2023 Yamaha FX SVHO Review

One killer machine

Yamaha’s FX SVHO is about as “murdered out” as it gets. It’s hull…is black. It’s deck…is black. Black, in fact, colors literally almost every inch of the craft. It’s fitting, as the FX SVHO is one murderous beast. It claimed this past summer’s Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300. Dominated the Pro Enduro class at P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championships. And probably won more than its share of weekend grudge matches between friends.

And yet, this is one high-performance performer that’s also surprisingly luxurious, and features an abundance of technology.

Somebody call 911…the FX SVHO is one killer machine.

Rap Sheet

A killer craft needs a killer engine and Yamaha’s 1,812cc Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) has a lengthy rap sheet. Grab a handful of throttle and the craft literally leaps off the line with brutal acceleration, romping to 30 mph in about a second-and-a-half. Let the supercharger get to work and watch 68 mph come with ease. Electric trim is available and definitely should be taken advantage of to let this beast romp on the top end. Some of that aforementioned tech, however, can automate the process. Drivers can choose to automatically trim for performance or more casual riding. You can also choose how aggressively the craft takes advantage of its acceleration, great for those times when you don’t want someone at the controls to have the full power at their disposal.

The hull that puts that power to the water is well proven. Classic Yamaha, it excels when conditions turn lousy, taming the roughest conditions with ease and precision. Find some glassy flats and it becomes a razor, slicing up the water with catlike reflexes. Several changes introduced in 2022 improve overall performance. While Yamaha’s lightweight NanoXcel 2 material remains up top, the hull actually switched back to heavier Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC). The choice puts a little more hull in the water, an improvement in handling that outweighs the additional pounds. Sponsons shifted slightly forward and a redesigned ride plate hook the back end of the hull to the water and lift the bow. The end result is a craft that is predictable and fast both offshore and in the rough, and light and agile in the calm.

Other items worth noting? The FX SVHO’s sculpted saddle offers a secure feel at speed and features a bolster that provides back support without getting in the way of riders who like to shift their position. Handgrips are shaped to provide both comfort and control. Excellent footwell traction prevents slip, even in the most brutal turns.

High-Tech Hacker

While the above combo is probably enough for pure performance riders, today’s buyer is accustomed to tech and the FX SVHO comes packing. Much of it is centralized in the dash-mounted Connext display, a 7-inch color touchscreen. It features all the basics — speed, rpm, fuel level, trim setting, etc — but offers far more than just the prerequisites. Tabs arrayed across the top of the screen access a variety of information and features, including complete smartphone-connectivity, GPS mapping, audio controls, engine-response functions, auto trim settings, lock-out security coding and enhanced Drive Control functions. Plot your route or “geofence” the craft to a specific riding zone when turning over to friends or younger family members, take and make phone calls, keep tabs on text messages, or pull up your favorite audio playlist to match the ride. Sound from the optional Bluetooth system is directed toward driver and passengers via a pair of factory-installed 4.5-inch speakers positioned just forward of port and starboard footwells. The FX’s large, watertight glovebox includes a nook for your phone, a 12-volt charger to keep it topped off and even an internal light to see your way around the interior.

Other features include Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode, a reverse-assist mode to help in situations like powering the craft off a trailer, Drive Control/Low RPM Mode, and, of course, RiDE. Yamaha’s electronic reverse and deceleration system, its righthand throttle for forward power/lefthand throttle for reverse power and idle when both levers are released approach is intuitive, responsive, and provides both stopping power and simplified low-speed maneuvering around dock or launch ramp.

Competitive Lineup

Yes, the competition has its own killers in this range. Sea-Doo’s RXT-X ($18,499) is also available in a black-dominated paint scheme, offers similar performance and rough-water skills, and includes the audio system standard as well as an electronic pump-cleaning system. Kawasaki’s Ultra 310X ($18,299) likewise excels in rough conditions, features long-awaited Smart Reverse & Deceleration, and offers a 7” color display controlled by a jog dial.

All are comparable machines but the Yamaha has those impressive race results to its credit. Not to mention one killer paint job.