EXCLUSIVE
A Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish Edition is coming soon to showrooms in Australia and New Zealand, according to confidential plans unearthed by Watercraft Zone.
The ‘turn-key’ solution – a Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO decked out with a full range of fishing accessories – is expected to become the most serious challenger yet to the Sea-Doo Fish Pro series, which currently dominates the Jet Ski fishing segment.
Although Yamaha WaveRunner riders were among the early pioneers of Jet Ski fishing in Australia and New Zealand, arch rival Sea-Doo took the niche concept and brought it to mass production.
There are now three Sea-Doo Fish Pro models – the Scout, Sport and Trophy – and yet Yamaha WaveRunner and Kawasaki Jet Ski have largely sat idle. Until now.
Watercraft Zone understands Yamaha has canvassed WaveRunner dealers in Australia and New Zealand to express interest in stocking a dedicated Yamaha FX HO Jet Fish edition – and most outlets have raised their hands to participate in the pilot project.
If the Australian trial of the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish edition proves successful, Watercraft Zone understands the concept may eventually be rolled out in other markets such as the US.
Arrival timing and pricing for the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish edition in Australia and New Zealand are yet to be announced, however dealers canvassed by Watercraft Zone said it could be in showrooms in the second half of this year.
Details remain scarce, but the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish edition is expected to be sold and delivered as a complete package, including a high-end navigation unit and chart-plotter, transducer and fish-finder, a cooler box with rod holders, and Yamaha’s RecDeck rear platform extension.
While all three Sea-Doo Fish Pro models come from the factory with accessories fitted, the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish edition will be assembled locally by the selling dealer.
The main benefit of the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish package is that all necessary components can be sourced via one part number – a more cost-effective solution than buying each piece separately – and sold as a ‘turn-key’ solution for customers.
Watercraft Zone has been told the package will make the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish edition more competitive on price against the Sea-Doo Fish Pro series.
More details about the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Jet Fish edition are due to be unveiled soon. Be sure to check back with Watercraft Zone for more information as it comes to hand.
The video below is an earlier, unrelated prototype of a Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO equipped with a fishing set-up – compared against the original Sea-Doo Fish Pro.
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