Yamaha’s 1800cc Supercharged Super High Output PWCs

As we mentioned a few weeks back, the Personal Watercraft market is currently in the grips of a horsepower war which was started last year when Kawasaki introduced a turbocharged, 1500cc, 250 horsepower PWC that’ll run 68 mph (60 knots) on water. Not surprisingly, all the other manufacturers have responded in kind, with Yamaha creating an all-new purpose-built craft of astounding technological prowess. The power plant for the new top-of-the-range SHO (Super High Output) WaveRunner models is a compact 1812cc, fuel-injected, supercharged, intercooled, four-cylinder engine. Perhaps even more importantly, the entire hull uses Nanotechnology to achieve a hull 25% lighter than the previous model, yet even stronger. Check out how the new SHO compares here.

The Super High Output engine uses a sophisticated fuel delivery system with four electronically controlled fuel injectors, a throttle position sensor (TPS) and air intake/air pressure sensors to supply the optimum air and fuel ratio. For improved strength and lighter weight, Yamaha used a one piece cylinder and crankcase assembly while twin engine oil pumps deliver lubrication to each moving part.

The Yamaha Engine Management System (Y.E.M.S) governs ignition timing, fuel injection mapping, engine diagnostics and off throttle steering through an integrated computerized management system. A Slant Detection Switch stops engine and oil pumps if the PWC overturns while a thermostat sensor automatically controls water flow through the engine for efficient cooling.

Driving the WaveRunner SHO models is a 155mm hyper-flow jet pump propulsion system. With a three-blade stainless steel impeller, the pump configuration and High Flow Intake Duct allows for greater water flow and intake to deliver better thrust, hook up and smooth acceleration.

Yamaha’s SHO models are also the first across the industry to use Reverse Traction Control which maintains constant RPM for effective manoeuvring in reverse. This reverse feature is also backed up by Yamaha’s proven Quick Shift Trim System (Q.S.T.S) allowing the trim profile to be mechanically adjusted to suit the driver for quicker acceleration or tighter turns.

The second jewel in Yamaha’s PWC crown is its award winning NanoXcel hull formula. Inspired by extensive Nanotechnology research, the hull and deck of each 2008 SHO and HO models are manufactured using a state-of-the-art, environmentally sound, high compression moulded process.

The new NanoXcel hull and deck is 25% lighter than previous Yamaha PWC models and delivers increased strength through the hull for superior power-to-weight performance. Adding to the NanoXcel hull advantage, the progressive Stepper Draft V-Hull design with integrated Bow Spray Guard further enhances manoeuvrability, handling and comfort.

According to Yamaha-Motor Company, Yamaha’s engineers used nanotechnology to create a hull material that utilises nano-created filler that is layered thousands of times over so the bonding surface is much larger and stronger than before. As a result, much less filler is needed in the manufacturing process resulting in a material that is both lightweight and stronger than before.

The exclusive NanoXcel formula developed by Yamaha engineers is the first major development in hull design and construction in the PWC industry for decades. Laser-guided water jets and advanced robotics construct each hull and deck to exact tolerances for maximum precision, strength and durability.

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