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New Products & Services

Yamaha Watercraft Launching 25 New Products for 2021

The new SuperJet marks a return to standup watercraft for Yamaha.

Yamaha WaterCraft Group yesterday unveiled its most extensive new product lineup in the company’s history with a new 25’ (7.62 m) boat platform, four new 21’ (6.40 m) runabouts, new VX and GP WaveRunners and the debut of a new four-stroke SuperJet standup watercraft.

The launch coincides with the 35th anniversary of Yamaha’s WaterCraft group, which builds personal watercraft and jet-powered runabouts. We’re splitting the news into two parts, starting with the watercraft.

New Watercraft

“On the WaveRunner side our VX series and GP series are all new, with enhanced riding characteristics and ergonomics, along with a range of industry first features and technology,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s WaterCraft Group. “We have a new VX Limited HO model, a new EX® Limited model and of course 2021 sees the introduction of a new four stroke version of the iconic Yamaha SuperJet. This is proving to be a very special year for Yamaha WaterCraft and we think our customers will find these new products to exceed their expectations of what they can do on the water.”

The VX Series

For 2021, the Yamaha VX series has improved ergonomics with deeper, wider, self-draining footwells and a new seat that is 1.5” (3.81 cm) narrower to improve knee grip and overall comfort. Also new for VX craft is the 4.3” (10.92 cm) Connext Helm Control with a multi-color LCD screen. A touchpad control mounted next to the steering column provides access to the Connext systems’ functions, including the ability to limit acceleration on the VX HO models.

For the first time, Yamaha is offering dealers the choice of ordering VX Series WaveRunners (except the VX and VX-C) with a factory installed marine audio system. It includes twin 4 ½” (11.43 cm) waterproof speakers, an integrated 2-channel amplifier, a control pad and a low-voltage regulator to keep from draining the battery.

The VX Limited HO is now powered by a 1.8-liter engine.

Also on the VX series is a watertight glovebox with LED lighting inside that is the largest Yamaha has offered in class. Inside are a dedicated area for a smartphone plus USB and 12-volt ports.

New for the model year, the VH Limited HO joins the VX Cruiser HO as the only two VX models powered by the Yamaha 1.8L normally aspirated marine engine. The VX Limited HO also comes with the same accessories found on the VX Limited including the integrated speakers, a single-rider tube, a tube inflator and holder, a tow rope and bag, a 12-volt outlet, a custom cover with glove box access and two fenders.

The GP Series

The supercharged GP1800R SVHO and normally aspirated GP1800R HO borrow attributes from the company’s factory racing craft. For 2021, the GP Series has a new deck design, tilt-adjustable handlebars and the Connext helm control with the LCD display. A new liner improves the machine’s center of gravity by moving the fuel tank 3.15” (80 mm) aft and .59” (15 mm) lower in the hull. The GP machines also have a new intake grate and upgraded jet pump.

New technology on the GP series includes Cornering Control. When engaged, it automatically shifts the trim into the bow down position when decelerating for tighter cornering. Launch Control does the same to prevent bow rise under hard acceleration.

The GP1800R SVHO is a hot rod loaded with premium features.

For entertainment, the GP series includes an option for the same factory installed marine audio system that comes in the VX series.

EX Limited

The Ex Limited expands Yamaha’s EX Series, adding a high-end model. Enhancements on the new craft include a 3D logo, a Yamaha branded fender, pull-up cleats, an upgraded tow hook, a color matched tube, a 12-volt tube inflator w/outlet, a tow rope, a matching cover, portable audio speakers, waterproof bow storage and a removable compression-molded storage bag. For improved stability, the EX Limited has wider sponsons.

All new for 2021 is the EX Limited, a three-up watercraft that comes with fun-enhancers like a matching tube.

The SuperJet

Thirty years after the first stand-up WaveRunner, the 650 SuperJet, was introduced, the SuperJet returns with a hull that Yamaha says is 142 lbs. (64.41 kg) lighter and 8.8” (22.35 cm) shorter than the competition and it’s powered by a four-stroke TR-1 engine. It’s fed by a 5-gallon (18.93 -liter) fuel tank and there’s a low-fuel meter on the deck.

For novice riders, Yamaha equips the new SuperJet with an L-Mode that reduces engine performance to 85% or about 40 mph. It’s activated by pressing the engine stop/L-Mode button three times.

The deck and hull of the SuperJet are 7.5” (19.05 cm) longer, 3.2” (8.13 cm) wider and 5.1” (12.95 cm) taller than the previous version and the four-stroke version is 69 lbs. (31.30 kg) heavier than the two-stroke. The new deck has a three-position adjustable handle pole that can extend up to 1.97” (50 mm) long, race-inspired handlebars and a wide padded foot tray with an integrated reboarding ladder.