Yamaha just keeps one-upping itself. If you were impressed with the creativity of the brand’s CrossWave last year, you’re going to love its newest addition to its 2027 personal watercraft lineup: The WaveBlaster.
It’s a contemporary take on an OG Yamaha model. Thirty years ago, the original WaveBlaster was one of the most iconic personal watercraft in the sport. The early-’90s WaveBlaster had a cult-like following, beloved for its playful and aggressive style.
Yamaha took that spirit and modernized it. Today, Yamaha unveiled the 2027 WaveBlaster WaveRunner, which is a single-rider PWC designed for those who want to maximize fun on the water. As Yamaha puts it: It’s as close as you can get to riding a dirt bike on the water. It’s lightweight and compact, primed for both sit-down and stand-up riding. Unlike most PWCs, the WaveBlaster doesn’t stay flat on a turn; it leans into the corner like a motorcycle does.
The WaveBlaster is the forerunner of Yamaha’s new Sport class, which also includes the stand-up SuperJet—another single-rider machine. “A lot of people have been waiting a long time for this name to come back,” says Martino Ruggiero, Yamaha WaveRunner product manager. “But we didn’t build it for nostalgia. We built it so the next generation of riders can find out what made the original worth remembering.” It still feels nostalgic—with neon yellow detailing, splatter graphics, and hand-lettered product script—but has a black hull and navy deck that feels fresh.
A key distinguisher between the WaveBlaster and the rest of the Yamaha lineup is that it’s designed around inside-lean handling. When the rider turns, the hull rolls inward, which allows body weight to drive through the corner instead of fighting it. This comes from the hull’s special composite process (also used on the SuperJet) that produces a stiff, light structure for aggressive riding. There’s also no sponsons on the WaveBlaster, an intentional choice that makes the rider feel more in control of turns. The WaveBlaster also has Yamaha’s “L-Mode,” a feature that’s great for newer riders or controlled environments as it reduces engine output.
The WaveBlaster is the perfect blend of playful and practical. You can go out on it everyday if you want, running repeated laps without boredom or strain. It’s for lake days, summer sessions, and endless fun.
The WaveBlaster starts at $11,999 USD.