2014 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review

The most-affordable FX Cruiser just may give its siblings a run for their money

Sometimes, we just can’t help ourselves. We want more, more, more, and typically – at least in the PWC market – that means power. But power comes at a price, and often the craft that offers a little less just may be the most compelling buy.

Yes, Yamaha FX Cruiser HO, I’m talking about you…

Why Less Is More

It’s not often that a craft gets bonus points for leaving off some performance extras, but in the case of Yamaha’s FX Cruiser HO the lack of a supercharger makes perfect sense…not to mention perfect cents.

By forgoing a supercharger, the FX Cruiser HO costs thousands less and still has a 0-30 mph time just north of two seconds.

On its own, the big, 1.8-liter MR-1 engine that powers the Cruiser HO is more than enough to push the FX’s lightweight, NanoXcel hull to speeds just shy of 65 mph (expect between 63-64 in good conditions). Expect 0-30 mph times a fraction over two seconds. For a big touring-oriented machine, that’s within spitting distance of flagship performance at a very unflagship-like price tag. The FX Cruiser HO retails for $13,399, or $2,000 less than Yamaha’s premier FX Cruiser SVHO.

The FX Cruiser HO has more than enough power to haul a crew of passengers, or pop skiers and wakeboarders up and out of the water with ease. That it does so without the price hit of that supercharger, nor that component’s subsequent hit at the gas pump, is all the better. The craft is cheaper to purchase, cheaper to use, and in regards to that touring focus, able to go farther between stops at the gas dock.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Yamaha FX SVHO

It’s also a heck of a lot of fun to ride. Yamaha did some retooling in 2012, lengthening the boat overall, giving it a new sponson design, and running the keel the full length of the hull. Those changes allow the hull to maintain its rock-solid rough-water ability, busting through chop with predictable efficiency, but also add some thrills in those calm-water corners. Punch the throttle, lean in, and the FX carves sweetly through a turn with a tenacious grip on the water. It’s a trait that had me salivating at the sight of a glassy cove, and grinning from ear-to-ear as I transformed that glass into a series of zig-zag-like wakes.

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO carves through glassy water with ease.

Enhancing that handling ability is Yamaha’s manual trim. Yes, it can be a little difficult to use at higher speeds due to the force of water exiting the pump, but master the bow-down for cornering/bow-up for high-speed runs technique, and the FX truly comes alive. I also appreciated the trim’s ability to soften the waves – and lessen the spray – in rough water.

Let’s Cruise

As the name makes clear, this FX is a “cruiser,” and as such it gets Yamaha’s trademark touring amenities. Topping the list is a luxurious saddle, featuring multiple, clearly defined tiers to position each successive occupant a little higher than the one in front. Bolstered supports provide long-term back comfort and support, as well as help keep those passengers from crowding each other. New for ’14 is a double top stitching, which should add to durability as well as looks. Cruisers also get handy pull-up cleats, making for easier tie-ups at the dock.

A three-tiered cruiser seat offers the comfort of back support for rider and passengers.

Other “cruisy” features standard to FX models include Cruise Assist, Yamaha’s electronic cruise control, and a no-wake mode. Both use electronic throttle control to ease the strain of long-term throttle use, Cruise Assist allows you to set a favored speed and then simply fully squeeze the throttle while no-wake mode holds the boat at approximately 5 mph with no throttle input whatsoever. Disengaging the system is as simple as releasing the throttle (for Cruise Assist) or applying throttle for no-wake. Naturally, disengaging the safety lanyard deactivates both systems.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Sea-Doo GTR 215

Though not specifically cruise-oriented, other features are also much appreciated. The boarding platform is big and roomy, and great for those gearing up for watersports. To ease the transition from the water back onto the boat, the FX features a flattened, spring-loaded boarding step which is easier on the feet, and an additional grab handle at platform level. Combined, the features make it easier to climb aboard the craft. The 2012 makeover also includes some handy additions, like the small, wet stowage compartment immediately adjacent to the platform. Use it to stow items like a ski towrope, and note the notch in the cover that allows you to keep the rope attached to the tow eye.

And then there’s Yamaha’s adoption of a “mechanical” neutral. By adding a detent in the throw of the mechanical reverse lever, a driver can effectively stop the craft in a stationary position. It aids in picking up a skier or boarder in the water, as well as proves extremely useful around the dock or launch ramp.

Nice Package

Other noteworthy features? The FX includes over 33 gallons of storage, divvied up between the traditional front tub, a handy glovebox (with cupholders), and a screw-top canister under the removable aft section of the saddle that promises to be watertight. The FX also features tilt steering to fine-tune ergonomics, mode activation buttons for the info display conveniently clustered above the glovebox, and Yamaha’s keyfob remote, which can lock the ignition to prevent theft as well as activate a slow-speed or gas-saving mode.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX

The FX also features awesome, awesome grips. It seems silly to get so excited about something so mundane, but once you try Yamaha’s pistol-style grips, you’ll never feel the same gripping a simple round bar. They’re that comfortable.

Yamaha’s pistol-style grips are a stand-out feature.

Total it up, and it’s a pretty impressive offering…at a pretty impressive price tag. Just don’t flaunt it too much around those flagship owners.