The Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 vs Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 measures 132,7 feet overall (2023), giving it roughly 108,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 at 24,6 feet (2021). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 tips the scales at 4 553 lbs — 3 773 lbs more than the Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 at 780 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 carries a rated maximum of 250 hp. Engine data for the Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 carries 75 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 is rated for 40 passengers, while the Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 40 passengers and at 132,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Yamaha Boats 252SE 2021 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.