It’s the subject of conversations happening all over the planet: Why aren’t more manufacturers producing new standups? Besides Yamaha WaveRunners’ continual production of the same 701cc-powered two-stroke SuperJet that has remained practically untouched for nearly a decade, the only outlet for a new standup has come from the wellspring of new aftermarket hull and engine manufacturers.
Upstarts like Rick Roy Products, Bullett Racing, Hurricane Industries, Trinity Composites, XScream and Krash Industries have all made names for themselves by cranking out outstanding niche-specific machines, be them for racing, freeride or freestyle. But producing these skis en masse has faced two major challenges: demand and powertrain.
In a conversation with Craig Warner during our tour of the new Mountain Motorsports’ Lithia Springs, GA store, he stated, “I wanted to start producing ‘Craig Warner Edition’ racing skis with a lightweight four-stroke but couldn’t get my hands on a good one. I even looked into buying a couple of those ACE 900 engines [out of the Sea-Doo Spark]. They wouldn’t sell them separately.”
While there’s no shortage of two-stroke engine companies, going four-stroke offers certain key advantages, only as long as you can keep the weight down. That is why so many are looking at Weber’s MPE 850. While jet skiers will recognize the brand for their contribution to the Hydrospace S4, boaters will know it for powering Sea Ray’s Jet 21 and Jet 24, while auto aficionados will know Weber for its roles with “BMW, VW, Audi, Ford and Chrysler since 1969,” according to an article by Boating World Magazine.
Currently used in the new Sea Ray Jet 21, a 21-foot, 6-inch, 2,883-pound bowrider-style boat, the MPE 850 is a small (850cc or .85 liters) and lightweight (198 pounds) engine for producing a big punch. For the MPE 850 is turbocharged, producing an impressive 120-horsepower. Employing a a twin parallel-cylinder design (similar to many high performance motorcycles), a closed-loop cooling system and a dry sump oil setup.
Moreover, the MPE 850 is intercooled and fed by multipoint fuel injection, the Weber “has no discernible lag when you jam the throttle,” according to the original article, making it a prime candidate for future aftermarket skis. Availability as a “crate motor” is still mum, but is expected soon. With output nearing 200-horsepower in the hands of the sport’s best tuners, this could be the engine of the future of GP and Open standup classes.
Sea Ray cancelled the Jet 21
http://blog.boats.com/2013/09/sea-ray-reverses-decision-to-enter-jet-boat-market/#.UzW40YW9Yuo
Hi Kevin,
Weber Motor certainly is selling our marine engine to all OEMs and would love to hear from anyone pursuing a build of stand-ups, sport class or runabouts. Both our 120 and 155hp MPE-850 turbo engines are EPA certified as inboards and CARB four star is coming soon. Our naturally aspirated 80hp is being delivered in Europe and will be certified for EPA next year as well. Our third generation jet pump has eliminated all dis-similar metals and features Skat-Trak impellers. We make all the re-inforced composite parts in-house at our sister company Weber Fibertech.
I was a member of the team at Polaris that selected Weber for four stroke engine supply on the MSX-150 (and MSX-110) and for all 4/S snowmobiles from 2006 through 2014, I have a unique perspective now that I’ve been with Weber Motor for 9 years.
As the guy who created the idea for the Octane by partnering with Wammer, I certainly have a soft spot for standups. And my second day on the job with Weber was the first face-to-face meeting with Hydrospace too.
Please tell anyone to contact me at 612-325-2615 or e-mail me at either d.schroepfer@weber-motor.com or danschroepfer@weber-motor.com.
Keep up the good work!
Dan