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2008-2011 Yamaha FX SHO Review and Specs [Video]
The Yamaha FX SHO and its Cruiser brother were the first supercharged WaveRunners ever built. These luxury/touring PWCs were built on a lightweight NanoXcel hull and housed an 1812cc, 210hp supercharged SHO Yamaha marine engine. They were refreshed in 2012 but phased out by the more powerful FX SVHOs in 2014.
If you want to find out more about this legendary touring 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 SHO Review
Hull and Top Deck
The history of the Yamaha FX series goes back to 2002 when the very first FX 140 hit the water.
During the following years, this family was expanded with many exciting skis, which were exclusively powered by naturally-aspirated engines.
But everything changed in 2008 when the FX SHO and FX Cruiser SHO were introduced as the first supercharged Yamaha WaveRunners.
These skis borrowed their FX hull design from their simpler siblings but got a refreshed top deck, featuring more aggressive lines. They utilized chrome inserts on the mirrors, a sharpened visor, and shark tooth-shaped design elements on both sides of the bow.
This top deck was carried over to non-supercharged FX models for the 2009 season.
But unlike its predecessors, the body of the 2008-2011 FX SHO was made of NanoXcel. This Yamaha-exclusive material was stronger yet 25 percent lighter than regular SMC.
In terms of dimensions, the first-generation FX SHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height, and weighed 829 pounds dry.
In contrast, its Cruiser equivalent was 11 pounds heavier due to its model-specific features like the bolstered “Cruiser” seat, pop-up cleats, tow hook, and more. Due to its taller handlebars, this model was also 3.1 inches higher.
Regarding capacities, the FX SHO had an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and could carry up to 530 pounds including three adult riders and plenty of gear.
The ski housed four separate storage units with an overall storage capacity of 23.7 gallons.
Its standard front storage could accommodate 17.4 gallons of gear and the 1.6-gallon drainable glovebox was mounted in front of the seat.
Under the rear seat, you could find a 4-gallon storage bucket, featuring a separate fire extinguisher container.
The fourth storage unit was a watertight 0.7-gallon compartment located on the left side of the dashboard. On the other side of the deck was a simple beverage holder.
Engine
There’s no question that the most exciting feature of the FX SHO was under its seat.
Released as the first supercharged and intercooled WaveRunner power source, this unit was a purpose-built 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4, SHO Yamaha marine engine. Its claimed performance was 210hp at 7500 RPM while its naturally-aspirated variant “only” cranked out 180hp.
You could find the same engine in all SHO WaveRunners including the FX SHO line, as well as the FZR SHO and FZS SHO.
The most important features of this engine included:
- 4-stroke, inline-4 architecture
- Bore x stroke: 86 x 78 mm
- Compression ratio: 8.6:1
- Aspiration: supercharged
- Wet sump lubrication
- DOHC
- T.C.I. ignition system
- Fuel injection system
- Electric start
- Open-loop cooling system
- LFR6A spark plugs
Features
Designed to be a high-end luxury WaveRunner, the FX SHO came standard with a wide range of convenience features, including:
- Yamaha Security System
- Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
- Dual rearview mirrors
- 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
- 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
Its more advanced brother was the FX Cruiser SHO, which came with more bells and whistles like a touring seat, fuel-flow meter, pop-up cleats, and higher handlebars.
Even though the FX SHO lacked the Cruiser’s exclusive multifunction display, its dashboard still showed plenty of useful information, including:
- 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
Top Speed and Performance
Powered by the all-new supercharged WaveRunner engine, the FX SHO offered an amazing performance.
Sure, it wasn’t as lively as the smaller FZ or VX models, but face it, the FX was designed as a touring ski.
It was built on a large heavy hull, which was one of the most stable PWC platforms ever built.
Due to its NanoXcel material, the FX SHO proved to be bouncier on choppy waters and didn’t sit as low in the water as SMC-based FX hulls. Therefore, it turned quicker and faced less water drag, which added 1-2 mph to the top speed of the ski.
Under ideal conditions, the FX SHO topped out at 65-67 mph and its 0-30 mph time was roughly 1.8 seconds.
Riding at full throttle, it burned 18.8 gph, which converted to a range of 1.1 hours. Cruising at 35 mph, the mileage could be decreased to an economical 5-6 mpg.
Besides touring, this ski was also perfect for various sport activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
Riders appreciated the ski’s tow sport intended features including the large rear platform, wide reboarding step, tow hook, large passenger grab handle, and cruise assist.
Problems
Based on our research, the most common problem of the FX SHO was its defective supercharger clutch.
The very first supercharged WaveRunners suffered from supercharger clutch malfunctions, and the FX SHO was no exception.
In case of a clutch failure, owners had to face various aftermaths.
Besides the annoying power loss, the metal debris from the supercharger could cause catastrophic engine damage ending in costly repairs.
This issue was present on virtually every SHO WaveRunner manufactured from 2008 through 2013 but was fixed on SVHO models.
Yamaha FX SHO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2011 Yamaha FX SHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Yamaha FX SHO Engine Specs
| 2011 FX SHO | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 1812 cm³ |
| Bore and Stroke | 86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Supercharged | Yes |
| Lubrication system | Wet sump |
| Cooling System | Water cooled |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Ignition System | T.C.I. |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in) |
| Spark Plugs Type | LFR6A |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Yamaha FX SHO Drive Unit
| 2011 FX SHO | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise |
| Jet Thrust Nozzle Horizontal Angle | 24.0 + 24.0 ° |
| Jet thrust nozzle trim angle: | -10, -5, 0, 5, 10 ° |
Yamaha FX SHO Performance
| 2011 FX SHO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 210hp (154.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 16.8 US gal/h (63.7 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 1.10 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1250 +/- 100 r/min |
Yamaha FX SHO Dimensions
| 2013 FX SHO | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 132.7 in (3370 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 45.7 in (1160 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 829 lb (376 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FX SHO Fuel and Oil
| 2011 FX SHO | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON /90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil type | SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
| Recommended engine oil grade | API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 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 Quantity | 4.55 US qt. (4.3 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions on the ’08-’11 Yamaha FX SHO:What is a Yamaha FX SHO?
The FX SHO was a supercharged touring Yamaha WaveRunner built on the FX platform.
When did the Yamaha FX SHO Come Out?
The Yamaha FX SHO was launched in 2008.
What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the FX SHO?
Yamaha manufactured the FX SHO from 2008 through 2011 with the “old” FX platform, which was upgraded in 2012.
What was the Difference Between the FX SHO and FX HO?
The FX SHO and FX HO were the same skis with different engine options. As their name suggests, the FX HO had the naturally-aspirated, 1812cc, 180hp, HO Yamaha marine engine, while the FX SHO enjoyed a supercharged ”SHO” (210hp) version of this power source.
The early SHOs also had a distinctive cowl design, which was later carried over to non-supercharged FX models.
What was the Difference Between the Yamaha FX SHO and FX Cruiser SHO?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO was a more advanced configuration of the base FX SHO. It came standard with a bolstered touring seat, pop-up cleats, tow hook, unique color scheme, and taller handlebars.
What was the Difference Between the Yamaha FX SHO and FX SVHO?
Revealed in 2014, the FX SVHO was the more powerful successor of the proven FX SHO. The revamped model returned with an upgraded SVHO engine option that delivered 250hp, 40hp more than the SHO.
What Size was a ’08-’11 Yamaha FX SHO?
The ‘08’-’11 FX SHO measured 132.7 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height.
How Much Did a Yamaha FX SHO Weigh?
The dry weight of the ’08-’11 FX SHO was 829 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha FX SHO?
The Yamaha FX SHO was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha FX SHO?
The Yamaha FX SHO was powered by a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, SHO Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the Yamaha FX SHO Supercharged?
The Yamaha FX SHO had a supercharged Super High Output (SHO) engine option.
Was the Yamaha FX SHO a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha FX SHO was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha FX SHO fuel-injected?
The Yamaha FX SHO featured a fuel injection system.
How Much HP Did a Yamaha FX SHO Have?
The Yamaha FX SHO produced 210hp at 7500 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha FX SHO Hold?
The Yamaha FX 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 SHO Hold?
The Yamaha FX SHO was designed with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX SHO Use?
The fuel consumption of the ’08-’11 Yamaha FX SHO was 16.8 gph at WOT.
What was the Cruising Range of the Yamaha FX SHO?
The cruising range of the ’08-’11 Yamaha FX SHO was 1.1 hours at full speed.
How Fast Did a Yamaha FX SHO Go?
The top speed of a Yamaha FX SHO was a limited 65-67 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Yamaha FX SHO Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its 3-rider seat, the FX SHO could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Yamaha FX SHO Have a Trim System?
The FX SHO was engineered with a 5-position manual trim system.
Did the Yamaha FX SHO Have a Reverse?
The FX SHO had a manual reverse system.
Did the Yamaha FX SHO Have a Brake?
The Yamaha FX SHO was marketed without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha FX SHO Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha FX SHO varies between $5,000 and $11,000 depending on the year and its condition.
