Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner: 2026 Boat Buyers Guide

The CrossWave combines the ability to seat four comfortably with the stability for anglers to stand and fish.
Yamaha CrossWave on the lake
The open bow area completes a unique full walkaround layout and seating for four. Courtesy Yamaha

Georgia-based Yamaha WaterCraft Group, which sells, markets and distributes Yamaha boats and WaveRunner watercraft in the US, represents an industry leader in reliability, performance, technology, and customer service. More to the point, this brand is a leader in waterjet-powered marine innovation, and has held that status since Neil Kobayashi invented the WaveRunner in 1986. 

Yamaha’s patented jet-drive system uses an internal impeller rather than an external propeller, providing shallow-water operation, agile maneuverability, reduced maintenance, and enhanced safety. Patented clean-out ports, exclusive to Yamaha boats, allow for easy removal of debris caught in the jet pump.

Yamaha CrossWave helm
The helm houses dual touchscreen displays. Courtesy Yamaha

Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner

The revolutionary new Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner combines Yamaha’s legendary jetdrive with walkaround angling ability, an expansive deck, and versatility. 

Nearly 13 feet long and 67 inches wide, the CrossWave is almost 2 feet longer and a foot and a half wider than Yamaha’s luxury performance FX Series. With 16-inch footwells, 3.5-inch gunwale steps, and EVA foam decking from bow to stern, boarding the CrossWave is easy and safe 

The open bow area completes a unique full walkaround layout and seating for four. Removing the third and fourth seats opens up stern space for coolers or fishing gear, or simply to stretch out. The CrossWave has a rod storage compartment, an anchor locker, and dual in-hull compartments. 

Yamaha’s integrated T-Track system accommodates accessories such as washdown kits, rod holders, trolling motor brackets, or shallow-water anchors. The helm houses dual touchscreen displays. Footwell speakers deliver tunes. 

To power electronics and accessories, the CrossWave comes pre-wired for a Group 24 deep-cycle marine battery, and the industry’s first built-in battery switch.

Beneath the seat is Yamaha’s proven 1.9L High Output Marine Engine, the largest displacement engine in the personal watercraft industry. Yamaha has also brought to the CrossWave one of its most popular boating innovations, its patented clean-out port.

Options range from fishing kits and raised casting decks to leaning posts and extra seating.

Every CrossWave comes with both a custom-fit Yamaha marine trailer and a 55-quart cooler.

Editor’s Tip

Yamaha has created a new category of personal watercraft with the CrossWave. It’s the first PWC with the ability to seat four comfortably, and its wide beam provides the stability for anglers to stand and fish. -Alan Jones 

Performance Data

  • Test Power: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.9-liter High Output Yamaha Marine engine
  • Impeller: 155 mm
  • Test Load: 12 gal. of fuel, one person
  • Test Speed: 25 mph @ 5,000 rpm
  • Max Range: 119 mi. (with 10 percent fuel reserve)

Specifications

LOA:12’11”
Beam:5’7″
Fuel Capacity:26.4 gal.
Dry Weight With Power:N/A
Max HP:200
Certifications:NMMA
Powered By:Yamaha

Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing – Kennesaw, Georgia; yamahaboats.com