The Ultimate 3-Seater PWC Hull Comparison Breakdown: The Watercraft Journal IRL
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ต.ค. 2024
- With more than half of new PWC sales going to people who have never owned anything powersports-related, it's important that we discuss what each manufacturer's full-sized hull is designed to do. We will walk through all 3 OEM's full-sized runabouts' hull designs, build materials, rough water prowess, comfort, ergonomics, storage, bad behaviors and unique attributes.
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Spot on information for the ST3 Hull and FX Hull. I haven't ridden a Kawasaki yet. Me and the wife picked up a couple of pwc's a few years ago and loved it. We ride exclusively at Centerhill Lake and you are right about the water conditions. We started with a Yamaha EX Deluxe and a GTI SE 90. The EX was a real kidney buster in the rough water. After a year or so I upgraded the EX to a 2021 Fishpro. It is perfect for finding a cove and fishing but we also like to ride long distance as we travel the entire length of the lake on the regular. I began to notice it was treacherous to overtake a slow boat and almost wrecked a few times trying to do so. Sometimes you can have the steering turned all the way and it keeps going straight along the wake. One day when wake boats were out in full force, I took multidirectional waves at a slow speed of about 10-15mph and got ejected over the handlebars and hyperextended my knee. The ski flew off in the opposite direction following the wake. It was then that I decided to get a better rough water ski. I like a little stability at low speed so after watching this channel and listening to Kevin, I bought a 2024 FX SVHO Cruiser. My GOSH! The difference is phenomenal! I thought all pwc's just handled like the Fishpro. I have put hundreds of hours on the Fishpro and many on the EX so I feel like I have a good perspective. The ST3 Hull is just dangerous on any chop period. It is a delight on "glass" water. It also IS the best fishing option and the center storage is absolutely fantastic! I like it for fishing so much that I kept it for when I go fishing by myself. I have it on a single trailer. I also fish from the FX but not as efficiently. When me and the wife ride we take her new GTI SE 170 and the FX SVHO Cruiser that we have on a double ski trailer. It's a pleasure to ride long distance now. Thanks for the information that helped us end up with the right pwc's for us.
I ride a Seadoo GTX off the coast of MA and have no concerns with the capability of the ST3 hull. As a matter of fact the way it cuts through ocean chop really impresses me. I can stay fairly dry even with a brisk wind and semi rough water. No desire or need to try anything else.
The only time I felt you were negative or condescending was the Explorer Pro review. I see some raw honesty too. Which is really good. But it came across as extremely jaded and not willing to have viewpoint of those who might like or want the features from that ski. Still was good content.
I do appreciate your honesty. Staying true to you and not sugar coating things. Much appreciated.
I started riding on a couple Kawasakis I picked up twenty years ago, a ZXi 1100 and STX 900. Two strokes, fun machines, but punishing when the lake got churned up by big boats on weekends. Nevertheless, they were great fun for me and my grandkids over the years, until I finally decided to upgrade. Since the lake where I ride is long but narrow, I didn't need something suitable for ocean riding, so I decided on a Waverunner VX HO. It's perfect for us; faster (65 mph) than I need to go, good grip in turns and handles the chop just fine as long as you are paying attention. (Hitting a big swell perpendicular to your line while at speed will deliver quite a wake-up call!) I'm 74 now, but hope to keep riding as long as I'm still breathing.
Have 15 hours on my 1.9L FX cruiser ho. Came from a 1.8 GP HO and have been enjoying it. Getting 63mph
My dash shows 67/ 68mph on 22 Vxho on 97ron fuel!
@@MrStuart123456 yea my old vx and GP read 3mph higher than the actual speed
@@Watercraftshack I’ve got the riva ride plate installed, I didn’t see any increase in speed after fitting it
Awesome video. Very well done. I learned a lot
I’ve recently looked into Kawasaki untra X as a possibility. I’ve found any place near me that actually sells and has Kawi is asking upper $18K for 22/23 models. So you are correct they have priced themselves above serious consideration. One large dealer told me they try not to stock them as they are a hard sell. Sad because like a lot about the kawi.
This is the most boring, but best Video i have ever watched- and helps me a lot, choosing my first ski.❤ i drive 4-5 hours a day in the adriatic sea
That’s so funny , I always ride with one hand and never thought anything of it and didn’t realize that it’s lot more possible to ride one handed cause of the hull shape it’s got vs others
Am I the only one that listens to him talk on 2x the speed just to get the info quicker? 😂
Nope. Over an hour and a half is a bit much. Could be more efficient indeed.
Great assessment, very fair and balanced.
I love my 2022 fx, corners good. I take it to a little stand up course here & it ripps.
Due to the current low sales numbers of pwcs, will there be overstock of new and used pwcs and therefore the prices will drop more than usual after summer?
Trying to decide between a 2023 gti se 170 and a 2024 Yamaha vx cruiser. I want something that is comfortable, cuts waves easily, but also playful for my older kids. Our lake is smaller.. around 180 acres. I'm 60 years old and want good control, good ergonomics, etc. Such a hard choice.
Hey Kevin its hard for me and my A.D.D. to sit through a 1.5 hr. video but I had this on my computer and watched it through the day as I had time and it was very informative. We did a Hoover dam ride last Saturday and have to say the RXTX did kick me around more than I wanted coming back to Cottonwood. I rode my RXPX the first part of the day in calm water do hard to compare. Catalina in 3 weeks. First time wish us luck.
Love my Trophy for fishing, cruising, taking the kids tubing, etc. I wish it handled better in chop and I have had days where I feel like it beat the hell out of me... lol.
But i understand the tradeoff to have a stable fishing platform...which is 80% of the reason I bought it.
Hi there a question for The watercraft journal. I like tearing it up on the water BUT I go on very long rides on the water. I ride up to 60 miles and ride in the ocean when the weather forecast is mild. Based on that would you chose a VX Cruiser HO or a GP HO. Is the VX Cruiser HO a bit more stable and a bit less twitchy and a bit less quiet than the GP HO. Is the handling that much better on the GP with the reduced weight.
Been on various seadoos, had loads of fun on lochs and sea here on Scotland, though I have only ever owned yamaha, love the FX hull, I keep an old but very good condition fx 160 ho cruiser (mr1 engine) from 2005 it's an estuary flowing into the north Sea here, it gets really really choppy, it's a busy shipping lane, all kinds of vessels, and I do 100 mile trips amongst them all, I can't knock it, it's stable handles the chop well, though you are most of the way on top of it, I find myself sending it, so I just catch the tips of the waves, airborne a lot of the time but have the odd smack down landing which doesn't sound too healthy but I've got new mounts and it handles it.
Recently got a 2016 310r so I'll see how that handles the excursions, I've just been going over everything getting to know the ski before I catch the right tides Friday Saturday Sunday.
Really I should take videos for my channel, but I don't, I get too busy. Any camera men in the local vicinity interested in cars bikes quads skis ect reach out.
Thanks for your hull breakdown, good to know and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
All the best to you and yours.
Hi Kevin. In rough water what is more comparable to Kawasaki Ultra's hull behavior, a Yamaha FX or a Yamaha GP?
Sounds like we just need a 400hp Kawasaki. 😂. I really wish somebody would make an aluminum hull. Would be perfect
Well mate as I have my old 2006 FXHO striped totally down bear boned. I'm going to take your advice & spray gel coat the bottom hull.
Once I repair several gouges & one 3" crack in the bottom hull.
I'm uncertain of the reason type to use on the repair of the hull.
The reason why Yamaha uses paint on the bottom of the hulls is for easy repaired.
One can go get a can of acrylic paint & paint the repairs.
🇦🇺🙂
Great information. Bookmarked this episode. You are spot on about Yamaha not going with gelcoat. I would have a new 2024 VX cruiser HO or a FX SVHO. Not willing to put-up with the fragile paint. I have a 2006 RXP and a 2006 SX-R 800 that I bought new. Both skis are gelcoat and they still look like new. I also didn't know about the oil starvation issue on the big Yamaha motors. They probably limited the oil capacity for enviornmental reasons. Did you notice how proud they are of that plastic cover on top of the engine that is made from plant sourced material? Of course those blown up motors going to the junk yard will have no effect on the enviornment.
I recall back in ‘22, on this show, Kevin said the SMC FX hull was demonstrably more improved over nano2. It’s jarring to hear him now say; actually, guys, it’s nothing. I owned a ‘21 nano2 and own a ‘23 SMC. There are significant ride differences between them.
There's literally zero difference in HULL DESIGN. Equally, the sheets of fiberglass are the same. The solitary difference is the two types of resin used.
@@watercraftjournal Didn't they move the sponsons too?
Well this is frustrating. I ended up going with the 2024 fx based on older videos of Kevin raving about Yamaha going back to thicker fiberglass…. Now they aren’t much different? Bummer
Kevin, greetings from Greece. Thank you for your excellent input.I have a 2005 FXHO which is very reliable and pretty much does the job however I am considering upgrading to a newer FX (still HO) or Kawi (not the supercharged versions). The main reason is that my FX is bouncing too much on the waves and also I want some new features (like the RIDE system and cruise control). I just want a comfortable and reliable ski for long rides (especially with 2 passengers). I ride in choppy waters when I have no other choice. Prices have gone up for new skis so I am in the market (after the season) for a used one (budget around 20000). For what it’s worth, I can also get one from Florida as I have citizenship. If you had the time to answer it would be great. Thank you anyways.
Did I miss your advice if you could buy just one?
Could not agree more on the Kawasaki prices. Just stupid what they are asking. I know they probably have higher overhead since they pay US workers and provide a more expensive and durable hull. But if they want to compete they have to lower prices. Guarantee the STX is cheaper to manufacture than the old 15f for several reasons but they have jacked the prices through the roof. Thanks for the video.
Question, what do you think about cylinders sleeves on the 300 ultra? Is going to work hotter? Is a bad idea?u have to do it on my cylinder block Thanks..
For me comfort starts with a 3 seater watercraft . They are generally longer This hull cuts the waves.
I'm 45 and I think the fx is boring lol. I agree with Greg! 😂
It is about perspective. I am 6'2" and the GP feels like a 20 inch bike under me. It is fun for playing around on for short bursts, but the FX is my goto for everything else.
@Steven-xj2rf I'm 6.2 myself and I ride standups and a built waveblaster 1. The waveblaster is the only ski with a seat worth riding in my opinion. The fx and the gp are way to big for me. In my opinion nothing made now that's not aftermarket worth riding are the sxr or superjet everything else is to danm big fore to have fun but I'm not lazy and I have balance so the less stable the better for me. I Don't care about storage comfort and speakers nor do I want a windscreen either.
@@jeffbryner5355 Why not get an e-foil board? If simple is your thing that is where it is at. I am not sure why anyone new to water powersports would even consider a standup at this time.
The FX in current form is a top 3 ski across the market right now IMHO
@Uno91180 compared to what? Every other huge ass ski on the market? I'd rather ride a 90s runabouts then any new oem ski from today.
So if I get a new FX, update the fuel pan and have the hull gel coated it should be the best I can get all round.
"Fuel pan?"
@@watercraftjournal Brain failure, I meant Oil.
That’s a good question!!
From what year FX start getting the ne hull?
Wouldn't gelcoat crack on the flexing hull?
At what point did Yamaha go with automotive paint on hulls?
What do you think bout gtx 170?
How much difference is there in the FX and GP hull? I feel you mentioned they are “identical” but the GP being a tad smaller. Is it a dramatic difference for someone who will be using their ski on and off shore with quite a bit of fishing mixed in?
I own both - ‘23 GP SVHO (had ‘22 GP HO) and ‘23 FX SVHO. These are very different machines - GP is a racer, turns on a dime harder than you can hold on. No frills, perfect for a single rider who wants to be thrilled. Takes skill to ride hard. FX is a cruiser - big, and heavy, comfy. Can ride up to 3 easily - just as fast in a straight away, but half the turn capability. Easy to ride. I chill on the FX, I tear up the lake on the GP.
@@Jetwaterrunnerfeller i am torn, the features of BOTH in one ski. Ive seen videos of fishing on and offshore on GP. I see that it is possible. Not quite sure how practical that would be. I am comin from CO to FL soon and trading hobbies to jetski
@@williamlutsch4259I can help with this. I own a Kawasaki STX160 which is similar to the GP hull as both hulls were designed for closed course racing. The STX hull is not a good option for rough water or chop. Its tippy, and rough channels with heavy boat traffic can get very sketchy. Offshore riding is bouncy and rough. Its a wet ride so you will get splashed a lot and need to stand up keep dry and absorb impacts. Its a very physical ride. The STX is also 30lbs heavier then the GP but a smidge smaller than the GP in width, height, and length. So if I am getting battered around on my ski then the GP will share a similar story. But the silver lining is the GP makes up for the poor rough water handling with far greater agility and great acceleration since its lighter and it will teach you to be a much better rider in the long run. If you plan to do a lot of offshore riding then get the FX if not then the GP. A happy medium is the VX HO which gives you the best of both.
Great video and informative BUT did you notice when he spoke about Yamaha he did NOT speak to how it performs only about lack of gel coat and its hull material. Then talked about how the motor is oil starved and mentions its top deck. You can tell he is not a fan of Yamaha. Even tho their hulls are the perfect compromise between the deep V design of the kawi and flat bottom design of the sea doo. The Fx doesn’t bow hunt like the sea doo or have the draft of the kawi. For me it’s Yamaha. Otherwise good video. Thanks Kev
You need to listen again. I spoke HEAPS of praise about the FX hull design, its prowess in chop and ability to track true. Your comment is DEMONSTRABLY wrong.
@@watercraftjournal come on Kev watch it again. You went into such detail on performance on both kawi and sea doo and Yamaha was a very bland explanation on performance. ( I’m not talking about when you were answering super chats) I’m a big fan of the show no trolling here but ever since Yamaha got upset with you over the night shot on the mag cover I feel it left a bad taste in your mouth with them. It just comes across that way. No disrespect.
We need a 1.9 360x ultra whit 49 or 50 inches wide...no matter that they limit it to 67mph..Make Kawi great again!
I am happy with the width. Actually happy they have not gone as wide as SD and Yamaha.
Is the GTI hull not considered full sized?
No, it's literally listed on the BRP site under "Recreational".
@@watercraftjournal The GTR and GTR-X are under "Performance"
@@AirKuhl That doesn’t mean it’s as big an ST3 hull.
Put three seaters in the trash can and give us something useful like more deck space.
Paint on handlebars?
As usual the Kawasaki STX gets ignored
As well it should
@@justthisguy1948 hey I like mine! Good hull. If Kawasaki would give it the same treatment it gives the Ultra it’d give the Yamaha GP a real run for its money
@@stuartpeck26 I have Yamaha VX 1800 and Kawasaki 310 LX and everyone says the Yamaha is better
Calm down, princess. This was strictly about full sized skis.
@@watercraftjournal ok boomer 🤣
Your Dad is from California?? Hope he vote for Trump.he likes gas engine drill baby drill😂
This whole video could have been 30 minutes long. The ramble on makes this a slow and unnecessary watch.
Had a 2023 GP1800HO and SVHO. The paint is such garbage that i got the RXTX