We Say: Yamaha’s GP models epitomized the “muscle craft” that dominated the PWC market in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Like the original, the newest GP is hellbent on performance. Squeeze the throttle and 30 mph passes in as little as 1.5 seconds. Dive into a turn and the craft displays the same aggressive manners enjoyed by racers. Our top-speed numbers hit just shy of a blistering 69 mph.
The new GP’s hull and deck were lifted from the existing VXR but lightened via the second generation of Yamaha’s nano-engineered SMC hull material. It’s that hull’s soft bow chines, well-defined strakes and race-honed keel that deliver its aggressive handling. The engine is the supercharged Super Vortex High Output version of Yamaha’s 1.8-liter four-stroke, paired with a high-performance intercooler.
The craft has plenty of creature comforts. The standout feature is RiDE, Yamaha’s dual-throttle system. The existing right-hand throttle operates as you expect; the RiDE lever, located on the left side of the handlebars, controls both power and the reverse bucket. Drop that bucket at speed and the effect is similar to braking, rapidly slowing the craft while maintaining a level attitude. Apply it at slower speeds and it produces reverse thrust. Release both levers and the craft goes into a neutral mode.
Who’d Want One: Racers and experienced PWC enthusiasts looking for speed, acceleration and handling.
Another Choice: Sea-Doo’s RXP-X 300 ($15,299) features similar performance and power but benefits from a sculpted saddle that transfers strain from the arms to the leg muscles.
Bottom Line: $13,999 with Yamaha 1.8L SVHO; yamahawaverunners.com
Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing – Vonore, Tennessee; yamahaboats.com
