For The WaveRunner’s 40th Anniversary, Yamaha Debuts a Bold Lineup
By Gaby Keiderling
Forty years ago, Yamaha dropped the WaveRunner 500 and effectively rewrote what fun on the water looked like. Fast-forward to 2026, and that same DNA is alive—just refined, elevated, and dressed for the future. Yamaha delivers the kind of rides that make you feel like you’re in on something a little bigger than horsepower: the lifestyle.s
Playful without being cheap. The JetBlaster family is nimble, lightweight, and fun, but the PRO and LTD trims show Yamaha’s attention to detail—upgraded parts, refined finishes, and freestyle potential that grows with your skills.
Who it’s for: The rider who treats every weekend like a highlight reel. Think younger, high-energy, “let’s see what this thing can do” vibes. The JetBlaster is less about getting somewhere and more about making the water your playground — like trading a bicycle for a BMX.
The VX line is the backbone of everyday riding, but Yamaha makes “entry-level” feel premium. From the simple VX-C to the fully loaded VX Limited HO, these models offer comfort, reliability, and technology others reserve for higher price tags.
Who it’s for: Families and first-timers who want a PWC that feels welcoming but never boring. The VX is that friend who’s always down for a lake day — reliable, fun, and secretly a little cooler than you expect. Entry-level? More like entry-luxury.
Here’s where Yamaha pulls ahead. The FX family blends plush seating, intuitive Connext touchscreens, generous storage, and options for both naturally aspirated efficiency and supercharged dominance. At the top, the FX Limited SVHO is less a PWC and more a floating first-class lounge with muscle under the hood.
Who it’s for: Couples and cruisers who believe a day on the water should feel indulgent. The FX is your floating SUV — except sleeker, sexier, and way more fun. This is for riders who want to stretch the day, pour the champagne, and still have horsepower in reserve.
Race-bred and championship-winning, the GP series is Yamaha’s calling card to speed purists. The GP HO makes performance approachable, while the GP SVHO unleashes raw power for those who want to rule the buoy course or big-water runs.
Who it’s for: Pure adrenaline junkies. The GP is for the rider who can’t resist bragging rights, chasing buoys, or lining up for a friendly drag across the cove. It’s part rocket, part razor blade, and all about leaving everyone else in your wake.
The SuperJet is legendary—lightweight, agile, and authentic. It’s stand-up riding at its purest, with Yamaha reliability keeping it fresh for modern riders who crave skill and spray.
Who it’s for: Purists, freestylers, and anyone who loves the grit that comes with mastering stand-up riding. The SuperJet is less of a vehicle and more of a workout-meets-adrenaline fix — the yoga mat of PWCs, if yoga also threw water in your face and demanded full-throttle balance.
The CrossWave changes the game. A four-seat, wide-deck design with massive storage, fishing integration, and long-range capability, it’s Yamaha’s boldest step forward. Why choose between boat and PWC when you can have both in one?
Who it’s for: Adventurers who hate choosing. The CrossWave is for anglers who outgrow kayaks, families who want a hangout spot, and explorers who see the horizon as an invitation. It’s boat-meets-PWC, but really it’s a lifestyle flex: one craft that does it all, and looks good doing it. Coming in Spring 2026.
