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Honda AquaTrax F-15X Review and Specs [Video]

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Review and Specs [Video]

The Honda AquaTrax F-15X was the most powerful Honda PWC ever built. It was powered by a turbocharged, 4-stroke, 1470cc engine rated at 197hp. Its more reliable, naturally-aspirated sibling was the AquaTrax F-15, which delivered a remarkable 153hp.

If you want to find out more about the turbocharged AquaTrax F-15X, this post is for you.

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

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Review

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Hull

The AquaTrax F-15X replaced the proven 3-seater F-12X for the 2008 season.

Compared to its predecessor, the F-15X was longer, heavier, and had greater capacities.

In terms of dimensions, this ski measured 133.9 inches in length, 49 inches in width, and 42.3 inches in height.

Its all-new fiberglass-reinforced shell was designed from scratch even though it had some DNA from its smaller relatives.

Its dry weight was 838 pounds, which meant a weight increase of 47 pounds compared to the F-12X.

You could expect the overall weight capacity of the ski to be 525 pounds.

Its expansive top deck offered plenty of space and housed three storage units including a 21.4-gallon bow storage, a 1.5-gallon rear storage, and a 1.7-gallon glovebox.

The latter had a dedicated shelf for storing the operator’s manual, but it was also a great place for the registration papers and other documents.

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Engine

Unlike its smaller predecessors that housed a 1235cc engine, the AquaTrax F-15X was designed with an all-new, larger-displacement power mill.

This unit was a 4-stroke, turbocharged, 1470cc, 4-cylinder Honda marine engine rated at 197hp at 6500 RPM. You could find a naturally-aspirated, 153hp version of this engine in the AquaTrax F-15.

Keeping easy maintenance in mind, the oil reservoir, including the filter, and the dipstick were mounted on the front of the block.

One of the most important features of this engine was its high-performance IHI turbocharger, which was paired with an intercooler.

The throttle body had also been redesigned and the turbo was located closer to the intake manifold, which significantly reduced the annoying turbo lag.

To handle the increased engine power the F-15X also got a new propulsion system.

The 147mm Solas jet pump of the F-12X was upgraded to a 155mm unit and the impeller was moved toward the jet nozzle, which now had a smaller diameter. This ensured a quieter operation and better water flow.

This upgraded pump was completed with a top-loader scoop grate for maximum performance and less cavitation.

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Features

Designed to be a high-end Honda PWC, the F-15X came standard with a lot of advanced features, including:

  • Electronic keyless ignition system
  • Engine shut-off switch
  • Safety lanyard
  • Sponsons
  • Trim system
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Manual reverse
  • One-piece seat for 2
  • Seat strap
  • Grab rail
  • Bow and stern eyelets
  • Deck mats
  • Drain plugs
  • Stern eyelet (Ski eye)
  • Dual mirrors

Storage compartments:

  • 21.4-gallon front storage
  • 1.7-gallon glovebox
  • 1.4-gallon stern storage
  • Tool kit compartment
  • Fire extinguisher compartment

It’s a lesser-known fact that the F-15X was marketed in two configurations, the base F-15X and the F-15X with GPScape.

These skis were almost equivalent, except the latter came standard with a reboarding step and the Honda-exclusive “GPScape” navigation system paired with a more advanced gauge.

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Top Speed and Performance

According to this F-15X test at Boats.com, this ski could keep up with more powerful competing models.

The main rivals of this flagship AquaTrax were the Yamaha FX SHO, Sea-Doo RXT-X, and the Kawasaki Ultra 250X.

Even though the Honda produced 50-60hp less than these skis, its top speed was nearly the same.

Under ideal conditions, the F-15X topped out at 64-65 mph and did the 0-30mph sprint in about 2 seconds. At this speed, the ski burned a whopping 17 gph, so its 18.49-gallon fuel tank lasted barely more than an hour.

Sure, this Honda PWC wasn’t as sporty and aggressive as the Sea-Doo RXT-X, but their target markets were also slightly different.

In return, the F-15X’s wide bow and raised bond line effectively kept water spray away from the cockpit. Thanks to this unique design, this ski offered very dry rides even on the chop.

What’s more, its highly positioned thick rub rails protected the hull from damage when the ski was tied up to a dock.

When it comes to the riding experience, this AquaTrax was known for having great stability and predictability.

This was not surprising since compared to its predecessors the F-15X was larger and heavier, so it sat deeper in the water.

Its spacious seat offered lots of comfort and plenty of space, which made it a great family cruiser.

The F-15X also instantly became popular among watersport lovers who appreciated its linear power delivery and tow-sport intended features.

Drawbacks?

It’s safe to say that one of the biggest problems of the F-15X was its low-positioned handlebars, which proved to be uncomfortable while riding in a stand-up position.

Many riders agree that this amazing PWC deserves a more advanced, adjustable handlebar design!

Honda AquaTrax F-15X Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specs of the 2009 Honda AquaTrax F-15X in these charts:

(Please note that the specs may vary by the model year.)

Engine Specs

2009 AquaTrax F-15XEngine Specs
Type4-stroke, inline-4
Number of cylinders4
Displacement1470 cm³ (89.7 cu. in)
Bore and Stroke79 × 75 mm (3.11 × 2.95 in)
SuperchargedYes
Lubrication systemDry sump
Cooling SystemWater-cooled, open circuit, direct flow from propulsion system
Starting SystemElectric starter
Spark Plug Gap0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in)
Spark Plugs TypeIMR9D-9H (NGK)
Valve clearance (cold) – Intake0.008 in (0.20 mm)
Valve clearance (cold) – Exhaust0.01 in (0.26 mm)

Propulsion

2009 AquaTrax F-15XDrive System
Propulsion SystemJet pump
Jet Pump TypeAxial flow, single stage
Minimum level for jet pump operation3 feet (90 cm)
Impeller3-blade, stainless steel

Performance

2009 AquaTrax F-15XPerformance
Maximum Output197.3 HP (147.1 kW) @ 6,500 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption17.07 US gal/h (64.6 L/h)
Cruising Range at full throttle1.08 hours
Idle speed1200 +/- 100 r/min

Dimensions

2009 AquaTrax F-15XDimensions
Overall Length133.9 in (3,400 mm)
Overall Width49.0 in (1,245 mm)
Overall Height42.3 in (1,075 mm)
Dry Weight838 lbs (380 kg)
Passenger capacityOperator, two passengers
Cargo capacityFront storage compartment: 22 lbs (10 kg), glove box: 6.6 lbs (3 kg), Rear storage compartment: 1 lbs (0.5 kg)
Maximum weight capacity525 lbs (238.5 kg) rider, passenger, all cargo

Fuel and Lubricant

2009 AquaTrax F-15XFuel and Oil
FuelUnleaded Premium Gasoline
Pump octane number91 or higher
Fuel capacity18.49 US gal (70.0 L)
Recommended engine oil typeAPI Service Classification SG or higher except oils labeled as energy conserving on the circular API service label. SAE 10W-30 JASO T903 standard MA Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil (USA & Canada) or Honda 4-stroke oil (Canada only), or an equivalent motorcycle oil
LubricantWater-displacement corrosion-proof lubricant (without Teflon or molybdenum additives, such as CRC 6-56 or equivalent)
Engine oil capacity – after disassembly5.6 US qt. (5.3 L)
Engine oil capacity – after draining4.4 US qt. (4.2 L)
Engine oil capacity – after draining & oil filter change4.5 US qt. (4.3 L)

Electric System

2009 AquaTrax F-15XElectric System
Battery12 V – 18 Ah
Generator0.31 kW/5,000 RPM
Main fuse30 A
Other fuses15 A, 5 A

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 this popular Honda PWC:

What is a Honda AquaTrax F-15X?

This ski was the most powerful Honda PWC ever built.

When did this model Come Out?

The Honda AquaTrax F-15X was introduced in 2008.

What Years Did Yamaha Manufacture the AquaTrax F-15X?

The F-15X was marketed from 2008 through 2009.

What Size was an AquaTrax F-15X?

The F-15X measured 133.9 inches in length, 49 inches in width, and 42.3 inches in height.

How Much Did an AquaTrax F-15X Weigh?

The dry weight of the AquaTrax F-15X was 838 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on an AquaTrax F-15X?

The Honda AquaTrax F-15X was rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the AquaTrax F-15X?

The engine of this ski was a turbocharged, 4-stroke, 1470cc, fuel-injected, inline-4, Honda marine engine.

Was the AquaTrax F-15X Supercharged?

The Honda AquaTrax F-15X had a turbocharged engine.

Was the AquaTrax F-15X a 2-stroke?

The Honda AquaTrax F-15X was powered by an innovative 4-stroke engine.

Was the AquaTrax F-15X fuel Injected?

The Honda AquaTrax F-15X featured a fuel injection system.

How Much HP Did a Honda AquaTrax F-15X Have?

The AquaTrax F-15X delivered 197hp at 6500 RPM.

How Much Oil Did an AquaTrax F-15X Hold?

The F-15X held 5.6 US quarts of engine oil, of which 4.5 quarts were replaceable (w/ filter).

How Much Fuel Did an AquaTrax F-15X Hold?

The fuel capacity of the F-15X was 18.49 gallons.

How Much Fuel Did an AquaTrax F-15X Use?

The claimed fuel economy of the AquaTrax F-15X was 17.07 gph at full speed.

What was the Cruising Range of the AquaTrax F-15X?

The claimed fuel range of the AquaTrax F-15X was 1.08 hours at WOT.

How Fast Did a Honda AquaTrax F-15X Go?

The top speed of a Honda AquaTrax F-15X was 65 mph in stock condition.

Could the AquaTrax F-15X Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its 3-rider seat, the AquaTrax F-15X could legally be used for tow sports.

Did the AquaTrax F-15X Have a Reverse?           

The PWC featured a manual reverse system.

Did the Honda AquaTrax F-15X Have a Brake?

This Honda PWC was manufactured without a brake system.

How Much Does a Honda AquaTrax F-15X Cost?

The asking price of a used Honda AquaTrax F-15X varies between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the year and its condition.