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2014-2018 Yamaha FX SVHO Review and Specs [Video]

2014-2018 Yamaha FX SVHO Review and Specs [Video]

The 2014-2018 Yamaha FX SVHO was the successor of the deservedly popular FX SHO. Both of these supercharged WaveRunners were built on the same FX platform, but the FX SVHO utilized the upgraded 250hp SVHO engine option.

If you want to find out more about this popular touring WaveRunner, this post is for you.

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

2014-2018 Yamaha FX SVHO Review

FX SVHO Hull and Top Deck

The 2014 Yamaha FX SVHO inherited the body and features of its predecessor, the FX SHO.

This FX platform was completely redesigned in 2012 and manufactured without any significant changes through 2018.

In terms of dimensions, the ’14-’18 FX SVHO measured 140.2 inches in length, 48.4 inches in height, and 48.4 inches in width.

In the 2014 model year, this ski weighed 873 pounds, which went down to 833 pounds in 2015 thanks to the new NanoXcel2 material.

Unlike its Cruiser and Limited counterparts, the FX SVHO came with a flatter seat configuration. Even though it lacked the large bolsters, it still offered comfortable rides for three adults.

Just like any other FX WaveRunner, the weight capacity of this ski was 530 pounds.

Its overall storage capacity was a remarkable 33.2 gallons, including a 1.8-gallon glovebox, 4.5-gallon stern storage, 23.8-gallon bow storage, 2.4-gallon seat storage, and a 0.7-gallon watertight storage in front of the handlebars.

FX SVHO Engine and Propulsion

Unlike its hull and top deck, the engine of the FX SVHO was completely revamped for the 2014 model year.

The 210hp SHO engine option of the forerunner was phased out by the more advanced SVHO Yamaha marine engine rated at 250hp. Its 1812cc, inline-4 engine architecture remained the same, but the SVHO version enjoyed a lot of advantages over the SHO engine, including:

  • More durable, compression-forged pistons
  • Larger supercharger
  • Upgraded, larger intercooler
  • All-new oil cooler
  • More efficient fuel injection system
  • New spark plugs
These improvements increased the engine power from 210 to a whopping 250hp.

This power was delivered to an enlarged, 160mm (formerly 155mm) jet pump, featuring a race-inspired eight-vane stator, quick-shift trim system, and a three-blade stainless steel impeller.

The pump was fed by a top-loader intake grate, which was completed by an extended ride plate. These ensured maximum performance and a great hook-up, even on the chop.

Interestingly, the 2014 model was still designed with a mechanical reverse with a neutral “gear.” In 2015, this outdated setup was upgraded with the more advanced RiDE brake and reverse system.

FX SVHO Features

The FX SVHO was released to be the least equipped supercharged WaveRunner in the FX breed. Nonetheless, it still enjoyed a wide range of innovative 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 three riders
  • Sponsons
  • Reboarding step
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Cooling water pilot outlet
  • Visibility spout
  • Tow hook
Storage units:
  • Front storage (23.8 gal)
  • Stern storage (4.5 gal)
  • Watertight seat storage (2.4 gal)
  • Glovebox (1.8 gal)
  • Watertight storage (0.7 gal)
Its analog/digital dashboard provided a lot of useful riding 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 SVHO also inherited the multifunction display from its Cruiser variant. 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
Unlike its more featured brothers, the FX SVHO lacked the Cruiser package, which included some bells and whistles like pop-up cleats, theater-style seat, unique color scheme, and some additional gauge functions.

Apart from these minor dissimilarities, these supercharged FX WaveRunners were identical.

FX SVHO Top Speed and Performance

Even though it was primarily designed with comfort and luxury in mind, the FX SVHO offered great performance.

It was so powerful that its top speed had to be electronically restricted to 67 mph for safety reasons. The 0-30 mph time of the ski was roughly 1.5 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than its non-supercharged equivalent.

Thanks to its super stable hull, great capacities, and comfortable cockpit, the FX SVHO was suitable for several different purposes like touring, fishing, and tow sports.

As far as fuel economy goes, its claimed WOT fuel consumption was 22 gph at 7500 RPM.

Cruising at an economical speed of 24-25 mph, it could be decreased to 3.5 gph.

FX SVHO Problems

There’s no question that the biggest problem of the FX SVHO was its weak timing chain.

This defective chain on 2014 and 2015 SVHO WaveRunners was prone to blowing, causing severe engine damage.

This design flaw was fixed for the 2016 model year, when the SVHO engine got a thicker chain and a new chain tensioner.

Yamaha FX SVHO Specs Charts

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

Engine Specs

2018 Yamaha FX SVHOEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1812 cm³
Bore and Stroke86 × 78 mm (3.39 × 3.07 in)
Compression Ratio8.5:1
SuperchargedYes
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 TypeLFR7A
Battery Capacity12 V 19 Ah
Charging systemFlywheel magneto

Drive Unit

2018 Yamaha FX SVHODrive Unit
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller RotationCounterclockwise
Jet Thrust Nozzle Angle24 + 24 °
Jet thrust nozzle trim angle:-6, -3, 0, 3, 6°

Performance

2018 Yamaha FX SVHOPerformance
Maximum Output250hp (183.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption22.1 US gal/h (83.7 L/h)
Cruising Range at WOT0.84 hr.
Trolling speed1250 +/- 100 r/min

Dimensions

2018 Yamaha FX SVHODimensions
Overall Length140.2 in (3560 mm)
Overall Width48.4 in (1230 mm)
Overall Height48.4 in (1230 mm)
Dry Weight833 lb (378 kg)
Maximum capacity3 riders/530 lb

Fuel and Oil

2018 Yamaha FX SVHOFuel and Oil
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Minimum Octane Rating91 PON / 95 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 ’14-’18 Yamaha FX SVHO:

What is a Yamaha FX SVHO?

The FX SVHO was a supercharged luxury Yamaha PWC.

What Size was a ’14-’18 Yamaha FX SVHO?

The ‘14’-’18 FX SVHO measured 140.2 inches in length, 48.4 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height.

How Much Did a Yamaha FX SVHO Weigh?

The dry weight of the ‘14 FX SVHO was 873 pounds while its ’15-’18 predecessor weighed 833 pounds.

What Kind of Engine was in the ’14-‘18 FX SVHO?

This Yamaha PWC had a 4-stroke, 1812cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, SVHO Yamaha Marine engine.

Was the Yamaha FX SVHO Supercharged?

The Yamaha FX SVHO had a supercharged “SVHO” engine.

How Much HP Did a ’14-’18 FX SVHO Have?

The ’14-’18 FX SVHO produced 250hp at 7500 RPM.

How Much Oil Did a ’14-’18 FX SVHO Hold?

The Yamaha FX 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 SVHO Hold?

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

How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha FX SVHO Use?

The claimed fuel consumption of the ’14-’18 Yamaha FX SVHO was 22.1 gph at WOT.

What was the Cruising Range of the ’14-‘18 FX SVHO?

The cruising range of this model was 0.9 hours at WOT.

How Fast Did a ’14-‘18 FX SVHO Go?

The top speed of a ’14-’18 FX SVHO was 67 mph out of the box.

Did the ’14-‘18 FX SVHO Have a Trim System?

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

Did the Yamaha FX SVHO Have a Reverse?        

The 2014 FX SVHO had a manual reverse system while in the ’15-’18 seasons it featured a RiDE electric brake and reverse system.

Did the Yamaha FX SVHO Have a Brake?            

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

How Much Does a Yamaha FX SVHO Cost?

The asking price of a nice ’14-’18 Yamaha FX SVHO varies between $10,000 and $15,000 depending on the year and its condition.