onto a double trailer.

However the benefits on the water will outweigh any potential issues on land.

Yamaha says a new top loader intake grate and redesigned sponsons provide “maximum hook-up and improved stability”, although visually the sponsons look shallow compared with the outgoing FX. They should help minimise drag in a straight line and improve high-speed stability, but could equate to less grip than the current model when turning.

Strakes running the length of the hull will also improve stability and help lift the FX out of the water while planing.

Meanwhile, integrated bow chines are said to deliver a drier ride by deflecting spray, although that could be wishful thinking in rough chop.

For easier boarding there’s a deeper, flatter and softer re-boarding step.

Another industry first is the inclusion of drains that remove water from the footwells.

The dry weight for the FX SVHO is slightly lower than before, trimmed from 379kg down to 372kg.

The dry weight for the FX HO is slightly higher than before, up from 377kg to 380kg.

The supercharged FX SVHO model is lighter than the non-supercharged FX HO because the hulls are made from different material – the FX SVHO has a lightweight NanoXcel2 hull whereas the FX HO has older and slightly heavier NanoXcel hull material.

Both are Yamaha-exclusive materials consisting of fibreglass with a resin filler compound.

Prices for the new FX range are yet to be announced and the timing of their Australian arrival is yet to be confirmed. However, the new FX range should be here before the end of the year, in time for summer.

It’s believed the new FX series won’t go on sale until after the last of the current-generation FX series is sold out.

There are four models in the new FX range: the naturally aspirated FX HO and FX Cruiser HO, and the supercharged FX SVHO and FX Cruiser SVHO.

As a guide, the RRP for the current models without a trailer or registration are FX HO $19,599, FX Cruiser HO $20,399, FX SVHO $23,699, and FX Cruiser SVHO $24,899. Until the end of November, however, there is a $2000 discount on all runout FX SVHO models.

The main difference with the Cruiser models is the addition of tiered seating and cleats to tie the PWC to a dock.

There is currently no replacement for the FX Limited SVHO, which was released as a special edition in the final year to send off the 2012 to 2018 FX series.

As with the current model, the new generation Yamaha FX series will be covered by a three-year warranty and have 50-hour/12 month service intervals after the first 10-hour inspection and service.