Yamaha FX Cruiser HO - Review 2023

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO, A Luxury PWC at a Perfect Price Point

If you are new to jet skiing or if you are a veteran who has ridden multiple varieties, this Waverunner offers a complete water recreation experience. The HO model is the same as the more expensive SVHO, without the supercharge (180 hp vs 250 hp respectively). The SVHO will cost another 3-grand.

For riders who like to play behind the craft, the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO has the most convenient tow rope storage located just below the rear seat grab handle, which allows you to keep the rope hooked up and stowed at the same time. So if the water conditions look perfect for water skiing or tubing, you can quickly hop into the water and zoom around in no time.

The FX Cruiser HO also comes equipped with one of the widest and deepest fold-down steps we’ve seen on a factory Waverunner, giving everyone an easy way to get back on the jet ski.

A Recdeck module will run about $1200, but provides a larger platform for swimming and fishing. As one of the most stable PWCs on the market, this added versatility will be worth it for some.

Another great feature the FX Cruiser HO has is its adjustable handlebars. With a conveniently located latch labeled TILT, you can quickly make the handlebars stand more upright for taller riders or make it easier to stand while riding.

To easily read your water crafts’ trip hours, gas usage, and speed, the 5” Connext touchscreen display provides the most detailed read-outs. You can easily switch between screens to change the music, check the adjustable trim, or find your way back to shore with the integrated GPS.

From cruising the lake to towing tubers, the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO is a great option for anyone trying to find some fun on the water. It is a storage-packed adventure craft that can also offer a thrill for those with a need for speed. And with seating for up to three people, there is plenty of room for the whole crew to dive into the fun.

High Output Performance

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO comes standard with a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.8 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engine that can breach the 60 mph mark. That’s plenty, but for more experienced riders, the SVHO will add another 15+ mph.

Drivability behind the handlebars is comparable to driving a BMW or Cadillac on land. With most controls within a finger’s reach, you are always in complete control of this PWC. Unlike a GP1800r or the Sea Doo RXP-X, the FX Cruiser HO eases into turns. That also means it won’t carve as nimbly those racing boats.

Yamaha’s RiDE reverse/ brake system is conveniently located on the left handle, a nice and useful tool for safer maneuvering.

The FX Cruiser HO also comes with TDE (Thrust Directional Enhancer) for slow-motion maneuverability to effortlessly move in and out of tight docking situations with no need to pull the throttle.

Also, this watercraft has a Cruise Assist, so you can set your desired speed, pull the throttle wide open, and sit back while you cruise to your destination or just around the lake. For areas where no wake is enforced, the FX Cruiser HO offers a No Wake Mode at the touch of a button so you can easily make your way through without needing to think about your speed.

We can’t forget about this watercraft’s adjustable trim settings that give you multiple driving options. Three different modes, comfort, off, and performance allow you to customize your water recreation experience to whatever mood you find yourself in.

This PWC offers a wide range of driving experiences for everyone to enjoy, and with its 18.5-gallon fuel tank and fuel efficient motor, there’s great range. At 40 mph, it’ll cruise for several hours. Let loose at top speed and that obviously cuts down the range. But there’s a nice balance between performance and efficiency on this stable model.

Safety

Are you all about safety on the water? This PWC gives you peace of mind for many reasons.

The FX Cruiser HO has a great security system built into the display setting to prevent theft. It works with the remote control transmitter that is included with the jet ski.

To safely dock and depart, the FX Cruiser HO will do most of the work for you with its TDE (Thrust Directional Enhancer) that, when turned on, sets the perfect speed for approaching the shore, dock, or trailer.

Yamaha’s RiDE brake/reverse system gives you even more control of your PWC. So you can safely navigate the water.

A more physical way the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO ensures a safe experience is by being a much more stable PWC. Weighing 844 lbs, you are able to stand on one side of the watercraft without the hull of the watercraft feeling like it will tip over.

The FX Cruiser HO’s large storage capacity also allows you to always have the essentials like extra lifejackets, marine flares, or if you’re like my Dad, a marine air horn to make sure everyone on the lake knows you’re there.

Unique Characteristics

Luxury Boating Experience

From the cup holders, touchscreen digital display, and boat-like stability, this Waverunner is built with everything in mind. You’ll also get an even more comfortable driving experience with the ability to adjust the handlebars to fit everyone’s style of driving.

High Output Engine Performance

The 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.8 Liter high output engine with RiDE equipped lets you experience high speeds with the added safety of stopping when needed. The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO also has a large fuel capacity, 18.5 gallons, so you don’t have to worry about keeping extra fuel on hand.

Endless Storage

You can pack a day’s worth of gear in the 44.5-gallon storage available on this jet ski. For additional safety, a waterproof canister is included for secure storage of any valuables you don’t want to see wet. As well as a spacious glove box that can safely house your smartphone with a USB and 12V power outlet to keep your devices charged.

Extras/Add-ons

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO offers even more comfort and convenience with its array of add-ons available to make your watercraft even more luxurious.

An additional rear platform called the FX RecDeck gives ample space to walk and attach items like a cooler. And comes with a three-step ladder to easily reboard from the water.

In addition to the FX RecDeck, Yamaha offers packages like the FX JetFish Package that gives fishers the RecDeck, a cooler, two cup holders, and two-rod holders. The premium package provides a secure storage area for the cooler or any other items, called the FX Multi-Use Rack that can be purchased separately.

Yamaha also has an FX RecDeck Lounge and Beach Package that includes a lounge chair with 2 attached saddlebags so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the water.

For families and friends who like to tube, Yamaha offers a RecDeck Towsports Package that includes a tube, 12V air pump, tow rope, and bungee hold-down to stow for trailering after a day of jumping the wake.

A variety of storage extras are available for purchase as well, like a glove box organizer, under hatch storage bag, and attachable stern storage bag.

How Does The Yamaha FX Cruiser Compare?

When comparing the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO against other similar PWC like the Sea-Doo GTX 230, the FX Cruiser HO offers almost double the amount of storage and footwell drains to keep water out.

The GTX may provide a more “sporty” driving experience, being supercharged and 230 HP, next to the Cruiser HO engine’s 180 HP.

The Sea-Doo also lacks a GPS navigation system and has a smaller seating area compared to the FX Cruiser HO’s stadium-style scalloped seats.

Is It Worth It?

Ringing up at a starting price of $16.699, with its comfort, and convenient amenities, the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO lives up to the price sticker. It holds the third most storage across all jet skis and has added security and GPS already integrated into the display. And it offers a superiorly stable riding experience that everyone can feel safe driving. The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO is a truly customizable PWC that can satisfy everyone’s way of recreating in the water.