The Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited HO is the flagship of the most popular personal watercraft series in the history of recreational boating, and for good reason. This well-rounded machine borrows from some of Yamaha’s most popular WaveRunner models for a mix of luxury, performance and value that will appeal to a variety of buyers.
When it comes to performance, the VX Limited HO takes its cues from the closed-course-proven GP series. The same running surface that has earned the GP series so many trophies gives the VX Limited HO the handling, hookup and top speed of a much more expensive PWC. Powered by Yamaha’s well-proven 1.8-liter High Output engine, the VX delivers gobs of torquey goodness on the low end without sacrificing top-end speed. Improved ergonomics, including a narrower seat with wider, self-draining foot beds, let the rider hug the craft better and dig into turns with more authority than ever before.
The handlebars have everything conveniently within finger reach, including RiDE for decelerating and reversing, No Wake for a constant speed without having to hold your thumb on the throttle in speed-restricted areas, and TDE for constant steering at and around docks, marinas and other confined, low-speed areas. This trinity of user-friendly tech puts the VX Limited HO operator in confident control, even if it’s their first time out of the gates on a PWC.
The Connext 4.3-inch LCD screen with a shaded brow houses the VX’s passcode, engine data, trip info, and three different customizable speed settings. And we love that the whole system is controlled with tactile buttons that are easy to operate in bright, motion-filled marine conditions.
The Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited HO package comes equipped for fun, with a color-matched towable and other accessories to get started with watersports right away. A spacious bow stowage compartment has a dedicated spot for Yamaha’s accessory cooler bag, a glove box complete with USB, a 12-volt outlet, LED lighting, and a phone holder easily accessible at midship, and dry stowage under the rear seat completes the package. For 2020, there are in-dash mounts for accessories, and for the ultimate on-water fun, upgrade the VX to include a factory-installed audio system with two marine-grade 4.5-inch speakers and built-in amplifiers.
High Points
- Great blend of luxury and performance.
- Handling at speed or idle proves top-notch, thanks to the RiDE and TDE systems.
- New 4.3-inch Connext LCD screen features easy-to-use tactile buttons and is easy to read in bright sun.
Specs
- LOA: 11′0″
- Beam: 4′0″
- Dry Weight: 794 lb.
- Seat/Weight Capacity: 3/530 lb.
- Stowage Capacity: 30.1 gal.
- Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Price: $13,549 (starting)
How We Tested
- Engine: Four-stroke, 4-cylinder, 1.8L Yamaha High Output marine engine
- Pump/Impeller: 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.00:1
- Fuel Load: 11 gal.
- Crew Weight: 180 lb.
