2019 Yamaha WaveRunner FXHO Cruiser review

While most of the hype has focused on the flagship supercharged FX SVHO, the popularity of the family-friendly, non-supercharged FXHO has increased in recent years.

Yamaha dealers say there is now a 60:40 split in favour of the supercharged FX; previously the proportion of non-supercharged FX sales was much lower.

Part of the increased appeal is the relative affordability compared with the supercharged FX models that cost from $24,299 for the Yamaha WaveRunner FX SVHO and $25,299 for the SVHO Cruiser – the FXHO is $19,999 and the FXHO Cruiser (the example tested) is $20,999. These prices are up by about $500 from that of the previous model.

All prices listed exclude trailer and registration, which typically add between $1500 and $2000 depending on state fees and the type of trailer.

In Yamaha-speak the "Cruiser" designation simply means the addition of tiered seating and the factory fitment of a pair of tie-up cleats, one on either side of the craft near the front of the footwell. Ideally there should be a pair of them on each side to keep the Yamaha WaveRunner FXHO Cruiser more stable when tied to a dock.

The Cruiser also comes in a different colour combination to the non-Cruiser model. The FXHO is blue and white, while the FXHO Cruiser is metallic grey, white and blue.

With the previous generation (2012 to 2018) FX series, the Cruiser edition dash display included water temperature and a digital compass. However, these features seem to have disappeared for the 2019 series.

Instead, all new-generation FX models come with an industry-first 4.3-inch digital touchscreen, which can be operated even with wet gloves, although fingertips work more accurately. You can also customise it using several background colours.

Replacing the lock and unlock remote fob is a four-digit PIN code (accessed via the touchscreen) that you set when taking delivery of the craft.

The other innovation for the 2019 model year: a RAM mount plate in front of the handlebars used to fit optional accessories such as Bluetooth speakers, navigation units and fishfinders.

Service intervals for the Yamaha WaveRunner FXHO Cruiser are 12 months or 100 hours, whichever comes first. For the supercharged version, the service interval is 12 months or every 50 hours.

Warranty coverage is three years. If you take up Yamaha Insurance there’s new-for-old replacement in the event of a write-off within the warranty period.

The deck and hull are completely new for the 2019 FX WaveRunner series, the first major overhaul in six years.

The craft is longer and wider than before (length is up 2cm to 3.58m, width is up by 4cm to 1.27m) and the redesigned hull is better at cutting through choppy conditions.

Those using a dual-ski trailer could find the extra width makes for a tight squeeze, but we’ve seen a pair of 2019 FXs on a trailer designed for the 2018 models and they fit, albeit with a slim gap between them.

There is an “industry first” drain hole in each footwell to displace water, although because they are so small it’s still easier and more effective to simply give the throttle a blast to eject the water.

The craft’s width will still be an issue for riders whose legs rub on the seat and body. Even the heavy-duty stitching on the seat can become an aggravation.

The storage area under the nose has grown significantly, up from 81 to 130 litres (and versus 100 litres on an equivalent Sea-Doo), although the fuel filler has been moved outside onto the nose, making it difficult for those who want to refuel on the water.

The glovebox near the handlebars has grown from 6.8 to 16.6 litres and is now waterproof, although the rubber clasp requires some practice and a little elbow grease to open and close properly.

It’s easier to lift up and lock again when you’re on the craft, and not so easy to lock and unlock when reaching up to load your valuables while the Cruiser is sitting on the trailer.

The previous FX glovebox had a spring-loaded toggle that would come undone if you hit a decent bump; the new one won’t come loose if put back into position correctly.

The wet storage area at the rear (which also houses the flush nozzle) is about the same size as before but the cover is now secured by rubber tabs rather than metal-hinged clamps.

The extra under-seat waterproof storage bucket with a screw-top lid is the same as before.

Understandingly the FX has become increasingly popular with fishing enthusiasts, Yamaha made sure there was space for a transducer inside the hull and on the back of the craft, near the mounting bracket for the re-boarding step.

Part of the reason the FX seat and body are so wide is because they need to accommodate the massive 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine underneath.

Both the non-supercharged (tested here) and supercharged FX engines are unchanged from before. Yamaha still does not disclose their power outputs.

That said, Yamaha’s 1812cc four-cylinder remains the largest capacity engine among its personal watercraft peers.

The Cruiser’s engine sounds gruff but purposeful. It lacks the grunt of the supercharged 1.8-litre but it’s still no slouch.

Acceleration and top speeds are only marginally slower, but you’re using less fuel than the supercharged version.

Although the 70-litre fuel tank capacity is unchanged, Yamaha claims new riding modes can modestly improve range and efficiency.

There are now three no-wake modes to make it easier to stick to the speed limit in four-knot and eight-knot zones. In cruise control, small movements of the throttle lever won’t cancel the function, as they did before.

There are also various idling modes designed to make it easier to pull up to a dock or alongside another boat.

While the flagship supercharged FX SVHO models have a hull made from lightweight NanoXcel2 material, the non-supercharged FXHO hull tested here is still made from the slightly heavier first-generation NanoXcel material.

However, the shape of the two hulls are identical and therefore the handling improvements to the 2019 FXHO are the same.

Strakes running the length of the hull improve stability and help lift the FX out of the water on a plane. It’s also more stable when cutting through choppy conditions.

The integrated bow chines are better at deflecting spray, although you’re still going to get wet, especially in serious swell.

However, on our river test ride we were able to stay dry; even when crossing wake it didn’t kick up much of a splash in your face.

The sponsons are slightly shallower than they were before, which minimises drag in a straight line but equates to slightly less grip in tighter turns.

This is not a criticism, however, because the previous FX turned so sharply it could pop an ankle or a knee.

Hardcore fanatics will likely change the sponsons but I actually prefer the more forgiving nature of the 2019 design – you can turn and slide the craft without it trying to flick you off.

For easier reboarding there’s a deeper, flatter and softer step; the previous narrow rail liked to bruise knees and legs. Yamaha’s research in the US showed more than three out of every five owners used their FX as a swim deck once they reached their favourite spot.

Overall, the FXHO is ideal for families, first-time watercraft owners or those who want longer fuel range to cover big distances.

It will also continue to be popular with fishing enthusiasts, especially now that there are plates for bolt-on RAM mounts to hold navigation units, fishfinders and Bluetooth speakers.

The 2019 Yamaha WaveRunner FXHO Cruiser is designed to suit families, fishing enthusiasts and long haul ocean riders. The all-new deck and hull make it even more user-friendly than before.

Specifications
Model: 2019 Yamaha WaveRunner FXHO Cruiser
Length: 3.58m
Width: 1.27m
Weight: 380kg (dry, est)
Power: 1.8-litre four-cylinder, non-supercharged. Power output not disclosed
Top speed: 100km/h (est)
Fuel tank: 70L
Seating capacity: 3
Warranty: Three years
Service intervals: 12 months or 100 hours, whichever comes first

Priced from: $20,099 (not including trailer and rego) with 4.3-inch wide digital touchscreen display, three-speed no-wake mode, 130-litre storage area, 16.6-litre waterproof compartment in front of the seat, waterproof bucket with twist-top lid under the rear seat.

Price as tested: $20,099 (not including trailer and rego). Options fitted: None.