Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review and Specs [Video]
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is the best-selling personal watercraft each year, and for good reason. It comes with a stable hull, reasonable capacities, and is powered by the high-output 180 HP Yamaha Marine engine.
If you want to find out more about this ski, this post is for you. We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha VX Cruiser HO review!
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review
Dimensions and Capacities
The deservedly popular Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is built on the medium-sized WaveRunner platform.
This hull is 132.7 inches long, 48.8 inches wide, and 47.2 inches high, meaning that it’s significantly larger compared to the entry-level EX family. Both the top deck and the hull are made of the innovative NanoXcel2 material.
The footwells of the ski are deep, wide and utilize a self-draining system to keep your feet dry.
Besides its dimensions, the ski’s capacities are also impressive as it can carry three adults safely and legally.
Total storage capacity is 30.1 gallons, which is split into a watertight glove box, a large front storage bin, and a watertight storage compartment beneath the passenger seat.
So that you can stay on the water for a long time, the hull houses an 18.5-gallon fuel tank while its engine holds 5.6 quarts of oil.
There’s no question that one of the few drawbacks of this ski is its weight.
The dry weight of the machine is 776 pounds, which translates to an approximate curb weight of 900 pounds. In contrast, the base Yamaha EX weighs only 578 pounds!
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Engine and Propulsion
Why is the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO so heavy?
One reason for this is its large, high-performance engine!
The base Yamaha VX models (without the ‘HO’ label) are powered by the 1049cc, 4-stroke, 3-cylinder Yamaha TR-1 engine rated at 125 HP. Unlike these entry-level family members, VX HO models have the larger 1.8 Liter engine option.
This 4-stroke, 4-cylinder High Output Yamaha Marine Engine puts out an amazing 180 HP and produces plenty of bottom-end torque.
The key features of this power mill are as follows:
- Displacement: 1812cc
- 4-stroke
- 4-cylinder
- 16-valve
- Fuel-injected
- Rated at 180 HP
- Supercharger: No
- Intercooler: No
- Cooling system: open-loop
This 4-cylinder engine offers a smooth operation and the largest displacement in the industry, which comes down to outstanding durability and reliability.
The direct driveshaft of the ski transmits power towards the 155mm axial-flow jet pump featuring a 3-blade stainless steel impeller.
Just like any other WaveRunner engine, this unit is also cooled with an open-loop cooling system.
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Performance and Handling
Thanks to this powerful engine, the VX Cruiser HO provides an amazing performance. The top speed of the ski is about 65 mph under ideal conditions, and it can reach 30 mph in 1.8 seconds.
Although its steering is quite responsive, this medium-sized ski is much less nimble and playful than the EX family. On the other hand, it provides much better capacities and can actually carry three adult riders.
If you are a beginner rider, you will appreciate the innovative Yamaha RiDE system. This feature is the jet ski’s brake and reverse system, making maneuvering easier in tight places. It comes in handy around the docks and while launching the craft!
The VX Cruiser HO is also equipped with a “No-Wake Mode” intended to keep the speed low in no-wake areas.
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Features and Accessories
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO comes with many useful features and accessories, including:
- RiDE by Yamaha: Standard
- Dual mirrors
- 3” Connext Mult-Color LED Display
- Touchpad Control
- Drive Control/Low RPM Mode
- Electric Trim System
- Reboarding Step
- Footwell Drains
- Two-Tone Deck Mats
- Tow Hook
- Watertight Under seat Storage
- Watertight Glove Box With USB & 12V Outlet with Accent Lighting
- 12V Battery
- Molded in Cooler Storage in Bow
- Optional Bluetooth Speakers
- Automatic Bilge Pump
- Two-Tone Deck Mats
- Pull up Cleats (2)
- Self-draining footwells
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve listed the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO specifications in one chart!
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Dimension Chart
| Yamaha VX Cruiser HO | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 3.37 m (132.7 in) |
| Overall width | 1.24 m (48.8 in) |
| Overall height | 1.20 m (47.2 in) |
| Dry weight | 352 kg (776 lb) |
| Maximum load capacity | 240 kg (530 lb) |
| Storage | 30.1 Gal |
| Rider Capacity | 3 |
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Engine Specs Chart
| Yamaha VX Cruiser HO | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid cooled 4-stroke (DOHC) |
| Declared Power | 217 kW @ 8000 RPM |
| Induction | Supercharged intercooled |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke | 86.0 x 78.0 mm (3.39 x 3.07 in) |
| Displacement | 1 812 cm³ |
| Compression ratio | 11.0 : 1 |
| Cooling System | Water |
| Lubrication System | Wet sump |
| Engine Recommended oil | XPS Recommended Engine Oil - 4T 5W40 Synthetic blend oil |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3 l (3.2 qt(liq.,US)) oil change w/ filter 5 l (5.3 qt(liq.,US)) total |
| Recommended fuel | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel Recommended Octane | Minimum octane rating (PON): 86 - Minimum octane rating (RON): 90 |
| Recommended engine oil | Yamalube 4W or 4-stroke motor oil |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 L (18.5 US gal) |
| Engine oil total quantity | 5.3 L (5.60 US qt) |
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Performance
| Yamaha VX Cruiser HO | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 180 HP |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 13.1 US gal/h (49.7 L/h) |
| Cruising Range / at full throttle | 1.41 hours |
| Trolling speed | 1300 +/-100 r/min |
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Drive Unit
| Yamaha VX Cruiser HO | Drive Unit |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Jet pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow single stage |
| Impeller rotation | Counterclockwise |
| Jet thrust nozzle angle | 24 + 24° |
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Electric Features
| Yamaha VX Cruiser HO | Electric Features |
|---|---|
| Starting System | Electric |
| Ignition System | T.C.I. |
| Spark plug | NGK - LFR6A |
| Spark plug Gap | 0.8 to 0.9 mm (0.031 to 0.035 in) |
| Battery type | YTX20L-BS |
| Battery capacity | 12 V, 18 A•h |
| Charging System | Flywheel magneto |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO!
What Size is the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO?
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is 132.7 inches long, 48.8 inches wide, and 47.2 inches high.
How Much Does a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is 776 pounds which translates to an approximate curb weight of 900 pounds.
What Kind of Engine is in the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO?
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is powered by the 1812cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder Yamaha Marine Engine featuring fuel injection, electric start, and an industry-standard open-loop cooling system.
How Much Horsepower Does a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Have?
Thanks to this powerful engine, the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO produces 180 HP.
Is the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Supercharged?
No, the VX Cruiser HO doesn’t utilize a supercharger. In fact, the supercharged SVHO engine is not available for any VX WaveRunners, as Yamaha keeps this power mill for the flagship FX and the performance GP series.
How Fast Can a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Go?
The top speed of the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is about 65 mph in stock condition, which can be boosted into the 68-69 mph range with some performance modifications.
How Long Does it Take a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO to Go From 0 to 30?
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO can go from 0 to 30 mph in under 1.8 seconds.
How Many Passengers Can the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Carry?
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO can legally carry three adult riders comfortably.
What Size Storage Compartment Does the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Have?
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO features a glove box, a mid-sized front bin, and an under-seat watertight storage, which offers a total storage capacity of 28.4 gallons.
How Much Fuel Does a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Hold?
For the best fuel range, the VX Cruiser HO comes with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Oil Does a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Take?
The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO holds 5.6 quarts of oil, but you will need only 3.7 quarts for an oil change.
What is the Range on a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO?
According to Boattest.com, the fuel range of the VX Cruiser HO is as follows:
- 73 miles at 65 mph (13.5 GPH) at 7500 rpm
- 110 miles at 24.2 mph (3.2 GPH) at 4000 rpm
while still holding back a 10% reserve.
Does the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Have Reverse?
Yes, the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is equipped with the innovative RiDE brake and reverse system.
How Long is the Factory Warranty on a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO?
The factory warranty only covers the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO for one year.
How Much Does a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Cost?
In 2022, the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is available for an MSRP of $12,449.
Where Can You find a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO For Sale?
If you are in the market for a Yamaha VX Cruiser HO, don’t hesitateto visit Yamaha’s official website.
You may also find our jet ski comparison tool useful, which allows you to compare the latest jet ski models head-to-head!
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