FINE BALANCE BETWEEN ENGINE & HULL

The PWC Engine's Tough Mission

Good PWC engine performance is not simply a matter of horsepower. Engine development always involves the quest to improve the inherently opposed qualities of high-output performance and durability. Also, in the case of a PWC engine, which is often operated for long hours in the high output range, the operating conditions are much harsher than those of an automobile engine, for example. What’s more, special anti-corrosion measures are necessary, as well as the durability to withstand the strong shocks from waves and such that a PWC might be subjected to out on the water. There also have to be measures to accommodate the occasional capsizing. And, we work constantly on measures to further reduce the size and weight of our engines so that machine handling is enhanced.

Furthermore, environmental performance has emerged as one of the biggest issues of all in recent years. In order to build PWCs that our customers can continue to enjoy into the future, we have a social responsibility to focus our finest efforts on achieving the highest levels possible in clean emissions, fuel economy and noise reduction and taking measures to make sure our products meet the environmental regulations of the different countries of the world.

Yamaha’s answer to these growing needs in the performance and environmental areas is the “MR-1” engine designed especially for our WaveRunners. Based on a highperformance 4-stroke motorcycle engine with a 4-cylinder, 20-valve DOHC layout, this engine provides the high output, light weight and compactness desired in a PWC engine while also delivering a high level of environmental performance and fuel economy and the outstanding reliability proven in uses like adventure touring. With these qualities, the MR-1 has already won a reputation as a masterpiece among PWC engines. This MR-1 engine and its variations are now mounted on Yamaha’s FX and VX series WaveRunners.

NANOXCEL™ HULL AND DECK

Using nanotechnology, our engineers were able to create a high-strength, lightweight material called NanoXcel. This material is exclusive to Yamaha and allows us to make the hulls and decks of select 2008 models 25 percent lighter and even more durable than in previous years – improving the power-to-weight ratio significantly and increasing responsiveness, acceleration and top speed. Yamaha is also the only manufacturer in the personal watercraft industry with full-scale high-compression molding capabilities. Every Yamaha hull and deck is constructed to exact tolerances, maximizing strength and durability. Laser-guided water jets and advanced robotics ensure every Yamaha hull and deck is built with extreme precision.

With nanotechnology, we were able to create a hull material that utilizes a nano-created filler that is layered thousands of times over so the bonding surface is much larger and stronger than before. Therefore, much less filler is needed, resulting in a lightweight, stronger material that delivers a great ride.

The NanoXcel hull and deck are featured on the following WaveRunners:
FX HO
FX Cruiser HO

DEDICATION TO DETAIL IN DESIGN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

In addition to the pursuit of ever-higher levels of basic performance, Yamaha has continued to ask what kind of PWC actually brings the users the greatest enjoyment. This is a process of imagining a variety of different types of PWC use and deciding what kinds of functions and designs best fit those uses.

That may sound simple, but in fact it is an extremely complex task. And, it is the same task that we constantly undertake with motorcycles, ATVs, boats, outboard motors and other outdoor products Yamaha has continued to introduce over the years. The experience and know-how we have gained in this area is applied fully to our WaveRunner development as well.

Take the unique “ 3-Point Contact System ” we employ in Yamaha WaveRunners, for example. The three points of the our special “ Cruiser seat ” with its excellent sense of fit, the Raised Handlebar and the Foot chocks, are designed in a way that increase comfort and reduce rider fatigue in longer cruising.

Other features like the Adjustable Tilt Steering that enables the rider to adjust the handlebars to fit their body size or riding style, the QSTS (Quick Shift Trim System) that enables adjustment of machine attitude (pitch) to fit different types of water surface conditions or rider needs and the YAS (Yamaha Adjustable Sponson) that lets the rider fine-tune cornering performance, are all features that let a wider range of riders customize their WaveRunner performance to fit their personal tastes for more enjoyable riding.

Our Extended Rear Platform is an exclusive Yamaha design that helps expand the range of marine sports our WaveRunner owners can enjoy. When you actually spend a weekend with a WaveRunner enjoying the water, you are sure to appreciate this added resting place at the stern of the craft.

On our flagship models FX High Output and FX Cruiser High Output, you will also appreciate the Abundant Storage Space provided by the Bow Storage compartment, the Under Seat Tray and the Glove Box as well as the newly added Watertight Compartment, which allows you to bring along handy items like your mobile phone, GPS and other devices. You will also find convenient items like the Pull-Up Cleats, which are useful for mooring during cruising trips and the like, and the Reboarding Step on the rear platform that makes mounting the craft from the water so much easier.

Yamaha WaveRunners are not simply built for running around on the water. The more time you spend out on the water with family and friends the more you will discover about what makes them different from other PWCs, and the more you will appreciate the value of all the features our marine sports experts have worked into their design. That is when you will discover the essence of Yamaha’s art of product creation.