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2002-2004 Yamaha XLT 800 Review and Specs [Video]
The Yamaha XLT 800 was a midrange XL WaveRunner powered by a 2-stroke 120hp twin engine. Its larger brother was the flagship XLT 1200, which housed the high-end, 155hp triple power mill.
If you want to find out more about this 2-stroke Yamaha WaveRunner, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha XLT 800 review!
Yamaha XLT 800 Review
The Yamaha XL Family
The Yamaha XL WaveRunner family debuted in 1998 when the manufacturer revealed the innovative XL 760.
This model was replaced by the more advanced XL 800 for the Millennium. This ski was rebranded to the XLT 800 and remained in production through 2004.
In a nutshell, production XL and XLT WaveRunners were as follows:
- 1998-1999 XL 760
- 1998 XL 1200
- 1999-2000 XL 1200 Limited
- 1999-2004 XL 700
- 2000-2001 XL 800
- 2001-2005 XLT 1200
- 2002-2004 XLT 800
Yamaha XLT 800 Hull and Top Deck
As the name suggests, the Yamaha XLT 800 was built on the “XLT” platform, which was an upgraded configuration of the original XL hull.
But it’s a lesser-known fact that the predecessor XL 800 also utilized the same platform and engine.
Yes, you read correctly, the XL 800 and the XLT 800 were basically the very same ski except for some cosmetic changes.
Regarding dimensions, this revamped XLT platform measured 124.4 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 44.5 inches in height. This means that XLT WaveRunners were .4 inches longer and 1.2 inches narrower than their XL predecessors.
You can easily distinguish between the XL and XLT platforms since the latter featured a more modern, much sleeker top deck design.
The dry weight of the XLT 800 was 709 pounds, 17 pounds more than the XL 800.
It also came with a larger (18.5-gallon) fuel tank, a larger oil tank, and greater storage capacities including front storage, glovebox, and rear storage under the seat.
Thanks to its stable hull and roomy 3-rider seat, the XL 800 could easily accommodate three adult riders.
Because of this, the 800 was widely used for activities like family riding, PWC touring, tow sports, and fishing.
Yamaha XLT 800 Engine
Just like the hull and top deck, the engine of the XLT 800 was carried over from the XL 800 without any noticeable changes.
This power source was a 2-stroke, 784cc, reed-valve, twin-cylinder Yamaha marine engine that delivered 120hp at 7000 RPM.
The key features of this power mill included:
- Bore x stroke: 80 x 78 mm
- Compression ratio: 6.6:1
- Digital CDI ignition
- Reed valve intake system
- Electric start
- 2 x Mikuni BN44 carburetors
- Oil injection system
- Open-loop cooling system
- NGK BR8HS spark plugs
The claimed fuel consumption of the XLT 800 was 12.9 gallons at WOT, so its 18.5-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising time of 1.4 hours.
You could expect the top speed of the ski to be in the ballpark of 50-55 mph depending on the external conditions and load.
Yamaha XLT 800 Features
The XLT 800 inherited its features from the XL 800, which were as follows:
- Under-seat storage bucket
- Front storage compartment
- Glovebox
- Fire extinguisher container
- Programmable security system
- Tilt steering
- Manual trim
- Manual reverse
- Dual mirrors
- Deck mats
- Bow and stern eyes
- Engine cut-off switch
- Engine shut-off cord (safety lanyard)
- Drain plugs
- Rope holes
- Rear grab handle
- Two-piece saddle
- Fuel cock knob
- Ski tow eye
- Sponsons
- Finger throttle lever
- Cooling water pilot outlet
- Visibility spout
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Fuel meter
- Engine oil meter
- Clock
- Hour meter
- Trip meter
- Trip timer
- Warning light
- Display for PADLOC and direction of warning indicator
- Battery warning indicator
- Engine overheat warning indicator
- Fuel warning indicator
- Oil warning indicator
Yamaha XLT 800 Problems
Unlike the other classic 2-stroke WaveRunners, the XLT 800 had some common problems, including:
- Falling power valves: The power valves of this ski were prone to loosening and falling off. In a worst-case scenario, they were sucked into the cylinders causing serious engine damage. This issue could be fixed by installing special clips on the power valves.
- Oil lines: The oil lines of 2-stroke jet skis often cracked or fell off, which often resulted in an engine seizure. The only way to prevent these issues was to eliminate the oil system and switch to premix.
- Crankshaft bearing: The crankshaft bearing also blew up on some XLT 800s. As one may expect this often ended in severe engine damage.
- Heavy weight: The XLT 800 was much heavier than the smaller 700 and 760, but didn’t have the engine power of the triple engine of the 1200 models.
Instead, you may want to invest in an XL 1200 or XLT 1200. These skis are not only more powerful, but they also tend to be more reliable.
Yamaha XLT 800 Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2002 Yamaha XLT 800 into these charts:Yamaha XLT 800 Engine Specs
| 2002 Yamaha XLT 800 | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-stroke, L2 |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 784 cm³ (47.8 cu in.) |
| Bore and Stroke | 80 × 78 mm (3.15 × 3.07 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 |
| Carburetors | 2 x Mikuni BN44 |
| Enrichment control | Choke valve |
| Scavenging system | Loop charge |
| Lubrication System | Oil injection |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Ignition System | Digital C.D.I. |
| Ignition timing | 15 BTDC ~ 20 BTDC |
| Spark Plugs Type | NGK BR8HS |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 19 Ah |
| Generator output | 7-9 at 6,000 |
Yamaha XLT 800 Drive System
| 2002 Yamaha XLT 800 | Drive System |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Jet pump |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation | Counterclockwise |
| Transmission | Direct drive from engine |
| Nozzle Angle (horizontal) | 24 + 24 degree |
| Nozzle Angle (vertical) | -10, -5, 0, 5, 10 degree |
| Trim system | Manual 5 positions |
| Reverse system | Reverse gate |
Yamaha XLT 800 Performance
| 2002 Yamaha XLT 800 | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output | 120 HP (88.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM |
| Maximum Fuel Consumption | 12.9 US gal/h (49 L/h) |
| Cruising Range (at full throttle) | 1.4 hr. |
Yamaha XLT 800 Dimensions
| 2002 Yamaha XLT 800 | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 124.4 in (3,160 mm) |
| Overall Width | 48.0 in (1,220 mm) |
| Overall Height | 44.5 in (1,130 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 709 lb (322 kg) |
| Maximum capacity | 3 persons/ 529 lb (240 kg) |
Yamaha XLT 800 Fuel and Oil
| 2002 Yamaha XLT 800 | Fuel and Oil |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| Minimum Octane Rating | 86 PON /90 RON |
| Recommended engine oil | Yamalube 2-W, or an equivalent TC-W3 certified outboard oil |
| Fuel-oil mixing ratio | 200:1 – 30:1 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 US gal (70 L) |
| Fuel tank reserve capacity | 3.2 US gal (12 L) |
| Oil tank capacity | 1.5 US gal (5.5L) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Yamaha XLT 800:What is a Yamaha XLT 800?
The XLT 800 was a 2-stroke 3-seater Yamaha PWC built into the new XLT platform.
When did the Yamaha XLT 800 Come Out?
The Yamaha XLT 800 was revealed in 2002.
What Years Did Yamaha Make the XLT 800?
Yamaha marketed the XLT 800 from 2002 through 2004.
What Size was a Yamaha XLT 800?
The Yamaha XLT 800 measured 124.4 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 44.5 inches in height.
How Much Did a Yamaha XLT 800 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha XLT 800 was 709 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a Yamaha XLT 800?
The Yamaha XLT 800 was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Yamaha XLT 800?
The Yamaha XLT 800 was powered by a 2-stroke, 784cc, reed valve, twin-cylinder Yamaha marine engine.
Was the Yamaha XLT 800 Supercharged?
The Yamaha XLT 800 utilized a naturally aspirated engine configuration.
Was the Yamaha XLT 800 a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha XLT 800 was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
Was the Yamaha XLT 800 Fuel Injected?
The Yamaha XLT 800 featured two Mikuni BN44 carburetors.
How Much Horsepower Did a Yamaha XLT 800 Have?
The Yamaha XLT 800 produced 120hp at 7,000 RPM.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha XLT 800 Hold?
The Yamaha XLT 800 had an oil injection system featuring a 1.5-gallon oil reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha XLT 800 Hold?
The Yamaha XLT 800 was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha XLT 800 Use?
The fuel consumption of the Yamaha XLT 800 was 12.9 gph at WOT.
What was the Fuel Range of the Yamaha XLT 800?
The cruising range of the Yamaha XLT 800 was 1.4 hours at full throttle.
How Fast Did a Yamaha XLT 800 Go?
The top speed of a Yamaha XLT 800 was about 50-55 mph depending on the external conditions.
Could the Yamaha XLT 800 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Thanks to its three-seater saddle, the XLT 800 could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Yamaha XLT 800 Have a Reverse?
The XLT 800 came standard with a manual reverse system.
Did the Yamaha XLT 800 Have a Brake?
The Yamaha XLT 800 was manufactured without a brake system.
How Much Does a Yamaha XLT 800 Cost?
The asking price of a used Yamaha XLT 800 varies between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the year and its condition.
