2010 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F Review

Kawasaki freshens look of popular introductory model

Kawasaki made some big changes to its popular STX-15F for 2010. None of them, however, affect how the boat rides or performs. The engine and hull are still the same reliable, powerful and agile choice that has existed for years.

So what’s new? The color, for one. It marks a dramatic shift for Kawasaki, moving away from the primary colors of previous models to adopt decidedly more upscale titanium metallic. Along with the change comes a rather dramatic change in the boat’s price as well. Always an impressive bargain in the past, the STX-15F has been boosted a full $600 for 2010.

That price keeps the STX-15F from receiving the no-holds barred recommendation of season’s past. But in the end, this remains a great boat for the entry-level crowd, with horsepower, features and amenities not found elsewhere.

2010 Kawasaki STX-15F

It’s Potent

The STX-15F has always stood out in the entry-level market because it is in fact a one-time flagship model, now simply handed down as a result of bigger and better offerings that have come in the years since its introduction.

The STX-15F packs a lot of punch for an entry-level craft.

At 160 horsepower, the engine is noticeably more potent than the competition. The 1,498cc four-cylinder with dual overhead cams powerplant pushes the boat to peak speeds of 62 mph, and helps the boat accelerate out of the hole to reach 30 mph as quick as 2.0 seconds. The boat’s direct competition doesn’t compare, topping out closer to the 55mph mark (or less), and taking a full second longer in acceleration.

Too potent for the novice crowd? I don’t think so. I’ve always contended that the boat is a good bargain precisely because it has that power. The 15F will grow with a newcomer as their skills improve, rather than get relegated to a trade-in should the owner long for more power. Kawi’s race-proven, deep-V hull also walks a fine line; it’s predictable enough to make beginners feel comfortable, but can carve amazingly well should the driver have the skills to push its limits.

The boat also has the low-end grunt necessary to make skiing and wakeboarding enjoyable tasks. It pulls hard out of the hole, and holds a pretty steady speed without the “twitchy throttle” feeling that diminishes the towing experience on some watercraft.

Specs-tacular

Introductory models need to be versatile. The Kawi’s capacities are at the top of the class. The STX-15F holds 16.4 gallons of fuel, and provides 23.5 gallons of storage space. The latter offers a generous front tub area to bring the majority of your belongings for the ride, along with a glovebox and small compartment under the aft section of the seat. Kawasaki’s instrumentation is very good, easy to see in sunlight and displaying speed in a large readout. A spring-loaded boarding ladder is at the ready when it comes time to remount in deep water, and theft prevention is handled through a magnetic key system that has a float should you accidentally drop it in the drink.

You won’t find primary colors like these on the 2010 STX-15F.

Kawi covers off-throttle steering with an electronic solution that increases pump thrust should the throttle be abruptly cut and handlebars turned hard to port and starboard. In theory, the system should lessen those panic situations where a newcomer would naturally release the throttle when encountering an obstacle by providing some directional thrust. Along the same safety lines, a second key can be used to limit the boat’s RPM when younger drivers, or newcomers are in control.

Familiar Refrain

So what’s not to like? The familiar refrain — reverse and (maybe) ergonomics.

The reverse situation is simple. The handle is located on the port side of the console, meaning you can’t apply throttle and varying degrees of reverse at the same time for enhanced control. In theory it’s to keep a driver from pulling on reverse while cruising along at 60 mph, but in practice most drivers are skilled enough to appreciate the benefits of being able to feather both controls in a tight area.

The ergonomic issue comes down to your body type and riding style. Some bigger riders may find the boat slightly low slung and cramped. Performance types may find they prefer it as the placement puts you low to the water in an aggressive posture. It’s purely a judgment call, so try before you buy whenever possible.

Last Call

So back to those changes. I like the metallic tones. Both Yamaha and Sea-Doo have also begun to dress up entry models, perhaps realizing that the people buying them aren’t always cash-strapped kids, but rather prudent adults. It gives a fresh look to what was becoming an all-too familiar looking machine.

The price, however, is a tougher sell. The 15F always got rave reviews because it was such a great bargain, a solid, powerful machine at a K-Mart special of a price. Now, at $8,999, it’s increased almost $1000 in two years.

Yes, it’s still a good value, and a powerful standout in its class. The competition, however, just closed the gap a little…and Kawasaki helped them do it.

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