Yamaha 2015 WaveRunners

Yamaha has released a whole new generation of WaveRunner PWCs for 2015 with a clever RiDE deceleration system, electric trim, new lighter hulls and edgier deck designs to achieve a greater focus on performance for rider and crew.

The 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner release for dealers and select media was staged in the controlled environment of the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. Yet the senses were suitably stirred and the latest ride-friendly technology didn’t fail to impress amid a busy on-water RiDE day attracting keen interest from around Australia and New Zealand.

We had three courses to test the new 2015 Yamaha WaveRunners: a basic loop, a separate drag strip for testing top speeds of the supercharged models, and a time-trial S1 course around the buoys. There was a separate area to ride the long-standing SuperJet, but for all other purposes departure was from a ramp and pontoon wearing suitably branded ride and safety gear.

Walking around that pontoon, before we so much as pressed an ignition button, it was clear Yamaha has invested heavily in its new 2015 WaveRunners. The five new 2015 models in the water included the VX, FX HO Cruiser, two FX SVHOs, FX SVHO Cruiser, and the FZS SVHO. There was also a pair of stand-up SuperJets.

Collectively, the set of 2015 WaveRunners covered a whole lot of bases using a mix of cutting-edge new technologies, improved hull shapes, space-age materials, and potent engines.

At which point it is worth noting that Yamaha is one of the few watercraft brands that manufactures every major component of its PWCs from the hull, deck and engine to drivetrain. This was evident from our ride and reveal.

Thanks to the proprietary keel-up design and engineering there’s a feeling of unity and holistic manufacturing… and of real quality and comfort in keeping with Yamaha marine products.

It is our considered view that the greatly improved user-friendly riding experience will endear the new 2015 WaveRunners to those looking for a more refined ride, better handling, greater comfort and more sports performance from their PWC.

Yamaha has the bases covered with a spread of models from family fun to fast and furious, recreational to race-bred, and variants for cruising and tow-sports. It is also the last man standing in the stand-up category.

Here’s our report after a long, hot, wet day of yahooing and ‘Yamahing’

The latter class, as defined by Yamaha, includes 'suped-up' models from all three ranges, plus the SuperJet stand-up for freestyling.

For the newcomer, the model designations are a little confusing. But by the end of this story you’ll be somewhat wiser.

We began our riding with the recreational VX range and worked our way up, through the comfortable FX to admire the race-bred performance of FZS before ending with the SuperJet, aboard which we managed to keep upright.

As is wont to happen, we identified our favourite WaveRunner amid the five different new 2015 models on offer. But your needs and mileage may differ. Here are the big features according to Grant Binskin, Marketing and Communications Manager at Yamaha Australia...

RiDE BREAKTHROUGH
- Reverse with Intuitive Deceleration Electronics
The big news for 2015 is what Yamaha calls RiDE, the acronym for Reverse with Intuitive Deceleration Electronics, a new consumer-inspired system that Yamaha claims reduces your travel distance or forward momentum once you stop accelerating by one third.

The deceleration system, not to be referred to as a 'brake' we were told, was prompted by competitor’s Sea-Doo’s iBR (Intelligent Brake and Reverse system) that we experienced and reported on back in 2012 (http://www.boatsales.com.au/content/news/2012/seadoo-2012-launch-29259)

Unlike iBR, RiDE claims to offer greater stability because its reverse thrust shoots out the sides rather than downward. RiDE is not as snappy in the 'braking' department as iBR, but Yamaha is pushing two points: less nose dive and therefore maintained vision; and steerage or turning ability while decelerating.

As the RiDE trigger on the left handlebar controls deceleration and includes a throttle, you can maintain steerage while 'washing off' speed through a turn. Of course, the forward throttle is on the right handlebar. With the two triggers you get a very coordinated approach to driving and will get used to RiDE in the blink of an eye.

Indeed, the dual-throttle controls for the RiDE system are entirely intuitive and fitted as standard on everything from the VX up, excluding the top-of-the-line race-bred FZS WaveRunners. Jumping aboard that FZS model with manual reverse-lever after experiencing RiDE made you instantly realise something was amiss, if you get our drift.

In case you need to know, RiDE operates via a Boat Control Unit (BCU) that electronically activates the reverse bucket in accord with the driver’s trigger input. Yamaha says the BCU in each model has been specifically tuned to match the craft’s weight and performance and, as touched on, these WaveRunners did seem faultlessly setup (at least on the flat water).

Certainly, we found the RiDE deceleration function fulfils its promise and improves safety (along with the trademark 'visibility spout' that wets onlookers) and dockability. But there are other new features to embrace with these new capsules of clever PWC design. See the RiDE video demo below...

Electric Trim has five positions available — two upper positions for speed, a neutral setting, and two lower positions to assist hole shot (when loaded) and ride comfort in the rough.

Those WaveRunners with RiDE and/or Electric Trim gain large dash indicators for these functions, while new hull and decks designs, new side mirrors and added bling on the Deluxe versions create an edgy new look and impression.

The Cruisers include handy pull-up cleats for easy docking, and a dedicated cruiser seat for three offering thrilling 'theatre' views, says the Yammie blurb.

NANOXCEL2 HULL MATERIAL
- Lighter again by almost 20 per cent
The latest NanoXcel2 material on select models provides weight savings of 18 per cent compared with the NanoXcel material. This translates to a new material that is 37 per cent lighter than the conventional sheet-moulded composite (SMC) used in the basic WaveRunner models.

The space-age NanoXcel2 material uses exfoliated clay bonded with a special resin system containing glass micro-bubbles. This new resin creates a stronger bond between glass micro-bubbles and glass fibres resulting in an extraordinarily light and strong material, with tight moulding tolerances that translate to very fair finishes.

Claiming to be the lightest hull material in the PWC class, NanoXcel2 is repairable in the event of damage, Yamaha adds. But the big gain is to power-to-weight ratios and, ultimately, acceleration and top-end speed.

Compared with their forerunners, the FX SVHO enjoys 20kg in weight savings, while the FZS SVHO race machine is 16kg lighter, says Yamaha.

NEW HULL SHAPES
- Improved ride qualities across the new VX range
Essentially, the VX range has been on the receiving end of a complete revamp starting from the keel up. The new hulls boast improved static and dynamic stability for riding three-up, with 30mm more beam.

The VX models are said to turn more comfortably with less chattering or hopping and a smoother re-entry. The hull has been extended 90mm, which improves ride some more if not top-end speed, while the keel has been radiused or rounded, and there are new chines and strakes for cornerning.

The all-new hull design, with performance sponsons to assist straight line comfort and load carrying ability, is topped with new edgier decks with greater consideration given to looks and ergonomics.

Yamaha has raised the seat and hip heights on the VX with remodelled knee grip points for more rider control. The tandem seat has also been widened and lengthened for more comfort when riding two or three up.

While we rode one-up, the focus on ergonomics certainly translated to ride comfort on the 2015 WaveRunners.

VX SERIES
- All-new range from the most affordable to new performance model
There are three 2015 WaveRunners prefixed with VX in this all-new WaveRunner range as imported into Australia; the VX, the VX Deluxe and the high performance VX18R. Each is wider and longer for improved stability, while also leaning into the turns more than the old flat-turning entry-level VX 'skis'.

The VX and VX Deluxe run the time-proven and efficient Yamaha EFI 1052cc four-stroke, 20-valve DOHC engine, whereas the VX18R utilises the raw power and torque of the naturally-aspirated HO 1812cc, four-cylinder engine. We hope to catch this dashing new ski for a future dalliance.

THE VX: Logically, we started aboard the base VX recreational ski, which comes in white with blue accents. After all, the VX started in 2005 and was the first four-stroke replacement for Yammie’s old two-stroke skis. It has since proven to be the top-selling recreational ski in the US, with a traditionally flattish hull well suited to calm-water lake riding.

The new 2015 VX has a wider and longer three-seater hull with a different keel and deeper vee to improve handling on our waters. Leaning into the turns around the buoys, we didn’t feel like we’d be thrown off the high side as can happen.

The basic sheet-moulded composite (SMC) plastic hull has chrome accents, large mirrors, tow hook, extended rear platform, and multifunction LCD display. With RiDE as standard this a great all-rounder with sufficient performance to keep you interested. Therefore, the VX is bound to continue its best-seller status.

THE VX DELUXE: Available in a striking black metallic, the VX Deluxe includes Yamaha’s exclusive NanoXcel body that is lighter in weight, dry storage under the rear seat, a deep-reach soft-touch rear boarding step, security system and, moreover, Cruise Assist with no-wash mode that lets you set your speed — ideal for towing — and riding throttle-free at low rpm through go-slow zones.

THE VX18R: Available in either yellow, or red, with a fast-and-furious-inspired performance goal that Yamaha is very excited about. The VXR comes with a race-inspired seat, electric trim and the upgraded 1812cc High Output marine engine. It’s touted as an affordable race WaveRunner that remains versatile with its three-person seat and tow hook.

AT-A-GLANCE: VX WAVERUNNER
Verdict: A great entry-level ski with inherent stability, improved handling and improved cornering. Standard RiDE adds decelerating and docking to Yamaha’s popular WaveRunner.
Retail Price: TBA (we hear around $13,000 at time of writing)
Trailer: +$1000-$1500
Length: 3.34m
Beam: 1.19m
Weight: 329-349kg
Fuel: 70 litres
Storage: 93 litres
Engine: VX and VX Deluxe have 1052cc EFI four-cylinder, 20-valve, 4-stroke Yamaha marine engine; VX18R has 1812cc EFI, four-cylinder, four-stroke Yamaha High Output marine engine.

FX SERIES
- Comfort and three engine options, from 1.8L naturally aspirated, to 1.8L supercharged (SHO) and supercharged Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) variants
Now here’s where Yamaha hits the bullseye. Luxury and performance intersect in these new WaveRunners that can wow everyone from family to those who covet top-end speed and snappy cornering.

Introduced in 2014, the FX range comes with three engine options, and now features RiDE for 2015. The FX and FX Cruiser HO utilises a naturally-aspirated fuel-injected 1812cc High-Output engine, the SHO models come supercharged for more acceleration from get go.

But the SVHO flagship has a supercharged Super Vortex High Output version of that same 1812cc Yammie engine, with a bigger supercharger and intercooler, forged internals, and bigger jet pump with optimised top-loaded intake grate, for a real blast.

After the VX, we jumped on the FX Cruiser HO now fitted with RiDE as standard. It looked smart in white with carbon accents although metallic black is a no-cost option.

THE FX CRUISER HO: AS one of Yamaha’s most versatile WaveRunners, the FX Cruiser HO didn’t disappoint with a combination of comfort and performance we could live with any day of the week.

The hull is about 22cm longer, a whisker wider, and weighs about 44kg more than the VX, even though it features Yamaha’s NanoXcel material in the hull and deck. So it’s a bigger unit better suited to, er, bigger units (and family applications).

The Cruiser Seat, Cruise Assist and Electric Trim make for a great towing platform, while extra dry storage (30 per cent over the VX) will appeal for beach runners. It won’t take long to get there, either, as the FX Cruiser HO has great performance, with impressive acceleration out of the blocks. 

The FX Cruiser HO is a fitting inclusion in Yamaha’s Luxury WaveRunner category and the deep-vee hull and increased waterline length are said to be excellent in the chop. Already a popular WaveRunner with a fast cruising range of more 140km (75nm).

THE FX SVHO: Perhaps it was the natural progression, but the next step up, the FX SVHO, was our pick of Yamaha’s 2015 WaveRunners. Also released last year, but with the addition of RiDE, the FX SVHO was a rocket ship. Available in two metallic colours  — Azure blue and Laser yellow — these models had a whole lot of good stuff going on in the design and engineering departments.

Clearly, the SVHO engine offers stunning acceleration and Yamaha claims these latest 2015 versions are now even faster than the outgoing 2014 models due to an increased power-to-weight ratio.

According to Yamaha, the 2015 FX SVHO and FZS SVHO are 20kg and 16kgs lighter respectively, due to the use of the latest NanoXcel2 material used for hull and deck.

We were really enamoured by this FX SVHO and, while sharing our thoughts, Grant Biskin, Marketing and Communications Manager from Yamaha Australia, made the point that this WaveRunner has a really nice motion and just glides across the surface and through the turns. That it does, we thought after another run.

The adjustable steering on the FX lets you ride in a more upright and aggressive pose if that is your preference, while the Cruiser variation which is available in red, adds the comfort of a lower-back seat support, pull-up cleats for tying off on the mothership or dock, advanced Command Link digital gauges, and a bit more bling.

Top speeds were in the order of 115km/h (69mph), but someone had recorded 120km/h (72mph) on the dial previously, we’re told. Of course, top speeds are governed and it’s all about acceleration and cornering, which these FX SVHOs offer in spades. The sports sedans, the S Class, of the WaveRunner world.

AT-A-GLANCE: FX CRUISER HO/FX SVHO/FX CRUISER SVHO
Verdict: We’d happily live with the FX Cruiser HO with its naturally-aspirated engine with the Cruiser comforts and RiDE. But the SVHO engine upgrade soon changes your view.  Acceleration from the supercharger is what riders covet these days. The FX Cruiser SVHO, with NanoXcel2 hull, rates as our 2015 WaveRunner pick.
Retail Price: $18,799/$21,998.90/$22,998.80
Trailer: +$1000-$1500
Length: 3.56m
Beam: 1.23m
Weight: 377kg/378kg
Fuel: 70 litres
Storage: 125.5 litres
Engine: 1812cc high-output four-stroke EFI four-cylinder, four-stroke Yamaha marine engine/ Supercharged 1812cc Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine

FZ SERIES
- Race-bred ski with upgraded SVHO engine for top-end speed
The only 'ski' in the range without RiDE, as it’s intended for experienced riders who want the race experience and top-end performance, is the race-bred FZS SVHO three-seater (as tested) with the new lighter NanoXcel2 hull, using the potent SVHO engine.

The FZ hull is flatter aft for less drag and with rounded sides and softer chines for hooking into slow turns. Mechanical trim and reverse is fitted for more rider input and, as the FZS SVHO is right at home on the racetrack, this WaveRunner soon sorts the men from the boys and buoys.

AT-A-GLANCE: FZS
Verdict: A combatant for Sea-Doo’s RXP and a proven race-performer cleaning up around the wet tracks this year. The FZS repays the professional and would-be pro rider. Big power and power-to-weight with race-bred handling, in a versatile three-seater package.
Retail Price: $21,998.90 (FZS)
Trailer: +$1000-$1500
Length: 3.37m
Beam: 1.23m
Weight: 361kg
Fuel: 70 litres
Storage: 80.6 litres
Seating: 1-2/2-3
Engine: 1812cc Supercharged four-stroke,four-cylinder Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine

SUPERJET SERIES
- The last ski standing in the stand-up category
Last but not least, Yamaha now enjoys 100 per cent market share in the stand-up category. Its SuperJet powered by a 701cc two-stroke marine engine remains a small bundle of big fun and we managed to remain upright shooting around a generous circuit. We’re not professing to be proficient stand-up riders but there is something addictive about these trick skis.

With something of a rebound in freestyle riding and motorsurf events like the Rip’n’Ride at Cronulla, you’re pretty much only limited by your bravado and imagination on the SuperJet. And at $11,340 this is a lot of bang and hang for your buck.

Put it all together and there’s certainly a big spread of Yamaha WaveRunners to cater for all needs. Pull the new triggers and go.

AT-A-GLANCE: SUPERJET
Verdict: The last ski standing in the stand-up class is enjoying a resurgence of interest thanks to freestyling riding. You’ll never grow tired of this one, although it’s certainly the most physically challenging of all the skis and provides a workout as much as watersports.
Retail Price: $11,340
Trailer: +$1000
Length: 2.24m
Beam: 0.66m
Weight: 139kg
Fuel: 18 litres
Storage: 2 litres
Engine: 701cc two-stroke Yamaha marine engine running on 50:1