Fx Cruiser Svho Review
2019 Yamaha FX SVHO review
Yamaha's 2019 Yamaha FX SVHO ocean-rider is even better in choppy conditions, easier to manoeuvre at low speeds
The previous Yamaha WaveRunner FX series has been the preferred option for ocean riders for the past six years.
Owners swear by them – and many have owned several in a row – so it's a tough act to follow.
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The 2019 FX range gets a new deck and hull, but carryover supercharged and non-supercharged 1.8-litre engines, with the design apparently inspired by Yamaha's GP1800 racer sibling.
When the photos were released, some FX owners were concerned Yamaha might be walking away from the ocean-riding market, because at a glance the 2019 FX hull looked similar to the GP1800 hull.
However, once you dig into the detail you soon realise Yamaha has taken the FX's ability to cut through chop to a whole new level.
For starters, the hull is longer and wider than before, meaning it is now significantly longer than the pointy GP1800.
Although we weren't permitted to venture ocean-side on the day, a test ride near South Stradbroke Island showed the new FX to be highly capable in messy conditions.
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A strong southerly turned the water into a washing machine, but the FX hull cut through it with apparent ease.
First up I was on the supercharged 1.8-litre Yamaha FX SVHO, historically the most popular model in the FX range.
2019 Yamaha FX SVHO
Before you ask, the white deck and red hull is the only colour scheme for Australia, even though the US and Canada can also choose blue and white (which has been saved for the non-supercharged Yamaha FX HO in our market).
Having jumped on the craft following the previous day's test ride for Yamaha dealers, I initially got to experience the Yamaha FX SVHO with less than a third of a tank of fuel.
With the trim up and the tank running low, it cut through the chop like the old FX did when full of fuel and with the trim low. In fact, I didn't realise it was empty until I checked later.
2019 Yamaha FX SVHO
It got better again once it had a full belly of fuel, as the extra weight was able to cut even deeper into the chop.
Incidentally, the fuel tank is the same capacity as before. Although 70 litres is equal-best in the business, there is increasing demand from riders who want more. Please Yamaha, can we have a genuine accessory long-range tank or supplementary tank?
The other discernible difference is in how the new FX corners. The sponsons are not as aggressive in turns, so the 2019 FX is less inclined to pop your knee or break your ankle if you happen to corner too fast.
2019 Yamaha FX SVHO
The sponsons still have plenty of grip – and you can still hurt yourself if you turn too tight – but the overall result is a much more playful and manageable craft. It has the unusual effect of making the new FX feel a lot more nimble and playful than it ought to for such a big machine.
Hardcore owners will replace the standard sponsons with aftermarket items, but I'd encourage them to take it on several rides as-is before making a switch.
Other observations: the NanoXcel 2 hull on the SVHO didn't make as much noise on impact as the identical hull on the SVHO Cruiser tested later in the day.
2019 Yamaha FX SVHO
The NanoXcel 2 hulls have a reputation for being a bit noisy and even sounding a touch brittle when they smack waves. Perhaps the conditions at the time contributed to the difference, but it was obvious enough to be worth noting.
On the plus side the FX SVHO Cruiser looks epic in dark metallic grey with red highlights. As with previous Cruiser models it gets stepped seating and front cleats but has an identical hull, deck and engine to the FX SVHO.
The industry-first digital touchscreen works surprisingly well and is much clearer than the old one. It's legible even in super bright sunlight, and there's a choice of seven instrument colours to help you find one that stands out best.
You don't always need to take off your gloves to switch menus, although it does depend on the type of gloves. The screen responds more easily to fingertips, wet or dry.
A handy feature: there's now a four-digit PIN to lock and unlock the craft. It no longer comes with remote fobs, so there's nothing left to lose. Just be sure to change the code from the factory preset 1-2-3-4 if you want to keep your new FX.
The digital dash does a lot of things but it's still missing a clock, and the water temperature and compass (N, S, E or W) appear to have been deleted from the previous model.
2019 Yamaha FX HO
The new, larger glovebox is now waterproof and the lid secures via a rubber clasp, replacing the previous spring-loaded switch that could unlatch after a big wave.
The new rubber toggle is unlikely to budge but it is awkward to operate when you're standing alongside the craft, such as when loading or unloading. However, it's easy to open and close once you're sitting on the craft and pulling the toggle upwards.
The rear wet storage area has new rubber toggles rather than metal-hinged clamps.
The wake mode now has three speed settings, which is handy for low-speed zones. Reverse also has a choice of two low speeds to help getting off a trailer (for those who don't just push off). Cruise control and the forward and reverse "Ride" system work the same as before.
2019 Yamaha FX HO
The "industry first" drain holes (one in each footwell) work but they're not as effective at removing a pool of water as simply blasting the throttle. Presumably they're designed to allow the footwells to drip dry after you've washed it.
Another point of difference: the side mirrors are slightly smaller than before. But, to be honest, this is no big deal as few people use them, especially at speed.
The quarter-inch Ram-compatible mounts are optional on most new FX models (there's a cupholder in its place otherwise). The Yamaha-approved accessory navigation unit, fish finder and battery-powered Bluetooth speakers are yet to come into stock locally.
2019 Yamaha FX HO
There is also an initial delay on the new Yamaha cooler bag that fits neatly into a recess in the larger storage area in the nose.
The retractable rear step has a wider knee pad, so it no longer feels like it's trying to take off your kneecap.
A short test ride of the non-supercharged 2019 Yamaha FX HO (white and blue) showed this craft will continue to be popular with those who need to cover long distances between fuel stops, and who want to cut through the ocean.
It has the same hull design as the 2019 Yamaha FX SVHO; however it is made from the slightly heavier first-generation NanoXCel material. Top speed is similar but the supercharged FX SVHO gets there quicker.
2019 Yamaha FX HO
The 2019 Yamaha FX SVHO bites harder as soon as you grab a handful of throttle; the 2019 Yamaha FX HO is still a worthy machine but won't rip out your shoulders while trying to hang on.
There are two clear markets for both the supercharged and non-supercharged craft. And while the hull is primarily designed to better handle chop and ocean riding, it's also much more fun and manoeuvrable in flat water.
If you want to cover more distance between refills or are after an elevated entrée into the sport, the Yamaha FX HO is a great option.
If you want as much power as the body can handle, the Yamaha FX SVHO is for you.
Source: https://www.boatsales.com.au/editorial/details/2019-yamaha-fx-svho-review-115568/
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