Yamaha EX

[Bighorn1500]

I went to the Boat show on Saturday and talked to a Dealer. They are offering me a new 2018 Ex Deluxe for $8000 with a 5 year warranty if I buy it buy Monday. I wondering about 3 things.
1. How are these stable with 2 people?
2. How bad are they in 1-3' waves, typical Great Lakes chop.
3. Do they have any security or can anyone with a lanyard start your ski? Or can you get a remote like the Vx series?

[K447]

Read the online Watercraft Journal review, for a start.

Also read the EXR review, which might further illuminate what the base EX is good for.

Do you have experience riding the Great Lakes on a PWC?

[Bighorn1500]

Yes about 5 years on a Sea Doo 1996 GSX. I've watched several reviews but they all look like ideal conditions not what I normally saw in Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie

[Bighorn1500]

On the GSX I could adjust the vts for the conditions.

[K447]

Yes about 5 years on a Sea Doo 1996 GSX. I've watched several reviews but they all look like ideal conditions not what I normally saw in Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie

I have not ridden the EX or EXR (not yet, anyways). I do know a few racers who ride the Spark (stock class), and they said the stock class EX ‘ran away from them’ in rough/choppy water. Better overall grip on the water, and the EX hull seemed to manage the waves well.

When I have ridden a tuned Spark is it was fun, but for me in rough water it felt like riding a bobbing cork at speed. Bouncing right out of the water.

I suppose it depends what kind of riding you want to do. Jumping waves and generally not travelling distance, maybe the EX/EXR would be an interesting choice.

We typically ride distance (rode over 2000 miles in 201 and often on non-smooth waters, so the Yamaha VXR hull or the new FX hull would be preferred.

[Bighorn1500]

Thanks for the help.

[Reaper9789]

I went to the Boat show on Saturday and talked to a Dealer. They are offering me a new 2018 Ex Deluxe for $8000 with a 5 year warranty if I buy it buy Monday. I wondering about 3 things.
1. How are these stable with 2 people?
2. How bad are they in 1-3' waves, typical Great Lakes chop.
3. Do they have any security or can anyone with a lanyard start your ski? Or can you get a remote like the Vx series?

Its a little late now, but im 250lbs and can ride with both of my kids 160lbs and 90lbs but its a little sketchy. just one kid is perfectly fine.
I hate it in the waves, but im also comparing to a 2000 GPR and a 2018 GP1800
no security, although the one time i locked up my GP, it wouldnt unlock and i was 10 miles from my truck and the other keypad, so i dont like it or trust it at all.

[maxadrenaline]

I went to the Boat show on Saturday and talked to a Dealer. They are offering me a new 2018 Ex Deluxe for $8000 with a 5 year warranty if I buy it buy Monday. I wondering about 3 things.
1. How are these stable with 2 people?
2. How bad are they in 1-3' waves, typical Great Lakes chop.
3. Do they have any security or can anyone with a lanyard start your ski? Or can you get a remote like the Vx series?

With two experienced people the EX is pretty stable. Like reaper said, the weight makes a difference.
Not a great ride in big chop or waves because it is a smaller and lighter craft than most. I dont know why people compare it to a bigger boat, or even a spark. Each one has its pros and cons.
There is no security remote on the EX unless they put one on the 19’s
EX is not a long range cruiser at speeds over 30-35. At 45 you are 3/4 throttle and sucking gas.
8k for a deluxe is an ok deal. Not a great deal IMO.

[Bighorn1500]

Thanks for all your help. I'm leaning toward a stx15f instead, unless I find a good deal on something used.

[seabrook]

Thanks for all your help. I'm leaning toward a stx15f instead, unless I find a good deal on something used.

That is the best ski in the category!!! Super reliable, good speed 62/63, good low end nice looking and sounds good too! My brother in law has 2 2017s that he paid 20k for including the trailer brand new. The stx15f is head and shoulders above the base vx and any ex. If I wanted a second ski for my wife this is what I would buy.