2023 Yamaha FX Limited SVHO Boat Test, Pricing, Specs | Boating Mag

2022-10-08 17:20:32 By : Amber Qu

The FX Limited SVHO mixes luxury, accessories and performance.

Special delivery: Sign up for the free Boating email newsletter. Subscribe to Boating magazine for $14 for 1 year and receive 4 bonus digital issues.

The FX Limited SVHO, Yamaha’s flagship Wave­Runner, combines a deep-V hull with a supercharged, mega-displacement 1.8-liter Super Vortex High Output engine that pushes it beyond 65 mph. Now sheet moulding compound (SMC) returns to the hull ­rather than Yamaha’s lighter-­weight, nano-engineered construction. This adds about 40 pounds but arguably improves the boat’s feel, particularly in rough water. A ­redesigned ride plate lets the bow run higher plus helps plant the hull during aggressive cornering. Sponsons have slid forward almost 2 inches. The resulting ride is aggressive and nimble but less twitchy. Other changes include a more streamlined handlebar column and a larger glove box with smartphone stowage.

An infusion of tech elevates your experience. Front and center is the 7-inch touchscreen display. The new GPS improves speedometer accuracy and also introduces GPS mapping. Buyers will receive regional map cards at purchase. Owners can also utilize the security of geofencing.

A cool new option on FX models is the $999 RecDeck. A 6-foot-square platform that mounts atop the existing aft platform, it offers added space for fishing or hanging out and serves as the base for multiple add-ons, including a choice of coolers and Yamaha’s Multi-Use Rack ($599). The rack serves as the base for a Lounging Package ($499) that adds a 25-inch-wide seat with a flip-up backrest and flanking, insulated saddle bags, and an expanded JetFish Package ($1,199) that includes a branded cooler and rod holders. The RecDeck expands the boat’s versatility, retains Yamaha’s trademark visibility spout, and eases deepwater boarding via a three-step telescoping ladder.

Limited Package extras include a watersports-­focused mix of a single-passenger inflatable, 12-volt ­inflater, 12-volt outlet, towrope, tube carrying strap, soft-sided cooler with designated nook within the bow storage, custom cover, branded fenders and a RAM-mounted Garmin GPS fish finder. The result is a mix of luxury, accessories and performance aimed directly at the high-end buyer.

Both Kawasaki’s refreshed Jet Ski Ultra 310LX ($19,199) and Sea-Doo’s GTX Limited 300 ($18,299) feature color, non-touchscreen displays, Bluetooth sound systems, electronic reverse, braking and deceleration, easy-access bow storage, and mounting systems for adding accessories to the aft platform. Kawasaki adds a backup camera and, at 200 watts, the most potent audio. Sea-Doo includes an innovative pump-cleaning system and Limited Package extras. 

Yamaha – Kennesaw, Georgia; 866-894-1626; yamahawaverunners.com

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2022 Boating Magazine. A Bonnier LLC Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.