Mine Arrived here in the Philippines last week, Broke it in last sunday, compared to the previous hull this felt more agile & i think because it runs higher up on the water , Love how you can just lean into turns, the only thing i noticed is that it is more prone to suck up debris into the pump coz it is higher up in the water, overall love the new hull. as always Great Review.
@@watercraftjournal I had been looking at the fx for a while, I also have a 2002 fx140 but definitely yes your review was great and on point it gave me better insight on the fx series and that helped me make the decision to buy a new one
Kevin, Why are the sponson’s angled (higher in the front, lower in the rear)? Does that help with cornering? Is that what pulls the FX into a lean when cornering? I just picked up a 2019 FX HO after doing alot of research and watching your video’s many times. Coming from a ‘96 SeaDoo GSX the handling is fantastic and it has lots of power. But I am use to a quite tippy ski that the ‘96 GSX was. When I barley turned the handle bars, the FX wants to roll to it’s side like I’m taking a sharp turn, thought it was going to dump me like my old GSX would have, but instead it grabs and turns with zero slip in the water. I have not pushed it yet, as I still have to get use to what it will do without dumping me, maybe it won’t dump me at all 🤷🏼♂️. Despite reading how this engine “sips fuel”, I was shocked when I burned a whole tank of fuel in about 3 hours. With the huge tank, that hurt! It does have over 2x the displacement of my old 787cc GSX though.
Great review, one of the most informative I've seen. How do you think this Yamaha compares to a SeaDoo Fish Pro or their GTX in overall performance, comfort and reliability? This will be my first PWC purchase. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Also, I've seen some reviews about the Fish Pro listing to one side or another, have you heard that as well?
The current Yamaha FX HO is singularly the best purchase you could make. All of the claims made in this video are verifiably true. It is a bit of a wet ride in rougher conditions, so make sure to trim the nose up. Either way, it's still the best behaving hull in the industry.
@@watercraftjournal Thanks for the quick reply! Would you recommend this Cruiser HO over the SVHO for a newbie or does it not matter? I am guessing they both ride the same but the SV just has more power?
Although the hull shape is identical, the two are VERY different. Added power and less weight radically changes the craft's behaviors in water. I strongly recommend to all first-time buyers to buy a naturally-aspirated PWC first. Supercharged machines require much more maintenance and experience very different wear and tear.
Hi ! Thanks for all your work it's awesome. I am in complete hesitation for my first jet ski, between this Fx Cruiser Ho, and the Ultra 160 Lx (Did you review this Ultra? I did not find on your site), for 100% use at sea in all conditions (except storms of course) for sporty trips of 3/4/5 hours at a rate of at least one outing per week if possible. What do you think ? I'm just a little afraid of finding the Ultra boring on calm sea days.
Hey Arthur, Kevin here. No, we haven't done a video on the Ultra LX because (frankly) it hasn't been updated since...like, 2013. Personally, I'd strongly recommend the FX HO. Yeah, it's a wetter ride and it's not going to charge through the big (and I mean BIG) surf like an Ultra can, but it's far more comfortable, enjoys far superior MPG and is a better all-around unit. When the day comes for brakes and updated dash/engine management comes for the Ultra, then we'll have a tough conversation. (And please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help the channel grow!)
FX Cruiser HO has the FAR superior hull design, better handling/tracking, more predictable steering, more storage, more horsepower and better fuel mileage. The GTX 170 is a much drier ride, more stable (when stopped) and easy access center storage. FX has a lower MSRP. GTX has more accessory options.
The Watercraft Journal thank you very much for the detailed comparison. I think I’ll go for the FX. Please continue with the great work. Greetings from Canary Islands, Spain.
Hi, I'm currently about to upgrade my 2018 EX deluxe as I'm addicted to fish off it. I'm fishing in NZ ocean and handling, stability and reliability is on top of the list. I'm wondering is the FXHO good handling and stable compare to the seadoo GTX or fish pro? Your opinion would be much appreciated!
Woof. You've been fishing off of a EX? Dang, you're diehard. The FX platform is a better ride in all water conditions. So getting to your location is more enjoyable. BUT the Fish Pro is the most stable PWC when stationary or idling slowly.
@@watercraftjournal hey thanks for your honest opinion. I'll sure to check out the seadoo just to be sure but i must admit my experience with the EX has been sensational. And yes, my current EX is fitted with a proper custom fishing kit with 4 stainless rod holders and 70 litre eski. I only weight 155lb and my brother is only 120lb. sometimes we both fish off it, even in choppy condions of 15 knot wind. Or i have fished by myself in over 25 knot wind with one meter swell. Jetski feela alot safer then the 14ft tinnie i had that's for sure.
The Watercraft Journal features are great to have but I’m looking more for reliability and on those nice lake runs. No ocean where I am. And I have a wife and kid to consider but something if I wanna tear up the lake on my own I can easily do that and keep up with the other big boys on the water
@@sparke1999 Sea Doos arent reliable. I used to love them but every single one we have is plauged with issues. Our 2015 has an issue with the fancy IBR system. It only goes forward, no reverse or neutral. The only one who can fix it is an authorized sea doo dealer because they are the only ones who can read trouble codes. And our dealer is backed up by 3 months! Only other dealer is 80 miles away! Dealer support is terrible.
If this purchase is intended to be your first PWC ever, DO NOT purchase the GPR, but rather the FX HO. Far too many people think they're able to ride a GPR as intended, and end up hating the ski. You'll find far more enjoyment in the larger, more stable and better insulated FX HO.
The Watercraft Journal I just totaled my 2016 VXR after hitting a stump in the water. I am debating the FX Cruiser HO. Will I be pleased with the handling? It’s hard to beat the VXR/GP1800R body!!
Love all your videos. Would you take this one if it was the Yamaha SVHO model or Seadoo RXT-X300 or Seadoo GTX Limited 300 ? I buy Seadoo 2020 if they get a colour display, the Yamaha display is awsome. But hope Seadoo makes it bigger, the display Seadoo have now is horrible.
Hi Kevin. What altitude did you do your test run? I bought a pair of these and I’m in Utah (4000 ft). I’m lucky to get 6700 rpm and 50mph. On the flip side I’m getting good gas mileage. They’re fun but unfortunately not thrilling. Have you taken any of your watercraft to higher mountain lakes and seen a drastic difference in performance?
Dan that’s a significant drop in top speed; we tested our FX Cruiser HO in TN and GA with an average altitude of 430-380 feet. Being down that much on both speed and RPM is significant and should be looked at.
Thanks for the feedback. Both the dealer and a rep from Yamaha said “it’s the high altitude.” End of story. Naturally aspirated engines lose 3% HP for every 1000 feet in elevation. Here’s what I get; Jordanelle reservoir (6700ft) 6500rpm 45mph, Utah Lake (4000ft) 6800 rpm 50mph, Quail Creek (3000ft) 7000rpm 52mph. Both machines run exact same. I guess my advice for those considering buying at high altitude, is to consider the svho model. I’m sure there’s modifications that can be made, just depends on how much I’m willing to spend (and if I can find that winning lotto ticket from idaho). Overall the investment in the family was worth it. It has drawn the our teenage kids closer together and strengthened their relationships. Thanks for your videos and reviews. All are well done and very informative. You guys are awesome!!
I just pre-ordered a 2022 FX HO(non cruiser) with a trailer and ski cover for 17k. It would be wise to call a dealer and put a deposit on yours sooner than later.
Yea that’s true, I’ve seen people post about how powerful the 1812 cc motor was on the cruiser ho without the supercharger saying it’ll still get up and go pretty quick, just was wondering if y’all did a bottom end acceleration testing
There are several top speed posts putting the pre-2019 FX HO at 62.6 to 63 mph. Trimmed right my 2017 would touch 64. A viewer like me just want to be accurately informed to know what I’m gaining and losing to make a change to a 2020 and that’s more than a mile or two. You guys go great reviews and for that I thank you (and such a quick response). You guys do a great job. Sorry if I sounded snotty.
We live in Sarasota and cross tampa bay and some rough water. I was reviewing your videos to see what you think of Seadoo’s new GTX with the ST3 hull. We owned lots of Seadoos and got beat up before we went to the FX HO and what a difference in the ride. Leaning towards sticking with Yamaha. Just trying to decide if it’s worth getting a 2020. Thanks again for the great information.
Glenn, we don't count "touches" when we record GPS top speed. That's "peak" top speed, and isn't useful to most folks (just for d**k measuring). Rather, we opt for "sustained speed" numbers. A top speed that remains over several seconds. Most of those claiming 63-64 were reading the speedometer, the few ticking 63mph were doing so with minimal fuel (we test with a full tank) and weren't sustained over several seconds. But to your question, YES! the Yamaha's FX hull is far superior to the ST3, while the deck and seat ergonomics of the Sea-Doo are far superior to the Yamaha.
First, this is a FX HO, which means "naturally aspirated". Second, there is NO TURBO FX, but a supercharged FX SVHO, and yes, it tops off at just over 69mph.
