2000-2001 Yamaha XR1800 Specs and Review [Video]

The 2000-2001 XR1800 was the only closed-deck 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat ever built. This was also the most powerful model in the fleet powered by power valved twin-155hp engines. Its larger brother was the bowrider-style LS2000, which housed a more reliable, non-power valved twin-135hp engine package.

In this post, you will find out more about the iconic XR1800 and its key specifications.

 

Yamaha XR1800 Review

Hull and Top Deck

As a rule of thumb, almost every 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat featured an open, bowrider-style deck layout.

The only exception was the XR1800, which was designed with a unique, closed deck architecture. Due to its limited deck space, this model was only rated for five people.

When it comes to dimensions, this lively boat measured 16 feet 7 inches in length, almost eight feet in width, while its dry weight was only 1950 pounds.

Compared to its predecessor Exciter line (including the 135, 220, and 270), the XR was about one foot longer. Yet, it was still almost one foot shorter than its open-deck brother, the LS2000.

Just like its relatives, the XR also featured a relatively shallow-V hull design that ensured outstanding maneuverability but poor rough water capabilities.

Its relatively deep cockpit was designed in an exciting, geometric style with triangular and diamond-shaped lines.

It had two adjustable swivel seats, one for the driver and one for the side passenger. Behind them, there was a cozy bench seat rated for three.

Each of the seats featured deep, well-contoured cushions. These deep “wrap-around” bolsters not only held the passengers in place in the corners but also effectively absorbed the bumps.

The XR also featured five storage compartments.

Besides the deep storage tray under the rear sun deck, you could also find a ski locker, a port side storage, and two under-windshield storages.

Engine and Propulsion

The Yamaha XR1800 was often referred to as the most powerful 2-stroke Yamaha boat and with good reason. It was powered by two 1176cc, triple-cylinder, power valved Yamaha marine engines that delivered a combined 310hp at 7250 RPM.

While the rest of the 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat fleet enjoyed simpler, non-power valved hearts, the XR was designed with more powerful, power valved engines, featuring catalytic converters.

They delivered noticeably more power but in return, they had less reliability and durability.

Also known as the power valved 1200 Yamaha marine engine, the key features of this unit were as follows:

·         Architecture: 2-stroke, inline-3

·         Displacement: 1176 cc

·         Compression ratio: 6.3:1

·         Lubrication: variable-rate oil injection

·         Powervalve exhaust system

·         Intake system: Reed valve

·         Ignition: Digital DC CDI

·         Cooling system: Open loop

·         Carbs: Triple Mikuni BN44

·         Plugs: NGH BR8ES-11

·         Start: Electric starter

According to Boats.com, these engines ran smoothly and were perfectly synchronized.

Just like the engines, the propulsion system of the XR1800 was also borrowed from Yamaha’s WaveRunners like the GP1200R, XLT1200, and XL1200 Limited.

The dual jet propulsion system of the XR was designed with two axial-flow, single-stage jet pumps.

They came standard with many advanced technologies including a manual reverse system, integrated clean-out ports, and three-blade, stainless steel impellers.

Features

The XR1800 came standard with a plethora of features, including:

·         Navigation lights

·         Courtesy light

·         Bow and stern eyelets

·         Ski tow hook

·         Grab handles

·         Cleats

·         Fuel cock

·         Stern light storage

·         Stern light socket

·         Jet pump cleanout access panel

·         Pump cleanout interlock switches

·         Folding reboarding step

·         Trailer strap eyes

·         Deck drain

·         Drain plug

·         Bilge outlet

·         Engine compartment blower

·         Horn

·         Bilge pump

·         Bilge blower

·         Cooling water outlets

·         Audio system (optional)

The main components of its modern helm were as follows:

·         Speedometer

·         Tachometer

·         Steering wheel

·         Mirror

·         Switches and breaks

·         Fuel level gauge

·         Ignition switch/keys

·         Choke knobs

·         Warning indicators (Engine overheat, Low fuel, Low oil)

Storage compartments:

·         Under-floor ski locker

·         Port side glovebox with 12V outlet

·         Under-hood, center tray

·         Under-windshield console storage (port side)

·         Under-windshield console storage (starboard side)

·         Cup holders

Riding Experience

Every 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat had an aggressive attitude, and the XR1800 was no exception.

Its shallow hull was designed with maneuverability in mind, which made the boat agile and playful.

In an experienced hand, it was capable of astonishing tricks like spins and very tight turns. The downside of this design was that it offered a very bouncy performance on the chop.

The twin-155hp engines featuring six 44mm Mikuni carbs provided a crisp throttle response and an outstanding hole-shot acceleration.

Under ideal conditions, the top speed of the XR1800 was about 58-59 mph on GPS while burning almost 34 gph.

Considering a fuel capacity of 41 gallons, it offered a cruising range of 72 miles (or 1.2 hours).

Its remarkable engine power and jet propulsion made the XR popular among watersport lovers.

Drawbacks?

Surprisingly, there were a few! Let’s talk about them in detail.

Yamaha XR1800 Problems

In a nutshell, the biggest design flaws and common problems of the XR1800 were as follows:

Complex engine architecture

Compared to other 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat engines, the 1176cc engine package of the XR required significantly more maintenance. But even with proper care, it had less reliability and durability.

This was no surprise since this was the only power source in the Yamaha jet boat line that utilized power exhaust valves and catalytic converters. They added complexity to the engine and made it less reliable.

Sure, high performance and low reliability often come hand-in-hand.

Its oil lines also required periodic maintenance since they were prone to falling off or cracking over time and the lack of lubrication usually ended in an engine seizure.

To eliminate this risk, many 2-stroke Yamaha boats were converted to premix.

Cavitation

One of the most common problems of the XR1800 was arguably the cavitation issues in its pump.

Each 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat shared the same 155mm WaveRunner pump, which more or less matched the lower-performance models.

But due to its more powerful engines, it was much worse on the XR.

This could be mitigated to some extent with aftermarket impellers and pump internals, but it could not be completely eliminated.

Poor choppy water performance

The shallow-V hull of the XR offered poor rough water performance.

Limited deck space

The closed deck design of the XR was much less practical than open layouts.

The covered bow not only wasted deck space but also made the boat hard to board from the bow.

Noise

Due to their 2-stroke architecture, the engines of the XR were much louder than their 4-stroke predecessors.

Storage

Due to its jet propulsion, it was not recommended to store the XR in the water long term.

Besides the risk of potential leaks and corrosion, debris was also prone to accumulating inside the pump.

Yamaha XR1800 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2000 Yamaha XR1800:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	17’7”
Overall Width	7’8”
Draft	13”
Dry Weight	1950 lb.
Maximum people on board	3
Maximum load capacity	1100 lb.

Engine Specs

Number of engines	2
Type	2-stroke
Number of cylinders	3
Displacement	1176 cm³ (71.7 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke	80 × 78 mm
Compression Ratio	6.3:1
Supercharged	No
Lubrication system	Oil Injection
Carburetor type	Mikuni BN 44
Number of carburetors	3
Intake system	Reed valve
Staring system	Electric
Cooling System	Water cooled
Spark Plug	NGK BR8ES-11
Spark Plug Gap	1.0-1.1 mm (0.039”-0.043”)
Ignition System	Digital DC CDI
Charging System	Flywheel Magneto
Battery Capacity	12 volt / 100 Ah
Recommended Battery	Marine Grade Group 24 Dual Purpose

Propulsion

Propulsion System	Jet pump
Jet Pump Type	Axial flow, single stage w/reverse
Impeller material	Stainless steel
Impeller Rotation	Counter clockwise (rear view)
Impeller pitch	15.6°
Transmission	Direct drive from engine
Steering Nozzle Angle	23°+/- 1°

Performance

Maximum Output (each engine)	310hp (2x 155hp @ 7250 RPM)
Maximum Fuel Consumption	16.9 US gal/h (64 L/h) each engine
Cruising Range (full throttle)	1.2 hr.

Fuel and Oil

Fuel	Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended engine oil	Yamalube 2-W only, phospours free
Fuel tank capacity	41 US gal (155.2 L)
Oil Tank Capacity	3.0 US gal. (11.4 L)

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

 

Takeaways – Looking for a Yamaha XR1800 For Sale?

If you are considering buying a vintage 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat, note the XR would probably be the worst choice.

It not only had high-maintenance, power valved engines, but it also had the least practical deck layout in the entire fleet.

Because of this, you may want to take a close look at the more reliable LX210 or LS2000.

But if you’re stuck on the XR, you can find plenty of them for sale on eBay, Craigslist, BoatTrader, and other classified boat sites.

The asking prices of these boats range from $7,000-$12,000 depending on their condition and accessories.

References

Yamahaboats.com

Boats.com

Groupk.com