2013 Yamaha VX Deluxe Review

Reliable, affordable fun … with lots of references

The latest version of the Yamaha VX Deluxe isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s seen little change since its introduction. Industry watchers, however, are well aware of the paradox. Despite being the same ol’ thing, the VX Deluxe continues to sell. And not only sell, but quite literally dominate the market.

What’s Yamaha’s secret? Read on.

Count On It

Though underpowered by today’s standards, the Yamaha VX Deluxe delivers enough for most recreational use.

As always, a fair share of the VX success story comes down to its reliable, fuel-efficient engine, a 1,052cc four-cylinder. Though no longer publicized, it produces about 110 hp, which to be perfectly frank is on the lowest end of the horsepower totem pole in the PWC industry. Still, it gets the job done. Top speed on the VX Deluxe is anywhere from 50-53 mph, and 0-30 times average around 3.0 seconds. The former is fine for most recreational use; the latter enough to provide a bit of thrill and also make the craft more than capable for most towing duties.

Excellent hull design makes the VX a stable, sharp-cornering craft.

The engine requires no more than 87 octane pump gas, and uses very little of it. At 30 mph, expect to burn little more than three gallons per hour. That’s a sales pitch for some buyers.

A larger share of the credit, however, likely goes to the hull. A design that features gently rounded chines to reward a lean-in riding style, a deep angle at the bow to bust through chop, and a gentler deadrise at the transom to improve stability; the VX can satisfy many masters.

From the start it’s proven a winner, blending newbie-pleasing comfort and stability with enough carving ability to satisfy the more experienced. Yamaha made tweaks several years back to accommodate the sporty VXR model, and the result was arguably even better handling, with a sharp-cornering style that rewards those who push the craft.

It’s also a true Yamaha in the rough stuff, able to pound its way through the chop without being knocked off course or getting twitchy. Yes, it may seem a little firmer of a ride at times, but overall it just feels solid, giving owners the feeling it will last long-term.

The aft platform provides ample room, perfect for a day of tow sports.

The deck above is comfortable, with fixed handlebars in front of a gently sloped seat. Minimal bolsters provide some support and position, without making the driver feel overly locked into position. The aft platform is roomy to accommodate deep-water boarding or gearing up for tow sports. A flip-down boarding step eases the transition onto the boat.

Dee-Luxe

Dual mirrors, remote transmitter and an upgraded saddle are features offered on the Deluxe model.

As to where the word “deluxe” fit into the picture, the Deluxe features a few upgrades over Yamaha’s true entry-level VX Sport. That saddle is cut-and-sew, giving the craft a little more upscale appeal than a simple plain vinyl wrap. The paint is also an attractive metallic. You also get the benefit of reverse. Yes, it’s located to starboard like all Yamahas, but it’s there, and it works well.

You also get Yamaha’s car-like remote transmitter, which can be used to disable the craft to prevent theft, or put it into a speed-goverened mode to tame the ride or conserve fuel. You also get dual mirrors, which are nice to keep tabs on the action behind the craft. Both storage and fuel capacity are in the 15-gallon range.

And, of course, there’s another reason for the craft’s success — what it offers for the price. Yamaha developed the VX line as an affordable four-stroke alternative, and though today’s prices have inched up significantly, you can still get a VX Deluxe in the low 9,000 range (retail remains at $9,299). That’s not too shabby.

So yes, there’s nothing radically new here. And yes, the competition is getting steadily better. Yamaha, however, has a winning formula. And success is a hard thing to argue with…

Yamaha has a proven winner i the VX Deluxe.

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