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2004-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review and Specs [Video]

2004-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review and Specs [Video]

The 2004-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was a more featured brother of the simpler Yamaha FX HO. These skis shared their comfortable FX hull and 160hp inline-4 MR1 power source, but the former enjoyed a bolstered Cruiser seat, pop-up cleats, a unique color scheme, and some extra gauge features.

If you want to find out more about this classic luxury WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this ’04-’08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO review!

2004-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Hull and Top Deck

Right after the Millennium Yamaha replaced its popular 2-stroke 3-seater XLT series (XLT 800, XLT 1200) with the new 4-stroke FX line.

This early (’02-‘08) FX line included many popular models like the base FX 140, the FX Cruiser (140), and the more powerful HO series.

The latter consisted of two models, the FX HO, and FX Cruiser HO, which were also known as the FX HO 160 and FX Crusier HO 160.

Each FX WaveRunner was built on the stepped deep-V FX platform, which was designed with the new 4-stroke engine in mind.

This shell was made of SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) and measured 131.5 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.

Thanks to its innovative design and deep keel, it offered a great rough water performance.

Its spacious top deck offered plenty of deck space and remarkable capacities like an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and an overall storage capacity of 27.1 gallons.

Riders appreciated the roomy 19.8-gallon front storage, a 2.6-gallon glovebox, a 4-gallon storage bucket beneath the rear seat, and a 0.7-gallon watertight compartment located in front of the handlebars.

What is the difference between the Yamaha FX HO and FX Cruiser HO?

As a rule of thumb, the Yamaha FX HO and FX Cruiser HO were almost identical, since they shared their hull, engine, and propulsion. However, the latter came standard with some bells and whistles including:

  • Bolstered Cruiser seat for better back support and more comfort
  • Pop-up cleats for easier docking
  • More gauge features (compass, fuel management, water temp., etc.)
  • Unique color scheme
Aside from these differences, the FX HO and the FX Cruiser HO were completely identical.

2004-2008 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Engine

Early (2004-2008) “HO” WaveRunners shared the same 160hp MR1 power source, and the FX Cruiser HO was no exception. This power mill was a 4-stroke, fuel-injected, 1052cc, inline-4 engine rated at 160hp at 10,000 RPM.

In contrast, “non-HO” FX WaveRunners were powered by a smaller, 998cc, 140hp variant of the MR1 engine.

As the name suggests, both of these units were marinized versions of the high-performance R1 motorcycle engine.

In  a nutshell, the key features of the 1052cc MR1 marine engine were as follows:

  • Bore x stroke: 76 x 58 mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.9:1
  • Dry sump lubrication
  • TCI ignition system
  • Fuel injection system
  • Electric start
  • Open-loop cooling system
  • NGK CR9EB spark plugs
The FX Cruiser HO and FX HO shared the same propulsion system of which the features were as follows:
  • 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump
  • Stainless steel impeller
  • Manual reverse system
  • 5-position manual trim
Its powerful engine paired with this advanced propulsion ensured a top speed of 57-60 mph under ideal conditions.

On the dashboard, you would often read 60-65 mph but this was no fluke because the speedo on these classic WaveRunners were basically inaccurate.Unlike the 2-stroke XLT 1200 predecessor, which was prone to burning 17 gph at WOT, the fuel economy of the 4-stroke FX Cruiser HO used 12 gph, which ensured a cruising range of 1.5 hours.

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Features

The FX Cruiser HO came standard with many innovative features, including:

  • Bolstered Cruiser seat
  • Pop-up cleats
  • Front storage compartment (19.8 US gal)
  • Seat storage compartment (4.0 US gal)
  • Glove compartment (2.6 US gal)
  • Watertight compartment (0.7 -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 HO came standard with a multifunction gauge, which included the following features:
  • Digital speedometer
  • Tachometer
  • Fuel meter
  • Hour meter/Voltmeter
  • Check engine warning indicator
  • Oil pressure warning indicator
  • Engine overheat warning indicator
  • Volt/Hour button
  • Speed/RPM button
Unlike the FX HO, the FX Cruiser HO featured a “Right multifunction display,” which was designed to show the following information:
  • Average speed
  • Tripmeter
  • Trip timer
  • Fuel consumption per hour
  • Fuel consumption per mile
  • Water temperature
  • Air temperature
  • Compass

2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO into these charts:

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Engine Specs

2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1052 cm³ (64.2 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke76 × 58 mm (2.99 × 2.28 in)
Compression Ratio11.9:1
Lubrication systemDry sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemTCI
Spark Plug Gap0.7-0.9 mm (0.028-0.031 in)
Spark Plugs TypeNGK CR9EB
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Drive Unit

2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HODrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise (viewed from the rear)
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle24 + 24 degree
Jet Thrust Nozzle Trim Angle-10, -5, 0, 5, 10 degree
Trim SystemManual 5 positions

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Performance

2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HOPerformance
Maximum Output160hp (117.7 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption11.9 US gal/h (45 L/h)
Cruising Range (at full throttle)1.56 hr.
Trolling speed1,600-1,700 r/min

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Dimensions

2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HODimensions
Overall Length131.5 in (3,340 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1,230 mm)
Overall Height45.7 in (1,160 mm)
Dry Weight772 lb (350 kg)
Maximum capacity3 riders/530 lb

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Fuel and Oil

2004 Yamaha FX Cruiser HOFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON /90 RON
Recommended engine oilSAE 10W-30, API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 US gal (70 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter)2.4 US qt. (2.3 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter)2.2 US qt. (2.1 L)
Total Amount4.8 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 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO:

What is a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?

The FX Cruiser HO was a luxury/touring 3-seater Yamaha WaveRunner.

When did the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Come Out?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was revealed in 2004.

What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FX Cruiser HO?

Yamaha marketed the FX Cruiser HO with the 1052cc MR1 engine from 2004 through 2008.

What Size was a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?

The ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO measured 131.5 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.

How Much Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Weigh?

The dry weight of the ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was 772-805 pounds depending on the model year.

How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?

The ’04-‘08  Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was powered by a 4-stroke, 1052cc, fuel-injected, inline-4 MR1 Yamaha marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO utilized a naturally aspirated engine configuration.

Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO a 2-stroke?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO fuel-Injected?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO featured a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Have?

The ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO delivered 160hp at 10,000 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Hold?

The ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO held 4.5 quarts of engine oil, of which 2.4 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Hold?

The ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Use?

The fuel consumption of the ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was 11.9 gph at WOT.

What was the Fuel Range of the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?

The cruising range of the ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was 1.5 hours at full throttle.

How Fast Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Go?

The top speed of a ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was about 57-60 mph.

Could the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its three-seater saddle, the FX HO could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Have a Trim System?    

The FX HO was designed with a 5-position manual trim system.

Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Have a Reverse?             

The FX HO came standard with a manual reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Have a Brake?  

The Yamaha ’04-‘08 FX Cruiser HO was manufactured without a brake system.

How Much Does a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Cost?

The asking price of a used ’04-‘08 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO varies between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on the year and its condition.