In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Jet Ski industry, Yamaha WaveRunner has delved into its back-catalogue with a modern take on a 1990s icon.
It is about to make fun on the water affordable again – and bring the sport of Jet Ski riding back to its roots – with the new 2027 Yamaha WaveBlaster.
A compact, lightweight, single-seater, the Yamaha WaveBlaster goes back to how Jet Skis used to be, before they got bigger, heavier and more expensive.
It’s part of a major shift to smaller and more affordable models that are still a blast to ride.
The WaveBlaster name – and concept – is based on one of Yamaha’s most iconic models from the 1990s.
However, Yamaha says it didn’t built the WaveBlaster for nostalgia or a trip down memory lane.
The company say it wants to tap into a new generation of younger Jet Ski riders, so they too can appreciate what made the original concept so iconic.
The original Yamaha WaveBlaster from the 1990s was powered by a 701cc two-stroke motor that produced about 60hp and weighed about 150kg.
The 2027 edition of the WaveBlaster runs on unleaded petrol, is powered a 1049cc three-cylinder engine putting out 110hp, and weighs just shy of 200kg.
To put that in perspective, the Yamaha WaveBlaster is not much heavier than the Yamaha SuperJet stand up Jet Ski, which weighs 170kg.
So in essence, the Yamaha WaveBlaster is only 23kg heavier than the SuperJet.
Yamaha says top speed of the WaveBlaster is in the mid 50mph range – or just over 80 kmh – designing the new model from the ground up to be a thrill ride.
Although the WaveBlaster shares its DNA with Yamaha’s SuperJet stand up model – that is the engine, 144mm jet pump, intake grate and basic gauges – it is a completely new top deck and hull. And it gets a unique ride plate.
The WaveBlaster also shares the SuperJet’s fuel tank, which is 5 US gallons or 19 litres.
According to the specifications, the WaveBlaster is the most compact, lightweight sit-down WaveRunner model in decades.
As with the original WaveBlaster from the 1990s, there are no sponsons fitted to the new model, which promises to be a wild ride.
It has a lot of power for a small, lightweight craft – and Yamaha says that was intention.
Yamaha believes there is a new opportunity for recreation on the water which it calls “session riding”.
That is, people who might not have time to spend a whole day on the water, but could take a WaveBlaster out for a quick ride after work instead of going to the gym.
The new WaveBlaster promises to be quite the workout.
In the same way most SuperJet riders are exhausted after about 30 minutes or so, the same could be said of the WaveBlaster.
To get the most out of the new WaveBlaster, riders will really need to lean into the craft – figuratively and literally.
While most sit down Jet Skis are aimed at comfort and convenience and require a gentle lean in corners, Yamaha says to get the most out of the lightweight and compact WaveBlaster riders need to lean into a corner like they would on a motorcycle.
Body position, throttle control and balance are critical when it comes to cornering, which is why Yamaha says the WaveBlaster is designed for riders who want to lean in, corner hard, and push every ride like a workout session.
Yamaha says the WaveBlaster is built around inside-lean handling.
As the rider turns, the hull rolls inward, letting bodyweight drive through the corner instead of fighting it, with the craft digging in and holding a line rather than sliding through the turn.
The all new hull is constructed using Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding), the same advanced composite process used on the SuperJet, for a strong lightweight structure deigned to handle rough conditions.
There is a learner mode that limits power so the craft can be shared with novice riders.
But other than that, the features are intentionally basic. There is a simple fuel gauge with a warning light. And a small but useful storage compartment for a set of keys or a wallet.
A hinged top deck provides quick access for service and maintenance.
A nod to its old-school design: neon yellow graphics and splash-style lettering on the labels.
The 2027 Yamaha WaveBlaster is made by Yamaha in Japan alongside the SuperJet – whereas the rest of the Yamaha WaveRunner line-up is made in Atlanta, Georgia USA.
Yamaha says the new WaveBlaster is due in US showrooms in early 2027 priced from $US11,999 – the same price as the Yamaha SuperJet, which has been given a new colour scheme and new graphics for the new model year.
As this article was published, the 2027 Yamaha WaveBlaster was not confirmed for Australia.
Stay tuned to Watercraft Zone for more updates on the 2027 Yamaha WaveBlaster.
To find out more about the rest of the 2027 Yamaha WaveRunner line-up, see our coverage by clicking here.
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