Is it a personal watercraft or a fishing skiff? The new Yamaha CrossWave blurs the line between the two, combining the hull, profile and saddle seating of a WaveRunner with the wide beam and open deck space of a multi-angler casting platform. While other PWCs have been adapted for fishing, Yamaha positions the CrossWave as the industry’s first true walkaround PWC.
What immediately sets the CrossWave apart is its size. Measuring 12 feet, 11 inches long with a 5-foot, 7-inch beam, it is noticeably larger than a traditional PWC, offering the stability and deck space needed for serious fishing. Its defining feature is a full walkaround layout with a flat, marine-matted deck that allows 360-degree movement around the craft. The CrossWave is also the only PWC designed to carry up to four passengers, thanks to removable third- and fourth-row seats that transform the stern into an open deck area. Storage is equally impressive, with 82 gallons of capacity spread across dedicated compartments, including an anchor locker, rod storage and dual in-hull stern compartments.
At the helm, a floating console houses dual 7-inch touchscreen displays, pairing Yamaha’s Connext system with a Simrad NSX chart plotter/fish finder. Integrated Bluetooth speakers come standard. To support its electronics and accessories, the CrossWave is also the first PWC prewired for a Group 24 deep-cycle marine battery complete with a built-in battery switch.
Given its versatile layout, the CrossWave seems just as suited for beach runs and sunset cruises as it is for fishing trips.
Another notable feature is Yamaha’s patented cleanout port, borrowed from the company’s jet boats, which allows riders to clear pump debris without getting into the water. Power comes from Yamaha’s 1.9-liter High Output Marine Engine — the largest-displacement engine in the PWC market — producing 200 horsepower.
The deck also incorporates a T-Track accessory mounting system, making it easy to customize with fishing and recreational gear. Yamaha plans to offer the CrossWave in a single fully equipped package that includes a custom trailer and a 55-quart cooler. The CrossWave is expected to arrive in dealerships in spring 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
