Yamaha Jet Blaster
Yamaha Motor New Zealand has announced their new WaveRunner lineup for 2022.
This sees the introduction of an all-new freestyle sit-down ski, exciting feature upgrades to their luxury performance FX models and new colours and decals across the entire range.Â
Headlining the 2022 WaveRunner range is the all-new JetBlaster, designed for those riders looking for more fun, more excitement and more freestyle capabilities than a traditional sit-down watercraft. Â
Inspired by the agility and manoeuvrability of Yamaha’s legendary SuperJet, this craft combines the freedom of a stand-up with the versatility of a sit-down personal watercraft to deliver next-level thrills and performance.
Richard Shaw, National Marine Manager, said, “With consumer demand continuing to hit record levels and owners finding new ways to use their WaveRunners, whether adventure touring, cruising, adrenalin watersports or fishing, we are excited to be able to expand our offering to the freestyle riding market.” Â
Key to the unique performance and innovative JetBlaster design is the electric trim, built-in footwell chocks and raised action handlebars. At the heart of this craft is Yamaha’s award-winning, lightweight, TR-1 high-output marine engine combined with an ultra-lightweight hull, delivering the industry’s most powerful package in a watercraft of this size.Â
Upgraded FX Series
Yamaha’s luxury performance FX Series WaveRunners also receive significant technology and ride enhancements, continuing to push the limits of what you can expect from a top-end personal watercraft.Â
New to the 2022 models, sees the former 4.3inch Connext touchscreen display increased to 5-inches on FX HO models and 7-inches on Yamaha’s supercharged FX SVHO models.
The display upgrade includes:
- A full colour, glass screen that is brighter and more visible.
- An easy-reach touchpad screen control.
- Additional top speed and acceleration modes.
- Auto Trim’s introduction allows the rider to save different trim modes suiting different performance riding or comfort preferences.Â
“With an increasing number of our FX riders choosing to install third-party GPS devices on our multi-mount system, we have gone a step further and integrated GPS capabilities directly into our Connext displays, across the FX range,” Richard said.
With the addition of an optional map software, Yamaha’s new GPS allows the rider to add and follow waypoints, create, record and save tracks, and accurately track their speed. For extra safety, Yamaha has included a geofencing feature that sets a virtual boundary for learner riders, alerting the rider when the boundary has been reached.Â
Following the lead of the 2020 VX models, all FX models now come with Yamaha’s factory-installed, custom integrated marine audio system, which includes twin, powerful 4.5-inch fully waterproof marine speakers, integrated two-channel (50 watts per channel) amplifier, easy access control pad and an integrated low-voltage regulator to protect the battery.Â
The audio system is linked to the rider’s Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, allowing voice activation through a built-in microphone embedded in the ski, hands-free calls, and text messages to be displayed on the Connext touchscreen.Â
Below the waterline, Yamaha has moved the sponsons forward 50mm and modified the ride plate angle to provide more nose lift, resulting in a more comfortable and dryer ride in all conditions. Â
The steering system has also been upgraded, with a sleeker and more ergonomic handlebar design, smaller control boxes, and the addition of two rope tie hooks on either side of the steering column, to make tying up to jetties and other craft easier.Â
To round out the 2022 lineup, all the GP1800R race-ready models now come standard with Yamaha’s built-in 4.5-inch speakers and audio system. Yamaha has also updated the colours and graphic kits across their existing GP1800R, VX and affordable recreational light EX models.
