A New Gateway 18-Foot Lineup Delivers Yamaha Marine Power, Fun-First Handling, Moderate-V Composure, and a Premium, Garage-Friendly Footprint

KENNESAW, Ga. — AUGUST 23, 2026 — Yamaha WaterCraft today introduced an all-new 18-foot sport boat platform built for how 18-foot buyers actually use a boat — light, quick, and effortless to drive.

Powered by Yamaha's 1.9-liter High Output marine engine and Yamaha jet propulsion, the new platform delivers strong acceleration in a compact, garage-friendly footprint, and arrives in two variations — the tower-equipped AR182 with full windshield, and the SX180 with Bimini™ top and windscreen.

The platform hits the sweet spot in recreational boating: large enough to function as a true six-passenger runabout, yet compact and lightweight enough to tow, launch, store, and operate with less hassle.

"The all-new 18' platform is designed to grow the Yamaha sport boat lineup and bring more new buyers into the brand. It gives our PWC and entry-level customers a clear, premium step-up at a true gateway price point, and gives our dealers a compact, manageable boat that delivers the fun-first driving experience Yamaha is known for," said Yamaha Boats product manager Joel Fields. "That's the opportunity the new 18-footer unlocks for our dealers and for the next generation of Yamaha boaters."

A New Hull and a New Look

The new 18-foot platform measures 17′6″ LOA and 7′6″ in beam, with an 18.5-degree transom deadrise — moderate-V territory that allows the boat to cut through chop with greater confidence and reduced pounding compared to flatter-bottom recreational boats.

The hull is sized for residential garages and trailerable storage. Weighing 2,783 lbs dry weight on the trailer for the SX180, and 2,893 lbs for the AR182, these boats don’t require a full-size truck or SUV for towing.

Inside, the platform debuts quality marine vinyl upholstery, clean helm controls, a 5-inch Connext® display, and four audio speakers throughout.

The hull's beam-to-length ratio creates a planted, stable feel on the water without sacrificing maneuverability, and the running surface is optimized for fast planing, predictable cornering, and efficient operation from calm lakes to light coastal chop.

The Yamaha Boats Advantage

Every model on the new 18-foot platform is built on the Yamaha Boats technology stack:

• Patented Jet Drive System: Yamaha's renowned internal propulsion system is the gold standard in the boating industry, making Yamaha boats more fun to drive (nimble handling and instant acceleration), easy to maintain (no water pump or fluids needed), and versatile because Yamaha's jet pump impeller is protected inside the hull, eliminating the need for an exposed lower unit or propeller. The result is a shallow draft unmatched in its class, with better swimmer safety and confident sandbar and beach operation.
• Patented Clean-Out Port: Exclusive to Yamaha Boats, the patented clean-out port is a convenient way to remove debris that may get caught in the jet pump, helping to prevent damage and keep it running smoothly; it is located above water at the stern and is easy to access.
• Connext® Helm Control System: Yamaha's Connext helm control system is the hub for entertainment functions, GPS mapping, and relevant boat system data when underway.
• Yamaha Articulating Keel: This patented system extends the boat's keel and moves in perfect relation to the boat's jet pump nozzles to provide directional stability and maneuverability — steering response is immediate, straight-line tracking at all speeds is effortless, and cutting through chop is a breeze.

Yamaha Marine Power and Sport-Ride Performance

The new 18-foot platform is powered by the normally-aspirated Yamaha 1.9-liter High Output (HO) marine engine in a single-engine configuration, purpose-built by Yamaha for jet propulsion and backed by Yamaha's dealer service network.

The 1.9L HO is a proven platform known for reliability, strong torque delivery, smooth acceleration, and reduced maintenance complexity compared to forced-induction alternatives.

At 2,260 lbs and less dry, 200 horsepower delivers quick acceleration and estimated top speeds in the mid-50 mph range depending on conditions and load.

The combination of the platform's lightweight hull and the 1.9L HO delivers the responsive, connected feel Yamaha jet boats are known for.

A Compact Cockpit and Two Variations

The cockpit is built around the activities 18-foot owners do most: entertaining, swimming, cruising, and time at the sandbar. With seating and capacity for up to six passengers and a 30-gallon fuel tank, both the AR182 and SX180 are sized for full-day recreational outings the way families and small groups actually use a sport boat — watersports, sandbar cruising, lake recreation, river exploration, day boating, and beach access.

The lineup offers two variations on the same platform:

• AR182 — Tower trim with full windshield. Built for owners who want shade, tow-sport readiness, and weather protection.
• SX180 — Bimini™ top trim with windscreen. Built for owners prioritizing simplicity and price.

Built for the Next Generation of Yamaha Boaters

This is not simply a small jet boat — it is a lightweight performance runabout engineered to deliver premium Yamaha jet boating characteristics in a compact, versatile format that brings PWC-style fun to a true sport boat layout.

The lower barrier to ownership positions the platform well for first-time boat buyers, watersports families, and PWC owners stepping up to a boat.

Pricing and Availability

The all-new Yamaha 18′ platform will be available at Yamaha boat dealerships nationwide in Q1 2027.

Specifications

Visit yamahaboats.com for model specifications.

About Yamaha WaterCraft

Yamaha WaterCraft, based in Kennesaw, Georgia, is responsible for the sales, marketing, and distribution of Yamaha boats and WaveRunner® watercraft in the U.S. Supporting more than 800 marine and powersports dealers nationwide, Yamaha is the industry leader in reliability, performance, technology, and customer service.

This document contains many of Yamaha's valuable trademarks. It may also include trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Some specifications and measurements may be approximate and subject to different factors and variables. WaveRunner® is a Yamaha brand personal watercraft and not a generic term. © 2026 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.