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2003-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser Review and Specs [Video]
The 2002 FX 140 and the more featured 2003 FX Cruiser (a.k.a. FX Cruiser 140) were the first Yamaha FX WaveRunners ever built. These skis shared the same hull and features, but the FX Cruiser came standard with more bells and whistles including pop-up cleats, bolstered Cruiser seat, and a unique color scheme. The ski was powered by the 998cc, 140hp MR1 engine, but this ski was also available with the 1052cc, 160hp engine option under the model name FX Cruiser HO.
If you want to find out more about this classic Yamaha WaveRunner, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 2003-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser review!
2003-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser Review
Yamaha FX Cruiser Hull and Top Deck
In 2002, Yamaha replaced its 2-stroke 3-seater XLT series (XLT 800, XLT 1200) with the new 4-stroke FX line.
The first skis in this breed were the base 2002 FX 140 (later: FX) and its more advanced brother, the FX Cruiser. The FX family was expanded with the more powerful FX HO and FX Cruiser HO in 2004.
As a rule of thumb, each of these skis was built on the same FX platform, which was specifically designed to accommodate all-new 4-stroke WaveRunner engines.
This Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) platform featured a stepped deep-V design and measured 131.5 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
Thanks to its heavy weight and deep keel, FX WaveRunners could easily cut through small waves, producing an industry-leading offshore performance.
Their large top deck housed a sizeable 18.5-gallon fuel tank, three storage units, including a 2.6-gallon glovebox, a 19.8-gallon front storage, and a 4-gallon storage bucket beneath the rear seat.
What was the difference between the Yamaha FX 140 / FX and FX Cruiser?
It’s safe to say that the Yamaha FX 140 (rebranded to FX in ’95) and FX Cruiser were almost the same skis. They featured the same engine, hull, and pump, but the Cruiser came standard with a bolstered Cruiser seat, pop-up cleats, and a unique color scheme.
Aside from these differences, the FX 140/FX and the FX Cruiser were completely identical.
2004-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser Engine
Early FX WaveRunners were designed with two engine options, including the 998cc, 140hp, and big-bore 1052cc, 160hp configurations.
Interestingly, both of these were labeled MR1, since they were derived from the legendary R1 motorcycle engine.
While the High-Output (HO) model enjoyed the big-bore, 160hp version, non-HO models had to settle for the 140hp variant. This power mill was a 4-stroke, 998cc, fuel-injected, inline-4 MR1 Yamaha marine engine of which its features were as follows:
- Bore x stroke: 74 x 58 mm
- Compression ratio: 11.4:1
- Dry sump lubrication system
- TCI ignition system
- Fuel injection system
- Electric start
- Open-loop cooling system
- NGK CR9EB spark plugs
Engine power was transferred to a 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump that housed a stainless-steel impeller, 5-position manual trim, and a manual reverse system.
In terms of performance, you could expect the top speed of the FX Cruiser to be in the ballpark of 55-57 mph.
At this speed, the ski burned 11.6 gallons of gas per hour so its 18.5-gallon fuel tank ensured a riding time of 1.6 hours.
Yamaha FX Cruiser Features
The FX Cruiser was designed with a wide range of advanced features, including:
- Front storage compartment (19.8 US gal)
- Seat storage compartment (4.0 US gal)
- Glove compartment (2.6 US gal)
- Fire extinguisher container
- Quick shift manual trim
- Manual reverse
- Adjustable rearview mirrors
- Deck mats
- Bow and stern eyes
- Engine cut-off switch
- Engine shut-off cord (safety lanyard)
- Programmable security system
- Adjustable steering
- Drain plugs
- Rope holes
- Rear grab handle
- Fuel cock knob
- Ski tow eye
- Sponsons
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
Besides the above, the FX Cruiser came standard with a digital multifunction gauge, which displayed the following information:
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Fuel meter
- Fuel warning indicator
- Hour meter/Voltmeter
- Check engine warning indicator
- Oil pressure warning indicator
To the greatest regret of many riders, the extra gauge functions were not available on the FX Cruiser, since Yamaha reserved this option for the flagship Cruiser FX HO.
2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser into these charts:
Yamaha FX Cruiser Engine Specs
| 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 4-stroke |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 998 cm³ (60.9 cu in.) |
| Bore and Stroke | 74 × 58 mm (2.91 × 2.28 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 11.4:1 |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Cooling System | Water cooled |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Ignition System | TCI |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.7-0.9 mm (0.028-0.031 in) |
| Spark Plugs Type | NGK CR9EB |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Yamaha FX Cruiser Drive Unit
| 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise (viewed from the rear) |
| Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle | 26 + 26 degree |
| Jet Thrust Nozzle Trim Angle | -10, -5, 0, 5, 10 degree |
Yamaha FX Cruiser Performance
| 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 140hp (103.0 kW) @ 10,000 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 11.6 US gal/h (44 L/h) |
| Cruising Range (at full throttle) | 1.59 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1,600-1,800 r/min |
Yamaha FX Cruiser Dimensions
| 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 131.5 in (3,340 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1,230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 45.7 in (1,160 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 798 lb (362 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FX Cruiser Fuel and Oil
| 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON /90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil | SAE 10W-30, API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 US gal (70 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter) | 2.2 US qt. (2.3 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter) | 2.0 US qt. (2.1 L) |
| Total Amount | 4.3 US qt. (4.5 L) |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the 2003-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser:
What is a Yamaha FX Cruiser?
The FX Cruiser was a midrange 3-seater FX Yamaha WaveRunner.
When did the Yamaha FX Cruiser Come Out?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser was revealed in 2003.
What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FX Cruiser?
Yamaha marketed the FX Cruiser from 2003 through 2008 with the first-generation FX hull.
What Size was a Yamaha FX Cruiser?
The ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser measured 131.5 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
How Much Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser Weigh?
The dry weight of the ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was 798-864 pounds depending on the model year.
How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha FX Cruiser?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FX Cruiser?
The ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was powered by a 4-stroke, 998cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, “small-bore” MR1 Yamaha marine engine.
Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser Supercharged?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser utilized a naturally aspirated engine configuration.
Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser Fuel Injected?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser featured a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser Have?
The ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser delivered 140hp at 10,000 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser Hold?
The ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser held 4.5 quarts of engine oil, of which 2.3 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser Hold?
The ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser Use?
The fuel consumption of the ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was 11.6 gph at WOT.
What was the Fuel Range of the Yamaha FX Cruiser?
The cruising range of the ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was 1.6 hours at full throttle.
How Fast Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser Go?
The top speed of a ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was about 55-57 mph.
Could the Yamaha FX Cruiser Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-seater saddle, the FX Cruiser could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser Have a Trim System?
The FX Cruiser was designed with a 5-position manual trim system.
Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser Have a Reverse?
The ’03-’08 FX Cruiser came standard with a manual reverse system.
Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser Have a Brake?
The ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha FX Cruiser Cost?
The asking price of a used ’03-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser varies between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the year and its condition.
