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2012-2018 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]

2012-2018 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]

The 2012-2018 Yamaha FX HO was a worthy successor for the proven ’09-‘11 FX HO. The revamped model was built on the second-generation FX hull and utilized the naturally-aspirated, 1812cc HO engine rated at 180hp. Its more advanced relatives were the ’12-’18 FX Cruiser HO and the supercharged ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO.

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

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

2012-2018 Yamaha FX HO Review

Hull and Top Deck

In 2012, Yamaha completely redesigned its deservedly popular touring FX platform.

This was quite timely since the first generation FX hull had been manufactured from 2004 through 2011 without any significant changes. The only remarkable change to this body was the top deck refresh in 2008/2009.

Compared to its first-generation forerunner, the new FX was 7.5 inches longer, which came from a longer seat area and extended swim platform.

With this extension, the overall length of the FX increased from 132.7 to 140.2 inches while its width remained unchanged.

To the delight of many fans, the raised handlebar became standard equipment on non-Cruiser FX models, which increased the overall height from 45.7 to 48.4 inches. Until 2012, this handlebar was only available on the Cruiser FX series.

The footrests of the new deck were also larger and offered more legroom.

Even though the FX HO lacked the highly bolstered Cruiser seat, its flatter saddle still offered great comfort for three adult riders. It was also more comfortable during tow sports when the spotter had to face backward.

The weight capacity of the ski was 530 pounds while its storage compartments could accommodate 33.2 gallons of gear.

Drawbacks?

Mainly its heavy weight since the FX HO was one of the heaviest WaveRunners in the lineup.

You could expect the dry weight of this model to be 822 pounds in the 2012-2014 model years. It was increased up to 829 pounds in 2015 due to the presence of the RiDE reverse system.

Engine and Propulsion

Unlike its body, the engine of the FX HO was carried over unchanged from the previous model.

This power mill was a naturally-aspirated “HO” version of the proven 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4 Yamaha marine engine. Enjoying an industry-leading displacement, this purpose-built marine engine was rated at 180hp at 7600 RPM.

The most important features of this unit 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
The propulsion system of the ski was a 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump featuring a stainless-steel housing, three-blade stainless steel impeller, and a quick-shift trim system.Until 2013, the FX HO came standard with a manual brake and reverse system featuring a mechanical neutral.

In 2014, it was upgraded with the patented RiDE brake and reverse system, which was Yamaha’s answer to Sea-Doo’s iBR.

Features

The FX HO came standard with a wide range of convenience features, which were as follows:

  • Yamaha Security System
  • Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
  • Dual rearview mirrors
  • Front storage (23.8 gal)
  • Watertight seat compartment (2.4 gal)
  • Stern storage (4.5 gal)
  • Glovebox (1.8 gal)
  • Watertight storage (0.7 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 analog/digital dashboard was also designed to show a plethora 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
The FX HO also inherited the multifunction display from its Cruiser brother. The features on this display were as follows:
  • Trim indicator
  • Shift indicator
  • Watercraft information
  • Tripmeter
  • Average speed
  • Fuel consumption per hour
  • Fuel consumption per km/mile
As the name suggests, the FX HO lacked the Cruiser package, which was only available on Cruiser models. This package included an a bolstered Cruiser seat, pop-up cleats, extra gauge functions, and a custom color scheme.

Apart from the absence of these features, the FX HO and FX Cruiser HO were completely identical.

Top Speed and Performance

Even though the FX HO lacked the supercharged engine of the SVHO, it still offered a remarkable performance.

Under ideal conditions, the ski topped out at 62-64 mph and accelerated from 0 to 30 mph in about 2.2 seconds.

In contrast, the top speed of its SVHO equivalent was electronically restricted to 67 mph. Sure, it accelerated noticeably faster.

But the higher performance and poor fuel economy come hand-in-hand. The claimed WOT fuel consumption of the FX HO was 12.8 gph, 6 gph less than the SVHO.

In addition, the non-supercharged HO engine was more reliable, especially in the 2014-2015 model years when the SVHO suffered from timing chain malfunctions.

In terms of riding experience, the FX HO was designed with comfort and luxury in mind. It was spacious, stable, and predictable, offering smooth and relatively dry rides even on the chop.

Its large seat offered plenty of space, so it could carry three adult riders without any issues.

After that, the FX HO was ready for use for tow sports like wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing, and was also commonly used for touring and even fishing adventures.

2018 Yamaha FX HO Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specifications of the 2018 Yamaha FX HO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)

Yamaha FX HO Engine Specs

2018 FX HOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1812 cm³
Bore and Stroke86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in)
Compression Ratio11.0:1
SuperchargedNo
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 HO Drive Unit

2018 FX HODrive 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:-6, -3, 0, 3, 6°

Yamaha FX HO Performance

2018 FX HOPerformance
Maximum Output180hp (132.4 kW) @ 7600 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption12.8 US gal/h (48.5 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle1.44 hr.
Trolling speed1300 +/- 100 r/min

Yamaha FX HO Dimensions

2018 FX HODimensions
Overall Length140.9 in (3580 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1230 mm)
Overall Height48.4 in (1230 mm)
Dry Weight829 lb (376 kg)
Maximum capacity3 riders/530 lb

Yamaha FX HO Fuel and Oil

2018 FX HOFuel and Oil
FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating86 PON /90 RON
Recommended engine oilYamalube 4W or 4-stroke motor oil
Recommended engine oil type SAESAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade APIAPI SG, SH, SJ, SL
Fuel tank capacity18.5 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 Quantity5.6 US qt. (5.3 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 ’12-’18 Yamaha FX HO:

What is a Yamaha FX HO?

The FX HO was a naturally aspirated touring/luxury Yamaha WaveRunner.

What Size was a ’12-’18 Yamaha FX HO?

The ‘12’-’18 FX HO measured 140.2 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height.

How Much Did a Yamaha FX HO Weigh?

The dry weight of the ’12-’14 FX SHO was 822 pounds while its ’15-’18 predecessor weighed 829 pounds.

What Kind of Engine was in the ’12-‘18 FX HO?

This ski was powered by a 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, HO Yamaha Marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FX HO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FX HO had a naturally aspirated High-Output engine.

How Much HP Did a ’12-’18 FX HO Have?

The ’12-’18 FX HO produced 180hp at 7600 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a ’12-’18 FX HO Hold?

The Yamaha FX 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 HO Hold?

The Yamaha FX HO had an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX HO Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the ’12-’18 Yamaha FX HO was 12.8 gph at WOT.

What was the Cruising Range of the ’12-‘18 FX HO?

The cruising range of this model was 1.44 hours at WOT.

How Fast Did a ’12-‘18 FX HO Go?

The top speed of a ’12-’18 FX HO was 62-64 mph under ideal conditions.

Did the ’12-‘18 FX HO Have a Trim System?      

This WaveRunner was designed with a 5-position manual trim system.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Reverse?            

The ’12-‘14 FX HO had a manual reverse system while in the ’15-’18 model years this model came standard with a RiDE brake and reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FX HO Have a Brake?  

The Yamaha FX HO was upgraded with a brake system in 2015.

How Much Does a Yamaha FX HO Cost?

The asking price of a used Yamaha FX HO varies between $6,000 and $14,000 depending on the year and its condition.