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1996-1997 Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Specs and Review [Video]
The 1996 Yamaha WaveVenture was the most powerful model in the deservedly popular WaveVenture series. This machine shared its hull with its smaller brothers, but it was powered by a 1051cc, 2-stroke triple engine rated at 110 HP. Other members of this family were the entry-level WaveVentrue 700 and the middle-sized WaveVenture 760.
If you want to learn all about this popular vintage Yamaha PWC, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 review!
1996 Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Review
The WaveRunner III 650 debuted in 1990 as the first 3-seater Yamaha WaveRunner. But let’s face it, although this model was rated for three riders, riding it with adult passengers was almost impossible.Because of this, the Japanese manufacturer decided to develop a full-sized 3-seater ski from scratch, and the innovative WaveVenture line was born.
The 1995-1998 Yamaha WaveVenture family consisted of three models, which were as follows:
- Yamaha WaveVenture 700 (‘95,’96,’98)
- Yamaha WaveVenture 760 (‘97)
- Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 (‘96-‘97)
The model shared its platform and many features with its siblings, but it offered much better performance.
These skis were built on the same stable and carefully designed hull, which measured 124.0 inches in length, 49.2 inches in width, and 41.3 inches in height.
The platform utilized the unique stepper configuration, which ensured higher top speeds and better overall performance. This design made its debut in the WaveRider family.
The large top deck housed a 7.1-gallon removable front storage and a 10.4-gallon storage box under the rear seat. The latter could also be used as a cooler since it featured a built-in drain system.
What’s more, beneath the front storage bin there was an additional built-in storage.
Unlike its smaller siblings, the WaveVenture 1100 was powered by a 1051cc, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine featuring three Mikuni BN carburetors, power valves, CDI ignition, open-loop water cooling, and oil injection.This lively triple provided an amazing 110 HP at 6,500 RPM and delivered its power towards the 155mm axial-flow, single-stage jet pump.
Because of the increased power and three carburetors, this engine required more maintenance and was less durable than 700 and 760 engines.
What’s more, the 1100 engine also had a bad reputation for its poor economy, as it burned 12.2 gallons of gas per hour at full speed.
Unlike the WaveRaiders and the nimble first-generation WaveBlaster 700, the WaveVenture 1100 was intended for beginners and families. Its deep-V hull offered excellent stability and handled well on rough waters.
It was also quite heavy as the dry weight of the machine was not less than 597 pounds. Thanks to its heavy body and deep keel, the WV1100 cut through the waves with ease.
Instead of motorcycle-like behavior, it provided smooth and predictable handling since it didn’t lean very much in corners, even at higher speeds.
These features and its amazing performance made this model a great jet ski for touring, while its top speed was about 52-54 mph under ideal conditions.
In contrast, the WaveRaider family featured a narrower hull and a different bottom design, ensuring higher top speeds and lower stability.
The ski was equipped with a large, 2-piece seat with a raised tail, which offered plenty of space for riders.
The minimalist handlebar only featured the throttle trigger, start/stop button, and the shut-off switch, while the large reverse lever was mounted on the right side of the top deck.
The WaveVenture 1100 came with many advanced features, which were as follows:
- Sponsons
- Electric start
- Large 2-piece seat
- Bow eye
- Tow hook
- Side and rear grab handles
- Mirrors
- Bailer
- Shut-off switch
- Manual reverse
- Digital LCD gauge
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Engine hours
- Warning lights for low fuel, oil, and high engine temperature
1997 Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1997 Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 specifications into these charts!Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Dimensions
| WaveVenture 1100 | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Length | 124.0 in (3.15 m) |
| Width | 49.2 in (1.25 m) |
| Height | 41.3 in (1.05 m) |
| Dry weight | 597 lb (271 kg) |
Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Engine Specs
| WaveVenture 1100 | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 2-stroke |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 1,051 cm³ (64.14 cu in.) |
| Compression ratio | 5.8 : 1 |
| Carburetor type | Floatless type |
| Number of carburetor | 3 |
| Carburetor starting system | Choke |
| Intake sysem | Reed valve |
| Lubrication System | Oil injection |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled |
Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Performance
| WaveVenture 1100 | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 53-54 mph |
| Maximum Output | 80.9 kW (110 HP) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 12.2 US gal/h (46 L/h) |
Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Propulsion
| WaveVenture 1100 | Drive Unit |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller rotation (Rear view) | Counter clockwise (Rear View) |
| Transmission | Direct drive from engine |
| Steering nozzle | 23 +/- 1° |
Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Electrical Features
| WaveVenture 1100 | Electrical features |
|---|---|
| Starting System | Electric Starter |
| Ignition System | Digital C.D.I. |
| Ignition timing (degrees) | 15 BTDC ~ 19 BTDC |
| Charging System | Flywheel magneto |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Spark Plug | BR8HS (NGK) |
Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Fuel and Oil
| WaveVenture 1100 | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular gasoline |
| Recommended engine oil | Two-stroke outboard motor oil |
| Fuel and oil mixing ratio | 50 : 1 (at WOT) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 US gal (50 L) |
| Reserve | 3.17 US gal (12 L) |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 1.00 US gal (3.8 L) |
Vintage Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 1997, finding one is not an easy task!We recommend that you start your research on dedicated WaveRunner forums and Facebook fan groups. Aside from some good deals, you may find some valuable info there about this ski.
Besides these sources, you may also find some used Yamaha WaveVenture 1100s for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.
https://youtu.be/8dyg8cWKXws
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100!What was the WaveVenture 1100?
The WaveVenture 1100 was a popular 2-stroke vintage WaveRunner manufactured by Yamaha.
What year did Yamaha make the WaveVenture 1100?
The Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 was marketed from 1996 through 1997.
Did the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Have Reverse?
Yes, the Yamaha WaveVentue 1100 was equipped with manual reverse.
How Many People Could Ride a WaveVenture 1100?
The large WaveVenture 1100 was rated for three riders.
Was the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
Could the Yamaha WaveVenture Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the Yamaha WaveVenture was equipped with mirrors and rated for three riders, so it could legally tow a skier. Thanks to its 110 HP engine, it could tow a skier or a wakeboarder with ease.
Where is the Battery on a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100?
The battery on a Yamaha WaveVenture was located in a battery case beneath the rear storage compartment.
How Much Did a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 was a whopping 597 pounds.
What Size was the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100?
The Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 was 124.0 inches long, 49.2 inches wide, and 41.3 inches high.
What Kind of Engine Did the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Have?
The engine of the Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 was a 2-stroke, 1,051cc twin featuring two Mikuni carbs, CDI ignition, and oil injection.
How Much Horsepower Did a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Have?
The Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 provided 110 HP at 6,500 RPM.
How Fast Did a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Go?
The top speed of the base WaveVenture 1100 was about 60-61 mph in stock condition.
How Much is a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a vintage WaveRunner, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices of a Yamaha WaveVenture 1100 typically range from $500 up to $3,000.
