2016 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Review

This midrange craft does a lot of things right

Yamaha offers the FX Cruiser HO in two color choices for 2016. It reflects the boat’s appeal to multiple personalities. Those that want big-displacement performance and aggressive handling at a midrange price point will probably gravitate toward the pure white and electric green. It pops. More into stately cruising and plush comfort? You very well might appreciate the upscale black-and-slate-blue metallic.

Both bring out the best in a boat that frequently rises above its middle-child positioning in Yamaha’s diverse lineup.

No Replacement…For Displacement

Squeeze the trigger on the Cruiser HO and the engine responds with all the potential 1,812cc can muster. With this much displacement, Yamaha elects to forego a supercharger at this price point. But with this much cylinder volume on hand, the boat doesn’t miss it. Acceleration is strong, with enough force to easily accelerate off the line, power through a turn or tow your watersports-loving buddies. Boasting a peak speed of about 63 mph, it should also handily beat most of its head-to-head competition.

What’s so great about avoiding a supercharger? Cost for starters. A non-supercharged engine will not only be cheaper to purchase, it will prove far more fuel-efficient. That summer gas budget will get stretched considerably. Non-supercharged engines can also prove a little more user-friendly for the aforementioned towing duties. They respond more smoothly to input at the throttle, and should provide a better tow for your rider.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Sea-Doo GTI Limited 155

The hull will also make for a smooth tow, as well as pleasing ride for enthusiasts of all interests. In classic Yamaha fashion, it holds a straight and true line through nearly any water condition, inspiring confidence in both driver and any passengers hanging on for the ride. Prefer to get a little frisky and it will roll with an intuitive inside lean into the corners, bite with aggressive tenacity, and somehow make the entire process seem predictable and controlled. In short, it’s downright impressive no matter what your riding style or typical playground. Use electric trim (yup, no more mechanical) to plant the bow for more aggressive manners in turns, raise it for increased top speed in the straightaways, or just adapt to the load in the saddle.

The FX Cruiser HO holds a straight line in just about any water condition.

Let’s RiDE

Last year marked the introduction of RiDE, Yamaha’s “dual-throttle” control system. At first glance it may seem quite similar to Sea-Doo’s iBR – a left-handlebar lever and modified reverse bucket are used to both put the boat into reverse and rapidly decelerate at speed – but in use its differences stand out. Rather than a “gear shift” and “brake,” Yamaha’s solution simply provides power. Use the throttle to deliver thrust in forward, use the RiDE lever to deliver thrust in reverse. At slow speeds that gives the craft boat-like handling around the dock; at high speeds, that application of thrust rapidly slows the craft. Switching between motions is quick and, within a few minutes, intuitive. Release both levers and the craft goes into a neutral mode.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX

Keep the latter fact in mind. My primary concern with RiDE has been how much power is on tap in reverse. In tight quarters it can surprise. But learn to release both levers and not constantly compensate, and the usability of the system impresses.

Use the boarding ladder to hop up onto the Hydro Turf rear deck mats.

Yamaha diverts water to the sides of the RiDE bucket. It keeps the boat level during high-speed decelerations, and makes for nimble handling in reverse.

What Else ‘Ya Got?

In addition to RiDE, Yamaha also equips the Cruiser HO with cruise control and no-wake mode. Use Cruise Assist to lock in a steady speed when touring or towing, and avoid constant tension on your throttle finger. Use no-wake when navigating lengthy slow zones, and not provide any throttle input at all. The former disengages the minute you release the throttle. FX Cruiser HO customers also get adjustable tilt steering, boarding step with foot-friendly flat surface, watertight storage in the dash and under the seat, Hydro-Turf footwell and rear deck mats, wet-storage trunk aft, and Yamaha’s familiar remote transmitter to “lock” the craft as well as activate a slower RPM mode.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha VXS

Cruiser models add niceties like a tiered, bolstered saddle. It offers back support for every passenger, as well as a separated, elevated nook to provide them with a more comfortable ride. Also in the mix are pull-up cleats, which make docking and leaving a PWC far simpler than lassoing the steering column or bow eye.

Yes, the FX Cruiser HO kind of occupies that middle-child slot. It’s bigger and more powerful than the VX line, yet falls at the low-end of the flagship FX series. Smart buyers, however, won’t overlook its potential.

Nor its pick-your-personality color schemes.