The Yamaha Waverunner has always been a fast and comfortable craft. And now, they’re quick enough to give you a permanent face-lift to go with the bigger smile you’re going to have!
We travel to the Vaal River to try out Linex Yamaha’s version of the Waverunner FX SHO.
If you’re the type of guy that goes with the “faster is better” approach, then there is nothing quicker than the Waverunner FX SHO, with a stage three full racing conversion … Let’s tuck into this straight away – the gauge on the craft goes to 130 km/h and the needle goes way over that when in full-tilt! The standard craft without the conversion isn’t exactly slow either, which is physically restrained to 106 km/h.
There’s very little chance you can tell just by looks which PWC has been modified as there’s little change to the aesthetics of the actual PWC — all modifications are done to the mechanics and inner workings of the ski.
The ‘standard’ FX SHO (Super High Output) is a reliable, comfortable and safe jetski with plenty to offer. But if you’re looking to be that much faster, then look no further…
Deck layout
The Waverunner FX SHO definitely has a racing pedigree. The craft is built for speed and comfort — and of both, it’s got plenty!
The seat is able to take two passengers and the foot well is ample in size, even for my broad feet! And the riding position is great for any rider too, since the handle-bar steering can be raised or lowered to suit almost any height rider.
At the stern, you’ve got an ample sized non-slip platform – useful for getting onboard from the water, or of course getting a wakeboarder ready for a session. If fishing is your fancy, the platform is also big enough to mount your deep sea fishing kit.
A small compartment just below the steering allows you to keep smaller items such as a camera, cell phone, sun-cream and more, easy to retrieve while on the water. Bigger items such as a life vest, towel or even a water gun can be stored in the water-tight lift-up dash. The chic instrument gauges show speed, rpm and of course warning lights. The helm also comes complete with rear-view mirrors – which if you want to see how far behind your friends are, certainly comes in handy!
Performance
The base Waverunner FX SHO combines a perfect blend of speed and riding comfort. The controls are super responsive and cutting through the water and wakes can be as rough or as soft as you want it to be – it all comes down to speed.
The SHO has great turning capabilities, and her natural position on the water is slightly bow up – which for me is perfect, since other PWC’s have a tendency to nose-dive a bit in a full lock turn.
Now, here’s where things get a little complicated. If you have or want an FX SHO that has got just that extra bit of grunt, but don’t want to spend too much, you can go for a stage two conversion which is basically just new software to the engine management system. For pricing, see the end of this review. For this upgrade, you do get a little more speed, which is actually quite noticeable. The jump in top end brings the craft up to around 122 km/h, and getting there is just as quick as before.
Surprisingly, the ride is still just as soft. In fact, it’s pretty much the same craft, but with more speed – which will definitely leave the standard competition behind.
Now, if racing and speed courses through every vein in your body as you continuously try squeeze the accelerator just a bit more, then I suggest the full stage three conversion. But be warned, this is not something you would ordinarily go for…
I’ve been sworn to secrecy when it comes to the modifications, but I will say that when combined, the craft is an entirely new beast with a much sportier noise to match.
For best results, the ski can be fine-tuned on the day. Ours was setup for the average day, weather, temperature, etc. As a result, at somewhere I guess around 150 km/h, the water becomes one solid sheet of water, and my streaming horizontal tears add to the water level. However, you do lose a little in the comfort of the ride. And I’ll admit that I wasn’t amped to turn sharp at top speed – and I have already deducted my 1 000 man-points for chickening out!
The base FX SHO and stage two modification still have reverse gear, so docking is exceptionally easy. The racing kit means that any extra weight must come out – and reverse is just one of those things.
Worth it?
I’m afraid, that’s a decision only you can answer. The Waverunner is a brilliant PWC, ideal for cruising, wakeskating, skiing and of course speeding. It truly is a great all-rounder. The full blown race kit, although probably the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on, is simply just too powerful – unless you want to break the world speed record. It’s also a pretty costly add-on.
However, if you have some spare cash to spend and you do want to have that extra bit of ‘vooma’, then I’d recommend the middle of the road – the stage two upgrade. It’s not too much extra and the extra hulk is noticeable – but that’s only if I had to have a step-up.
Conclusion
Personally, I feel that the ‘standard’ FX SHO is a great PWC which can do it all. Your best bet is to get the base model, give it a try, and if you feel you need the step up, then go for it.
Pricing of the FX SHO starts at (((R??????????????))). For the stage two conversion, add on a further (((R?????????????))). And make sure you’re sitting down – the full racing stage three set-up will cost an extra (((R????????????))) on top of the base price.
No matter your needs, you can rely on Linex Yamaha to give you good advice.
For more information contact Linex Yamaha on (((?????????????????.)))