Yamaha's FX Limited SVHO has long been known for pairing a luxurious ride with exclusive extras, but the 2019 model is arguably the most well-thought-out version to date. Yamaha also significantly made over both the hull and deck, giving the craft a more refined ride, and also a more refined look and feel. Yes, that extras list has grown, but it's become more focused and now caters to the growing demand for music and fishing capabilities.
Key Specifications
Here's a quick look at the key specifications of the Yamaha FX Limited SVHO:
- LOA: 11’8.9″
- Beam: 4’2″
- Dry Weight: 822 lb
- Displacement: 1,812 cc
- Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal
Hull and Handling
The hull redesign was informed by Yamaha’s own GP1800R, a nimble, performance-oriented two-passenger craft, stretching dimensions by 10 inches and tweaking the design to match the FX’s larger footprint and crew capacity. At this end of the spectrum, performance is always a goal, but the overriding targets were increased stability, particularly in rough water, as well as enhanced comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Designers hit the mark.
Integrated spray chines at the bow produce a drier, more comfortable ride. A top-loading intake grate better feeds the pump, improving not only the craft’s hookup but also overall stability. The overall ride remains plush and comfortable, with Yamaha’s trademark stability and a predictable line in rough water, but in the turns the craft reveals (and rewards) an even more pronounced inside lean. Handling is an interesting mix of the familiar FX of old and the aggressive GP. Crank the bars hard over and shift your body weight to the inside of the corner, and the craft literally flows in and out of the most aggressive maneuvers.
Performance
Top speed from the carryover 1,812 cc supercharged/intercooled Yamaha Marine engine peaked at an even 68 mph with my 155-pound load and calm water conditions. Acceleration is brutal out of the hole, reaching 30 mph in as little as 1.5 seconds. Though horsepower numbers are no longer quoted, 260 hp is a realistic ballpark.
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Design and Features
Yamaha retained the FX’s masculine feel but streamlined the bow. Gone is the massive, triangular impression left by the oversize stowage lid and integral rearview mirrors. The updated design physically and visually narrows the front of the craft. Interestingly, that visual may be sleeker, but Yamaha actually increased the compartment’s capacity by almost 9 gallons.
Note the aggressive angles of old on the bond line, which now features angular trim pieces at the bow and stern that sharpen the looks of the deck. Other tweaks include adding nearly 3 gallons of capacity to the glove compartment along with a new watertight, gasketed lid. Yamaha also brought back a feature last seen on the long-departed four-seat SUV-drains in the footwells. Owners no longer have to worry about misplacing Yamaha’s automotive-style security remote. A significant change is reserved for the information display. Following in the footsteps of Yamaha’s jet-boat line, the FX adopts an industry first-an LCD color touchscreen.
Accessorizing and Special Features
Perhaps the most intriguing change, however, is in how owners can now accessorize the craft-and how Yamaha incorporates these accessories without commitment to a permanent feature. Cup holders prove key. The pair forward of the handlebars are repurposed to serve as the mounting point for industry-standard, ball-and-socket RAM Mounts to which owners can attach a variety of accessories.
Standard on the Limited are a pair of waterproof EcoXGear Bluetooth speakers to stream music off your phone, a Garmin Striker GPS fish finder (with through-hull transducer) to please the angler, and a beverage holder, all of which can be stashed in the glove box when not in use. Owners can further accessorize with items such as an action camera.
The availability of music in particular brings the FX Limited in line with Sea-Doo’s GTX Limited ($17,099), a comparable luxury flagship three-seater with a permanently integrated sound system as well as modular saddle and platform accessory mounts.
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Yamaha FX SVHO (2016-) Test Video- By BoatTEST.com
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