Yamaha Motor New Zealand is introducing the CrossWave, an unusual personal watercraft intended to bridge the gap between a conventional sit-down WaveRunner and a compact open boat. The model measures 3.94 metres long and accommodates up to four people, with a walkaround deck and a modular arrangement for different leisure activities.
The New Zealand announcement, dated 1 September 2026, positions the CrossWave for fishing, watersports, cruising and family outings. Yamaha plans to take the craft to selected WaveRunner dealers around the country so prospective owners can inspect and trial it.
From personal watercraft to multi-purpose deck
Unlike the narrow saddle-focused layout of most PWCs, the CrossWave has a broader platform with rear seating that can be removed. Yamaha's integrated T-Track system allows compatible accessories such as rod holders, trolling-motor mounts and shallow-water anchoring equipment to be configured for particular trips.
The builder quotes a beam of 1.70 metres and storage capacity of 310 litres, giving owners more practical carrying space than the typical compact PWC. An anchor locker and the ability to move around the deck are central to the design's fishing and day-use role.
Engine and electronic equipment
Power comes from Yamaha's 1.9-litre High Output engine, rated at 200hp in the New Zealand specification. The equipment list includes a seven-inch Connext touchscreen and a seven-inch Simrad NSX chartplotter and fishfinder, plus Bluetooth speakers and the company's jet-pump clean-out port.
The specifications list a 100-litre fuel tank and an overall height of 1.32 metres. These figures are manufacturer-supplied; loading, conditions and local equipment may affect real-world range and performance.
Where the CrossWave fits
The model gives owners a way to combine PWC-style jet propulsion with some of the adaptability of a small fishing boat. Its removable seating and equipment rails are particularly relevant for households that want one craft for several activities rather than separate specialist boats.
At less than four metres, the CrossWave is comfortably within Leisure Boat Guide's small-craft remit. The New Zealand introduction is a market-arrival story and should not be confused with the craft's earlier international unveiling.