WaveRunner

WaveRunner is the trademarked name of personal water craft (PWC) produced by the Yamaha Motor Company, but the term "waverunner" has become a generic name for all types of personal watercraft. Another popular name for a PWC is a Jet Ski.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation manufactures WaveRunners for the North American market in Newnan, Georgia, USA. ^[1]

History

In 1987, Yamaha introduced the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer, and in 2002 introduced the world's first four-stroke high performance PWC.^[2] Yamaha continues to manufacture both two stroke and four stroke models, as well as supercharged and naturally aspirated models.

Table provided by NADAguides ^[3]

Technology and usage

Using nanotechnology, Yamaha engineers were able to create a high-strength, lightweight material called NanoXcel. This material is exclusive to Yamaha and allows making the hulls and decks of select models 25 percent lighter and improving durability- significantly improving the power-to-weight ratio, responsiveness, acceleration and top speed. Yamaha is also the only manufacturer in the PWC industry with full-scale high-compression molding capabilities. ^[4]

All WaveRunner models have Yamaha's trademarked Visibility Spout: A waterspout from the rear of the craft that improves the watercraft’s conspicuity.

WaveRunners are also popular with ocean-based lifeguards and rescue squads.

Yamaha makes a variety of models and options: Their 2009 Line includes;

Their VX Line of PWC's are one of the most fuel efficient models available try 4.9 GPH at cruising speed with the VX Line compared to the 6.8 GPH with the Sea DOO GTI and 7.6 GPH with the Kawasaki STX-12f! From the basic VX for those who want to get into the Waverunner lifestyle for the first time to the VX Cruiser which has an generously contoured and comfortable Cruising seat and a rear re boarding step, reverse bucket, Remote Transmitter.This series is very affordable, dependable and perfect for families.

The "Luxury Performance" line includes the remains of the FX line, from the FX HO with an 1812cc High Output motor to the FX Cruiser HO with the same 1812 cc engine, and the re boarding step and Cruising Seat and many other top-line features.

Yamaha also makes a SHO engine, which basically means a "Super High Output" engine because its power plant contains a Centrifugal type supercharger. It is 1812 cc, the largest engine in the PWC industry. This engine is placed on their FX Cruiser SHO, FX SHO and racing models the FZR and FZS. The FX Cruiser SHO is the highest model Waverunner. It includes the cruising features, SHO engine and features such as Water and Outside Temperature readings among others.

The new "Sports Performance" line is the FZR and FZS model. They have the SHO engine, with A 155mm hyper-flow jet propulsion system and a specifically designed FZ hull.They are designed for Professional Racing. These models generally replaced the 2- Stroke, 3 Cylinder GP 1300R a very renowned racing Waverunner.

Many Waverunners have a Wireless Remote Transmitter, this Locks/Unlocks the PWC from unwanted start ups and activates the Low RPM Mode, or L-Mode. L-Mode will limit the engine power and can save you up to 26% on fuel consumption. Available on all models except the VX, and VX Sport and of course the Superjet.

Other features included on various models:

-Water and Outdoor temperature

-Reverse RPM control, to prevent engine Over- revving and keeps you at the Optimum speed for effective operation in reverse.

-Telescopic Steering

-Watertight Storage/ along with other areas containing lots of storage space

- Cruise Assist, to maintain a specific speed to avoid hand fatigue

- No Wake Mode, with the push of a button allows you to stay at an estimated 5 mph during the passing in a NO WAKE ZONE.

- Yamaha's Trademarked Quick Shift Trim System or Q.S.T.S. allows you to change the watercraft's trim for sharper turns or better acceleration.

It should be noted that all 2009 Yamaha Waverunners have 4- Stroke engines that are electronically fuel injected, 4- Stroke engines are much more efficient in gasoline and exhaust emissions. The only exception is the Superjet. It is designed for stand up riding and has a 2- stroke carbureted engine. It is one of the most popular and best selling "Stand Up" PWC's in the industry.

Arcade game

The WaveRunner is also featured in an eponymous arcade racing game of the same name by Sega. The game itself consists of a cabinet in which the player controls a simulator that resembles a real WaveRunner and must move the handle and tilt the seat in order to move the watercraft. Unlike similar titles, WaveRunner is more of a straight racer in vein of other Sega Model 2 games, instead of focusing on tricks and stunts.

Test and Measurement

The company LeCroy has a line of oscilloscopes called the WaveRunner series. They include mid-range 'scopes in the 400 MHz to 2 GHz range. The name is a reference to the fact an electronic waveform is displayed on the oscilloscope.

See also

• PWC-related accidents

References

1. ^ Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation
2. ^ Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. - History Timeline (USA)
3. ^ NADAguides
4. ^ Yamaha Nanotechnology

• http://www.yamaha-motor.com/waverunner/nanoxcel.aspx
• http://www.yamaha-motor.com/waverunner/company/historyusa/home.aspx
• http://www.yamaha-motor-mfg.com/
• http://www.waverunner-fan.com/waverunners/history.html

External links

Please help improve this article by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (May 2007)

• Yamaha WaveRunner website