2023 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy versus Yamaha FX HO JetFish Review | Watercraft Zone

The hugely successful Sea-Doo Fish Pro range now has its most serious competitor to
date. Meet the Yamaha FX HO JetFish Edition.
While the components that make up the Yamaha JetFish have been sold separately in the
US for some time, Yamaha Australia has launched it as a complete package, ready to go
straight off the showroom floor.
For now, the Yamaha is exclusive to Australia and New Zealand where Jet Ski fishing is a huge sport. But if the Yamaha special edition proves successful, there’s a chance the JetFish variant could become a permanent member of the Yamaha WaveRunner line-up.
Yamaha Corporate is keeping a close eye on how well the Yamaha FX HO JetFish performs Down Under.
While all Sea-Doo Fish Pro models are sent from the factory complete, the Yamaha is
delivered to showrooms as a regular FX HO before the JetFish components are
assembled at the dealership.
Whichever way you cut it, it means both Sea-Doo and Yamaha now have turn-key
solutions for Jet Ski fishing enthusiasts.
In this video we will cover prices, features, the pros and cons of both skis, and tell you
what they’re like to ride.
And, because we were curious, we also ran VBox acceleration numbers, to find out who is
going to make it to their favourite fishing spot the fastest.
Disclosures:
Yamaha FX HO JetFish test craft supplied by Yamaha Australia.
Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy test craft supplied by Melbourne Sea-Doo & CanAm (www.melbourneseadoo.com.au).
These tests were conducted in Sydney over two weekends in October 2023 using multiple riders.
Time codes:
00:00 Introduction
01:21 Pricing
02:26 Yamaha specifications
02:36 Sea-Doo specifications
03:00 Fuel consumption
03:25 Yamaha key features
04:15 Sea-Doo key features
05:03 Warranty coverage
05:22 Service intervals
05:49 Yamaha Infotainment
07:33 Sea-Doo Infotainment
07:57 Sea-Doo reverse thrust debris removal system
08:50 Yamaha fishing kit
09:45 Re-boarding comparison
09:57 Sea-Doo live bait well
10:34 Sea-Doo fishing kit
11:22 Sea-Doo claw anchor
11:34 Sea-Doo pop-up swivel seat
12:27 Yamaha riding impressions
14:43 Sea-Doo riding impressions
18:04 VBox acceleration and top speed tests
18:38 Acceleration times kmh
19:21 Acceleration times mph
19:25 Conclusion

[@jawaring]

Thanks for the US conversions mate!

[@WatercraftZone]

Hey no problem. Thanks for the note. Those US prices are straight off Sea-Doo’s US website when we were preparing the video. If only we could pay those prices in Australia …

[@nzjunkee]

Great review guys, really detailed and touched on all the keys points i was looking for, time to go test them out now 🤟

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks so much for the feedback. We really appreciate it. This motivates us to keep doing back-to-back tests when possible and more single reviews too. Cheers.

[@Skip11AM]

Very solid review! Keep up great work!

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. We have a few more in the pipeline. They take time to pull together and then edit, but we reckon it's worth the effort. Thanks again.

[@NoNopeAndNo]

Brilliant detailed review, no holding back. Well done 👌

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for your comments. We really appreciate it. Having spent a lot of time on both skis we found both have good points … and room for improvement. The great thing about this is, a bit of competition can only be good news for Jet Ski buyers as each brand tries to outdo the other. Thanks again!

[@NoNopeAndNo]

@@WatercraftZone Agreed. Appreciate your efforts 👍🏻

[@ekendra21]

Love my 23 trophy, im glad I bought it over the Yamaha, as the Yamaha was not even available until August 23 and none of the jetfish packages made it, my fish pro will also hit 58-59 fully loaded, even with another passenger (salt water). The additional fishing accessories stock over the Yamaha were a real win for me, I believe it is a much more stable platform to stand, walk around in, and fish on compared to the Yamaha. I also believe the rear deck on the sea doo is much more well designed and a more stable/larger platform over the Yamahas extended platform. The linq attachments and accessories for the season are another win for me. I personally enjoy the ride of the seadoo better (also own a Yamaha without jetfish), more over the waves than in them. Some people complain about compartive performance in rough water, just throw river sponsons on it and put a brave rider on it, they both perform well. I think the trophy has a better flat seat that turns into a swivel fighting chair. Also, I believe the speakers from BRP have a better larger output than Yamaha. The included Livewell pump and cooler that can turn into a live well is helpful too. Easy to swap out from fishing to watersports or regular cruising. I enjoy both platforms but I prefer the Seadoo.

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for your feedback and for taking the time to go into so much detail. We agree with your assessments. The flatter and narrower seat on the Sea-Doo is more comfortable for this type of use on this type of craft. We have a soft spot for both the Sea-Doo and the Yamaha but the industrial design and technology features on the Fish Pro give the Sea-Doo the edge for a fishing ski. Thanks again and please stay tuned for more content.

[@jasondavis4421]

Wow what a review from someone who settled on one because he couldn't get nor ever been on the other

[@anythingadrenaline4515]

Sucks yamaha wasn't available for you. It's far superior than Seadoo. It's also much reliable period. I'm also getting 70mph loaded with fishing gear and my Wife and Son on back.

[@ekendra21]

@@anythingadrenaline4515 it’s unfortunately not far superior, my first 50 hours have been amazing on it so far. I also do all my own maintenance and not a problem. I own both Yamaha and seadoo fyi, and no shot a non svho is going 70mph, especially fully loaded lol get your facts right! the svho are limited stock to 67 like all skis so unless you have a scom you’re not cruising at 70 lol, the features and stability as a fishing platform of the sea doo will consistently outperform a plain rec dec platform any day of the week. I do not regret my decision at all, if you’re comparing an svho to the fish pro naturally aspirated just for speed, that’s not a fair comparison, fish pro is naturally aspirated for fuel economy, and the ergonomic features are well beyond Yamaha. Also with a livewell, ice box, bait, tackle, and another adult on the back, I am still hitting 58-59mph. If you want to compare an svho with upgrades to match it to the fish pro, at least compare apples to apples of a GTX 300 with all the upgrades for fishing as well.

[@anythingadrenaline4515]

@@ekendra21 Your right. Mine is a Svho. I messed up there. Both skis sure nice I'll admit. Yamaha for rough sea and longevity outperforms.

[@hammerdown3876]

Love my 22 Trophy. Ive hit 58-59 many times loaded down and even 61 with no cooler and 1/2 a tank of fuel.

[@WatercraftZone]

That's good to know, thanks for the feedback. Was that in fresh water or salt water? We love the Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy (colour, layout, twin batteries, IDF, touchscreen nav). Thanks for sharing, safe riding!

[@simonwallace699]

Nice review, and well balanced.

[@WatercraftZone]

Much appreciated! Thanks for your feedback.

[@jamesstrachan2288]

Thanks guys for a very good video comparing these craft. I take it if you were spending your money you would buy the Sea-Doo trophy. I would be fishing mostly in the ocean not a lake or river. I was wondering would you go the Sea-Doo for this even though you have said its not as easy to use at lower speeds including docking. Thank again well done.

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for the feedback, we really appreciate it. The Yamaha FX is a better ride in the ocean but, if you're keen on fishing, you really can't beat the practicality and thought that has gone into the Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy. Just make sure it has a full tank of fuel every time you head out. It cuts through chop pretty well when it has a full belly, but once the fuel load gets lighter (say half a tank remaining) it starts to get pushed around a bit. Good luck! You're going to love it, whichever way you go.

[@josecorazon.bautista]

Problem is where to buy the yamaha here in PH. We are just contented watching your video, mate

[@WatercraftZone]

Hey thanks for tuning in. Appreciate the feedback. More new videos coming soon. Thanks again for watching.

[@slyr1]

Yamaha needs to step up their game. They have a better motor but as far as the options and the front flipping hatch access it easier while you’re on water is unbelievable and the colors white and blue beautiful you could see it it’s more visible I think Yamaha stepped it up at that point because Usually they paint their JetSki‘s black bottom and dark color tops so if you flip the freaking thing over you can’t see it from an airplane helicopter land so I think the lighter colors are safety issue that has to be addressed also, why can’t you put some lights on it marker lights anchor, lightsit’s like a boat stepping up Yamaha your game has to change you’re losing

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for your feedback. We think Sea-Doo and Yamaha are doing good things right now. Sea-Doo has the broadest and most practical model range in the market (and with good fuel economy), and Yamaha has recently made significant investments in upgrades to the FX platform and debuted a new 1.9-litre engine, the biggest in the industry. More competition means more choice for buyers. Also, overnight, Kawasaki just announced they are redoubling their efforts to regain market share. So that's a win for everyone. Good news is, Jet Skis are only going to get even better.

[@toddrankin5182]

Look forward to seeing the comparison of the 24’ models. I alway thought Yamaha got better MPG??

[@WatercraftZone]

That’s a fair question. Thanks for checking in. The 2024 Yamaha models are just starting to arrive in Australia so we will be sure to test them as soon as we are able. In particular we are keen to sample the new non-supercharged 1.9-litre engine and see what the performance and economy differences are versus the outgoing 1.8.

[@jibbymcbeet]

Can you ride a jetski at night in Australia or NZ?

[@WatercraftZone]

It is possible in some jurisdictions such as Queensland and Victoria but only with correct boating navigation lights fitted. Jet Skis are not allowed to be operated at night in NSW, the most populous state in Australia. We would need to check other jurisdictions but these are the three main regions. Hope that helps! Thanks for the query.

[@anthonyeconomides1722]

@@WatercraftZone In victoria yes you can ride at night unless have lights installed

[@_jamesrose]

I'll take the Yamaha. Far better in rough swell when fishing. If i was a river or calm water guy, id go the Seadoo

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for your feedback. Good summary and we totally agree.

[@_jamesrose]

@@WatercraftZone keep up the good work legends

[@heftybalz]

You forgot about how important it is to have a live well. I man anyone that fishes in the gulf or ocean, wants one

[@flipspearing]

I’m guessing you haven’t taken a fisher out in swell, they are miles dryer and better in shit conditions than yammys. I had a yammy fxho cruiser and would often go 70km offshore, that thing was a submarine

[@kresimirmilisa5560]

Sea doo jet skis are also very good😊

[@WatercraftZone]

Both of these Jet Skis are great for what they are designed to do, but we really love the added features, practicality, and fuel economy in the Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy.

[@All-Miles-Matter]

Sea doo personal watercraft...not jetski

[@slyr1]

Yamaha needs to have a devoted fish. Pro itself not convert something into a fishing vessel. They should also include the axis panel that flip’s all the way open just like the sea doo is way ahead of their design Yamaha has the best Motor Yamaha needs to wake up.

[@WatercraftZone]

We also hope Yamaha is working on something more for the future, perhaps for the next generation FX WaveRunner due in a few years from now. In the meantime, the Yamaha JetFish edition demonstrates the company is absolutely taking notice of the booming Jet Ski fishing segment. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Kianquenseda]

I want an electric one

[@WatercraftZone]

You could be waiting a while but it’s not impossible. Sea-Doo is working on an electric Jet Ski and Kawasaki is working on electric assistance of some type for low speed manoeuvres.

[@christophermillett2273]

So you want to be towed often 😂😂😂

[@OnPointFly]

Yamaha are playing catch up, but they still didn’t get close

[@WatercraftZone]

The good news is Yamaha (and now Kawasaki) has recognised there is a market for dedicated fishing Jet Skis. That will lead to more choice and better options for buyers.

[@badhombre8383]

So basically the Yamaha was an afterthought and clearly a knee jerk reaction to get something out there. 🤦‍♂️ the sea doo was built from ground up for fishing.

[@WatercraftZone]

In a sense, yes. But the important thing is that it seems Yamaha has now spotted this as a genuine trend. The Jet Ski fishing market is growing so rapidly even Kawasaki has unveiled a rival called the Angler. Check out our video preview on the Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX-S Angler elsewhere on our channel. Thanks for the note.

[@ianevans3525]

Abit 1 sided as the seadoo have the factory built flagship fishing unit and yamaha has an accessory put together unit that is not factory👎

[@WatercraftZone]

Thanks for the note. Each of these fishing Jet Skis is the best that each company is offering right now. See-Doo has a top-line factory option and, for now, Yamaha has a dealer-fit kit. We make it clear the dealer-fit kit therefore has some compromises. On the plus side, Yamaha FX owners from 2019 onwards can update their skis with these accessories. Hope this clarifies.

[@nerias8144]

Two super machines, God bless you all! If we confess our sins, he He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

[@christophermillett2273]

Do you still believe in Santa and the Easter bunny too? 😂😂😂

[@RyanAndrews-ys2lo]

There's no doubt that Yamaha would be a great contester, but to be honest "it's pretty ugly compared to the sea-doo"🤣

[@WatercraftZone]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. But the Yamaha FX is a better hull in rough conditions, has a larger glovebox compartment, and a larger bow storage area. The Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy’s ergonomics and fuel economy are, however, exceptional. Can’t go wrong with either of these. It will largely depend on what type of waterways you plan on exploring.

[@RyanAndrews-ys2lo]

I have to agree with you. I've got a good mate that loves overweight woman. It is indeed true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 🙂

[@meneeringenieur1866]

what are you smoking? the sea-doo looks like a flat frog :D