The 100km test

An economical entry-level that is practical and built to last. But is it actually any fun? To find out, we rode it in the North Sea. For 100km.

It feels like I’ve been riding for an eternity. It’s actually more like an hour. The sea is big and messy and, as another wave trounces my face, my eyes take on the appearance of bloodshot pickled onions. But is it ever fun. Hitting massive swells, the VX Deluxe shoots skyward and slices back down with a comforting splatter.

With good fuel economy, a 110-horse power 4-stroke and, most importantly, an inviting price tag, the VX is a tempting proposition in times like these. It is an entry-level craft, whose rider demographic is beginners and families, meaning that it won’t scare the hell out of inexperienced riders. It was also awarded ‘Watercraft of the Year’ in 2005 by WaterCraft World magazine.

I am riding a demo model, which has been used over the previous months for the Yamaha Wavefest tour of the UK. What this means of course is that gangs of Vinne Jones-wanabees, who may never have been on a PW in their lives, have been doing their best to squeeze the living Gascoignes out of it. Nevertheless, having those extra hours on the clock provide a great base for testing the VX’s longevity.

HANDLING

The conditions were bigger than I would have liked for this test. Large inconsistent swells (no doubt inhabited by Bull Sharks) aren’t conducive for flat-out speed tests, but the one thing they are good for is testing the handling of a watercraft. And the first thing I notice, is the VX’s manageability. It is reassuringly easy to drive, and even in choppy seas the semi V hull handles well.

Low speed in surf like today’s meant for a wet ride, so it was essential to keep the power on and the bow up to reduce spray. If you ride it at lower speeds in rough conditions then it can be a pretty wet ride, so it’s all about keeping the bow up. There is a bow spray guard but I wasn’t overly impressed with it, considering how wet I was!

The VX has good balance at low and high speed, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Although I found that the stability was best in the mid-range where it had the most substantial grip on the water surface. The deepness of the V helps keep the pump hooked up, and also means that it is well behaved through corners. As you turn, it has a nice lean and the seat is chunky enough to provide the support you need.

Its riding position is a gentle sit-up-and-beg style, which is good for recreational riders who wouldn’t want too aggressive a stance. And the handlebars are nice and wide and fairly high, making you feel steady and in control. The seat is wide and padded (they don’t call runabouts ‘sofas’ for nothing!), and the footwells are broad and fitted with grippy Hydro-Turf mats as standard.

If you plan to consistently ride long distances then I would definitely recommend the VX Cruiser, which has a lumbar support on the seat. This would ease the jarring of big landings and provide extra comfort for those long distances. Furthermore, if you are serious about long-range cruising in big chop then I would recommend a craft with a trim system, so that you can raise the bow out of the water more significantly. Something like the FX HO.

ENGINE

The VX’s 110hp 4-stroke is a very civilised engine. Naturally aspirated at 1052cc, the 20-valve, liquid-cooled motor has a power delivery that is spot on for beginners, or riders who like to take things easy. There is no pressure from the VX to do anything but go at your own pace. It isn’t a muscle craft, where one nervous twitch of your finger could send you to Holland. Instead, it has a smooth power band that builds progressively, and inspires confidence in your riding skills.

It does dawdle at low revs, only doing around six miles-per-hour at 4,000rpm, and it’s not until you get up to 6,000rpm that it hits the 30mph mark. As far as engine noise, because of its modest four-stroke, it is generally a very quiet PW which purrs along gently. But when you get the revs up and start red lining it to 8,000rpm, the engine lets you know that you’re working it, and begins making noises like Amanda Holden if she’d taken up trouser-ferreting.

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