Yamaha Unveils 'Crosswave' PWC Platform & Flagship 29-Foot Jet Boat Series

BoatBlurb Contributor
Aug 18
6 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Yamaha' 2026 product announcement includes two major new products -- the all-new Crosswave PWC platform and the 295 Series of jet boats.

The Crosswave represents an entirely new type of personal watercraft. Built on Yamaha’s largest platform ever, the oversized PWC includes an open bow and deck area that gives riders 360-degree mobility. The CrossWave is also the first personal watercraft to carry up to four passengers using a removable third and fourth seat.

2026 marks Yamaha's 40th anniversary since the launch of the iconic WaveRunner 500 in 1986.

The company is also introducing three all-new 29-foot jet boats – the 295SD, 295SE, and 295XD.

The 295 Series is designed to elevate Yamaha into the premium day cruiser market. Billed as the company’s largest and most luxurious boats ever built, it includes advanced technology like Yamaha’s Helm Master EX system (on select models) and premium amenities like a lockable head compartment.

Crosswave PWC

At nearly 13' long and 67" wide (3.95 m long and 1.7 m wide), the CrossWave is significantly larger than a traditional WaveRunner — almost two feet longer and a foot and a half wider than Yamaha’s luxury performance FX Series.

With oversized 16" footwells, 3.5" gunwale steps, and a flat, marine-matted deck that flows uninterrupted from bow to stern, getting on and off the CrossWave is easy from any direction. The open bow area is a key feature of the platform: a full walkaround layout that allows true 360-degree mobility and all-day comfort.

The Crosswave will also be the only personal watercraft in the industry with a full walkaround bow and deck — and the only one designed from the ground up to carry up to four passengers. The third and fourth seats are removable, transforming the stern into wide-open deck space perfect for coolers, fishing gear, or stretching out.

Storage is also significant given the size of the platform. With 311 litres of total capacity, it has more onboard storage than any personal watercraft on the market — including a rod storage compartment, a dedicated anchor locker in the bow (sized to fit a 5-lb anchor and 3-gallon bucket), and dual in-hull stern compartments.

The entire deck is lined with Yamaha’s integrated T-Track system, which accepts a wide range of lifestyle accessories — from washdown kits and rod holders to trolling motor brackets and shallow water anchors — allowing riders to personalize the layout based on the adventure they’re planning.

The CrossWave helm is a noticeable standout and features the industry’s first floating console with dual touchscreen displays: a 7” Connext touchscreen and a 7” Simrad NSX chartplotter/fishfinder. The interface offers both intuitive usability and customization.

Adding to the experience are integrated factory standard 8” footwell speakers using Bluetooth audio. The platform is also prepped to support additional audio components, allowing owners to build out a full entertainment system onboard.

To support the power demands of electronics and accessories, the CrossWave also comes pre-wired for a Group 24 deep cycle marine battery. This makes accommodations for riders planning to integrate trolling motors, lighting, or other high-draw equipment. An industry first built-in battery switch, located in the starboard stern compartment, allows riders to quickly disconnect the battery when the unit is not in use — preventing power drain and helping extend battery life between rides.

Beneath the seat is Yamaha’s 1.9L High Output Marine Engine — also the largest displacement engine in the PWC industry. The Crosswave boasts a 100 L (26.4 gal) fuel tank.

The CrossWave will be offered in a single fully-equipped premium configuration. Rather than fixed trim levels, Yamaha will give owners the freedom to personalize their CrossWave through a catalog of accessories — allowing every owner to tailor the PWC to their needs. Every CrossWave will also come factory-equipped with a custom-fit Yamaha marine trailer and a 52 litre cooler — making it the only PWC in the industry to include both as standard.

295 Series Jet Boats

At 28'5" with a total length of 29'8" including the integrated windlass and bow roller -- the 295 Series will be Yamaha’s largest jet boat to date.

The expansive 9'1" beam creates a yacht-certified footprint that accommodates large groups while providing stability and confidence for big water cruising. The 295 Series has been designed to deliver an open, airy layout that feels both social and luxurious.

“With the 295 Series, we’ve taken everything our owners love about Yamaha and scaled it into a true 29-foot platform built for big water and premium comfort,” said Bryan Seti, General Manager of Yamaha WaterCraft.

“This is more than just our largest boat ever — it’s our statement to the market that Yamaha belongs in the 28- to 30-foot day cruiser class. The 295 delivers the upscale styling, advanced technology, and spacious design today’s buyers expect in this segment, but with the simplicity, performance, and low-maintenance experience that only Yamaha can offer.”

One of the most notable additions is the fully enclosed head compartment with a plumbed vacuum-flush toilet and a 10-gallon holding tank. The compartment even doubles as a comfortable lounge area, thanks to a chaise-style bench perfect for giving kids a place to recharge between swims. Anchoring is aided by a factory-installed Lewmar windlass. Equipped with 210 feet of rode and both bow and helm controls, this system takes the work out of securing the boat in deep water or strong currents. A freshwater rinse-down at the bow keeps your hands and deck clean after retrieval, while a clever flip-down seatback in the bow doubles as a high, easy-access boarding point for loading passengers at taller docks. The helm features a wide, two-person station anchored by an all-new 15" Connext touchscreen display. The redesigned interface offers an intuitive, automotive-style layout and even includes a custom RGB startup animation. On the 295SD and 295XD models, Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick system is standard and delivers pinpoint low-speed control and effortless docking — even in challenging crosswinds or tight marinas.

Across from the helm, the co-captain’s station includes a 3.5" touchscreen that allows passengers to take charge of the music and lighting, while a convertible seatback lets them face forward during cruising or pivot aft to join the conversation at anchor. Wireless phone charging stations at both helm positions keep devices powered and neatly tucked away in ventilated cubbies designed to prevent overheating. Positioned midship, and expansive counter space includes a freshwater sink, built-in bottle storage, and an integrated waste bin — all within arm’s reach of the main cockpit. For watersports enthusiasts, the wake-ready 295XD version adds hidden storage beneath the galley for surfboards or gear, accessible through two separate hatches — one for quick cooler access and another for larger equipment. This dual-function design is ideal for keeping the cockpit uncluttered without sacrificing accessibility. At the stern, Yamaha has reimagined its signature transom lounge with swim-up seats, now redesigned for easier stowage and deployment by integrating directly into the gunwales. Paired with convertible backrests, folding leg rests, and a freshwater shower, the stern also includes dual RGB transom lights and an improved underwater ladder round. Below deck, the 295 features rubber-isolated pump mounts, a newly designed impeller, and a transom plate extension that collectively minimize prop spin and wake turbulence. The result is a noticeably quieter ride, improved efficiency, and a smoother overall experience at every speed. Every 295 Series model will come equipped with the Siren Marine Connected Boat System, providing owners with remote access to their boat’s location, battery health, and critical systems through an easy-to-use smartphone app. Integrated directly into the boat’s controller area network, Siren allows owners to check engine hours, receive service reminders, and even monitor tank levels — all from their phone. With real-time GPS tracking, geofencing alerts, and historical trip logs, the system is accessible whether the boat is in storage or at the dock. The 295 Series will be offered in three distinct versions tailored to different boating lifestyles. The 295SE is built for cruising and features Yamaha’s E-Series electronic throttles. The 295SD adds Helm Master EX joystick docking for buyers who demand precision in tight spaces, making it an excellent big-water day cruiser. For watersports fans, the 295XD introduces wake-surfing capability with factory ballast, surf hooks, upgraded compression tower speakers, and a striking hardtop pre-wired for lights and accessories.