We gave our watercraft experts one job:Review the best PWCs. Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value.
Where to buy Yamaha GP SVHO Waverunner:
Yamaha
The GP series got more than a facelift in 2025. The SVHO got features and characteristics to ensure its nickname, the “Choice of Champions” remains relevant while providing some additional add-ons. Despite Yamaha going with performance and efficiency instead of competing with Sea-Doo on raw horsepower, the GP SVHO provides sufficient speed to out-race Kawis and Sea-Doos with the right rider.
It is race ready, and with its Auto Trim technology, the engine moderates its angle for better turning without manual adjustments needed.
With the RiDE reverse/brake system and TDE (Thrust Directional Enhancer) onboard, maneuvering in tight spaces is made easier.
The Yamaha GP SVHO has a lot of impressive racing power. It starts at $17,499.
Things we like:
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Seats 1-3 people -
Love the 1.9 liter engine
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RiDE and TDE for docking
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Grippy turns start at the intuitive handlebars
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Size and weight make it more trailerable
Things we don't like:
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Not ideal for touring
Where to buy Yamaha GP SVHO Waverunner:
Yamaha
- Top Speed: +67 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons
- Load Capacity: N/A
- Storage Capacity: 28.4 gallons
- Length: 11'
- Width: 48.8”
- Height: 3'11''
- Dry Weight: 758 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 1-3 persons
Yamaha GP1800r SVHO “Choice of Champions”
No matter what people use their jetski for, they usually have a few of the same questions in mind to narrow down their choices; how fast does it go, how many people can ride, and can I tow with it. The Yamaha GP1800r SVHO answers almost all with the highest marks.
There is a reason this Waverunner is called the “Choice of Champions,” and it’s mainly for its Supercharged, Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine. Reaching speeds on the water can win races and surprise riders. 250 HP delivers around 67-70 mph, depending on load and water conditions.
Combined with its Supercharged race-ready engine is an industry-only Auto Trim system that effortlessly adjusts to the conditions of your ride. Making it easy to navigate even when reaching or coming down from top speeds.
That trim is also useful when cresting waves from behind, avoiding getting slammed into the trough and stopping the momentum.
As if those features weren’t enough, the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO comes with RiDE reverse/braking system and TDE. The same features are available on the more comfortable-riding FX Cruiser HO. Giving all riders full control over the PWC for easy braking and navigation of tight docking or trailer landing.
We can’t forget that this Waverunner also has a color touchscreen display that shows all driving metrics and Bluetooth capabilities for its optional audio package. Connext digital display also offers security features to deter unauthorized users from stealing your watercraft.
The Yamaha GP1800r SVHO is a stellar PWC that can satisfy everyone’s style of water recreation. Let’s dive into what sets this jetski apart, the engine.
Racing Performance
As mentioned before, the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO is one of the leading PWC for racing and speed. Its Supercharged 4-cylinder,4-stroke, Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engine delivers 250 HP and a top speed of 67 mph, with room to go even faster with less weight in the fuel tank and minimal riders.
What gives this Waverunner an edge over the competition is its high performance intake grate and jet pump. Upgraded to allow less turbulent water to enter the jet pump, so when you are accelerating through choppy water, you experience less cavitation and better traction with the water.
The SVHO’s Auto Trim system also gives it even more of an advantage. Most jet skis offer variable trim systems of some kind to adjust the bow of the watercraft to have a better launch or cornering control.
But the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO Auto Trim technology, when engaged, automatically adjusts the trim to the perfect position when slowing down to turn or accelerating. So you never have to remember to hit a button when you’re approaching a critical turn or are getting ready to hit the throttle.
Although, this Waverunner still allows for self-adjustment of the trim settings when not engaged in the auto trim function. So you can still find the perfect ride for your preferences.
Since the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO is Supercharged, we feel it is worth mentioning that it does require premium unleaded gasoline, or high octane fuel, 91-94 octane.
Safety and Security Features
The Yamaha GP1800r SVHO comes equipped with multiple safety features to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and fun jet ski experience.
Equipped with Yamaha’s RiDE reverse/brake system, riders can safely handle speeds, water conditions, and a busy summer day on the lake with ease.
When docking or pulling up to your towing trailer, TDE (Thrust Directional Enhancer) is available to safely maneuver your Waverunner. Engaged with just a touch of a button on the left handlebar, TDE can effortlessly guide you right where you want to go with slow-motion speed and just a few adjustments of the handlebars.
The danger of your PWC being stolen is reduced significantly with the Connext Security features, fully integrated into the display.
Unique Characteristics
When you first board the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO it can feel like just another jet ski, but the first pull of the throttle is a quick reminder of the difference that lies beneath the seat. The longer you’re with it, the more you discover about this exceptional Waverunner.
Supreme Versatility
Its versatility of being a racing watercraft as well as having space for up to three people give this Waverunner endless possibilities of water recreations. From towing tubes, cruising through tight waterways with No Wake Mode, to leaving the racing competition in the spray, boredom will never set in.
High Performance Technology
If speed and racing are your main focuses, the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO delivers a racy driving experience with its Auto Trim technology combined with its high performance intake grate and jet pump. Enabling precise trim adjustments without the need to press a button so you can maintain your focus on the competition.
Extras/Add-ons
Yamaha has created one of the most versatile rear platforms that can equip a variety of RecDeck extras to personalise your Waverunner and provide more space for all of your gear. You can customise your PWC with an extended swim platform, and keep adding on to suit your unique style.
Yamaha’s RecDeck Premium JetFish package is perfect for those who like to have fresh catch at the end of their day on the water. While the RecDeck Lounge Package is a great option to kick back, relax and enjoy the water after tearing up the lake.
Yamaha also has a RecDeck Tow Package that includes everything you need for epic tubing recreation. Complete with a single-rider tube, 12V pump to inflate it, a tow rope to attach it to your Waverunner, and a bungee hold down to keep your tube secure when not in use at the rear of the jet ski.
If you want to increase the speed of your Supercharged watercraft, you can equip it with a RIVA Power Filter Kit ($399.95) and see speeds above 70 mph.
Waverunner Comparison
So how does it measure up against the competition? Compared to the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 and the Kawasaki 310 R (the two other fastest jet skis on the market), the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO is the cheapest Waverunner and has the lightest dry weight.
Although it is not quite as fast as its Sea-Doo counterpart (Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 has a top speed of 70 mph, and a quicker acceleration time), the Yamaha has a larger seating capacity and Auto Trim technology.
The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX offers a much more boat-like experience, weighing over 1,000 lbs, but still delivers an impressive 67 mph, the same as the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO, but for a much heftier price.
When comparing this Waverunner against other Yamaha models, like the Yamaha GP1800r HO, there is little difference other than the SVHO’s Supercharged engine and a slight weight difference (SVHO is 754 lbs, HO is only 717 lbs). They both offer the same storage capacity and touchscreen digital displays.
Is It Worth The Money?
The Yamaha GP1800r SVHO rings up at $16,499. With its race-ready Supercharged Super Vortex Marine Engine, seating for three, and versatility for water recreation, we feel that the price is well worth the fun that can be had on this Waverunner.
It is also the lowest priced racing jet ski on the market currently, making this an accessible option for individuals who are interested in breaking into the racing industry.
Continue reading about the best Yamaha’s in 2025
Related Reviews
Things we like:
-
Seats 1-3 people
-
Love the 1.9 liter engine
-
RiDE and TDE for docking
-
Grippy turns start at the intuitive handlebars
-
Size and weight make it more trailerable
Things we don't like:
-
Not ideal for touring
Frequently asked questions
Currently, the fastest jetski is the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300, but the Yamaha GP1800r SVHO is a very close second.
This Waverunner has a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, and it only takes Premium Unleaded Gasoline.
This jet ski has 28.4 gallons of storage.
Yes, this Waverunner has very decent towing options. An available towing package with a tower and rope clicks into the back platform for water sports recreation.
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Comments
guess you never heard of the seadoo rxtx300 and 325! smdh
More horsepower doesn’t always win the race. I did write “with the right driver” it could be Kawis and Seadoos. Just to say it’s competitive, because they are not superior in terms of power.