Easy riders erase bad rep

Personal water craft (or PWCs) have, in the past, not enjoyed the best of press. Often portrayed as water-borne hoon mobiles, they have been known to annoy as many boaties as they impress. Indeed, PWCs are the only watercraft that need to be registered and have their registration clearly displayed at all times.

Yet, while such antagonism might have been warranted some time ago, it's harder to justify these days. Where once they seemed the sole preserve of testosterone-fuelled young men, PWCs are today seen as genuine alternatives to larger vessels: capable of being used for family adventures, towing skiers and water toys, and even for that most popular of aquatic pursuits, fishing.

The just-announced 2012 WaveRunner range from Yamaha provides a pretty good example of how modern PWCs are now being designed to appeal to a far wider audience than once was the case.

Even the company's new flagship models, the powerful FX series, are being promoted as offering "luxury performance" rather than outright speed. Instead of simply throwing more power into the machines, Yamaha has chosen to concentrate on a complete redesign of the FX's hull and decks, aiming to make them easier and more comfortable to use.

The designers' main focus appears to have been on lengthening the hull, adding an extra 190mm and softening its outside edges.

According to Yamaha's New Zealand marine manager, Greg Fenwick, these changes have enhanced the FX's straight-line ride and its handling, making the new PWCs more functional and versatile.

"The longer hull means more stability and a drier ride," says Fenwick, adding that those features will also appeal to the growing number of WaveRunner owners who like to fish from their PWCs.

The FX's extra hull length has resulted in a larger swim platform and an increase in stowage capacity. Both features are also likely to find favour with PWC fishers, who use this platform to store their chilly bins or portable live bait tanks.

The extra stability and larger platform are also likely to appeal to skiers and swimmers, who will be able to get in and out of the water more easily.

The FX series also sees the introduction of a new three-person seat. Yamaha calls it "stadium seating", and it basically features raised ride positions for the two passengers, making it easier for them to see forward and past the driver.

Despite the extra length and added features, the new FX models will still be able to get up and boogie. Available in four models, the 2012 FX range again features Yamaha's powerful 1800cc engine. Buyers are now able to choose between an FX or FX Cruiser model and then decide whether they want one that is supercharged (SHO) or naturally aspirated (HO).

Fenwick says the new FX models will be available "in limited numbers" in New Zealand in February.

However, he expects no such restriction on the other 2012 model likely to attract a lot of attention: the VX18R. Like its flagship siblings, the VX18R also features Yamaha's large-capacity 1.8-litre engine and is manufactured using the company's super-lightweight NanoXcel material.

"The Yamaha VX18R provides the kind of performance usually expected in bigger, supercharged craft but at a much lower price tag," says Fenwick. "With a retail price of under $20,000, it really is an enormous amount of machine for the money." He says the VX18R also enjoys the benefits of being the lightest and the most powerful PWC in its class, delivering power and handling that is "truly astounding".

With its powerful naturally aspirated engine, a racy appearance and a metallic two-tone finish, the VX18R is obviously aimed at those who like to go fast and enjoy the thrill of sharp, high-speed turns and instant acceleration.

However, Fenwick is quick to point out that the model is equally suited to family boating.

"The 2012 VX18R is a three-seater model and is ideal for towing skiers or water toys," he says. "Like the FX models, it is a self-contained ski 'boat': very stable, easy to get on and off and with good, comfortable seating for the skier and the observer."

While the FX and VX18R models are likely to prove the most popular, Yamaha's 2012 offerings also include a couple of designs for "hardcore" PWC enthusiasts.

Described as a "high-performance muscle craft for riders who crave extreme performance", the FZS also features Yamaha's supercharged 1.8-litre marine engine.

Said to have a "race-inspired attitude" and offer "awesome hole shot performance and exciting handling", the FZS is, interestingly, also claimed to be the only performance PWC optimised to run on 91-octane unleaded petrol.

Completing its 2012 line-up is Yamaha's Superjet. Harking back to the earliest days of PWCs, when stand-up models like this were all that were available, the 2012 Superjet is one of the few such PWCs still being not only manufactured but also regularly refined.

Not for the unfit or the faint of heart, the Superjet probably offers the sort of ride that diehard PWC fans will claim is the only one worth having. Not being that young, nor that adrenalin-deprived, I will probably give the Superjet a miss this time around. The supercharged FX SHO or the refined VX18R, on the other hand, do have definite appeal.

FX Cruiser SHO

LOA: 3.56m

Beam: 1.23m

Dry weight: 387kg

Engine: Four-stroke, four-cylinder DOHC four-valve

Displacement: 1812

Fuel capacity: 70 litres

Stowage capacity: 125.5 litres

VX18R

LOA: 3.27m

Beam: 1.17m

Dry weight: 330kg

Engine: Four-stroke, four-cylinder DOHC four-valve

Displacement: 1812

Fuel capacity: 60 litres

Stowage capacity: 57 litres