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2012-2013 Yamaha FX SHO Review and Specs [Video]
The 2012-2013 FX SHO was a refreshed version of its 2008-2011 predecessor. It returned with a redesigned hull and top deck, as well as some new features. Unlike its body, the 1812cc, 210hp SHO engine of the ski remained untouched. The more advanced brother of this ski was the FX Cruiser SHO, which came with a touring seat and some additional bells and whistles.
If you want to find out more about this popular WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
2012-2013 Yamaha FX SHO Review
Hull and Top Deck
It’s safe to say that the hull of the FX series had remained nearly unchanged from 2004 to 2011.
In 2008-2009, the top deck of this line was refreshed, but the hull was carried over without any significant changes. Because of this, the improvements on the FX platform were quite timely in the early 2010s.
In 2012, Yamaha finally completely revamped the FX WaveRunners, and the FX SHO was no exception.
In a nutshell, the key improvements on new 2012 models were as follows:
- Redesigned, 7.5 inches longer hull (132.7 to 140.2 in.)
- More spacious rear platform
- Deeper footwells with more legroom
- Larger seat
- Relocated control buttons
- Higher handlebars
- Redesigned reverse lever with a neutral position
- Two rear grab handles
- Revamped, larger reboarding step
- Stern storage compartment
- Increased bow storage capacity
You could expect the dimensions of the ski to be 140.1 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height. Its rear platform was extended by 4.5 inches while the redesigned seat was 3 inches longer.
Thanks to its impressive size, this saddle could comfortably accommodate three adult riders.
Even though the 530-pound weight capacity of the ski remained unchanged, it enjoyed five redesigned storage units.
The capacity of the bow storage increased from 17.4 to 23.8 gallons, while the glovebox was enlarged from 1.6 to 1.8 gallons.
However, one of the most innovative novelties of the new FX deck was its stern storage compartment.
Rated at 4.5 gallons, this compartment was located in front of the swim platform. It housed the flushing connector and was closed with a lid.
The under-seat storage bin was turned into a watertight compartment with a removable cap, but its capacity was decreased from 4 to 2.4 gallons.
Referred to as a “built-in watertight storage,” the fifth storage unit was located near the left side of the dash.
The FX SHO also got higher positioned handlebars, which were only available on the Cruiser until 2012.
Engine
Unlike the body, the engine of the FX SHO was carried over unchanged from the previous model.
This power mill was a supercharged version of the 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4 marine engine, commonly known as the SHO Yamaha engine. Thanks to its gear-driven supercharger, the SHO delivered 210hp at 7500 RPM, 30hp more than its non-supercharged counterpart.
The most important features of this Yamaha SHO engine were as follows:
- Displacement: 1812cc
- 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
This axial-flow, single-stage jet pump utilized a stainless-steel housing and a 3-blade stainless steel impeller.
It also came standard with a 5-position manual trim system and a redesigned manual reverse, which now had a neutral function.
Compared to the more advanced Yamaha RiDE (which debuted in 2014), this system was much simpler.
In neutral, the ski slightly lowered its reverse bucket, which returned some thrust toward the bow. Finally, it prevented the ski from moving forward.
Yamaha FX SHO Features
The FX SHO came standard with many innovative features, including:
- Yamaha Security System
- Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
- Dual rearview mirrors
- Fire extinguisher container
- 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 riders
- Reboarding step
- Sponsons
- Finger throttle lever
- Visibility spout
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Bow storage compartment (23.8 US gal)
- Stern storage (4.5 gallons)
- Watertight under-seat compartment (2.4 US gal)
- Glove compartment (1.8 US gal) – w/ beverage holder
- Watertight storage (0.7 US gal)
- Cup holder
These included the bolstered cruiser seat, pop-up cleats, GPS, and the multifunction display on the right.
Yet, the “standard” multifunction dashboard on the FX SHO 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
Yamaha FX WaveRunners have always been known for their excellent stability and predictability, which increased further with the new 2012 hull design.
The old hull wasn’t perfect since at the beginning of high-speed turns it was prone to tipping onto its inside chine.
Due to its longer and heavier body, the new ’12-’13 FX SHO sat deeper in the water than its predecessor and the new hull design ensured better cornering abilities.
Therefore, the aforementioned tipping issue was no longer present on the new ski. In return, the enlarged body was less lively and nimble.
In terms of acceleration, the FX SHO could go from 0 to 30 mph in 1.8 seconds and topped out at 65-67 mph out of the crate.
Its claimed fuel consumption was 16.8 gph/4 mpg at WOT, which could be tamed back to 5-6 mpg at a cruising speed of 35 mph.
Besides the arm-stretching accelerations and fun riding, the FX SHO could be used for various purposes like touring, tubing, wakeboarding, and even PWC fishing.
Because of this, the model became one of the most popular family skis in the 2010s. In 2014, the legacy of the FX SHO was carried over to the more powerful FX SVHO.
Problems
The biggest problem on the Yamaha FX SHO was arguably its defective supercharger clutch.
A possible clutch failure could result in not only power loss but severe engine damage. This is because the metal debris from a blown supercharger often found its way into the engine block.
To reduce the risk, many FX SHO owners rebuilt their supercharger clutch before it could even fail. Installing a blow-off valve also relieved some of the stress from the supercharger, which translated to a longer lifespan.
This clutch malfunction was present on every 2008-2013 WaveRunner that housed the SHO engine option.
Yamaha FX SHO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2013 Yamaha FX SHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Yamaha FX SHO Engine Specs
| 2013 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
| 2013 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
| 2013 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 | 140.1 in (3560 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 851 lb (386 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FX SHO Fuel and Oil
| 2013 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 about the ’12-’13 Yamaha FX SHO:What is a Yamaha FX SHO?
The FX SHO was a supercharged luxury/touring Yamaha PWC built on the touring FX platform.
What Size was a Yamaha ’12-‘13 FX SHO?
The ‘12-’13 FX SHO measured 140.2 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height.
How Much Did a ’12-‘13 FX SHO Weigh?
The dry weight of the ’12-’13 FX SHO was 851 pounds.
What Kind of Engine was in the ’12-‘13 FX SHO?
The ’12-‘13 FX SHO was powered by an 1812cc SHO Yamaha Marine engine.
How Much HP Did a ’12-’13 FX SHO Have?
The ’12-’13 FX SHO produced 210hp at 7500 RPM.
How Much Fuel Did a ’12-’13 FX SHO Hold?
The fuel capacity of the FX SHO was an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a ’12-’13 FX SHO Use?
The fuel consumption of the ’12-’13 Yamaha FX SHO was 16.8 gph at WOT.
What was the Cruising Range of the ’12-‘13 FX SHO?
The cruising range of the ’12-’13 FX SHO was 1.1 hours at full speed.
How Fast Did a ’12-‘13 FX SHO Go?
The top speed of a ’12-‘13 FX SHO was 65-67 mph in stock condition.
Did the ‘12-‘13 FX SHO Have a Trim System?
The FX SHO was engineered with a 5-position manual trim system.
Did the ’12-‘13 FX SHO Have a Reverse?
The FX SHO had a manual reverse system.
Did the ’12-‘13 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 $6,000 and $13,000 depending on the year and its condition.
