Boattest.Com Takes An In Depth Look
At The New 2014 Vx Cruiser
The 2014 Yamaha VX Cruiser, the top
version in the VX Series has a major technical change this year,
NanoXcel, which brought the dry weight down to 686 lbs. (311 kg).
NanoXcel, which has been used in the FX and FZ Series for years, is a
combination of material and process we will cover in this report. we
also take a detailed look at the ride and comfort, from the
ergonomics of the seat to the handling of the hull. Priced at $9,799
the VX Cruiser is not short on power and is tested at over 50 MPH.
Mission
The team at Yamaha designed the VX
Cruiser to be a three-rider WaveRunner that virtually any family can
afford, yet also offering the features, performance, handling and
reliability expected of more expensive vehicles.
Overview
A large focus was placed on the overall
looks and performance of the VX with the use of NanoXcel playing a
major part. By manufacturing the hull from NanoXcel they were able to
reduce the overall weight from 750 lbs. down to 686 lbs. (311 kg).
There were two clear results from this
in our testing: the first of which was a higher top speed of over 50
mph. The second was the feeling of power in the lower speed range
with passengers on board. With a target market new-to-PWC buyers and
families, the VX Cruiser is an excellent machine for this mission.
NanoXcel
The NanoXcel is both a material and a
process. Technology is not just found in the engines and electronics
on watercraft these days. The materials are used in the deck and
hulls, and are evolving to meet many needs. The hull of the VX
Cruiser is made from such a technology.
So What is It? NanoXcel is a process
that utilizes thermosetting resign, polyester resign, and nano-clay
particle additives in the manufacturing of the hull. The process
relies on the material's very small molecules and aligning them more
tightly than can be done with conventional materials. The result of
which is a hull, and in other models the decks as well, that is much
denser and stronger.
This means that the builder can use
less material and reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, while
having precise fit-and-finish.
Repair? When it comes to the questions
of strength and repair we can offer some insight. We know of Yamaha
PWC owners who have struck rocks, and in all cases, either a scratch
or a gouge were easily sanded out.
Power Package
The VX Cruiser is powered by the
purpose-designed-and-built Yamaha 1052cc engine. This is a 4-stroke,
4-cylinder, electronically fuel injected and optimized to run on
regular unleaded fuel. This engine has been around for several years
and has been tested by BoatTEST.com many times. From our own
experience and feedback from rental dealers, we can confidently say
this is an extremely reliable engine.
The engine is connected via direct
drive to a 155 mm high-pressure jet pump unit. Direct drive means
that there is no transmission involved and the output drive shaft
from the engine connects with the impeller on it in the jet pump
unit. The impeller itself is a three-blade design made from stainless
steel. All the components of the jet pump unit are manufactured from
an aluminum alloy which provides excellent anti-corrosion protection
in salt water.
Maintenance
Maintenance is a distinguishing
feature. Yamaha Watercraft has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for
reliability and very low maintenance over the years. The engine
itself is very easy to work on with the oil filter positioned with
plenty of room to remove and replace it. The air filter is up out of
the way and a snap to change. The only maintenance outside of the
obvious oil changes, really comes down to just a visual check of the
components from year to year.
Distinguishing Features
Seat Design
In addition to the NanoXcel hull, the
VX Cruisers has a seat design that deserves some attention. The
scalloped back for the driver and the width and angle of the seat
were well thought out by the Yamaha team. It allows the driver to be
comfortable as well as providing an ergonomic way for the riders'
legs to help hold in place in the turns.
Remote Transmitter
Just like an electronic car key, the
Yamaha remote transmitter can electronically lock a VX Cruiser when
left on the beach or at the dock, preventing anyone from being able
to start it. It can also be used to engage Low RPM Mode. This limits
the engine from revving over a certain RPM setting which will come in
handy with new riders. It can even be used to help conserve fuel.
Storage
In lower priced models of PWCs, storage
is usually the first thing to disappear, but not in the VX Cruiser.
There is a total of 15.1 gallons of storage and the forward
compartment is the largest, capable of holding several PFDs, line and
other items.
Yamaha's Engine Management System, is
an integrated, computerized management system that controls and
adjusts such functions as ignition timing, fuel injection mapping and
engine diagnostics.
The Ride
The ride of the VX Cruiser is smooth
and controlled with plenty of kick off the line. Turns are precise
and forgiving. For that reason it's hard to get in trouble. The hull
throws the spray low and out to the sides, even in wind. At speed the
ride is firm and not loose in any way. We cruised along at 30-32 mph
most of the time which was right around 6000 rpm. At that setting we
burning 3.2 gph which means at least 5.5 hours of running time,
calculated with a 10% reserve.
Speed was a plus on the new VX Cruiser
with all of our runs averaging 53 mph, which is more then respectable
for a 1052cc engine. For those wondering if there is enough power,
the answer is yes. Newcomers to the sport will not have that feeling
that they should have gone bigger.
Fit-And-Finish
The VX Cruiser after all is a Yamaha, a
company that is hyper-obsessed with details, and this is evident in
all parts of this PWC. All components are high-quality and hardware
is aircraft grade aluminum or stainless. Something not widely known
is that all Yamaha WaveRunners are painted, not gelcoat; they utilize
a premium automotive paint for shine, durability and fade protection.
Observations
The VX Cruiser hits the mark when it
comes to an affordable PWC that offers a family a balance between
features and performance. It is well built and offers a state of the
art engine with proven reliability. I would rate the ride comfort at
a 9 out of a 10 and the overall quality is hard to beat.
10.16.13
For more details about Cruiser
Dealer in India visit :
Contact us at:
NAVNIT MOTORS PRIVATE LIMITED
Navnit House, Gokul Nagar,
Mumbai-Agra Road, Thane - 400 601
Telephone: 022 66776659 / 66776658
Email:
info@polarismumbai.com
