![2012-2018 Yamaha FX HO Review and Specs [Video]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2012-2018-yamaha-fx-ho.jpg)
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
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
- 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
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 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 HO Drive Unit
2018 FX 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 HO Performance
2018 FX 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 HO Dimensions
2018 FX 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 | 829 lb (376 kg) |
Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Yamaha FX HO Fuel and Oil
2018 FX 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 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.