Yamaha introduces 2017 WaveRunner line, new boats

Yamaha WaterCraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., introduced its 2017 WaveRunner line and its 2017 boat line. The products were unveiled at the company’s annual dealer meeting being held in Chicago, where Yamaha also set out its strategy to be the No. 1 global marine brand.

Yamaha WaveRunners

The new WaveRunner models include new EX Series starting at $6,599, as well as a new reincarnation of Yamaha’s GP racing series, the GP1800.

“The key to the long-term viability of the personal watercraft market, and a strategy for growing our brand’s dominance, is attracting and retaining new buyers,” said Yamaha’s Product Development Manager Scott Watkins. “The new EX Series is aimed squarely at doing just that. The EX Series offers the best possible experience at the best possible price. We didn’t cut any corners in terms of the durability of the construction or hold back on power. These new EX models deliver a fun, exhilarating riding experience that we think families will enjoy now and for years to come.”

The EX WaveRunner Series is designed for buyers seeking an affordable entry into the sport of personal watercraft with durability, reliability and quality. Features include Yamaha’s TR-1 engine and the EX Deluxe is equipped with RiDE dual throttle handlebar control system.

“The new EX Series is a game changer for the personal watercraft market,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s Watercraft Group. “There’s never been this much performance, durability, stability, storage, ease of maintenance, and overall fun packed into a watercraft at this price point in the history of the sport.

“Our dealers have been asking us if this was even possible, and today we’re excited to show them that it is,” he added.

Born out of Yamaha’s race heritage and designed for closed-course racing and experienced high-performance enthusiasts, the new GP1800 is the quickest, fastest, most precise handling WaveRunner that Yamaha has ever designed, according to the company. The Yamaha SVHO marine engine powers the GP1800. Features include Yamaha’s lightweight NanoXcel2 hull and deck material and RiDE system.

“For a decade, the GP1200 and GP1300R dominated closed-course watercraft racing, making the GP moniker synonymous with speed and winning,” said Watkins. “That’s why we brought it back. This new model delivers levels of acceleration, speed and handling that change everything we’ve known about what a watercraft can do on and off the race course. Yamaha factory racers are chomping at the bit to get ahold of this new package, and we think performance enthusiasts will too.”

Yamaha jet boats

New boats include a high-performance 19-foot 195 series and four new 21-foot boats that include the 212 Limited line and a new 212X with advanced wakesurf capabilities.

“Yamaha’s jet drive system is the gold standard in marine propulsion and provides performance and benefits by which other boats in our class are now judged,” said Seti. “For 2017, we’ve extended this venerable drivetrain to several new boats to round out our lineup, adding new performance capability to the 19-foot buyer, as well as new levels of space, sport and luxury for the 21-foot buyer.”

Yamaha’s new 195 Series includes the SX195 and tower-equipped AR195. Key features include Yamaha SVHO supercharged 1.8L marine engine and 160mm jet pump, Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features including the Articulating Keel, and high-end design features including premium upholstery and billet aluminum accents.

The new 210 Series includes the vSX210 and watersports-focused AR210. Key features of these new models include:

• Twin TR-1 High Output engines;
• A new 4.3” version of Yamaha’s Connext helm control system;
• Yamaha Quiet Cruise for reduced cabin noise and vibration; and
• Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features that include the Articulating Keel for enhancing maneuverability and control at all speeds.

The 212 Series features two new models, the 212 Limited and 212 Limited S, as well as a redesign of Yamaha’s signature 21-foot wake boat, the 212X. Key features of this series include:

• 7” Connext helm control system with joystick controls;
• Powered by twin Yamaha 1.8L normally-aspirated engines;
• Premium appointments, chrome accents, port side workstation and snap-in, teak style floor mats;
• Yamaha Quiet Cruise; and
• Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features including the Articulating Keel.

The 212X also features a new 500-watt stereo system with rotating sound bar, and a triple ballast system providing 1100 pounds of additional weight for creating the perfect wake.

More information on the new 2017 WaveRunner models is available at www.YamahaWaveRunners.com. To see the entire 2017 line up of Yamaha Boats, visit www.yamahaboats.com.