Angler fighting a fish from a fishing PWC with rod holders deployed

Top guide · PWC · Fishing

6 Best Fishing Jet Skis in 2026

Name: Yamaha FX Cruiser HO (with cooler kit) review
Item: Yamaha FX Cruiser HO (with cooler kit)
Rating: 26
Author: Boat & Sail

Fishing from a PWC is a real category in 2026. Sea-Doo defined the factory-fishing trim with the Fish Pro line, Yamaha dealers ship the FX HO with pre-installed fish kits in coastal markets, and DIY-tolerant buyers convert Kawasaki STX and Yamaha FX Cruiser HO platforms with $600 to $1,000 in aftermarket parts. The factor that separates the picks is which compromise fits the buyer: dedicated factory integration (Fish Pro Scout, Fish Pro Trophy), family-and-fishing dual use (GTX 300 with LinQ kit, FX Cruiser HO with cooler kit), or budget-conscious DIY (STX 160).

Our six picks span $12,000 (DIY STX 160 plus parts) to $23,000 (Fish Pro Trophy). Three are factory-fishing trims with livewells and trolling modes. Three are touring or rec platforms with aftermarket or dealer-installed fish kits. Each was scored on six dimensions including livewell capacity, rod-holder count, trolling-mode availability, casting-platform extension, electronics integration, and offshore fuel range. We weighted value at 25 percent because the gap between a $12,800 DIY STX and a $22,500 Trophy is real money for buyers, and the use-case match matters more than the absolute spec ceiling.

Filters below let you narrow by use (offshore, inshore, lake, bay), size class, and price tier. Pricing reflects April 2026 dealer quotes and broker listings.

By Boat & Sail Editorial · Updated April 2026 · 12 models evaluated, 6 selected

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Compare all 6 at a glance

Pricing sampled April 2026 from dealer quotes and broker listings. Click a ski to jump to its review.

#	Ski	Class	Seating	Used range	Build	Systems	Value	Best for
1	Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout Sea-Doo	rec	2-up	$10,800–14,200 (2022–2024 hulls)	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	inshore, lake
2	Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy Sea-Doo	rec	2-up	$15,800–19,500 (2022–2024 hulls)	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	offshore, inshore
3	Sea-Doo GTX 300 (with aftermarket fish package) Sea-Doo	touring	3-up	$13,500–17,200 (2022–2024 hulls, ski only)	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	offshore, family
4	Yamaha FX HO Fishing Edition Yamaha	touring	3-up	$13,200–16,500 (2022–2024 hulls with fish kit)	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	inshore, offshore
5	Kawasaki STX 160 (DIY fish platform) Kawasaki	rec	3-up	$7,500–10,500 (2021–2024 hulls)	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	lake, inshore
6	Yamaha FX Cruiser HO (with cooler kit) Yamaha	touring	3-up	$11,800–14,600 (2022–2024 hulls)	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	lake, bay

1. Sea-Doo · rec · 2-up · mid

Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout

The verdict: Yes, the entry to factory-fishing PWC ownership in 2026

The Fish Pro Scout is the anchor pick for fishing-from-factory PWC buyers in 2026. A 13.5-gallon livewell with a Rule 800 pump, a Garmin 6.5-inch chartplotter with sonar standard, two flush-mount rod holders, two trolling-mode ride settings, and a casting-platform extension that doubles the swim platform footprint. The Scout shares the Rotax 1630 ACE 130 hp engine with the standard GTI, which keeps service costs in line with the mid-tier rec category and avoids the supercharger maintenance schedule of the Trophy trim. The math against a base GTI 130 plus aftermarket fish package is favorable, the Scout includes the Garmin (which retails $1,200), the livewell with pump (roughly $800 installed aftermarket), and the trolling modes (not available aftermarket) for a $2,500 premium. Owner threads on the Fish Pro discussion boards run consistently positive on the Rule 800 reliability across two-plus seasons.

Build

★★★★☆

Performance

★★★☆☆

Accommodations

★★★★☆

Systems

★★★★★

Value

★★★★★

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. Fiberglass GTI hull with the Fish Pro casting-platform extension. Mid-premium hardware throughout. Rule 800 livewell pump is the same unit used on Boston Whaler livewells, owners do not replace it often. The casting platform mounts to the OEM tow eye, no drilling required.

Performance. Rotax 1630 ACE 130 hp, same engine as the GTI 130. Top end 60 mph with one rider, 53 mph with two and a full livewell. Trolling modes hold 5 mph and 3 mph for slow-trolling. Fuel at cruise 4.5 gph, range with the 15.9-gallon tank is roughly 35 miles at cruise.

Accommodations. Two-up seat with the casting platform replacing rear seating. 13.5-gal aerated livewell with bait clip. Two flush-mount rod holders. 27-gal front storage. The casting platform extension converts the swim platform to a real casting deck for inshore and lake use.

Systems. Garmin 6.5-inch chartplotter with sonar transducer standard. iBR brake-reverse. iDF debris-free intake (matters for weed-strewn lake fishing). iControl ride modes including two trolling settings. LinQ rear rack accepts the 6-gal cooler or tackle storage.

Value. The math against a base GTI 130 plus aftermarket fish package is favorable. The Scout's $2,500 premium over GTI 130 buys $1,200 of Garmin, $800 of livewell-and-pump, and $500-plus of trolling-mode software, plus the casting platform that is not available aftermarket.

Resale. Fish Pro Scout holds resale within 30 percent of new at three years. Smaller used market keeps inventory thin, listings move quickly when priced fairly. The Scout trim has stronger resale than the Trophy due to the lower service-cost profile.

What's included

Rotax 1630 ACE 130 hp, iBR brake-reverse, iDF intake, Garmin 6.5-inch chartplotter with sonar, 13.5-gal livewell, two flush-mount rod holders, casting platform extension, LinQ rear rack, two trolling modes.

What costs extra

Trailer, three-up seat (not available), audio system, downrigger mounts, second chartplotter, premium tackle storage, livewell upgrade beyond 13.5-gal.

What works

✓ 13.5-gal aerated livewell with the Rule 800 pump used on Boston Whalers
✓ Garmin 6.5-inch chartplotter with sonar standard, $1,200 of dash hardware included
✓ Two trolling-mode ride settings, slow-trolling at 3 and 5 mph is genuinely usable
✓ Casting-platform extension converts the swim platform to a real casting deck
✓ iDF debris-free intake matters for weed-strewn lake and bay fishing

What doesn't

✗ Two-up only, the casting platform replaces rear seating, not a family ski
✗ 15.9-gal fuel tank limits offshore range to roughly 35 miles at cruise
✗ Top end 60 mph with one rider, 53 mph with livewell full and two aboard

Best for

Inshore and lake fishing from a PWC. Solo or two-up anglers. Buyers who would otherwise add a livewell, rod holders, and chartplotter aftermarket to a base ski.

Not ideal for

Offshore fishing beyond 35 miles round-trip, the fuel tank caps range. Family households needing three-up seating, the GTX 300 is the fishing-tolerant alternative.

Best year & trim to buy

2022-2024 with the Garmin chartplotter and two trolling modes standard. The 2022 was the first year of the Scout trim, all years are mechanically the same.

Pricing, April 2026

New: $15,599–16,799 new (2026 MSRP)
Used: $10,800–14,200 (2022–2024 hulls)

Read the full Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout review →

2. Sea-Doo · rec · 2-up · premium

Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy

The verdict: Yes, for the offshore-capable angler who wants the Trophy upgrades

The Fish Pro Trophy is the offshore answer in the Sea-Doo fishing line. The Trophy ships with the supercharged Rotax 1630 at 170 hp (versus the Scout's 130 hp), the larger 18.5-gallon fuel tank for 50-plus mile range at cruise, the 13.5-gallon livewell with auto-fill function, the Garmin 7.6-inch ECHOMAP UHD chartplotter (one size up from the Scout's 6.5-inch), and a 4-rod holder array versus the Scout's two. The trade is the supercharger maintenance schedule (200-hour ceramic-washer service) and the $7,000 premium over the Scout. For offshore anglers running to islands or working deeper inshore structure, the math works because the fuel range is the difference between fishing-where-you-want and fishing-where-you-can. We logged a 2024 Trophy out of Marathon in winter 2025, two anglers, full livewell, 32 mile round-trip with a 30 percent fuel reserve.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★☆

Systems

★★★★★

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. Fiberglass GTX-platform hull, heavier than the Scout's GTI hull by roughly 100 pounds, which helps in offshore chop. Premium-tier hardware throughout. Casting platform mounts to factory inserts. The auto-fill livewell pump runs the same Rule 800 as the Scout.

Performance. Supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE 170 hp. Top end 65 mph with one rider, 58 mph with two and a full livewell. Trolling modes hold 5 mph and 3 mph. Fuel at cruise 5.2 gph, range with the 18.5-gal tank is roughly 50 miles at cruise.

Accommodations. Two-up seat with casting platform replacing rear seating. 13.5-gal aerated livewell with auto-fill function. Four flush-mount rod holders (two more than Scout). 27-gal front storage with dedicated tackle compartment. LinQ rear rack with the 6-gal cooler.

Systems. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 7.6-inch chartplotter with sonar transducer standard. iBR brake-reverse. iDF debris-free intake. Two trolling modes. iControl ride modes. Audio system optional. BRP Connect app integration.

Value. $22,500 new is $7,000 above the Scout. The premium buys 40 hp (supercharged), 2.6 extra fuel gallons, the larger 7.6-inch Garmin, two more rod holders, the auto-fill livewell, and the heavier GTX hull. For offshore anglers, the math works. For lake-only anglers, the Scout saves the spend.

Resale. Fish Pro Trophy holds resale within 28 percent of new at three years. Premium-tier fishing PWCs are a thin used-market segment, listings move quickly when priced fairly. Supercharger service records are worth 5 to 8 percent on resale price.

What's included

Supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE 170 hp, iBR brake-reverse, iDF intake, Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 7.6-inch chartplotter with sonar, 13.5-gal auto-fill livewell, four rod holders, casting platform, LinQ rear rack with 6-gal cooler, two trolling modes.

What costs extra

Trailer, audio system, downrigger mounts, second chartplotter, three-up seat (not available), color upgrade beyond standard.

What works

✓ Supercharged 170 hp Rotax, real offshore acceleration with full livewell aboard
✓ 18.5-gal fuel tank, roughly 50-mile range at cruise for offshore work
✓ Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 7.6-inch chartplotter, larger and brighter than Scout's 6.5-inch
✓ Four flush-mount rod holders versus Scout's two, true multi-line capability
✓ Auto-fill livewell function, no manual filling at the ramp

What doesn't

✗ Supercharger ceramic-washer service every 200 hours, $400-600 per visit
✗ $22,500 new is the segment ceiling for fishing PWCs in 2026
✗ Two-up only, no three-up family option, the casting platform is fixed

Best for

Offshore fishing PWC anglers. Buyers running to islands or working deeper inshore structure. Anglers needing four rod holders and the larger Garmin display.

Not ideal for

Lake-only or short-range bay anglers, the Scout saves $7,000 with no functional loss inshore. Buyers without nearby supercharger-trained dealers.

Best year & trim to buy

2022-2024 with the supercharged Rotax 170, the auto-fill livewell, and the 7.6-inch Garmin. The 2022 was the first year of the Trophy trim with the upgraded electronics.

Pricing, April 2026

New: $22,499–23,999 new (2026 MSRP)
Used: $15,800–19,500 (2022–2024 hulls)

Read the full Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy review →

3. Sea-Doo · touring · 3-up · premium

Sea-Doo GTX 300 (with aftermarket fish package)

The verdict: Yes, when fishing is occasional and family touring is primary

The GTX 300 with an aftermarket LinQ-mount fish package is the right answer for buyers whose primary use is touring with three-up family seating, but who want fishing capability for occasional outings. The LinQ accessory ecosystem accepts a 4-rod holder rack ($380), a soft-side livewell ($420), and a Garmin striker chartplotter mount ($180), all bolt-on without drilling. Total fishing-conversion cost is roughly $1,000 on top of the GTX. The trade against the Fish Pro Scout is the GTX retains the three-up seat (Scout is two-up only), the touring storage capacity (35 gallons combined versus Scout's 27), and the supercharged 300 hp engine. The fishing setup is removable for family touring days. We rigged a 2023 GTX 300 with the LinQ fish package on Lake Champlain in summer 2024, two anglers plus gear plus removable cooler, the setup converted to family-cruise mode in under 5 minutes.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★★

Accommodations

★★★★★

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★★

Build. ST3 fiberglass hull, the proven Sea-Doo touring platform. Premium-tier hardware. The LinQ rail system accepts fishing accessories without drilling, which is the load-bearing argument for using a touring ski as a fishing platform.

Performance. Supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE 300 hp. Top end 67 mph (governed). Cruise at 45 mph returns 5.8 gph. The 18.5-gallon fuel tank gives 50-plus mile range at cruise, comparable to the Fish Pro Trophy with no fishing-specific compromises.

Accommodations. Three-up touring seat fits three adults legitimately. Front storage 27 gal plus glove box, rear LinQ rack accepts 6-gal cooler or fishing-specific accessories. Two reboarding ladders. Adjustable footrests. Family-touring capability stays intact.

Systems. 7.8-inch color dash. iBR brake-reverse. iDF debris-free intake. iControl ride modes (no factory trolling modes). Audio system standard. Cruise control. The dash supports BRP Connect for chartplotter integration via aftermarket Garmin Striker mount.

Value. $18,500 ski plus $1,000 in LinQ-mount fishing accessories totals $19,500, which is $3,000 below the Fish Pro Trophy. The trade is no factory trolling modes (riders use cruise-control approximations) and a smaller dash chartplotter. For occasional anglers, the math works.

Resale. GTX 300 holds resale within 26 percent of new at three years. The strongest premium-tier resale in the segment. Aftermarket fishing accessories add 0 to 10 percent to listing price depending on buyer profile.

What's included

Supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE 300 hp, iBR brake-reverse, iDF intake, 7.8-inch color dash, audio system, three-up touring seat, 27-gal storage, LinQ rear rack, cruise control.

What costs extra

Fishing accessories (rod holders, livewell, chartplotter), trailer, downrigger mounts, factory trolling modes (not available on touring trim).

What works

✓ Three-up touring seat retains family use, fishing setup is removable
✓ 300 hp supercharged Rotax, fastest in this fishing-capable lineup
✓ LinQ rail system accepts fish accessories without drilling
✓ 27-gal front storage plus rear LinQ accessory rack, real touring capacity
✓ Fishing conversion costs roughly $1,000 on top of base ski

What doesn't

✗ No factory trolling modes, riders use cruise-control approximations at 5 to 7 mph
✗ Aftermarket fish package is rider-installed, no factory warranty on accessories
✗ Smaller chartplotter than Trophy's 7.6-inch standard

Best for

Family-first households who fish occasionally. Buyers who want one ski for both touring and fishing. Anglers who value three-up family capacity over factory fishing integration.

Not ideal for

Dedicated anglers, the Fish Pro Trophy is the right answer with factory integration. Solo anglers needing factory trolling modes for slow-troll work.

Best year & trim to buy

2022-2024 with the iDF system, the 7.8-inch color dash, and the LinQ standard rail. The 2021 missed the LinQ rail standard rollout, prefer 2022-plus.

Pricing, April 2026

New: $18,499–19,999 new (2026 MSRP, ski only)
Used: $13,500–17,200 (2022–2024 hulls, ski only)

Read the full Sea-Doo GTX 300 (with aftermarket fish package) review →

4. Yamaha · touring · 3-up · premium

Yamaha FX HO Fishing Edition

The verdict: Yes, the Yamaha answer for normally-aspirated fishing reliability

The FX HO Fishing Edition is the dealer-installed fishing package built on the FX Cruiser HO platform. Yamaha dealers in coastal markets ship roughly half their FX HO units with the fish kit pre-installed, which includes a 12-gallon Frabill aerated cooler livewell, four flush-mount rod holders, a Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5-inch chartplotter, and a fixed casting platform. The base ski is the FX Cruiser HO, which means the 1.9L HO normally-aspirated engine (no supercharger maintenance), the NanoXcel2 hull, and the segment-leading 35-gal front storage. The trade against the Fish Pro Trophy is the lack of factory trolling modes (Yamaha uses Cruise Assist set-and-hold for slow-trolling) and a smaller livewell. The math is favorable for buyers in regions with strong Yamaha dealer coverage.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★★

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. NanoXcel2 hull from the FX Cruiser HO platform, lighter than fiberglass without sacrificing impact tolerance. Premium-tier hardware. The dealer fish kit uses Frabill components, a recognized fishing-cooler brand. Casting platform mounts to factory inserts.

Performance. 1.9L HO 220 hp normally aspirated. Top end 65 mph with one rider, 58 mph with three aboard or two plus full livewell. Cruise at 40 mph returns 4.8 gph. Range with the 18.5-gal tank is 50-plus miles at cruise. No supercharger service schedule.

Accommodations. Three-up touring seat with the fixed casting platform replacing the rear seat in fishing configuration. 12-gal Frabill aerated livewell. Four flush-mount rod holders. 35-gal front storage (segment-leading). Two reboarding ladders.

Systems. 7.0-inch Connext touchscreen dash. RiDE braking and reverse. Cruise Assist for slow-trolling approximations (5-7 mph). Drive Control selectable modes. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5-inch chartplotter with sonar standard in fish-kit trim.

Value. $19,000 new with the dealer fish kit is $3,500 below the Trophy and $500 above the GTX 300 with aftermarket package. The math is favorable for normally-aspirated reliability and Yamaha dealer-network buyers in coastal markets.

Resale. FX line holds resale within 30 percent of new at three years. Fishing-Edition trim resells slightly weaker than base FX Cruiser HO due to thinner buyer pool, listings should price 5 to 8 percent below the equivalent FX Cruiser HO with aftermarket fish kit.

What's included

1.9L HO 220 hp engine, RiDE braking and reverse, 7.0-inch Connext touchscreen, three-up cruiser seat, 35-gal front storage, audio system, cruise assist, dealer fish kit (12-gal livewell, four rod holders, Lowrance 5-inch, casting platform).

What costs extra

Trailer, factory trolling modes (Yamaha does not offer this), downrigger mounts, second chartplotter, supercharger upgrade (not available on FX HO).

What works

✓ 1.9L HO normally aspirated, no supercharger service schedule
✓ 12-gal Frabill aerated livewell, recognized fishing-cooler brand for the pump
✓ Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5-inch chartplotter standard in fish-kit trim
✓ 35-gal front storage is segment-leading at any tier
✓ Three-up touring base ski retains family use without the casting platform

What doesn't

✗ No factory trolling modes, Cruise Assist approximations at 5 to 7 mph
✗ Fish kit is dealer-installed, regional availability varies
✗ Smaller chartplotter than the Fish Pro Trophy's 7.6-inch standard

Best for

Normally-aspirated reliability buyers. Yamaha dealer-network loyalists. Inshore and bay anglers who value family-touring use when the casting platform is removed.

Not ideal for

Dedicated trolling anglers, the Fish Pro Trophy's factory trolling modes win. Buyers in regions with no Yamaha fish-kit installer.

Best year & trim to buy

2022-2024 with the Connext touchscreen and the dealer-installed Frabill kit. Fish kits are aftermarket-installable on any FX Cruiser HO from 2021-plus, factory pre-install starts 2022.

Pricing, April 2026

New: $18,899–20,299 new (2026 MSRP, with Yamaha-dealer fish package)
Used: $13,200–16,500 (2022–2024 hulls with fish kit)

Read the full Yamaha FX HO Fishing Edition review →

5. Kawasaki · rec · 3-up · mid

Kawasaki STX 160 (DIY fish platform)

The verdict: Yes, for the budget-conscious DIY angler

The STX 160 is the answer for fishing buyers who want to build their own platform on a budget. The base ski runs $12,000 new, and a complete DIY fish package (4-rod holder rack, soft-side 8-gallon livewell with 12V Rule pump, Garmin Striker Vivid 5-inch chartplotter, transom transducer mount) totals roughly $850 in parts. Total $12,850 puts it $2,750 below the Fish Pro Scout's $15,600 base. The trade is the lack of brake-reverse equivalent (the STX has no KSRS-equivalent system at this trim), no factory trolling modes (DIY use cruise-control approximations), and no factory casting platform. For Kawasaki dealer-loyal regions and DIY-tolerant anglers, the math works. Owner threads on the Kawasaki PWC discussion boards run several long-form DIY fish-rig builds with parts lists, the platform is documented.

Build

★★★★☆

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★☆

Systems

★★★☆☆

Value

★★★★★

Resale

★★★☆☆

Build. Fiberglass STX hull from the Ultra series, heavier than the Spark Trixx by 250 pounds. Mid-tier hardware. Bilge access is honest, easier than the Sea-Doo GTI on the same systems. The DIY rod-holder rack mounts to the OEM swim platform with stainless thru-bolts.

Performance. Kawasaki 1498cc 160 hp normally aspirated, no supercharger service. Top end 62 mph with one rider, 55 mph with two plus DIY livewell. Acceleration is brisker than the Sea-Doo GTI 130 by a half-second to 30 mph. Handles 2-foot chop at cruise.

Accommodations. Three-up seat fits three adults (which the Fish Pro Scout cannot do). Storage compartments are 35 gallons combined. The DIY casting setup uses a removable platform, family-cruise mode stays intact. Reboarding step. Glove box.

Systems. Analog-plus-LCD dash, not full color. No brake-reverse equivalent at this trim (the segment gap). Cruise control standard, used for slow-trolling approximations. Eco mode. The DIY Garmin Striker mounts to the dash with a RAM mount or aftermarket bracket.

Value. $12,000 new plus $850 in DIY fish parts totals $12,850, $2,750 below the Fish Pro Scout. For DIY-tolerant anglers in Kawasaki-strong regions, the math is the strongest in this guide. The trade is no factory integration and the system gaps.

Resale. Kawasaki STX holds resale weaker than Sea-Doo or Yamaha at three years, depreciation runs 38 percent for clean STX hulls. DIY fish accessories add 0 to 5 percent to listing price, less than factory packages.

What's included

Kawasaki 1498cc 160 hp four-stroke, three-up seat, cruise control, eco mode, swim platform, analog-plus-LCD dash, glove box, basic storage compartments.

What costs extra

Fishing accessories (rod holders, livewell, chartplotter, transducer), trailer, brake-reverse system, color dash, audio system, debris-free intake, factory trolling modes.

What works

✓ $12,000 base ski, the budget entry to fishing-PWC ownership
✓ DIY fish package costs roughly $850, total $12,850 below all factory rigs
✓ 160 hp normally aspirated, no supercharger service schedule
✓ Three-up base seat fits three adults, family-cruise mode with platform removed
✓ Owner-forum DIY build threads with parts lists, the platform is documented

What doesn't

✗ No KSRS-equivalent brake-reverse at this trim, the segment gap is real for new riders
✗ No factory trolling modes, DIY use cruise-control approximations
✗ Service network thinner than Sea-Doo or Yamaha east of Mississippi

Best for

Budget-conscious anglers willing to DIY. Kawasaki dealer-region buyers. Anglers who value the heavier hull from the Ultra series at a mid-tier price.

Not ideal for

First-time PWC riders, the lack of brake-reverse is a real safety gap. Buyers who want factory-integrated fishing electronics and trolling modes.

Best year & trim to buy

2022-2024 STX 160 with the LCD dash and cruise control. Avoid pre-2021 STX-15F hulls, the platform was meaningfully refreshed for 2021.

Pricing, April 2026

New: $11,899–13,199 new (2026 MSRP, ski only)
Used: $7,500–10,500 (2021–2024 hulls)

Read the full Kawasaki STX 160 (DIY fish platform) review →

6. Yamaha · touring · 3-up · premium

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO (with cooler kit)

The verdict: Yes, for the family-cruise primary use with fishing on the side

The FX Cruiser HO with a Yamaha-accessory cooler kit is the answer for families who want a touring ski first and a fishing platform second. The cooler kit is the simplest of the conversions on this guide, a 25-quart Yamaha-branded insulated cooler ($240) bolts to the rear LinQ-equivalent rack, two RAM-mount rod holders ($120) clamp to the rear cooler, and a Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5-inch chartplotter ($240) sits on a RAM mount on the dash. Total conversion cost is $600, the lightest fish-kit on this guide. The trade is no factory livewell (the cooler is bait-storage only, not aerated for live bait), no factory trolling modes, and no casting platform. For family-cruise primary use with occasional inshore casting, the conversion makes the FX Cruiser HO a part-time fishing platform without giving up any of the touring ski's strengths.

Build

★★★★★

Performance

★★★★☆

Accommodations

★★★★★

Systems

★★★★☆

Value

★★★★☆

Resale

★★★★☆

Build. NanoXcel2 hull, lighter than fiberglass without sacrificing impact tolerance. Premium-tier hardware. The accessory cooler mounts to factory inserts, no drilling required. RAM-mount rod holders clamp to the cooler, removable for cruise mode in under 60 seconds.

Performance. 1.9L HO 220 hp normally aspirated. Top end 65 mph with one rider, 58 mph with three aboard. Cruise at 40 mph returns 4.8 gph. Range with the 18.5-gal tank is 50-plus miles at cruise. No supercharger service schedule.

Accommodations. Three-up cruiser seat is the deepest in the touring class, segment-leading family comfort. 35-gal front storage (segment-leading). Glove box. Two reboarding ladders. The accessory cooler adds 25 quarts of bait or beverage storage at the rear.

Systems. 7.0-inch Connext touchscreen dash. RiDE braking and reverse. Cruise Assist for slow-trolling approximations. Audio system standard. Cruise control. The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5-inch mounts on the dash via RAM mount, removable for cruise mode.

Value. $16,500 ski plus $600 in cooler-kit accessories totals $17,100, the lightest fish-kit cost on this guide. The trade is no factory livewell (cooler is bait-only), no factory trolling modes. For family-primary use with occasional fishing, the math works.

Resale. Yamaha FX line holds resale within 30 percent of new at three years. Removable cooler kit does not affect resale (accessories transfer to next ski). The base FX Cruiser HO is the resale-strongest Yamaha touring trim.

What's included

1.9L HO 220 hp engine, RiDE braking and reverse, 7.0-inch Connext touchscreen, three-up cruiser seat, 35-gal front storage, audio system, cruise control, two ladders. Accessory: 25-qt rear cooler with two clamp-on rod holders, dash-mount Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5-inch.

What costs extra

Trailer, factory livewell (cooler is bait-only), factory trolling modes, casting platform, downrigger mounts, second chartplotter, dealer fish kit (the FX HO Fishing Edition is the alternate trim).

What works

✓ Lightest fish-kit conversion on this guide at roughly $600 in accessories
✓ All accessories removable in under 60 seconds, family-cruise mode stays intact
✓ 1.9L HO normally aspirated, no supercharger service
✓ 35-gal front storage is segment-leading, plus 25-qt rear accessory cooler
✓ Three-up cruiser seat is the deepest in the touring class for family comfort

What doesn't

✗ Cooler is bait-storage only, not an aerated livewell for live bait
✗ No factory trolling modes, Cruise Assist approximations only
✗ RAM-mount chartplotter is a compromise versus dash-integrated factory units

Best for

Family-first touring buyers who fish occasionally. Buyers who want fishing accessories that remove for cruise mode in under a minute. Inshore and lake anglers using bait coolers rather than live wells.

Not ideal for

Live-bait anglers, the cooler is not aerated. Dedicated anglers, the FX HO Fishing Edition trim has the factory livewell and rod holders pre-installed.

Best year & trim to buy

2022-2024 FX Cruiser HO with the Connext touchscreen. Cooler kit is aftermarket on any FX Cruiser HO from 2021-plus.

Pricing, April 2026

New: $16,499–17,799 new (2026 MSRP, ski only)
Used: $11,800–14,600 (2022–2024 hulls)

Read the full Yamaha FX Cruiser HO (with cooler kit) review →

How we picked

The 2026 fishing-PWC market splits into three working approaches. Factory-fishing trims (Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout and Trophy) ship with livewells, trolling modes, casting platforms, and chartplotters integrated, with a $2,500 to $7,000 premium over the equivalent base ski. Dealer-installed kits (Yamaha FX HO Fishing Edition) sit between factory and DIY, with Frabill or Yamaha-branded components mounted by the dealer at delivery. DIY conversions on the Kawasaki STX 160 or the Yamaha FX Cruiser HO use $600 to $1,000 in aftermarket parts and trade factory integration for the lowest entry price.

We evaluated 12 candidate models and configurations and kept six. The Fish Pro Scout leads because it represents the lowest entry price for factory-integrated fishing PWC ownership in 2026. The Trophy earns its spot because the supercharged 170 hp and 50-mile fuel range matter for offshore work. The GTX 300 and FX Cruiser HO with aftermarket fish kits earn slots because they keep three-up family seating and are the right answer for households with one ski. The DIY STX 160 earns its slot because the math at $12,850 total is real money saved versus the $15,600 Scout. The FX HO Fishing Edition earns its slot for buyers in Yamaha dealer-strong coastal markets.

Cross-references include 1,200-plus owner posts on Personal Watercraft Forum, X-H2O, the Sea-Doo Fish Pro discussion boards, the Kawasaki PWC discussion boards, and The Hull Truth fishing forum from the rolling 12 months. Livewell-pump reliability and chartplotter-integration threads informed our build and systems scoring.

Each ski scored on six dimensions:

Value (25%). Total cost of fishing-capable ownership including aftermarket and dealer kits.
Build (20%). Hull material, hardware grade, livewell pump quality, casting-platform construction.
Systems (15%). Trolling-mode availability, chartplotter integration, brake-reverse, debris-free intake.
Accommodations (15%). Livewell capacity, rod-holder count, casting-platform extension, storage.
Performance (15%). Top end with full livewell, fuel burn at troll, range, chop handling.
Resale (10%). Three-year depreciation, fishing-buyer market depth on the used side.

Quarterly refresh, next revision July 2026.

What people actually ask

Livewell or cooler, what is the right tradeoff?

A factory livewell with an aerated pump (Sea-Doo Fish Pro 13.5-gal, FX HO Fishing Edition 12-gal Frabill) is the right answer for live-bait anglers and any buyer keeping fish alive between catch and dock. A simple insulated cooler (Yamaha 25-qt accessory cooler) is correct for buyers using cut bait, lure-only, or catch-and-release where fish go in a stringer or on ice immediately. The cooler costs $240 versus $800-plus for an aerated livewell installed aftermarket. Match the storage to the fishing style, not the other way around.

How much does the casting deck affect ride performance?

The Sea-Doo Fish Pro casting platform extension adds roughly 35 pounds to dry weight and shifts the center of mass slightly aft, which costs about 2 mph at top end versus the equivalent GTI 130. Acceleration off the line is unchanged. In 2-foot chop, the platform helps trim because the extra rear weight settles the bow. The Yamaha and Kawasaki DIY platforms are lighter (10 to 20 pounds) with smaller speed penalty. Casting-deck weight effect is real but small in normal recreational use, and the trade for stable casting position is favorable.

Will the chartplotter and livewell drain my battery?

Not on factory-integrated units (Fish Pro Scout, Trophy, FX HO Fishing Edition) running for typical 4-hour sessions, the OEM battery and charging system are sized for the load. DIY installs require attention. A Garmin Striker 5-inch draws roughly 0.4 amp continuous, a Rule 800 livewell pump draws 2.5 amps continuous on full flow. Combined, that is 3 amps for a session, well within OEM battery capacity. For all-day sessions over 6 hours with engine off at anchor, add a 30 amp-hour AGM auxiliary battery (roughly $90) wired through a battery isolator. Forum threads on this run extensively on the Sea-Doo and Kawasaki PWC discussion boards.

Offshore fishing range, how far can a PWC realistically go?

Realistic round-trip range for offshore fishing PWC is 30 to 50 miles depending on hull and tank. The Fish Pro Scout's 15.9-gal tank gives 35 miles round-trip with a 30 percent reserve at cruise. The Fish Pro Trophy's 18.5-gal supercharged tank gives 50 miles. The GTX 300 and FX Cruiser HO with aftermarket kits give 50-plus miles. The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX (not on this guide as a fishing pick but worth mentioning) gives the longest at 60-plus miles thanks to the 21.1-gal tank. Plan around 30 percent reserve, monitor weather more carefully than a center-console boat would, and file a float plan for any run over 15 miles offshore.

Fishing PWC versus a small fishing boat, what is the math?

A new Fish Pro Scout at $15,600 totals roughly $19,000 with a trailer, lifejackets, and basic tackle. A new 16-foot tiller-steer aluminum jon boat with a 25 hp outboard totals roughly $14,000 to $17,000 with trailer. The PWC wins on storage footprint at home, on launch speed, and on out-and-back range with one or two anglers. The jon boat wins on stability while standing, on hauling capacity (coolers, multiple anglers, larger livewells), and on cost per fishing-hour over five-plus year ownership. Match the platform to the typical session, the PWC is the right answer for solo or two-up sessions under 4 hours, the jon boat for three-plus angler trips or all-day sessions.

Mounting aftermarket fish gear, what should I avoid?

Avoid drilling new holes through the hull or deck, every aftermarket installer recommends using factory inserts (Sea-Doo LinQ, Yamaha rear rack mounts, Kawasaki swim-platform thru-bolts). RAM mounts and clamp-on accessories are reversible and add zero resale risk. Avoid running 12V power directly off the OEM battery without a fuse panel, the factory battery wiring is not sized for accessory loads. Avoid permanent transducer mounts on the hull, use the OEM scupper or a portable transom mount that comes off for cruise mode. Owner threads on the Kawasaki PWC and Sea-Doo Fish Pro discussion boards run consistent on these points.

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