Muscle craft flex with panache

The VX18S. Photo / Supplied.

Yamaha's new VX WaveRunners combine big muscle power with high-tech, lightweight bodies.

The VX18R and VX18S WaveRunners combine the company's powerful 1812cc engine, more commonly found on the larger FX series, with their new ultra-lightweight NanoXcel version of the VX hull.

The idea, says Yamaha Motor New Zealand's Greg Fenwick, is to deliver genuine sports riding to a new generation of enthusiasts.

"The introduction of the VX18R and VX18S heralds the beginning of a whole new category of WaveRunners for Yamaha," he says.

"For the first time, an agile and lightweight NanoXcel version of the VX hull has been combined with the extremely powerful FX 1812cc engine.

"The result is a performance craft that delivers incredible levels of acceleration, impressive top speeds and agile handling like nothing else on the water."

He says the new models' agility is due largely to the semi-V multi-chine hull.

"This delivers neutral handling, optimum stability and comfort with a round keel to ensure grip and balance during cornering.

"By dramatically reducing the weight of the hulls, Yamaha can deliver both increased agility and more efficient fuel consumption."

He says the NanoXcel hull construction is not only up to 25 per cent lighter than it would be with conventional hull materials, it is also much stronger.

"The overall finish is also perfectly smooth and of a quality no other PWC manufacturer can claim to match."

It is clear that Yamaha stylists have also used the technology to create something of a "hot rod" look for the new models.

"Borrowing a term from the automotive industry, the design principle is 'fast back'," says Fenwick.

"This means there is a distinctive slant from the rear of the seat to the extended rear platform.

"An engine air intake on the bow also resembles that of a hot rod car, expressing the true character of the overall design." He stresses that the air intake also has a practical purpose: providing cooling for the new models' high output engines.

As is usually the case with new PWC models, the VX18R and VX18S also come with an impressive range of features. In this case, these include multi-function instrumentation, reverse and an extended rear boarding platform.

The more luxurious VX18R also comes complete with an ergonomically designed step-up seat for increased riding comfort and a convenient re-boarding step.

Fenwick says that, by combining the powerful FX engine with the NanoXcel hull construction, Yamaha is now able to offer the most affordable "muscle craft" on the water. "The new VXR has a recommended retail of just $21,400 [including GST] while the VXS is available from around $21,150," he says.

VX18R and VX18S

Length: 3.22 metres

Beam: 1.17 metres

Dry weight: 327 kg

Displacement: 1812 cc

Hull construction: NanoXcel

Fuel capacity: 60 litres

Price: VXR $21,400

VXS: From $21,150