2022 Yamaha EX Limited Review

The flagship of Yamaha’s Rec Lite class is ready for watersports duty

The 2022 Yamaha EX Limited, part of a Rec Lite series initially targeted at a mostly recreational/introductory audience, offers a little more than the average introductory model. Much of that is by design. A Limited package of manufacturer-curated extras includes many of the things a consumer might ultimately purchase, including an inflatable and storage cover. It’s a treatment that was initially given to flagship craft. The fact that Yamaha gives the same treatment to an EX model is indicative of how versatile the platform can be…and a glimpse into just what buyers are doing with the affordable craft.

Core Curriculum

Though the EX line falls under the Rec Lite banner, the craft is sizable enough (10’ 4” in LOA) to handle three passengers, pull that tube or kids on skis, and handle rougher conditions than its category would seem to indicate.

The base craft is the EX Deluxe, powered by a 100hp Yamaha TR-1 engine, a 1,049cc triple cylinder that edges just past 50 mph and has decent low-end grunt out of the hole. It’s stable, responds with a pleasing agility and feels solid on the water, even if the hull is by design created to offer a little more of a loose, old-school ride feel on the water. The hull construction is fiberglass-based, just like larger models in the line and feels solid both when carving an aggressive calm-water turn and when battling bigger-water chop.

Though affordably priced, EX models feature the RiDE system, an electronic deceleration and reverse system that effectively provides a separate throttle for both forward and reverse motions, with a mimicked neutral when both are released. The RiDE lever can also be pulled at speed to provide rapid deceleration.

Other features include a deep glovebox, spring-loaded cleats, tow hook, drop-down boarding step and basic LCD info display.

Know Its Limits

Jump up to the 2022 Yamaha EX Limited and you get a package of extras that consists of predominantly watersports-related gear. The most prominent is a color-matched, single-passenger inflatable water toy and towrope, along with a towrope bag and a strap to lash that inflatable to the EX’s stern platform when not in use. The Limited package also includes a 12-volt inflator and 12-volt outlet to provide the power (or keep a phone charged when out on the water). You’ll also get a waterproof dry storage bag in the bow storage compartment, a pair of Yamaha-logoed fenders to protect the craft at the dock and a similarly color and graphics-matched storage cover.

Price tag for all of the above is an even $600. Some buyers may wish to assemble their own list of personalized extras for that price, but for many the Limited package will be pretty on target.

Not included in the 2022 Yamaha EX Limited package but worth mention is the EcoXGear Bluetooth portable speaker package ($399). A pair of self-contained speakers mounted slightly above and behind the rearview mirrors, the ball-and-socket mounted speakers can be easily removed should you want to take them to beach or dock when not riding. Sound quality is quite good out on the water and the Bluetooth music source is as close as your smartphone.

Alternative Choice

Competitors include both Kawasaki’s JET SKI STX 160 ($9,899) and Sea-Doo’s GTI ($9,299), but neither manufacturer offers a Limited set of extras. At 160hp, the Kawasaki has a defined horsepower edge and standard cruise control. The base GTI offers 90 hp, and includes Intelligent Brake & Reverse, a choice of user-selected acceleration profiles and optional Bluetooth sound package. Optional cooler and storage solutions can be added to the rear deck via Sea-Doo’s LinQ attachment system.

Obviously, what you get for the money in each case will have a lot of influence on any buyer’s purchase decision. Yamaha’s one-stop shopping, however, is an attractive option. And in its Azure Blue and Mint color scheme, the 2022 Yamaha EX Limited is also one attractive boat.