On paper, the International Jet Sports Boating Association’s (IJSBA) latest proposed rule changes look narrow. In practice, they touch on a hot-zone topic in PWC racing — tightly regulated, budget-conscious racing classes (stock or ‘lite’ classes) and the tendency of racers to push the boundaries of the rules to gain a competitive edge – a discussion often centering round Sport Spec/Blasters, and Ski Lites.
IJSBA is currently in the final phase of its annual rule change process, with three proposals now under consideration by the Board of Directors. After additional discussion and follow-up with racers, builders, and industry specialists, the organization has also introduced revised concepts and extended the public comment period by five calendar days.
That window is now closing.
The Three Proposals on the Table
The current discussion centers on three primary rule change suggestions:
Aftermarket Pump in Sport Spec (Wave Blaster platform)
IJSBA is evaluating whether to allow an aftermarket propulsion pump for Sport Spec Wave Blaster watercraft. Before making a recommendation, the association is consulting with aftermarket pump manufacturers to determine whether a pump can be mass-produced that retains the OEM driveshaft. Officials are also researching whether a standardized hub size could allow impeller interchangeability between brands.
Fuel Restriction in Ski Lite and Stock Classes
The proposal would restrict fuel to pump gas, per defined specifications, across all Ski Lite and Stock classes — a move aimed at simplifying enforcement and controlling costs.
Base Gasket Restriction in Ski Lite
This suggestion would limit base gasket modifications in Ski Lite, again with parity and cost control in mind.
According to IJSBA, all three proposals received strong initial public support. However, follow-up discussions have led to a significant refinement of how these ideas might be implemented.
Compression Testing Enters the Conversation
As feedback came in, many racers and builders raised concerns about enforcement — particularly around fuel testing and base gasket limitations. In response, an alternative approach has gained traction: compression testing.
Several parties suggested that a defined compression ceiling could achieve the same goals more cleanly, potentially eliminating the need for both fuel restrictions and base gasket limits. A commonly cited range has been 165–185 PSI, measured with both spark plugs removed.
That concept is now part of the formal discussion, adding a new layer to what began as relatively straightforward proposals.
Why Ski Lite Is the Flashpoint
Ski Lite is a large class, and is one of the most cost-sensitive, and one that blends older platforms with modern expectations of parity and fairness.
Small rule changes in Ski Lite rarely stay small. They affect:
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who can afford to compete,
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how easily rules can be enforced at the tech trailer,
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and how long legacy platforms remain viable on the starting line.
They also stir something less technical — emotion.
The PWC racing community is famously tight-knit, but Ski Lite has long been an area where divisions surface more openly. Platform loyalty, build philosophy, and participation numbers all get pulled into the conversation. While that tension isn’t the focus of this initial update, it helps explain why these proposals have generated so much attention — and why IJSBA is asking for one more round of public input before final decisions are made.
What’s Still Being Decided
As the comment window closes, several key questions remain unresolved:
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Is compression testing a simpler, more consistent alternative to fuel and gasket restrictions?
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How practical is compression enforcement across different events and conditions?
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Can an aftermarket pump solution for the Wave Blaster be standardized without creating new parity concerns?
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Do these changes ultimately simplify tech inspection — or add new gray areas?
Those answers will shape not just next season’s rulebook, but the direction of Ski Lite racing as a whole.
Final Call for Feedback
IJSBA posted the extension to the public comment period on December 18, allowing five additional calendar days for feedback. Depending on how that timeline is interpreted, the deadline may fall as early as Monday or extend into Tuesday.
Racers, builders, and teams who want their voices heard are encouraged to submit feedback directly to IJSBA at:
The Watercraft Journal will continue following this discussion and will take a deeper look at racer reactions and outcomes once the comment period closes.
