There’s little denying the fact that Kawasaki’s Ultra platform continues as the weapon-of-choice for rough water/open ocean riding. It’s aggressive deadrise and true deep-V hull permits the big JetSki to sluice through white caps like it was a calm, glassy day. Although the Kawasaki isn’t as flashy or riddled with bells and whistles as the other guys, it’s traditional SMC fiberglass-and-gel coat construction has made it a favorite of hardcore rough water riders worldwide.
The team at Kspeed are no strangers to this, and have been slaving away to fine tune the Ultra platform even to this day. To whit, they’re chipping on the smaller STX platform as well, announcing a pair of new ride plates, as well as teasing another yet-to-be-released plate, all in a recent Facebook post, stating:
“We’ve been busy. 2 of 3 ride plate designs now available. Our offshore ride plate to suit the Ultra 300 & 310 is now available to purchase as well as the STX plate. For those waiting, our top speed plate is still in production, but isn’t too far. (No photos yet, we are keeping it under wraps)”
For the Ultra 300/310 Offshore Ride Plate Kspeed states, “We have found a way of keeping the ski stuck to the water and hooked up 99% of the time in the choppiest conditions. […] You expect to get airborne over the crest but it just absorbs the wave hooks up and goes again. Less air time, more time spent with the pump loaded up pushing you forward.”
When it comes to the STX Ride Plate, things get really exciting: “Our ride plate will make the ski faster in all conditions, but you will be able to fly over heavy chop with much more speed and predicable handling. (It can be used with or without our Kspeed pump wedge.)” And more importantly, it can be used on STX-12f, STX-15F, STX-R, STX-160, and even the STX-1100.
