In a move that has left many Rec Lite Class racers absolutely baffled, the IJSBA announced earlier this month that the 2019 Yamaha EXR WaveRunner has been outlawed from use in the IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites Classes. The 110-horsepower, 540-pound two-seater is easily one of the most anticipated additions to the Rec Lite market segment, and was the vocalized weapon-of-choice for those looking to compete in the 2019 season.
Despite being well over 100-pounds heavier, many decried the Yamaha’s wider and longer NanoXcel2 hull and 20-horsepower advantage as being “unfair” against the 90-horsepower, 438-pound Spark 3-up. These factors played a central role in the IJSBA’s refusal to permit the newcomer to the Rec Lite classes (although traditional 102-horsepower, 600-pound EX models qualify – verifying that the width and length of the EXR isn’t an issue).
The IJSBA wrote in a press release:
The following changes shall be made to the Runabout Rec Lites Classes: Criteria shall be adopted that allows the Yamaha EX to be included in Rec Lites but not the Yamaha EXR. Specific homologation will now be required for a Watercraft to become Rec Lites eligible and the only watercraft that shall have this homologation are the Sea-Doo Spark line of watercraft and the Yamaha EX*. Competitors will still be allowed to repair their watercraft and make cosmetic changes which may include limited changes to the texture of the surface of the hull. However, the shape of the hull may not be changed and reinforcements to the inside of the hull may not be added.
*Severe penalties shall be enforced against any rider found to have altered an EXR to appear to be an EX in the Rec Lites Classes. Please do not do this.
