2015 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO Review

Former flagship benefits from RiDE technology

Start the Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO at the dock and it doesn’t surge forward. Instead it stays nearly motionless, ending that newbie panic that occurs when a PWC suddenly experiences a burst of water exiting the pump. It’s one of the less glamorous, but highly functional side benefits of RiDE, Yamaha’s dual-throttle system introduced for 2015.

RiDE complements the conventional throttle with a new reverse throttle – or RiDE lever – located on the opposite handgrip. The lever is linked via computer and a boat-specific control unit to a redesigned reverse bucket, which redirects pump thrust to the sides, angling forward. On that initial startup, it redirects flow just enough to keep the SHO stationary. At speed, that same bucket can be lowered to rapidly slow the craft, eventually bringing it to a complete stop.

Yamaha’s former flagship WaveRunner benefits from RiDE technology for 2015.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO

With RiDE, there’s no feel of switching in and out of gears. It’s more of a continual flow, coming on when you want it and disappearing when you don’t. When slowing the craft, the system’s side reverse bucket outlets prevent the bow from nosing into the water, keeping the craft almost completely level. As you would expect, RiDE also always overrides the normal forward throttle, resulting in a very functional, highly intuitive system that improves nearly every aspect of the ride experience.

A Better Cruiser

RiDE certainly enhances the manners of a Cruiser-oriented model. So, too, does this year’s inclusion of electric trim. Yamaha’s former manual trim could be hard to adjust at higher speeds, as the force of water exiting the pump provided some resistance to the twist grip adjustment. Electric trim is a welcome improvement, allowing the driver to easily raise the bow for top-end speed or to make the ride a little drier in rough conditions, or lower that bow for improved acceleration. Trim can also be used to adjust the boat’s attitude to match the passenger load.

Electric trim is also new for 2015, which allows the driver to raise or lower the bow on the fly.

Other Cruiser SHO features should now be quite familiar. The engine is a Yamaha standby, the Super High Output variation of Yamaha’s 1.8-liter. It uses both a supercharger and intercooler to enhance power output, giving the craft a strong low-end punch and a top speed right around the coveted 65 mph mark. Drag your buddies, pull a tube or wakeboard, or just cruise at speed. There’s more than adequate power at hand.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX

Housing that engine is the FX hull and deck. Like nearly all Yamahas, the hull is a standout in rough water, holding a straight line and not being overly influenced by chop and waves. But it’s also a thrill in calm conditions, where it rewards an inside lean and a responsive finger on the trim. Aimed at the cruising rider, the tiered saddle also benefits those who like to push the limits. It cradles both driver and passengers with back-hugging bolsters. The saddle’s three-tiered profile also positions passengers slightly higher than the one in front, enhancing the forward view. Note the removable aft third, which lifts away to reveal a dry storage container. A wet storage compartment also resides below the tail end of the saddle (complete with handy notch to allow you to keep a towsports rope attached but secure when not in use).

Yamaha’s FX hull shines in rough water, but is also a blast to ride in calm conditions.

Additional features? Check out the reboarding step. It differs from the norm in that it features a flattened step area, which is much more comfortable on bare feet. Control buttons for the information display are clustered on the driver’s side of the handlebars, just in front of the seat, so that they’re within easy reach. Naturally you also get Yamaha’s keyfob-style remote, which can lock the ignition to prevent unauthorized use, as well as activate a speed-limited mode. Handy additions include tilt steering and pull-up cleats. The latter prove quite handy when tying up at the dock.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260

Of course, the cruising rider will especially appreciate Cruise Control and No-Wake Mode, both of which make longer rides more enjoyable by eliminating the need for varying throttle pressure.

Ride On

Concerns with the Cruiser SHO are few. While RiDE is intuitive, there’s a short learning curve, most of which is centered around how strong the power delivery can be in reverse. Before you put yourself in a tight dock area, get used to how powerfully the boat can respond, and err on the gentle side.

The only other real concern, now that trim has been addressed, is the craft’s positioning within the Yamaha lineup. You can save more money (but sacrifice some speed) by stepping down to the FX Cruiser HO, or gain more power (but shell out more cash) by stepping up the FX Cruiser SVHO. Only $2,200 separates all three models.

Whatever your choice, however, you’ll be cruising in comfort…and style.