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2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Review and Specs [Video]

2024 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 advanced features. For 2024, its 1.8L, 180hp engine was upgraded to the new 1.9L, 200hp 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 2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO review!

2024 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 NanoXcel material.

The footwells of the ski are deep and 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.

The total storage capacity is 28.4 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 798 pounds, which translates to an approximate curb weight of 920 pounds. In contrast, the base Yamaha EX weighs only 578 pounds!

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 125hp. Unlike these entry-level family members, VX HO models have a significantly larger, inline-4 power source.

Until 2023, this unit was the proven naturally-aspirated, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 1.8L HO engine that generated a healthy 180hp.

For 2024, it was upgraded for a larger and more advanced successor.

Labeled the 1.9L HO Yamaha marine engine, this power mill displaces 1898cc and delivers 200hp.

The key features of this engine are as follows:

  • Displacement: 1898cc
  • Performance: 200hp
  • 4-stroke
  • 4-cylinder
  • 16-valve
  • Fuel-injected
  • Supercharger: No
  • Intercooler: No
  • Cooling system: open-loop
Are you wondering what the key improvements of this new engine are compared to the 1.8L HO?

In a nutshell, they are as follows:

  • Larger displacement (+ 86cc)
  • More power (+20hp)
  • Less restrictive air intake system
  • Higher compression ratio
  • Redesigned camshaft, cylinder head, and throttle body
  • Revamped cooling system
  • Upgraded exhaust manifold
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.

The VX Cruiser HO shares its 1.9L HO engine with other “HO” WaveRunners including the VX Limited HO, FX HO, FX Cruiser HO, and the GP HO.

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 65-67 mph under ideal conditions, and it can reach 30 mph in less than 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
  • 4.3” 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

2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve listed the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO specifications in one chart!

2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Dimension Chart

Yamaha VX Cruiser HODimensions and Capacities
Overall length3.37 m (132.7 in)
Overall width1.24 m (48.8 in)
Overall height1.20 m (47.2 in)
Dry weight362 kg (798 lb)
Maximum load capacity240 kg (530 lb)
Storage30.1 Gal
Rider Capacity3

2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Engine Specs Chart

Yamaha VX Cruiser HOEngine Specs
Engine typeLiquid cooled 4-stroke (DOHC)
Declared Power200 HP
InductionNaturally aspirated
Number of cylinders4
Bore x Stroke88.0 x 78.0 mm
Displacement1 898 cm³
Compression ratioNA
Cooling SystemWater
Lubrication SystemWet sump
Engine Recommended oilXPS Recommended Engine Oil - 4T 5W40 Synthetic blend oil
Engine Oil Capacity3 l (3.2 qt(liq.,US)) oil change w/ filter 5 l (5.3 qt(liq.,US)) total
Recommended fuelRegular unleaded gasoline
Fuel Recommended OctaneNA
Recommended engine oilYamalube 4W or 4-stroke motor oil
Fuel tank capacity70 L (18.5 US gal)
Engine oil total quantity5.3 L (5.60 US qt)

2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Performance

Yamaha VX Cruiser HOPerformance
Maximum Output200 HP
Trolling speed1300 +/-100 r/min

2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Drive Unit

Yamaha VX Cruiser HODrive Unit
Propulsion systemJet pump
Jet pump typeAxial flow single stage
Impeller rotationCounterclockwise

2024 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO Electric Features

Yamaha VX Cruiser HOElectric Features
Starting SystemElectric
Ignition SystemT.C.I.
Spark plugNGK - LFR6A
Spark plug GapNA
Battery typeYTX20L-BS
Battery capacity12 V, 18 A•h
Charging SystemFlywheel 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 2024 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 798 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 1898cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder “1.9L HO” 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 2000 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 65-67 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 1.8-2 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 30.1 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?

The fuel range of the VX Cruiser HO is roughly 70-75 miles (14-15 GPH) at WOT and 100-110 miles (3-4 GPH) while cruising at 24-25 mph (while 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 2024, the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is available for an MSRP of $13,599.

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 hesitate to 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!