2011 Yamaha VXS versus VXR - is the VXR worth an extra $300

[cjgolf]

I would appreciate feedback from experienced PWC'ers on if you think that the difference in price between the models:

a) represents value?
b) would one model suit a certain kind of user more than another and how?


Here is what I have come up with so far on the differences.

Yamaha VXR
ÔÇó Three passenger
ÔÇó Race-inspired seat
ÔÇó Reboarding ladder
ÔÇó Metallic paint
ÔÇó Available in Bright Blue Metallic or Silver Metallic

Yamaha VXS
ÔÇó Three passenger
ÔÇó Traditional seat design
ÔÇó Available in Eclipse Black

From a review:

"I tested the VXR, priced at $11,199 with a sport seat (still rated for three riders), a flip-down boarding step, and metallic paint in silver or blue. For $300 less, you can get the VXS with a seat better shaped for toting passengers, no boarding step, and non-metallic black paint."
http://features.boats.com/boat-content/2010/10/new-yamaha-vxr-is-a-real-budget-blaster/

[nashvegas]

Its worth $300 just to have the reboarding ladder

[CajunJosh]

Its worth $300 just to have the reboarding ladder

Ditto, I don't have one on my FZR but I have heard nothing but praise from people who do. If you are going to make that big of an investment my as well go the extra mile, you won't regret it down the road.

[SHOBiz]

Its worth $300 just to have the reboarding ladder

If you have one you will be glad you do. If you are tired and have that ladder to help $300 won't mean anything.

[YoYamma]

In this economy, you can probably get either one for the same price. I doubt if a motivated dealer is going to lose your biz for $300.

We have the boarding steps on ours and they are very worthwhile.

[mjh3ides]

I think the seat on the VXR changes the whole look of the ski...looks much
sportier IMO. The XS with the standard seat looks like a rental to me.

[YoYamma]

Article: "Top speed easily reaches the mandated limit of 68 mph. Acceleration is on par with any stock boat on the water."

[cjgolf]

ladder benefit and use

This is a real newbie question

I have only had boats so far. Now re a PWC when would I need a ladder in terms of how you all use this type of pwc i.e. not a standup for tricks etc.

I dont plan on falling off much
Normal boarding would be from a wharf or beach.

I will probably get the VXR the one with the ladder) but really not sure when it would come into play in normal useage.

What am I not getting?

[Kelly_A]

You may find yourself in the water unexpectedly, or deliberately when the weather heats up. The boarding step facilitates getting back on the ski, that's all. When you add a passenger(s), reboarding becomes more difficult. The weight of the riders overcomes some of the hull buoyancy, the ski becomes less stable.

[YoYamma]

This is a real newbie question

I have only had boats so far. Now re a PWC when would I need a ladder in terms of how you all use this type of pwc i.e. not a standup for tricks etc.

I dont plan on falling off much
Normal boarding would be from a wharf or beach.

I will probably get the VXR the one with the ladder) but really not sure when it would come into play in normal useage.

What am I not getting?

It's not required by any means.
But I can tell you, if you jump in to cool off and you're climbing back on the rear deck of a ski in 15 feet of water, it makes reboarding a lot easier. It also makes boarding a lot easier for a passenger treading water or someone you were pulling on a tube.

Also, when you leave the beach area, you don't want to start that engine in 12 or 15 inches of water. You want to push the ski out into 36 inches of water and get on it there. In order to do this easily, I put that ladder down and place one foot on it, then grab the rear handle and skip out to deeper water before getting on the back and starting the engine. It just makes life easier; and having had boarding steps on 4 out of 6 skis I can tell you they are nice.

[Carlos Thomas]

Nobody boats a race craft from the rear. So no need for a boarding step. It is 10 times easier to board from the side. Watch Shawn from K38 showing the proper and easiest way to board a boat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP-h1...eature=related

[nashvegas]

I hear you about not needing a ladder but what if?

What if you're in a public area and cant whip it out to take a piss off the side? What if your taking a relative out and they need relief? What if you get stopped and have a passanger and need to present your fire extinguisher which is in the back storage?

It's worth it I tell ya. Trust me, I've been there, done that and got the T shirt multiple times.

[Corey R.]

I got a chance to see the new VXR in person last night. It is a VX110 down to every last detail other than the motor.

Same cheap LCD gauge pod, unnatural seating/ steering position, and hull. There is also no assist shock on the front compartment. Identical in every manner to a base model VX110.

I wouldnt touch one no matter what motor is in it.

[YoYamma]

Boarding. From the manual...

[nashvegas]

Boarding. From the manual...

Now thats funny!