2022 Boat Buyers Guide: Yamaha FX Limited SVHO

It’s no secret that the Yamaha FX Series has always stacked up nicely but the watercraft series returns for 2022 with significant enhancements that take it up more than a few notches. Premium factory-installed audio speakers, all-new, full-featured infotainment system (with GPS-ready mapping and new Drive Control functionality), and a number of elements that elevate handling and comfort.

Morgen Burchell highlights all of the features on Yamaha’s flagship of the FX Series, the FX® Limited SVHO®.

[cmcconn]

I do like the larger touchscreen and the new tire down spot under the handlebars. In reality it's substantially heavier with the change away from nanoxcell 2 back to SMC. The top speed is down 2 MPH as well.

[gnr]

just bought a 2022 fx cruiser ho with trailer etc.., very poor directions on how to load charts for the gps. the dealer did not even know it was an option or how to do it. i scan the qr code and order the map they send me a usb drive. no instructions at all. the only usb port is listed for charging. i tried it anyway and it did not work. sorry for the typing but i am kind of pissed right now.

[stringer]

Did Yamaha eliminate (2) of the pop up cleats shown on several videos of the FX SVHO Limited (including this one)? Several videos show (4) pop up cleats and some pictures show (2) pop up cleats. Which is the actual amount of pop ups?

[dc]

Do you need a separate GPS card or something like that ?

[peetydontpass]

Got a black and green version? I would buy it.

[bradwilliams]

a set of 4" speakers are an "optional extra" on a AUD $30000 top of the line yamaha jetski?

[sarahosbourne]

Be nice if I could get this screen retro fitted and couple of other stuff u mentioned I have a 2019 fx ho ski

[tomcat]

Is this the only color it comes on. I saw a light blue model with FX on the side. Are they the same model?

[austenonyett]

I’ve been into PWCs since the 80s and the intro of Kawi js330 and 440 models. When sit-down models showed up, I went to those and never went back to stand ups. My last 2-stroke was a XLT1200 Yamaha, so I’ve had Yamahas for many years. In 2016 my XLT finally got to the point it needed an (second rebuilt) engine. It was time to get a 4-stroke. I bought a FX HO. It was great, never had ANY issues with it. I put some Riva stuff on it here and there and it was a reliable and fun ski for many years. It even had a proper OEM installed bilge pump.
In 2021, I decided it was time to upgrade to a SVHO model. I sold my 2016 FX HO. This is where my relationship with Yamaha goes wrong.
Because of the shortages, I didn’t get to take delivery of my 2021 FX SVHO ski until July. According to the mfg date on the interior sticker, it was only 2 weeks out of the factory. I was aware of some of the quality issues being reported with Yamahas such as sloppy graphics alignments, etc., but a look over of my machine only revealed that one of the handlebar panels was hastily installed leaving an alignment pin out next to the right handlebar. That was all that was openly visible. No electric bilge pump. Cost cutting? Wonder when that got thrown out. Now, is when it goes downhill fast…
The following weekend, after setting up the ski to my preferences, I fill the tank up and head for the ramp. I park my truck, fire up the ski and start warming it up. First thing I notice is that neutral is not neutral. It’s pulling forward. Hmmmm. Next, the fuel gauge says it’s 95%. 92% if I shift my weight. Even with fuel so full, it’s in the filler neck, this reading doesn’t change. It’s break in time so I get out on the lake to see what else is wrong since my list is already at 3 items. Over the next 2 outings, no more issues are found, until…
Walking back to my truck after tying off at the dock for extraction on the ramp, I noticed long, red streaks on my trailer bunks. Crap. The paint on my hull had rubbed off on the bunks, after only 3x in the water. I had only 7-8 hours on it at this point and by now was pretty pissed at the growing list of items wrong with this brand-new ski I just paid $20k for.
I hit 12 hours and take it in to my dealer for my 10-hour break-in service. It’s now October. My list of items to be fixed is: gas gauge, handlebar panel re-install, bucket adjustment to fix neutral, the hull paint. It is now Feb 16th and I haven’t seen my ski since I dropped it off. Regular check-ins with my dealer for updates are usually met with the phrase: “We are waiting on Yamaha to…”blah blah blah. The latest update as of Feb 12th is that the neutral can’t be fixed; the gas gauge required testing of the sending unit but after request, Yamaha didn’t supply any ohm specs to test it against; the dealer has sent multiple pics of the hull and had back-and-forth calls with them but after 4 months, still no authorization to re-paint or fix. Yamaha, you’ve known for a LONG time the Nano 2 hulls are prone to cracking and have paint issues! You’ve even changed the hull composition for the 2022 FX models!
Now, I’ve had a LONG list of new cars, trucks, bikes, and PWCs before. I’ve come to expect that all of them have their quality issues to deal with when new but this is just getting out of control. I don’t feel like I’m unreasonable in understanding this, but when a mfg doesn’t stand by their product and make it right, this is where I take my money and allegiance elsewhere. Riding season is starting up here at Lake Lanier. We’ve already had 1 ride (Jet Riders) this year that I couldn’t attend. Yamaha, you are on the verge of losing a LONG-time customer. Get your shit together or I’ll be going back to Kawi or Sea-Doo.

[garymarch]

Throw a Riva Racing Stage 1 Plus kit on this and youre flying!!!

[jamesspeed]

Does the GP1800R HO have that same features screen with navigation GPS or only has just a music audio connect to bluetooth?

[hank]

Don’t bother watching video. No dealer within 400 miles has one to buy. Won’t even take a deposit for one that might come in the future.

[thatoneguy]

I like Morgan, skis alright too I guess

[andrewnagy]

Goddamnit why do you have to upgrade everything and FUCK UP THE COLORWAYS

[RKyle]

OH Morgen you beautiful thing, I want to get to know you better. We could ride our matching Yamahas off into the sunset together, fishing, ripping around and making love on the all new rec deck while floating on the water. Happy times!