2014 Yamaha VX Cruiser Review

Top selling craft goes on a diet

Yamaha’s “Miss Popularity” VX Cruiser was at it again in 2013, finishing as the best-selling model in the industry. That’s nothing new. A VX model, typically the Deluxe or Cruiser, has finished as the best-seller every year since its debut.

Still, a good thing can actually get better, and Yamaha has some surprises in store for 2014.

Going On A Diet

The big change for the new model year is the trickling down of Yamaha’s proprietary NanoXcel hull material. The lightweight blend, which essentially changes the filler material in sheet molding compound (SMC) from calcium carbonate to exfoliated clay, is already in widespread use elsewhere in the line. On the VX, it will be used on the hull, deck and liner in order to trim 65 pounds off the boat for 2014. That tips the existing horsepower-to-weight ratio further in the manufacturer’s favor, as well as pays obvious dividends when it comes to fuel efficiency.

Thanks to its 65-pound weight reduction, the VX Cruiser promises to be more fuel efficient.

Yamaha promises a 23% improvement in fuel efficiency at cruising speed from the familiar 1052cc, Yamaha MR-1 engine. Third-party tests have shown fuel consumption to be as low as 3.7 gallons per hour at 33 mph. I noted a top speed of 53 mph and a 0-30mph mark of about 2.3 seconds, but a noticeably crisper midrange, a likely result of the newfound weight savings. As in previous years, power is delivered to a 155mm pump, housing a three-blade, stainless steel impeller.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Yamaha VX Cruiser

As the years have proven, it’s a reliable engine, one that operates quite happily on regular 87-octane gasoline. And though tame by the standards of today’s top-end models, it’s got enough guts to handle towing duties, meaning you can teach those kids to ski and wakeboard, and pull anyone around on a tube. (To that end, the VX offers a simple tow-eye just below the seat.) With that fuel-efficiency, you’ll also be able to happily tour without worries of frequent gas stops. In fact, those stops should even be less in 2014, as Yamaha has also seen fit to increase fuel capacity to 18.5 gallons.

Improved fuel economy and a larger fuel capacity should mean fewer gas stops and more time on the water.

That engine is matched well with the VX hull. Forward, it boasts enough V to slice through the waves and handle tougher water conditions, a Yamaha trademark. Aft, that angle softens to deliver the stability that newcomers require. Rounded chines give the boat an intuitive, lean-in turning style. Beginners will be pleased they can keep those turns soft and forgiving, more advanced riders will actually be pleasantly surprised that the VX has some bite. That should mean the craft will keep your interest as comfort and skill levels improve.

Ready To Cruise

As the name suggests, the Cruiser is quite comfortable for extended rides, especially given the craft’s plush and supportive touring saddle. Nicely bolstered to offer back support, as well as allow passengers to find their “own” spot rather than feel crammed together, the seat is also tiered, rising higher as you go from its forward edge aft. Passengers sit noticeably higher than the driver, a design intended to give them a clearer, more enjoyable view forward. It’s a great match for two adults, or two and a child. Three adults? Better hope you’re all really good friends, and that the ride is relatively short. That’s almost a universal truth no matter what brand or model you choose.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Sea-Doo Spark

Tiered seating means rear passengers have a better view of the water.

The gear that crew brings along for the ride can be stashed in the bow storage tub. Additional storage for smaller items you’ll want to keep close at hand is found in the glovebox, which includes two foam cupholders. Combined, the two areas provide just over 15 gallons of stowage space. Other nice features include Hydro-Turf traction mats in the footwells, rearview mirrors to keep tabs on what’s behind, and a spring-loaded boarding step to haul yourself back aboard should you intentionally – or unintentionally – dismount. Helping in that latter regard is also the VX’s 18-inch deep, Hydro-Turf-covered aft platform and seat-level grab handle.

Grab handles on the seat and at water level make it easier to re-board the Yamaha VX Cruiser.

More Than Just A Beginner Boat

It should come as no surprise that a versatile boat like the VX Cruiser is not bought just by novices, or those on a budget. In fact, many are sold to experienced, higher-end consumers. Yamaha plays to that fact with several features, one of which is the brand’s choice of a painted, rather than gelcoated finish. On the VX Cruiser for ’14, color choices include familiar metallics, this time around a black or crimson red. Another of those upscale features is the brand’s car-like remote transmitter. It can be used to disable the engine to prevent any unauthorized use, or tame power output for inexperienced riders or when wanting to force yourself to conserve fuel.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

Any concerns? That remote is one. As it’s a separate piece of equipment, it can be lost or misplaced. And yes, Yamaha will seemingly forever continue to place the reverse lever on the starboard side, a fact that makes it hard to simultaneously use the throttle. In the overall scheme of things, however, neither should cause too much concern. Instead, the focus should be on a best-selling craft that has actually found a way to become even more appealing.

Let the popularity contest begin anew.