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2008-2011 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Review and Specs [Video]

2008-2011 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Review and Specs [Video]

The flagship FX Cruiser SHO and its simpler sibling, the FX SHO were the first supercharged Yamaha WaveRunners in history. They shared the all-new supercharged, 1812cc, 210hp SHO Yamaha marine engine and the proven FX hull made of NanoXcel.

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

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

2008-2011 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Review

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Hull and Top Deck

Just like any FX WaveRunner, the FX Cruiser SHO featured the proven FX hull but it did get distinctive top deck elements for the 2008 season.

Its custom front cover cowl was designed with more aggressive lines with some stylish chrome inserts.

Aside from these cosmetic changes, the bodies of the 2008 naturally-aspirated FX and the supercharged FX SHO were identical. (In 2009, this design was carried over to the entire FX line.)

In terms of measurements, the first-generation FX Cruiser SHO was 132.7 inches long and 48.4 inches wide. Its overall height was 48.8 inches, 3.1 inches higher than other FX models due to its handlebars being taller.

Another model-specific feature of the Cruiser was its highly bolstered touring saddle, also known as the “theater-style” seat. It could comfortably accommodate three adult riders up to 530 pounds.

Thanks to the Yamaha-exclusive NanoXcel hull material, the dry weight of the ski was only 840 pounds.

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Engine

Unlike its forerunners, the FX Cruiser SHO was designed with an all-new, purpose-built supercharged engine. Labeled as the “SHO” Yamaha marine engine, this unit was a 4-stroke, 1842cc, inline-4 powerhouse rated at 210hp.

When introduced in 2008, it was only available in a supercharged configuration in SHO WaveRunners.

From 2009 onwards, the naturally-aspirated version of this engine became more prevalent in the FX series.

The FX Cruiser SHO also shared its 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump with its high-performance relatives.

This hyperflow propulsion system featured a stainless-steel pump housing, a three-blade stainless steel impeller, a manual reverse, and a quick-shift trim system.

The latter could be controlled by twisting the left handlebar grip.

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Features

Released as the flagship Yamaha WaveRunner, this model enjoyed the unique “Cruiser package,” the elements of which were as follows:

  • Theater-style touring seat for three adult riders
  • Pull-up cleats for easier docking
  • Tow hook
  • Right multifunction display
  • Custom color scheme and decals
Other features of the ski included:
  • Yamaha Security System
  • Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
  • Dual rearview mirrors
  • Tool kit
  • Deck mats
  • Bow and stern eyes
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • Safety lanyard
  • Tilt steering system
  • Drain plugs
  • Rope holes
  • Rear grab handle
  • Two-piece saddle for 3
  • Sponsons
  • Reboarding step
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Cooling water pilot outlet
  • Visibility spout
Storage units:
  • Bow storage compartment (17.4 US gal)
  • Watertight seat compartment (4 US gal)
  • Glove compartment (1.6 US gal)
  • Watertight storage (0.7 US gal)
  • Fire extinguisher container
  • Cup holder
The FX Cruiser SHO was also known for its high-end multifunction information center equipped with the following functions:
  • Analog tachometer/speedometer
  • Digital speedometer
  • Hour meter/Voltmeter
  • Fuel level meter
  • Fuel Indicator
  • Check engine warning indicator
  • Oil pressure warning indicator
  • Fuel level warning indicator
  • Engine overheat warning indicator
  • UNLOCK indicator light
  • SECURITY indicator light
  • L-Mode indicator light
The right-side multifunction display was also part of the Cruiser package, and displayed the following information:
  • Compass
  • Average Speed
  • Tripmeter
  • Fuel consumption per hour
  • Fuel consumption per km/mile
  • Water temperature
  • Air temperature

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Top Speed and Performance

Even though the ski was built on the heavy FX platform, it was one of the fastest PWCs of its time.

This was no surprise since its supercharged engine combined with the high-performance jet pump offered an amazing hole-shot acceleration and top speed.

In an experienced hand, the 0-30 mph time of the ski was 1.8 seconds although its top speed was electronically limited to 65-67 mph for safety reasons.

You could expect the fuel consumption of the ski to be 16.8 gph at WOT, which translated to 4 mpg. This mileage could be increased up to 5-6 mpg while cruising at an economical speed of 35 mph.

As you may expect, the FX Cruiser SHO was much less lively than the small VX or race-intended FZ WaveRunners.

In return, unlike the aforementioned models, the Cruiser was even comfortable for three adult riders.

Because of this, it was commonly used for family riding, touring, and tow sports, but was also known as one of the best fishing PWCs ever built.

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Problems

Let’s face it, many newly designed engines suffer from initial design flaws, and the SHO Yamaha engine on the FX Cruiser SHO was no exception.

As reported by many owners, the main problem with this engine was its weak supercharger clutch.

This defective clutch was prone to blowing in the supercharger sooner or later, causing severe engine damage.

To reduce the risk, many owners rebuilt their supercharger clutch and installed a blow-off valve. The latter was intended to reduce the stress on the supercharger in case of a sudden reduction in engine RPM.

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2011 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Engine Specs

2011 FX Cruiser SHOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1812 cm³
Bore and Stroke86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in)
Compression Ratio8.6:1
SuperchargedYes
Lubrication systemWet sump
Cooling SystemWater cooled
Starting SystemElectric starter
Ignition SystemT.C.I.
Spark Plug Gap0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in)
Spark Plugs TypeLFR6A
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Drive Unit

2011 FX Cruiser SHODrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle24.0 + 24.0 °
Jet thrust nozzle trim angle:-10, -5, 0, 5, 10 °

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Performance

2011 FX Cruiser SHOPerformance
Maximum Output210hp (154.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption16.8 US gal/h (63.7 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle1.10 hr.
Trolling speed1250 +/- 100 r/min

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Dimensions

2013 FX Cruiser SHODimensions
Overall Length132.7 in (3370 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1230 mm)
Overall Height48.8 in (1240 mm)
Dry Weight840 lb (381 kg)
Maximum capacity3 riders/530 lb

Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Fuel and Oil

2011 FX Cruiser SHOFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON /90 RON
Recommended engine oil typeSAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil gradeAPI SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 US gal (70 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter replacement)3.28 US qt. (3.1 L)
Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter replacement)3.17 US qt. (3.0 L)
Engine Oil Total Quantity4.55 US qt. (4.3 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 ’13-’14 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO:

What is a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO?

The FX Cruiser SHO was the first supercharged touring Yamaha WaveRunner built on the FX platform.

When did the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Come Out?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO was revealed in 2008.

What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FX Cruiser SHO?

The FX Cruiser SHO was manufactured from 2008 through 2011 with the “old” FX hull and from 2012 to 2013 with the new platform.

What Size was a ’08-‘11 FX Cruiser SHO?

The ‘08’-’11 FX Cruiser SHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.8 inches in height.

How Much Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Weigh?

The dry weight of the ’08-’11 FX Cruiser SHO was 840 pounds.

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

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO was rated for three riders.

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

The engine of the ski was a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, SHO Yamaha Marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO had a supercharged Super High Output (SHO) engine option.

Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO a 2-stroke?

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

Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO fuel-injected?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO had a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Have?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO delivered 210hp at 7500 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Hold?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO held 4.55 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.28 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Hold?

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the ’08-’11 FX Cruiser SHO was 16.8 gph at WOT.

What was the Cruising Range of the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO?

The cruising range of the ’08-’11 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO was 1.1 hours at WOT.

How Fast Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Go?

The top speed of a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO was 67 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the FX Cruiser SHO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its 3-rider seat, the FX Cruiser SHO could legally be used for tow sports.

Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Have a Trim System?    

This WaveRunner was engineered with a quick-shift manual trim system.

Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Have a Reverse?            

The ski had an industry-standard manual PWC reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Have a Brake?

This WaveRunner was marketed without a brake system.

How Much Does a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Cost?

The asking price of a used Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO varies between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on the year and its condition.