I love my 2014 STX-15F, I had a 1997 Seadoo GTX (787) for 10, years, love the hull design and performance, but definitely high maintenance, sick of constantly tooling it! I did not like the ride of my Brothers Yamaha VX cruiser, the power train is way superior, but the ride.....I find my Kawasaki's hull is awesome and easy maintenance, and I ride in salt water! This ski is the most underrated ski, the most nimble 3 seater out there! You are spot on! It also blows away the Yamaha VX, on speed and agility!
After 13 months of ownership and 79 hours of ride time, we are so happy with our purchase. Not one problem. Fast and reliable. I must admit I'm not a huge fan of the black paint. Looks fantastic when clean, but shows water spots. If you get one make sure you do a great wax job before you hit the water. After each ride we use a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar to wipe off the water spots, then we apply a spray on wax. 79 hours in one year and it looks bran-new!
These things are honestly insane there a rocket from a dead stop like 0 to 20 in no time and its a great ride recommend it to anyone with experience on a jet ski not something to start on
2018 STX 15F! Is an amazing PWC, do not over look this machine. My family has years of riding our 1997-2002 SeaDoo’s (GTX, XP, GTI) two strokes around. I love my SeaDoo’s, they are fun, small and often reliable. Top speed at elevation of 4,100 above sea level has always been around 42-45MPH. 42-45 MPH is perfect for new riders, experienced riders, cruising, having fun in big waves or calm waters. Our heavier larger GTX dominates the huge waves while the ride on the XP and GTI is more challenging. We have learned over the years the very best PWC at the lake is the one that is running when you want to go out…. I have recently become tired of being a mechanic on vacation, so I started researching the best 2018 PWC for my family. Criteria used; 1. Reliability/warranty 2. Fuel economy 3. Safety 4. Fun 5. Speed In my opinion the STX 15F won and here is why. 1. Can anyone beat the 60 month extended warranty? The 1500cc fuel injected 4 stroke engine, normally aspirated should last a very long time as it is the base engine for Kawasaki’s supercharged 310HP monster. The STX does not have bells ands whistles, less stuff to break. 2. 1500cc fuel injected can provide for a long ride on less gas than many. Last weekend we took a four hour ride and the fuel consumption from our STX and 720cc GTI was very close to the same. If you are looking at a ski that has a button for fuel economy watch out. 3. This PWC will shock you on how fast it is. There is a slow and fast key provided. The mirrors and reverse are helpful. 4. If you want a thirteen foot boat this PWC is not for you. Being a shorter PWC means all the time you are just playing is more fun then a PWC that is HUGE. The STX has amazing 0-30 time under two seconds! The STX works well for cruising, playing in the big waves and racing. I do not know of another PWC hull design that has won more races. 5. Speed GPS measured at 62MPH! Dang this speed is now a bit scary. I raced an Ultra 310 last weekend and yes he pulled away from me in a straight line, probably 70MPH. Back in the cove and playing in the huge waves I had way more fun than him. With the STX you will not need to upgrade to a more performance or fun PWC in two years.
I'm looking at older 15s for our 2nd/fun ski to go with our -14 FX SHO Cruizer. Do you know when motor changes/mods occurred? Will say an '08 run with your newer ski and is that 62 at 4200 elevation? Thanks hope your ski still doing well! We love the "new to us" FX coming from a pair of '99 GP1200s.
I have two 2016 STX15F'S Bought them brand new. One has no problems at all. Second one blew TWO engines so far and has been a huge frustration for me. Next time I'm going with Yamaha.
PeteZRacing And now the one with the brand new engine has a strong odor of gasoline fumes. Back to the dealer tomorrow for them to try to fix that also. 😖
I just bought the same ski and I love it to! Going from the break in period with the slow key and fast key was interesting, but when I gave it full throttle from a stand still, awsome! I've been on two different lakes so far and I'm going to try more, since I have a wetsuit and drysuit for year round riding in North Carolina!
As the warranty keys off the 10 hours dealer inspection make sure to take it in. The dealer will check many items and change from the engine break in oil to a good synthetic.
Yes the manual has the break in schedule. You can Google the manual and download it if you want to read before picking up STX15F. By the way we think it should have been STX F15! We are so impressed with this machine! I always wondered why people had riding glove for a PWC, now I know you will be hanging on. Just dropped mine off this morning for the 10 hour service check. Dealer recommended changing out the break in oil for the regular marine synthetic. Sorry to run on, the black body is beautiful but shows every water spots. Vinegar is the solution for wipe down with a spray on wax after.
I am fairly new to riding jet ski. I Want to purchase my own am tired of paying so much money to rent for an hour. Is this a good jet ski for a beginner like myself? If not what brand/models do you recommend?
Sorry for the late response. I have been at our lake for a few weeks! This Jet Ski will work great for any level of rider. When I let a beginner ride ours, I give them the slow key. The slow key reduces the power and speed. Once you become more experienced, a few hours, you will want the fast key.
I'm definitely new to jet skis but when I look on yamaha's website and see a three or four year warranty and then I look on Kawasaki and see 12 months it really makes me question kawi
Tom, I'm not saying Yamaha is a bad ski. I do not believe they offer the five year warranty like Kawasaki. I bought two more Kawasaki after being impressed with the stx15f. Same 1500 4 stroke but in the larger body style, the ultra LX. The stx-15f is crazy fast, for my needs being a bit older than my son the ultra LX hull design is easier on my body with Huge amounts of storage. Looking forward to another summer of amazing fun. Last year we put 75 hours on each of our skis without one issue. I'm a happy camper so far.
Yamaha makes a good ski, as well. This is what is listed on the Kawi page " Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)12, 24, 36, or 48 months . It comes with the one year then I purchased the 48 month, in total I have 5 years. Hard to beat. I pulled this off the 2019 Yamaha web site " PERIOD OF WARRANTY. Any new Yamaha WaveRunner watercraft purchased for pleasure use will be warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, subject to exclusions noted herein.
I have this exact same model, and with roughly 1000 lbs of thrust it will pull practically anything you want with no problems at all. My kids have pulled 2 large tubes with 5 medium size kids on it. I was more worried about ripping the tow hook of than it not being able to pull. We are not going to too that too many times. Great Jetski!
We are so happy with this purchase, ZERO problems 4 years latter.
How many hours do you have on it so far?
I love my 2014 STX-15F, I had a 1997 Seadoo GTX (787) for 10, years, love the hull design and performance, but definitely high maintenance, sick of constantly tooling it! I did not like the ride of my Brothers Yamaha VX cruiser, the power train is way superior, but the ride.....I find my Kawasaki's hull is awesome and easy maintenance, and I ride in salt water! This ski is the most underrated ski, the most nimble 3 seater out there! You are spot on! It also blows away the Yamaha VX, on speed and agility!
After 13 months of ownership and 79 hours of ride time, we are so happy with our purchase. Not one problem. Fast and reliable. I must admit I'm not a huge fan of the black paint. Looks fantastic when clean, but shows water spots. If you get one make sure you do a great wax job before you hit the water. After each ride we use a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar to wipe off the water spots, then we apply a spray on wax. 79 hours in one year and it looks bran-new!
Any updates?
@@cleansethesole7618 I just posted an update. Amazing machine.
Just got one yesterday best ski for the money
We now have 78 hours in 4 months. Not one issue! Great Machine.
How much u pay for it monthly?
These things are honestly insane there a rocket from a dead stop like 0 to 20 in no time and its a great ride recommend it to anyone with experience on a jet ski not something to start on
2018 STX 15F! Is an amazing PWC, do not over look this machine.
My family has years of riding our 1997-2002 SeaDoo’s (GTX, XP, GTI) two strokes around.
I love my SeaDoo’s, they are fun, small and often reliable. Top speed at elevation of 4,100 above sea level has always been around 42-45MPH. 42-45 MPH is perfect for new riders, experienced riders, cruising, having fun in big waves or calm waters. Our heavier larger GTX dominates the huge waves while the ride on the XP and GTI is more challenging.
We have learned over the years the very best PWC at the lake is the one that is running when you want to go out…. I have recently become tired of being a mechanic on vacation, so I started researching the best 2018 PWC for my family. Criteria used;
1. Reliability/warranty
2. Fuel economy
3. Safety
4. Fun
5. Speed
In my opinion the STX 15F won and here is why.
1. Can anyone beat the 60 month extended warranty? The 1500cc fuel injected 4 stroke engine, normally aspirated should last a very long time as it is the base engine for Kawasaki’s supercharged 310HP monster. The STX does not have bells ands whistles, less stuff to break.
2. 1500cc fuel injected can provide for a long ride on less gas than many. Last weekend we took a four hour ride and the fuel consumption from our STX and 720cc GTI was very close to the same. If you are looking at a ski that has a button for fuel economy watch out.
3. This PWC will shock you on how fast it is. There is a slow and fast key provided. The mirrors and reverse are helpful.
4. If you want a thirteen foot boat this PWC is not for you. Being a shorter PWC means all the time you are just playing is more fun then a PWC that is HUGE. The STX has amazing 0-30 time under two seconds! The STX works well for cruising, playing in the big waves and racing. I do not know of another PWC hull design that has won more races.
5. Speed GPS measured at 62MPH! Dang this speed is now a bit scary. I raced an Ultra 310 last weekend and yes he pulled away from me in a straight line, probably 70MPH. Back in the cove and playing in the huge waves I had way more fun than him. With the STX you will not need to upgrade to a more performance or fun PWC in two years.
I'm looking at older 15s for our 2nd/fun ski to go with our -14 FX SHO Cruizer. Do you know when motor changes/mods occurred? Will say an '08 run with your newer ski and is that 62 at 4200 elevation? Thanks hope your ski still doing well! We love the "new to us" FX coming from a pair of '99 GP1200s.
Yes, you can pull a water skier, tube or knee board.
I just picked up a 2018 model and a 2019 model, each with 25 hours and couldn't be more excited! Still have this bad boy? If so, any updates?
I have two 2016 STX15F'S
Bought them brand new.
One has no problems at all.
Second one blew TWO engines so far and has been a huge frustration for me.
Next time I'm going with Yamaha.
Sorry to hear that. Thank goodness for the warranty. I purchased two Ultra LX,s same engine no problems.
PeteZRacing
And now the one with the brand new engine has a strong odor of gasoline fumes. Back to the dealer tomorrow for them to try to fix that also. 😖
@@HayabusaOrlando Did you encounter any problems using your warranty?
Sound like you're dumb for going back to the same shop and not getting or using a warranty.
so how did you blow the engines??
I am getting one soon
i rented one of these like week ago and i was able to get it up to 72
Firstname Lastname not possible, the Speedo on the ski in not accurate.
I Had To Make This Account is possible when you are on those waves you can get it to go faster
@@IHadToMakeThisAccount 72/kmp
Going after a gtx limited instead... lot of power for a beginner but i think the speed demon in me will appreciate the extra hp...
I just bought the same ski and I love it to! Going from the break in period with the slow key and fast key was interesting, but when I gave it full throttle from a stand still, awsome! I've been on two different lakes so far and I'm going to try more, since I have a wetsuit and drysuit for year round riding in North Carolina!
As the warranty keys off the 10 hours dealer inspection make sure to take it in. The dealer will check many items and change from the engine break in oil to a good synthetic.
@@PeteZRacing
Thanks for the info!
I have 2 2018 15f with 400hrs and 501hrs on it..
In your opinion. How many hours is to many on one of these skis. Or high hours
Did you replace the shaft bearings or impeller?
That's a big boy
What kind of break in period did you do, plan on getting one tomorrow. Is there anything for break in period in the manual
Yes the manual has the break in schedule. You can Google the manual and download it if you want to read before picking up STX15F. By the way we think it should have been STX F15! We are so impressed with this machine! I always wondered why people had riding glove for a PWC, now I know you will be hanging on. Just dropped mine off this morning for the 10 hour service check. Dealer recommended changing out the break in oil for the regular marine synthetic. Sorry to run on, the black body is beautiful but shows every water spots. Vinegar is the solution for wipe down with a spray on wax after.
I buy 2019 1 week I go this Monday I going to the water first time
How was your outing?
Pictures or it didn't happen
I have the 2019 version i thought it was very unstable do you get used to it?
It is very nimble. I believe you will get used to it. We have the Kawasaki Ultras. Those are huge stable cruisers.
@@PeteZRacing Yeah a year later and im much more confortable and its pretty stable
Is it designated for one person or two??
It is rated for 3 people.
Winterizing this ski is Soooooo easy. Read the shop manual.
I am fairly new to riding jet ski. I Want to purchase my own am tired of paying so much money to rent for an hour. Is this a good jet ski for a beginner like myself? If not what brand/models do you recommend?
Sorry for the late response. I have been at our lake for a few weeks! This Jet Ski will work great for any level of rider. When I let a beginner ride ours, I give them the slow key. The slow key reduces the power and speed. Once you become more experienced, a few hours, you will want the fast key.
I'm definitely new to jet skis but when I look on yamaha's website and see a three or four year warranty and then I look on Kawasaki and see 12 months it really makes me question kawi
Tom,
I'm not saying Yamaha is a bad ski. I do not believe they offer the five year warranty like Kawasaki. I bought two more Kawasaki after being impressed with the stx15f. Same 1500 4 stroke but in the larger body style, the ultra LX. The stx-15f is crazy fast, for my needs being a bit older than my son the ultra LX hull design is easier on my body with Huge amounts of storage. Looking forward to another summer of amazing fun. Last year we put 75 hours on each of our skis without one issue. I'm a happy camper so far.
Yamaha makes a good ski, as well. This is what is listed on the Kawi page
" Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)12, 24, 36, or 48 months
. It comes with the one year then I purchased the 48 month, in total I have 5 years. Hard to beat. I pulled this off the 2019 Yamaha web site
" PERIOD OF WARRANTY. Any new Yamaha WaveRunner watercraft purchased for pleasure use will be warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, subject to exclusions noted herein.
Can you pull a water skier, or knee boarder?
Absolutely not a problem.
I have this exact same model, and with roughly 1000 lbs of thrust it will pull practically anything you want with no problems at all. My kids have pulled 2 large tubes with 5 medium size kids on it. I was more worried about ripping the tow hook of than it not being able to pull. We are not going to too that too many times. Great Jetski!