2015 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review

Former entry-level craft gets a major facelift for 2015

Yamaha’s VX Deluxe has been an industry standout for years, but the craft has undergone a makeover for 2015. No, there’s been no outrageous changes in power or overall design, but there are notable changes that reflect the craft’s slight move up the food chain. And in the end, those changes make this perennial best-seller a significantly better boat.

Stretch and Tweak

Both deck and hull have received attention for 2015. First, they’ve grown. The new VX Deluxe adds about four inches in length and just shy of two inches in width compared to its predecessor. Storage capacity has also been upped to nearly 25 gallons, split between the bow tub, glovebox, and watertight nook located below the aft section of the new split seat.

Yamaha stretched out the VX Deluxe for 2015, resulting in a big increase in storage capacity.

Above the bond line, the craft’s lines have taken an obvious cue from the flagship FX series, with a more masculine appearance. The bow storage hatch now sports a triangular design that incorporates the rearview mirrors and positions the craft more in line with its upscale sibling. Other changes above the bondline include a larger stern boarding platform (with familiar flip-down boarding step) and more upscale cut-and-sew seat construction.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130

Below, the lightweight NanoXcel hull also sports subtle tweaks. Keel, chines, strakes, rideplate, and intake have all been changed, with the keel now slightly rounder and the bow chines softened. The end result at the controls is a somewhat sharper, crisper feel to handling than in the past, and a more confident ride in chop. Sure, the VX Deluxe is still easy and forgiving enough to satisfy the newcomer, but the improved handling is certain to work better for those new riders as they grow more confident, while still being able to please experienced PWC veterans.

One clever feature is the design of the craft’s center of balance. It allows a solo passenger to ride aggressively, yet, as the bow naturally rises with multiple passengers, delivers a softer ride for touring and towing.

Changes to the craft help soften up the ride with multiple passengers.

Unchanged is the craft’s versatile power, the 1,052cc Yamaha engine that has long carried the load. Producing about 110 horsepower, it offers the least power of its competitors in this class, but it’s still enough to produce a top speed around 55 mph and enough low-end grunt for basic towing duties. Yes, we’d like to see a little more under the seat, but try it and you may be surprised how versatile the engine is. It’s certainly enough for the casual user not hell-bent on drag racing his buddies, as well as the parent who might be hesitant about turning over the controls to a teen enthusiast.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

While far from a powerhouse, the VX Deluxe offers enough oomph for basic towing duties.

Same Engine, New Control

One feature that plays into that latter scenario, as well as simply makes the craft significantly better overall, is the inclusion of RiDE, Yamaha’s new dual-throttle approach to control. RiDE gives the VX Deluxe two throttles, one on each side of the handlebar, that control power in both forward and reverse. Squeeze the normal righthand throttle and you’ll go forward as always, squeeze the lefthand throttle and you’ll drop the reverse bucket to redirect water flow. If that happens at speed you’ll rapidly slow, similar to Sea-Doo’s iBR system. If it happens at idle, you’ll back away with increasing power. There’s no feeling of gears or lag between any actions with RiDE, rather changes almost flow from one action to the next. And yes, RiDE also allows the Deluxe to hold stationary at startup, as well as assume a neutral mode when both levers are released. Easing around a tight dock area or launch ramp has never been easier or more intuitive.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha V1 Sport

Just practice for a minute or two first, as RiDE gives more power in reverse (up to 4500 rpm) than you may expect. In the beginning that power can take you by surprise, but later you’ll use it with confidence.

Better With Age

With the new updates, the VX Deluxe is no longer an entry level watercraft.

Clearly the VX Deluxe is no longer an entry-level model. The addition of RiDE alone vastly increases the craft’s versatility, while handling and cosmetic improvements also push it towards a newer audience. But the craft was already attracting a slightly more upscale crowd than its positioning would indicate. The additions now actually make it a better match for its audience, as well as make it appealing to buyers formerly on the higher end of the price scale.

Kudos to Yamaha for a job well done.