Review: 2023 Yamaha VX Cruiser with Rec Deck

Yamaha’s versatile VX lineup has long paired features and ride with recreation class affordability. For 2023, that formula hasn’t changed. Buyers still get a hull that handles calm and rough conditions with equal strength and topside ergonomics and features that will please you, friends and family. A trickle-down accessory from the FX line, however, will make the craft even more versatile for some riders. Here’s what’s old and new for the longtime favorite, perennial best-selling VX Cruiser.

Tried And True

Once Yamaha’s entry-level four-stroke, the VX line has matured into a strong midrange contender. Its combination of 1,049 cc Yamaha TR-1 HO engine and proven hull design continues to rate as one of the most solid, reliable packages on the market, able to carve up calm water when you want your fun time and tame the rough stuff when it comes time to venture out into bigger or more challenging conditions. Head out on a longer-distance cruise and know that, recreational class or not, it’s likely up for the challenge.

In terms of numbers, expect the VX Cruiser to peak around 53-54 mph on the top end. Acceleration is strong enough to satisfy most recreational riders. It’s also ready to tow the kids on a tube. Yamaha’s RiDE system enhances overall control, aggressively slowing the craft at high speeds should you spot an obstacle. RiDE also gives the craft intuitive forward/neutral/reverse response around the dock, with a righthand throttle, lefthand reverse lever and a neutral stance should riders release both.

Topside, features and ergonomics enhance the rider experience. A comfortable, touring-style saddle features a sizable bolster for the driver, supporting the lower back on those longer journeys while keeping an aggressive pilot planted in place and able to grip the saddle with their thighs thanks to a thinner shape that tapers at the knees. Passengers share a two-tiered section behind, with another sizable bolster awaiting aft. Self-draining footwells are deep and wide. Soft traction offers grip and comfort.

Tech Enhancements

Take a moment to appreciate all that is going on at around the console. Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext display combines common info — speed, RPM, fuel level, and real-time fuel consumption — into an easy-to-read LCD screen controlled via a touchpad behind the handlebars. The glovebox, lit with an LED, is watertight and includes a USB/12-volt outlet. The front storage compartment is ready to stash carry-on gear. Optional factory-installed Bluetooth audio positions two waterproof marine speakers forward where the footwells morph into the bow design. Don’t fret rockin’ out at the sandbar. An integrated low-voltage regulator will shut down the music should you be in danger of draining the battery.

Legacy features include cruise control and no-wake mode, reverse assist mode, a PIN-based lockout code for theft protection and Drive Control, a way to limit the craft’s top speed as well as select the aggressiveness of the acceleration curve.

Get Rec-Deck’d

Fresh news for ’23 comes in the form of the formerly FX-only RecDeck option. The $1,200 platform mounts atop the existing aft deck and, in addition to newfound space for casting, lounging or gearing up for watersports, includes accessory mounts and tracks to secure a line of extras that can expand the craft’s potential.

Storage options are one example. A 60-liter Touring Bag ($370) offers waterproof storage and an adjustable internal divider. The semi-rigid 50-liter Stern Mounted Storage ($501) is great for wet gear. An adjustable Multi-Use Rack ($674) is ready for a variety of purposes, securing a variety of coolers or even a Lounge Package ($660) that adds a 25-inch wide aft-facing folding chair and twin cooler sidebags. A Premium JetFish Package ($1,347) includes the multi-use rack and adds a branded cooler, rack-mounted rodholders, and RAM cupholders. A rack-less JetFish Package ($561) does likewise without the rack, securing the cooler directly to the deck.

Final Word

Competitive models to the VX Cruiser would include Sea-Doo’s GTX SE 170 ($12,099) and, if you’re interested in going the fishing route, the Fish Pro Scout ($14,299). Both include Sea-Doo’s LinQ accessory mounts to secure optional cooler and storage accessories. Kawasaki actually has several options around this price point, the STX 160X ($11,999), STX 160 LX w/Bluetooth audio ($13,699) and the larger Ultra LX ($12,699).

It’s a crowded price point for sure, but the VX Cruiser has a strong track record of sales to bolster its resume. The RecDeck only expands on its potential.