Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/231891
26 • December 30, 2013 • Powersports Business PWC www.PowersportsBusiness.com WaveRunner VX series all about performance 2014 VXR, VXS WaveRunners are ready for racing action The VXR and VXS return to the Yamaha WaveRunner line in 2014 as the most affordable, high-performance watercraft today, according to the company. Designed to appeal to PWC racers and serious enthusiasts alike; the lightweight, agile VXR and VXS feature the latest engine and hull technology to deliver an athletically-challenging experience that hardcore riders have sorely missed for some time. The offspring of the light, compact Yamaha VX Series and the ultra high-performance Yamaha FZ Series, these hyperactive WaveRunners dominated the IJSBA racing scene in their freshman year, winning world and national titles. Sans the unwanted bells and whistles that do not add to the craft's performance, the VXR and VXS are all about heart-pounding power, nimble closed-course handling and race-tested reliability. 1.8-LITER ENGINE The heart of the Yamaha VXR and VXS is the industry's first 1.8-liter marine engine that is the largest displacement motor ever designed for a personal watercraft. This normally-aspirated Yamaha marine engine produces awesome power, and when coupled with the ultra-light NanoXcel hull and deck, delivers faster top-end speed than competing supercharged models. Still, this engine is also exceptionally fuel efficient and optimized to deliver the utmost performance using regular unleaded fuel. Engine features include: Same lightweight, compact engine platform as Yamaha's FZ SHO models without the added weight and expense of a supercharger and intercooler; High-torque for excellent acceleration; Open loop cooling for best performance, reliability and low maintenance; Throttle-by-wire reverse system controls RPM in reverse gear for maximum thrust efficiency; Low maintenance costs. HULL AND DECK The VXR and VXS feature the industry's first and only nanotechnology-engineered hulls, decks and liners that are the lightest and strongest in the market today. This is the same material featured on Yamaha's flagship highperformance FZR and FZS models. The result is a state-of-the-art watercraft that is quick and nimble and has the balance and maneuverability that truly connects the The Yamaha WaveRunner VX performance series features the industry's first 1.8-liter engine. rider to the machine. In today's more value-minded marketplace, there is nothing like the VXR and VXS that deliver on the singular goal of offering high performance at an affordable price. These models focus on the true essence of what makes watercraft riding fun. The Yamaha VXR is offered with a raceinspired coupe seat and is available in Black Metallic or Crimson Red Metallic. Starting MSRP is $11,699. The Yamaha VXS is offered with a bench seating for added versatility and is available in Silver Metallic. MSRP is $11,399. PSB 2014 VX PERFORMANCE SERIES SPECS The 2014 Yamaha WaveRunner VXS retails for $11,399. ENGINE TYPE: Yamaha 4-stroke, 4 cylinder, 16 valve DISPLACEMENT: 1,812cc IMPELLER: 3 blade, stainless steel (15.6º pitch) LENGTH: 128.7" BEAM: 46.1" HEIGHT: 45.7" FUEL CAPACITY: 15.9 gallons, regular unleaded fuel PASSENGER CAPACITY: 3 (529 lbs.) HULL MATERIAL: NanoXcel High-Compression Molded Compound WARRANTY: 1 year limited ASSEMBLED: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation, Newnan, GA PWC sales remain positive through October PWC sales growth remained in positive territory. For the latest data covering October from Info-Link Technologies, sales growth was in the low single digits, which was slightly less than the previous month. Sales growth for powerboats in the 15-footand-greater category have continued to move in a positive direction. It's a trend that started with the beginning of 2013 and has continued through the end of the year, even in the face of lackluster early-season weather across much of the U.S. Ski boat sales growth has hovered at or above 10 percent for much of the past years, dipping slightly back down to the 10-percent P26-PSB1-PWC.indd 26 mark, down from September's figure. Outboards remain the most consistently strong and positive sector of the marine market, with 12-month year-over-year percentage change in unit sales sustained at approximately 10 percent, an insignificant change from the previous mark. Sales of outboard boats 15 feet and greater have been in positive territory since April 2011 and saw a slight sales peak at the end of the summer boating season. The data is based on new U.S. boat registrations. Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (which varies by market segment and time of year). PSB 12/18/13 11:21 AM