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2014-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO Review and Specs [Video]
The 2014-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO was a more advanced configuration of the base FX SVHO. These skis shared the same FX platform and the upgraded 250hp SVHO engine, but the Cruiser had some unique features like a bolstered touring seat, custom color scheme, pull-up cleats, as well as some additional gauge functions. Aside from these differences, these skis were completely identical.
If you want to find out more about this high-end touring WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
2014-2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO Review
FX Cruiser SVHO Hull and Top Deck
The 2014 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO was built on the proven FX platform, which had been heavily redesigned for the 2012 model year.
Yamaha used this body on each FX WaveRunner from 2012 through 2018 without any significant design changes.
This large touring WaveRunner platform was 140.2 inches in length and 48.4 inches wide. Its impressive dimensions ensured amazing stability and predictability.
In the 2014 season, the body of the FX Cruiser SVHO was made of NanoXcel1, which offered a dry weight of 875 pounds.
In the following year, the hull material was upgraded to the lighter yet stiffer NanoXcel2, which decreased the dry weight to 836 pounds.
This was a remarkable weight loss, especially considering that this model came with the RiDE brake and reverse system, which was noticeably heavier than the standard manual reverse system.
The FX Cruiser SVHO with this RiDE system and the NanoXcel2 hull was manufactured unchanged from 2015 through 2018.
FX Cruiser SVHO Engine and Propulsion
While the body of the ski had been inherited from the FX Cruiser SHO, its supercharged SHO engine was replaced with a more advanced engine option.
To be more precise, the heart of the FX Cruiser SVHO was its Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) Yamaha marine engine. This supercharged and intercooled, 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4 powerhouse produced 250hp at 7500 RPM.
The new engine version had many improvements over the predecessor 210hp SHO, including:
- More durable, compression-forged pistons
- More efficient supercharger
- Larger intercooler
- All-new oil cooler
- Upgraded fuel injection system
- New spark plugs
The diameter of the proven 155mm axial-flow, single-stage pump was enlarged to 160mm. This revamped propulsion system packed a lot of advanced features, including:
- Stainless-steel pump housing
- Race-inspired, eight-vane stator
- Manually adjustable quick-shift trim system
- Three-blade stainless-steel impeller
- Redesigned, top-loader scoop grate (a.k.a. intake grate)
- Extended ride plate
- RiDE brake and reverse (2015-)
FX Cruiser SVHO Features
As the name suggests, the FX Cruiser SVHO came standard with the “Cruiser” package, the content of which was as follows:
- Bolstered “theater-style” saddle
- Pull-up cleats
- Extra gauge functions (Compass, Air temperature, Water temperature)
- Custom color scheme
- Yamaha Security System
- Remote control transmitter (With L-Mode)
- Dual rearview mirrors
- Tool kit
- Deck mats
- Bow and stern eyes
- Engine cut-off switch
- Safety lanyard
- Tilt steering system
- Drain plugs
- Rope holes
- Rear grab handle
- Sponsons
- Reboarding step
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
- Tow hook
- 23.8-gallon bow storage
- 4.5-gallon stern storage
- 2.4-gallon watertight seat storage
- 1.8-gallon glovebox
- 0.7-gallon watertight deck storage
- Fire extinguisher container
- Cup holder
- 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
- Compass
- Air temperature
- Water temperature
FX Cruiser SVHO Top Speed and Performance
Supercharged WaveRunners were known for their amazing performance, and the FX Cruiser SVHO was no exception.
The top speed of the ski was electronically limited to 67 mph and it could accelerate from 0 to 30 mph in 1.5 seconds. In contrast, non-supercharged FX models with the 1.8L, 180hp HO engine option could do the same run in about 2.5 seconds.
You could expect its fuel consumption to be about 22 gph at WOT and 3.5 gph at 25 mph.
Along with its great power, this PWC built its reputation on outstanding comfort and stability.
Its large, heavy hull sat deeply in the water while its keel cut through the chop with ease. Combining this body with the 250 ponies of an SVHO engine translated to an outstanding rough water performance.
This is why the FX Cruiser SVHO has always been among the best offshore PWCs ever built.Besides touring and family outings, it was often used for tow sports and fishing trips.
FX Cruiser SVHO Problems
It’s safe to say that the most common problem of early FX Cruiser SVHOs was their deflective timing chain.
Unfortunately, the chain on early (2014-2015) SVHO engines was prone to blowing up, causing costly engine damage.
For 2016, the manufacturer solved this issue with a more durable timing chain and a redesigned tensioner.
Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO in these charts:(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)Engine Specs
| 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO | 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 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | LFR7A |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Charging system | Flywheel magneto |
Drive Unit
| 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO | Drive Unit |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise |
| Jet Thrust Nozzle Angle | 24 + 24 ° |
| Jet thrust nozzle trim angle: | -6, -3, 0, 3, 6° |
Performance
| 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 250hp (183.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 22.1 US gal/h (83.7 L/h) |
| Cruising Range at WOT | 0.84 hr. |
| Trolling speed | 1250 +/- 100 r/min |
Dimensions
| 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 140.2 in (3560 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Overall Height | 48.4 in (1230 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 836 lb (379 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 riders/530 lb |
Fuel and Oil
| 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 91 PON / 95 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 this legendary PWC:What is a Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO?
The FX Cruiser SVHO was a high-end luxury Yamaha PWC.
What Size was a ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO?
The ‘14’-’18 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO measured 140.2 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height.
How Much Did a FX Cruiser SVHO Weigh?
The dry weight of the ‘14 FX Cruiser SVHO was 875 pounds while its ’15-’18 predecessor weighed 836 pounds.
What Kind of Engine was in the ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO?
This jet ski had a 4-stroke, 1812cc, DOHC, inline-4, SVHO Yamaha Marine engine.
Was the Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO Supercharged?
The FX Cruiser SVHO featured a supercharged engine option.
How Much HP Did a ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO Have?
The FX Cruiser SVHO produced 250hp at 7500 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO Hold?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO held 5.6 US quarts of engine oil, of which 3.81 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).
How Much Fuel Did a ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO Hold?
The FX Cruiser SVHO had an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a FX Cruiser SVHO Use?
The WOT fuel consumption of the ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO was 22.1 gph.
What was the Cruising Range of the ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO?
The cruising range of this model was 0.84 hours at full speed.
How Fast Did a ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO Go?
The top speed of a ’14-’18 FX Cruiser SVHO was electronically limited to 67 mph.
Did the ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO Have a Trim System?
This WaveRunner was designed with a 5-position quick-shift trim system.
Did the ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO Have a Reverse?
The 2014 FX Cruiser SVHO had a manual reverse system while in the ’15-’18 seasons it featured a RiDE electric brake and reverse.
Did the ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO Have a Brake?
The Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO was upgraded with a brake system in 2015.
How Much Does a ’14-‘18 FX Cruiser SVHO Cost?
The asking price of a nice ’14-’18 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO varies between $10,000 and $16,000 depending on its year and condition.
