![2012-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review and Specs [Video]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2017-fx-cruiser-ho.jpg)
2012-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review and Specs [Video]
The 2012-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was a more advanced configuration of the affordable FX HO. These models shared the naturally-aspirated, 1812cc, 180hp HO Yamaha marine engine and the stable FX platform. Unlike its base sibling, the Cruiser came with more bells and whistles like the theater-style touring seat, pop-up cleats, and more. Its supercharged equivalent was the FX Cruiser SVHO, which delivered a whopping 250hp.
If you want to find out more about the popular FX Cruiser HO, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
2012-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review
Hull and Top Deck
As a rule of thumb, each 2012 FX WaveRunner was built on the completely redesigned, second-generation FX platform, and the FX HO was no exception.
This shell was based on its proven first-generation predecessor, which had been manufactured from 2004 to 2011 without any major changes (except for the hull material).
The new shell was clearly redesigned with rough-water performance in mind. It had a deeper keel and was enlarged for more stability and greater capacities.
Its seating area and rear platform were extended, which lengthened the hull by 7.5 inches, increasing the overall length from 132.7 to 140.2 inches.
Just like the hull, the top deck was also completely revamped. The new hull design featured modern lines and larger footwells for more legroom.
Riders appreciated the comfort and the traction of the highly-bolstered, theater-style cruising seat, which could comfortably accommodate three adult riders. This saddle was a model-specific element on the Cruisers while the rest of the FX line came with a flatter seat configuration.
Before 2012, raised handlebars were also part of the Cruiser package, but now they found their way into non-Cruiser models. Because of this, the overall height of each FX WaveRunner was uniformly 48.4 inches from this season onwards.
The spacious top deck housed five storage compartments with an overall capacity of 33.2 gallons.
These included a 23.8-gallon bow storage, a 2.4-gallon under-seat storage, a 1.8-gallon glovebox, a 4.5-gallon stern storage, and a 0.7-gallon watertight storage mounted between the dash and handlebars.
Engine and Propulsion
The FX Cruiser HO inherited its power source from its ’09-’11 predecessor.
This unit was an 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4 High-Output Yamaha marine engine rated at 180hp at 7600 RPM. You could find the same engine in the supercharged configuration on SVHO models.
The most important features of this purpose-built High-Output marine engine were as follows:
- Displacement: 1812cc
- 4-stroke, inline-4 architecture
- Bore x stroke: 86 x 78 mm
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Aspiration: naturally-aspirated
- Wet sump lubrication
- DOHC
- T.C.I. ignition system
- Fuel injection system
- Electric start
- Open-loop cooling system
- LFR6A spark plugs
- 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump
- Stainless-steel pump housing
- 3-blade, stainless-steel impeller
- Quick-shift trim system (QSTS)
- Manual reverse/RiDE (depending on the year)
Labeled as RiDE, Yamaha finally released its electric brake and reverse system in 2014 on its flagship PWCs.
In 2015, it was carried over onto many mid-range and entry-level WaveRunners, including the FX Cruiser HO.
Features
The FX Cruiser HO came standard with the Cruiser package, which included a bolstered touring saddle, a custom color scheme, and pull-up cleats.
Aside from the above, the FX HO and FX Cruiser HO were the same skis, meaning that they shared the same features, including:
- Yamaha Security System
- Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
- Dual rearview mirrors
- 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
- Tow hook
- Bow storage compartment (23.8 US gal)
- Watertight under-seat compartment (2.4 US gal)
- Stern storage (4.5 US gal.)
- Glove compartment (1.8 US gal)
- Watertight storage (0.7 US gal)
- 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
- Trim indicator
- Shift indicator
- Watercraft information
- Tripmeter
- Average speed
- Fuel consumption per hour
- Fuel consumption per km/mile
Top Speed and Performance
The second-generation FX hull was designed to produce a great performance on rough waters. And Yamaha’s engineers did a great job!
The new shell had a deeper keel that cut through small waves with ease, so it offered very smooth rides even on the chop.
It also had outstanding stability and comfort even with passengers onboard.
Thanks to its predictable attitude and reliability, the redesigned FX Cruiser HO quickly became a popular choice for families and beginner riders.
Besides family riding and touring, this versatile WaveRunner could be used for various activities like tow sports and fishing.
Even though it was noticeably slower than its supercharged brothers, the ski still could reach 63-64 mph on good days. You could also expect its 0-30 time to be around 2.2 seconds.
In contrast, its SVHO equivalent did the same sprint in 1.8 seconds and topped out at 67 mph.
2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Engine Specs
| 2018 FX Cruiser HO | 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 | 11.0:1 |
| Supercharged | No |
| 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 Cruiser HO Drive Unit
| 2018 FX Cruiser HO | 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: | -6, -3, 0, 3, 6° |
Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Performance
| 2018 FX Cruiser HO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 180hp (132.4 kW) @ 7600 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 12.8 US gal/h (48.5 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at full throttle | 1.44 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1300 +/- 100 r/min |
Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Dimensions
| 2018 FX Cruiser HO | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 140.9 in (3580 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 831 lb (377 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Fuel and Oil
| 2018 FX Cruiser HO | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON /90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil | Yamalube 4W or 4-stroke motor oil |
| Recommended engine oil type SAE | SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
| Recommended engine oil grade API | API SG, SH, SJ, SL |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 US gal (70 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/ oil filter replacement) | 3.81 US qt. (3.6 L) |
| Engine oil quantity (w/o oil filter replacement) | 3.70 US qt. (3.5 L) |
| Engine Oil Total Quantity | 5.6 US qt. (5.3 L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the ’12-’18 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO:What is a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?
The FX Cruiser HO was a naturally aspirated touring/luxury Yamaha WaveRunner.
What Size was a ’12-’18 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO?
The ‘12’-’18 FX Cruiser HO measured 140.2 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height.
How Much Did a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Weigh?
The dry weight of the ’12-’14 FX SHO was 825 pounds while its ’15-’18 predecessor weighed 831 pounds.
What Kind of Engine was in the ’12-‘18 FX Cruiser HO?
This ski was powered by a 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, HO Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Supercharged?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO had a naturally aspirated High-Output engine option.
How Much HP Did a ’12-’18 FX Cruiser HO Have?
The ’12-’18 FX Cruiser HO produced 180hp at 7600 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a ’12-’18 FX Cruiser HO Hold?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO held 5.6 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.81 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a ’12-’18 FX Cruiser HO Hold?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO had an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a ’12-‘18 FX Cruiser HO Use?
The claimed fuel consumption of the ’12-’18 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO was 12.8 gph at WOT.
What was the Cruising Range of the ’12-‘18 FX Cruiser HO?
The cruising range of this model was 1.44 hours at WOT.
How Fast Did a ’12-‘18 FX Cruiser HO Go?
The top speed of a ’12-’18 FX Cruiser HO was 62-64 mph under ideal conditions.
Did the ’12-‘18 FX Cruiser HO Have a Trim System?
This WaveRunner was engineered with a 5-position manual trim system.
Did the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Have a Reverse?
The ’12-‘14 FX Cruiser HO featured a manual reverse system with a mechanical neutral, while the ’15-’18 model had the more advanced RiDE electric brake and reverse system.
How Much Does a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha FX Cruiser HO varies between $6,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.
