Australian Fisherman Fred Auret’s Sea-Doo GTX 230 is arguably one of the most custom and comprehensive fishing specific PWC builds to date, as revealed in a new video by the Jetfisher YouTube channel. This is the second machine Auret has built, but the first using the GTX platform.
The most striking parts of the setup are the large pods mounted on the side of the PWC. These are constructed using Nitacore, a super strong and lightweight advanced material. Auret demonstrates the strength of the pods by taking a sledgehammer to an earlier prototype, proving they are more than strong enough for open ocean fishing. At only 25 pounds (12 kilograms) each side, the pods have a huge amount of storage, and incorporate a live bait tank as well as provision for batteries and fuel containers.
Mounted on the front of Auret’s GTX is a MotorGlide trolling motor, controlled by a dash mounted Lowrance navigation / fish finder system. In order to deploy and retract the trolling motor directly from the driver’s seat, Auret has set up a simple and effective two rope system. A dash mounted marine radio and master switches are conveniently located under the Lowrance unit. Front hatch functionality is completely unchanged, meaning the forward storage area is still accessible.
Adding to an already impressive build is a new replacement rear seat with integrated 10 gallon (40 litre) fuel tank, extending the range of the PWC considerably. The tank is gravity drained, and the seat can be disconnected and removed in seconds. Fred Auret’s amazing GTX 230 needs to be seen to be believed. Watch the full video here:
When launched at the public in late 2017, the new 2018 Kawasaki SX-R 1500 was polarizing to say the very least. Between that time and now, it’s safe to say that the SX-R 1500 has made its place within the world of professional jet ski racing, and to whit, requires some serious consideration when it comes to fitting the 4-stroke standup within the existing class structure and rule book.
For this very cause, IJSBA Director Scott Frazier the following press release: Where did the time go? Kawasaki released the 1500cc based SX-R in 2017. Now in 2022, IJSBA is receiving a considerable amount of questions on whether there will be an additional sponson allowance for this unit.This bulletin begins formal public discussion on this topic.
Previously, IJSBA allowed a second set of sponsons to be added to a homologated Ski type watercraft when the particular hull reached the age of five years. The intention was that older Ski could be kept competitive with newer Ski that enjoyed a more modern hull. This provision was added to Ski classes, some of which are no longer offered in the mainstream (Limited) and no new units have been homologated where this provision remained (Lites).
The following language can be found in the Ski Lites section of IJSBA Rules: “Models homologated in quantities of 500 shall be allowed an additional set of sponsons for a total of four sponsons. The total sponson length shall be limited to 1,524 mm (60 in) in a single or two sponson configuration. The decision of the Technical Director and/or Race Director regarding modifications will be final. Any question regarding the legality of modifications should be directed to the IJSBA or IJSBA affiliate prior to use in competition.”
The provision above does not appear in the Ski Stock nor Ski Superstock. These competition categories were created exclusively for the Kawasaki SX-R watercraft and since the creation of these classes there have been no new homologations for watercraft in these categories. However, IJSBA notes that the 1500cc based SX-R is required to maintain an OEM hull when utilizing OEM dimensions in Ski GP categories.
For this reason, it may be appropriate to allow a second set of sponsons based on the five year age of the SX-R competing against more modern hulls. If this provision is extended to the SX-R, IJSBA believes it would best serve the community if the allowance was extended to the unit in all categories to provide for the uniformed use of the product throughout competition.
Please send all questions or comments regarding this discussion to [email protected]. IJSBA will provide an update on this matter on February 15 announcing some sort of notice of direction.
Yamaha Motor acquired Siren Marine, a company that developed smart boat technology by providing Connected Boat solutions. Think of it as Google Home for your vessel. What this means for Yamaha is that they will be able to provide an even better experience for their customers by integrating the Siren Marine smart technology into Yamaha products. It will not only elevate the user experience; this technology will also give owners peace of mind.
The system allows users to monitor all their boat systems and receive critical alerts through their cell phones. Moreover, Yamaha owners will also be able to keep track of their watercraft by using an app connected to a service provider. This offers an extra layer of security in case someone attempts to steal your boat.
Acquiring Siren Marine will be a game changer for Yamaha as it will ensure that all future products are connected. The purchase of Siren Marine should be finalized before the end of the year and Siren Marine will fall under Yamaha Marine Systems Company. We look forward to what Yamaha will bring to the marine industry with this new technology.
Read the full press below:
Yamaha Motor Acquires US Smart boat tech Company Siren Marine Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced its intention to purchase Siren Marine, Inc. (hereinafter, Siren Marine), a US based company that provides Connected Boat solutions to the marine industry by using smart boat technology.
This acquisition aims to further promote technological development for IoT and Connected Boat support in the marine industry by placing Siren Marine under the umbrella of Yamaha Marine Systems Company (California, USA), which was established in 2017. Yamaha Motor expects to complete the purchase before the end of the year.
Siren Marine is a company using smart boat technology in order to provide a greater sense of security to customers who enjoy boating. To date, the company has developed and sold hardware and software that can manage and monitor information essential for boating, such as battery level, bilge water* status, and power supply conditions from land by using the boater’s hand-held device. In addition, they have also provided services that assist in protecting customers from unauthorized intrusion and theft of boats by tracking boat locations.
In Yamaha Motor’s marine business, a system supplier strategy has been set up and is expanding the peripheral system business such as boat maneuvering systems. With this acquisition, the company will promote the marine version of CASE strategy through IoT support in the marine domain and high value-added services and products by accelerating the transformation into digital applications. YMUS U.S. Marine Business Unit, President Ben Speciale
“The full acquisition of Siren will allow us to truly integrate our products and deliver an even more exceptional experience for Yamaha customers. In short, we want to be sure that all future Yamaha products are connected because we know that is what our customers want – an integrated, connected boating experience, whether it is on an outboard-powered boat, a personal watercraft or a sport boat.”
Siren Marine CEO Jeffrey Poole “By joining the Yamaha team, we now have the ability and power to give customers the best Connected Boat experiences on the market. We look forward to our future as part of the Yamaha family. The products we develop together will deliver unmatched reliability coupled with integrated, innovative power systems propelling the marine industry into the future.”
When the Full Throttle WaterX series was first announced, all of us at The Watercraft Journal jumped to help spread the news. In fact, WCJ was first to do so, back in late October of 2021. And true to our commitment, all updates, major announcements and most importantly, event coverage will be published on the world’s most popular personal watercraft magazine before anywhere else.
One of the greatest promises made by the Full Throttle WaterX team was its commitment to provide races in venues that racers prefer, and true to form, a recent Facebook post announced a full and comprehensive list of Vintage classes that are sure to excite many as they roll back the clock over 30 years. Below is the announcement but we’ve included a link to the original post HERE.
Vintage Ski Open – 440,550,650,750, & Square Nose SuperJets and Cobra/PJS hulls. Twin engines up to 785cc. Polaris Octanes, and 96-07 Round Nose SuperJets have been moved to the 2-Stroke Ski Limited class. Engines, ignitions, cylinder head, carbs, exhaust, and pump may be swapped or modified, must be an OEM hull and OEM cases. 2 sets of sponsons are allowed. Get creative, have fun!
Vintage 550 Mod – 440,550 hulls only, up to 600cc. Must be an OEM hull, and run OEM Kawasaki 440 or 550 cases. Engines may be modified, ignitions, carbs, cylinder head, exhaust, and pumps may be swapped or modified. 2 sets of sponsons are allowed. The standard 550 mod class rules.
Vintage 550 Limited – 440,550 hulls only. No sponsons, only the OEM rear sponsons are allowed. No 750 pump swaps allowed. If 440 engine, superstock rules will apply. If 550 engine, no engine or pump porting. Single carb, head, and pipes are allowed. Only OEM handlepole, or OEM style and length handlepoles are allowed (no RRPs etc), and no wide trays modifications are allowed. 550 engines must be OEM ignition setup (No total loss or MSD). This is a more affordable run whatcha brung limited class.
Vintage X2 Open – Gen 1 X2 hulls only (gen2 hulls will have to run sport class), engines may be swapped and/or modified as long as they are twin cylinders and under the 810cc limit. Pumps may be modified or swapped, and hull modifications may be made as long as they replicate the OEM x2 hull. Porting, aftermarket carbs, head, exhaust, ignition are all allowed, 2 sets of sponsons are allowed.
Vintage X2 Limited – Gen 1 X2 hulls only. OEM 650cc engine must be used, OEM X2 pump must be used. Porting, head, ignition, carbs, and exhaust can be modified or aftermarket. No hull modifications allowed except for structural support. 2 sets of sponsons are allowed.
Superchicken – Run whatcha brung class up to 1100c. We may stagger the starting times if needed. Sponsons may be added. 2 moto format only, show up and have some fun!
Beating out the likes of the all-new Yamaha SuperJet and it’s own sibling runabout, the Fish Pro 170, the 2021 Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 earned the top spot as The Watercraft Journal’s WATERCRAFT OF THE YEAR award a little over a month ago. Between then and this past weekend, Sea-Doo built a custom display for its corporate display, which debuted at the annual New York Boat Show held in the Javits Center.
Thousands who found themselves in Sea-Doo’s sprawling booth were welcomed by a new 2022 RXP-X in Premium Triple Black and entreated with a massive wall display showing off the official WATERCRAFT OF THE YEAR onyx plaque as well as all of the details of this exciting and versatile personal watercraft. Whether its cutting hairpins on the race course or cruising down a glassy waterway, the RXP-X 300 shines.
All candidates for The Watercraft Journal’s WATERCRAFT OF THE YEAR award were personally tested by the WCJ staff. No models that we didn’t physically review were entered in the running. For 2021, the RXP-X excelled in its execution and overall design, proving to be a solid-build, attractive and innovative runabout that delivers big for being such a succinct package.
International travel restrictions have seen a spike in the number of people wanting to holiday at home, get into boating, or buy a personal watercraft. With that in mind, The Watercraft Journal has understandably had a lot of interest in new models for people who are new to the world of personal watercraft.
A warning for all the bros out there wanting to flex on the boat ramp and on the water. We have deliberately not selected supercharged skis for this list. People who want the fast stuff know what’s up. This list is to help new arrivals navigate their way through a lot of options.
There are more than 50 models across all three brands of Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki. And if you don’t see one you like here in this list, that’s cool. There are no wrong answers. This list is designed to help de-clutter what can seem like an over-crowded market.
Sea-Doo Spark & Spark Trixx
The Sea-Doo Spark and Spark Trixx are among the cheapest personal watercraft on the market today (check your country’s website for local pricing). Depending on the model they are powered by a 900cc three-cylinder engine, available with 60hp or 90hp.
Although all new versions of the Sea-Doo Spark and Spark Trixx are around the corner, they are still a lot of fun and a great way into the sport. They’re easy to handle, easy to ride, and will help you develop basic skills on the water. The Spark Trixx is the one that can ride on its tail, which is surprisingly easy to do after a few attempts.
Downsides? This is a wet ride, and although it’s fuel efficient, the fuel tank is small and there is next to no storage space for a phone, wallet or tube of sunscreen. Although they’re available as a two or three-seater, they really are best suited to riding solo.
Yamaha EX and EX Deluxe
The Yamaha EX series is powered by a 1050cc three-cylinder engine. Yamaha doesn’t quote power figures, but the EX is estimated to have a 90hp output. The EX is a more precise ski than the Sea-Doo Spark and is plenty of fun, although it can’t ride on its tail like the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx.
The Yamaha EX has a more durable SMC fiberglass hull, a larger rear deck for easier re-boarding, a larger seat, and more standard storage space than a Sea-Doo Spark.The economical engine and 13-gallon (50-litre) fuel tank deliver endless fun. If you can afford the step up to the EX Deluxe, it adds the convenience and safety of a reverse trigger, side mirrors, and rear boarding step.
Kawasaki STX 160
This is the cheapest ticket into the Kawasaki range.As a medium-size Jet Ski the Kawasaki STX 160 is bigger than the Sea-Doo Spark and Yamaha EX. All models in the STX 160 range are powered by the same 160hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
The top model comes with speakers. Both models have a massive 20-gallon (78-litre) fuel tank, the equal biggest in the business, so you’ll have enough juice to run all day. The durable SMC fiberglass hull is strong and easy to handle.
One setback: while Sea-Doo and Yamaha have intuitive reverse triggers, the Kawasaki STX 160 makes do with an old-school reverse lever that is awkward to use.
Sea-Doo GTI SE 170
This is one of the most under-rated personal watercraft in the industry. It’s powered by a perky 1630cc three-cylinder engine, has good storage, and features that are often optional extras at this price point.
Standard equipment includes trim adjustment, to bring the nose up or down according to conditions on the water, and fuel load. The other skis we’ve mentioned so far don’t have this feature. There’s also a fold-away rear boarding step and the option of a speaker system.
With a 15.8-gallon (60-litre) fuel tank, an economical 1630cc three-cylinder engine, and a lightweight plastic hull, you’re likely to be able to send a day on the water without needing to refuel.For 2022, the Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 is available with Sea-Doo’s proprietary debris removal technology.
Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout 130
This is a new model for 2022. If it looks familiar that’s because it shares its deck and hull with the GTI SE 170 and is powered by the same 1630cc three-cylinder engine – but it has been detuned to 130hp for better fuel economy and riding range.
It’s the cheapest ticket into a fishing jet ski and comes ex-factory with a Garmin 6-inch fish finder and GPS unit (which replaces the right side-mirror), three fishing rod holders, a 13.4-gallon (51-litre) cooler box, trolling mode, and Sea-Doo’s IDF debris removal system. It’s a capable craft, but as with the rest of the GTI series, better suited to calm waters rather than ocean or choppy conditions.
Yamaha VX Cruiser 1050
This mid-size Yamaha model is powered by a 1050cc three-cylinder engine. It is also one of the most under-rated models in the market. For 2022, Yamaha has equipped this model just right, available with factory-fitted speakers, tiered seating, and docking cleats.
Storage in the center console and the nose are fair for this size craft. The hull is made from durable SMC fiberglass yet mounded to the same shape as Yamaha’s race-winning GP1800 hull. It’s a comfortable and very easy craft to operate, with precise handling.Downsides: there’s no adjustable trim on this model, otherwise it’s close to perfect. With an 18-gallon (70-litre) tank and a small engine, it too will run all day.
Kawasaki Ultra LX
This is Kawasaki’s entry point into the large Jet Ski class. It’s powered by a 160hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The Kawasaki Ultra platform has been around in this guise for 14 years. But, as the saying goes, if it aint broke don’t fix it.
It has a durable SMC fiberglass hull, and it’s a heavy beast. This makes it thirstier than many rivals but it also means it cuts through rough water better than most. It has a massive two-tier storage area in the nose.
The riding position is low, which is good for tight turns, but you do get wet. Unfortunately, there is no trim adjustment on this model. And although Kawasaki has added a reverse trigger to its supercharged Ultra range for 2022, the non-supercharged LX sticks with the awkward reverse lever.
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
Sea-Doo GTX 170
Sea-Doo’s entry point into the large watercraft class is powered by a 170hp version of its 1630cc three-cylinder engine. It’s the same platform that is the basis of the Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport and Fish Pro Trophy editions – but without the fishing accessories (which can be added later). IDF debris-removal tech is also available on the GTX 170.
A triumph of industrial design, the ergonomics of the top deck make the Sea-Doo ST3 series the most user-friendly ski on the market today. But the shape of the hull is better suited to flat water or medium chop. In rough conditions the Sea-Doo tends to bow hunt and is not as predictable or as comfortable as the Yamaha FX when the going gets really tough.
Yamaha FX HO
Meet Yamaha’s entry point into the large watercraft class. It’s powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The main differences between the two FX HO models: the Cruiser gains tiered seating. Both models are available with factory-fitted speakers and come with new five-inch digital displays with high-resolution glass screens.
The infotainment system can be configured with maps or to make or take calls and text messages. Welcome news for Yamaha fans, the 2022 FX now has a digital clock (which has long been missing on previous models). For 2022, the hull has been upgraded to heavy duty SMC fiberglass rather than lightweight NanoXcel.
The Yamaha FX has good storage in the nose, and there’s now a dedicated space and charging capability for smartphones in the centre console. The large rear deck can attach Yamaha’s optional range of RecDeck accessories. There is trim adjustment to better handle rough chop, a reverse trigger, and plenty of power from the 1.8.The 18.4-gallon (70-litre tank) usually leaves plenty of fuel in reserve, unless you’re towing kids in a tube all day.
Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport 170
This is one of the most popular skis on the market today, thanks to its genius practicality and turn-key approach to fishing off a personal watercraft. It comes with a 13.4-gallon (51-litre) cooler box, fishing rod holders, a navigation unit, an extended rear deck to attach extra fuel bladders, and side steps to avoid scuffing the top deck.
The blue and white color scheme carries over for 2022 but now wears the name ‘Sport’. There is also a new orange and silver luxury model called the ‘Trophy’. Both models are powered by the same 1630cc three-cylinder 170-hp engine.
Downsides, as with other ST3 models, the Fish Pro Sport and Trophy editions are better suited to flat water or medium chip rather than rough ocean. And the large footwells can fill up with water. But a quick blast of the throttle empties them pretty quickly.
Sea-Doo wants you to stay warm on the water this winter and they have a nice selection of cold-water gear. Whether you are in the market for boots, outerwear, or a winter PFD, Sea-Doo has it. If you experienced the two recent winter storms, you might be thinking about some new gear for taking on the elements.
The 3/2 mm neoprene Montego Pants would be worth checking out. The knees are abrasion resistant, and the pants will provide protection from the biting wind and cold. The Montego pants are available for men and women. Get a 3mm neoprene Montego Jacket to go with your new pants. It is a nice looking 2-tone navy blue jacket and with a hidden key loop.
Add a pair of 1.5 mm neoprene gloves to protect your hands from the elements. These have a nice grippy palm to help you hang on to your ski. Sea-Doo also has 5 mm neoprene booties with non-slip tread to give you a better grip. They have a non-corrosive zipper on the side, which will make them easier to pull on and off. We like that feature! The boots are black with red tread. Your feet will stay toasty in these 5 mm boots.
Round out your new winter gear with a new Airflow Refraction Edition PFD. The PFD is available in men and women’s sizes and in a couple of different colorways. It is made of ecoprene material that is flexible, lightweight, breathable, and quick dry. It has a mesh panel that will drain the excess water so you can stay dry and warm on those cold days. The PFD is Coast Guard approved. Check out the Sea Doo website for more winter gear and get your winter ride on!
“What oil should I run?” is easily the most commonly repeated and often mocked question circulating through PWC groups on Facebook and chat rooms. While it’s easy to mock these questions, it still leaves the inquirer asking, “Well, which is it?” And for the JetSki enthusiast, Kawasaki has just answered that question with a very exciting new option: KPO.
Kawasaki Performance Oils (KPO) just released a whole new line of fully synthetic powersports oils, which a line dedicated just for watercraft. Developed and tested to provide superior performance and protection in harsh marine environments, the KPO blend gives your JetSKi rust and corrosion protection in high-performance marine engines.
And don’t think all of the love is for the modern 4-stroke guys; KPO has a full synthetic 2-stroke oil developed to provide superior performance and protection regardless of how harsh the environment might be, whether your Kawasaki runs premix or an oil injection systems. And you want to know a secret? You don’t have to run this stuff in just Kawasakis, either.
Here’s the entire press release: With decades of experience offering top performance and high-quality oils to powersports owners, Kawasaki is excited to announce a new line-up of Kawasaki Performance Oils (KPO). Combining updated branding with all-new motorcycle formulations and even greater improved performance, the new KPO product line-up consists of industry-leading products exclusively designed and tested for Kawasaki engines to meet or exceed performance requirements and keep your powersport vehicle running at its best.
KPO MOTORCYLE OILS The all-new KPO 4-stroke motorcycle engine oil utilizes the highest quality base oils and patented cutting-edge dual friction technologies. Modern engines demand better oil due to tighter clearances, higher RPMs, and hotter running temperatures, which is exactly what KPO 4-stroke motorcycle oil was designed for. It has been tested and proven to reduce engine friction while producing high clutch friction, providing the rider with an excellent clutch and shift feel. This new formula also produces excellent engine cleanliness and durability. The KPO 4-stroke oil is offered in full synthetic, semi-synthetic, and conventional 4-stroke engine oil.
KPO full synthetic 4-stroke oil has been formulated to provide the ultimate clutch feel and durability, while providing superior protection under extreme conditions. This motorcycle-specific formula provides dual friction technology that offers low friction in the engine and three times the JASO MA2 clutch friction performance durability. It delivers maximum engine lubrication and protection over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions, including high RPM, high temperatures, and extreme cold.
KPO semi-synthetic 4-stroke engine oil has been blended with high-quality base oils and superior synthetic oil to keep your Kawasaki protected and performing at its best. Featuring optimum engine lubrication over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions, superior engine and bearing wear protection is delivered and a prolonged engine life is achieved through engine cleanliness and reduced oil volatility.
KPO conventional 4-stroke engine oil utilizes high-quality base oils and additives for a formulation that keeps your Kawasaki’s engine and transmission clean and efficient, making it the right choice for owners who want quality engine oil at a great price. It provides outstanding piston cleanliness to help prevent deposit and ring sticking as well as excellent camshaft wear protection for a long engine life. It’s available in several options including 10W-30, 10W-40, and 20W-50.
KPO semi-synthetic 2-stroke racing oil is formulated for superior performance in harsh racing environments and formulated for premix or oil injection systems. The semi-synthetic formula provides superior performance in racing environments with prolonged engine life and power with ash-less detergent and dispersant technology. This high-performance oil protects the engine from deposits, hot spots, and corrosion.
KPO ATV/UTV OIL The KPO ATV/UTV full synthetic 4-stroke engine oil has been formulated and extensively tested for your engine and transmission to provide superior performance and protection under high load, high heat, and extreme cold environments. It’s designed to work for both gasoline and diesel applications. The full synthetic provides maximum engine lubrication over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions. It delivers superior performance and engine durability, including excellent bearing wear protection. In addition to improved engine cleanliness and reduced oil volatility, it demonstrates excellent viscosity stability, corrosion resistance, and oxidation control characteristics that are ideal for harsh operating environments required for protection in newer engines.
KPO ATV/UTV semi-synthetic 4-stroke engine oil is formulated to provide maximum engine lubrication over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions found in real-world experience. Similar to the full synthetic, it’s recommended for both gasoline and diesel applications. The semi-synthetic formula delivers high-performance and engine durability as well as advanced wear protection for increased engine durability and a long engine life. It boasts excellent acid neutralization and oxidation control characteristics required for protection in newer engines while improving performance in older engines.
KPO JET SKI® WATERCRAFT OIL The KPO Jet Ski watercraft full synthetic oil has been developed and extensively tested for your engine to provide superior performance and protection in harsh marine environments. Using a full synthetic formula, it’s blended to provide superior rust and corrosion protection in high-performance marine engines and designed to tackle the toughest of environments. It helps maintain viscosity at high temperatures, high speeds, and under a high load.
Just like the full synthetic watercraft oil, the KPO Jet Ski watercraft 2-stroke oil has been developed to provide superior performance and protection regardless of how harsh the environment might be. It’s formulated for premix or oil injection systems. This formula provides top performance and protection for 2-stroke water-cooled engines and helps them maintain cleanliness and power throughout the life of the engine. It’s designed to protect at idle and wide open throttle for immediate engine response on the water.
AVAILABILITY The new and improved KPO ATV/UTV, Jet Ski watercraft, and 2-stroke motorcycle and gear oils will be available beginning early February. The all-new KPO motorcycle 4-stroke oil is set to hit the shelves at your local Kawasaki dealer beginning in April.
Those with interests within the world of late-model automotive performance tuning will likely be very familiar with industry leader and pioneer, HP Tuners. The Watercraft Journal’s sister publication, Mopar Connection Magazine has been working closely with HP Tuners for years, particularly after the company announced its mastering of the Fiat engine management software for all third generation HEMI engines – especially the supercharged 840-horsepower, 9-second Dodge Demon.
So it came as a welcomed surprise when we learned that HP Tuners had launched a new division providing diagnostic and calibration support for the Rotax-powered Sea-Doo and Can-Am powertrains. This announcement gives performance enthusiasts a new way to fully unlock their Sea-Doo via ECM tuning. HP Tuners’ VCM Editor & Scanner offers “better defined parameters compared to the competitors and state-of-the-art data logging capabilities.”
Whether you’re looking for improved user-friendliness, cost-effective diagnostics, scanning, logging, calibration and/or data acquisition solutions for your Sea-Doo watercraft, HP Tuners now brings a new level of available performance and accessibility than before. We’ve included both the video announcement and public press release below. Enjoy:
Below is the official press release from HP Tuners:
HP Tuners is thrilled to announce their official release of diagnostic and calibration support for most models of Sea-Doo personal watercraft. Using HP Tuners’ latest generation OBDII interface device, the MPVI2+, and the latest version of VCM Suite software, personal watercraft enthusiasts can get the most performance out of their watercraft.
HP Tuners’ diagnostic and calibration support is leading the way for more enthusiasts to unlock the full-potential of their Sea-Doo through ECM tuning. The VCM Editor and Scanner offer more defined parameters compared to the competitors and state-of-the- art data logging capabilities. Paired with the flagship MPVI2+ device, HP Tuners provides the most user-friendly and cost-effective diagnostics, scanning, logging, calibration, and data acquisition solutions for watercraft support in the industry.
Their credit-based licensing system allows enthusiasts to license and tune up to thousands of Sea-Doo watercrafts with a single MPVI2+ device—an HP Tuners’ OBDII Adapter Cable is required for powersports applications. The VCM Suite includes both VCM Editor and VCM Scanner and is available as a free download. Once enthusiasts purchase MPVI2+ credits on their website for their specific Sea-Doo, the tuning possibilities are endless.
ABOUT HP TUNERS HP Tuners is the leading diagnostics and tuning solution for vehicle aftermarket performance with over 19 years of expertise. From vehicle diagnostics, data logging, scanning, and calibration, they cover all the bases with their flagship MPVI2+ device and VCM software suite—the only diagnostics and tuning solutions enthusiasts and tuning professionals will ever need for their OBDII equipped import and domestic vehicles and powersport applications.
After that episode, the emails and private messages began pouring in from concerned PWC buyers and enthusiasts – but one trend we saw scared us more than most. Multiple subscribers to WCJ shared that they received messages from powersport dealers that Kawasaki USA will freeze production on all STX and SX-R models, and reduce the rest of the line by an average of 20%.
Inquiring further details, The Watercraft Journal reached out to Kawasaki Motors USA Public Relations Manager, Ken Essex who wrote back the following:
As you know, most industries have been impacted by a variety of issues to meet consumer demand during the pandemic. Kawasaki, along with our competitors have been impacted by component shortages and supply chain issues that have led to delays in production across all product segments.
Due to the late start in production and delivering units, our window of production for 2022 models has been shortened before 2023 production is scheduled to begin, therefore we are unable to meet the dealer demand. Fortunately, the all new Jet Ski Ultra 310 models have been impacted the least. We are just an anxious as you to get our hands on the new model and you’ll be first to know when they become available.
As for the STX 160s, we expect to issue repair information to dealers in the weeks to follow.
Simultaneously, as we were writing this WCJ received a copy of the official announcement of Kawasaki’s reduction in 2022 production, citing inflated costs of shipping, reduction in necessary components and of course, coronavirus as key influences. The letter, which we’ve included below, remains hopeful and together with the note from Essex, hints at an early start for production 2023 units.
Happy New Year! Our hope for 2022 at Kawasaki is that Covid and its variants run their course and we can resume to normal conditions in the second half of the year.
At present, this terrible virus continues to put pressure on our manufacturing capabilities. We have seen some stabilization in transportation rates but not improvement. Meaning that rates remain very high but are not continuing to increase. Supply chain conditions for components continue to be very challenging along with manpower issues due to the latest Omicron variant.
Based upon these latest conditions we want to update you as part of our ongoing efforts to provide you with the latest vehicle supply information.
Unfortunately, these ongoing supply chain interruptions will affect our ability to supply you with 100% of your outstanding orders. We will need to reduce allocations on several motorcycle models, one (1) ATV model, and the most painful reductions will be on JET SKI® watercraft orders. The good news is, NO reductions on SIDE x SIDE vehicles. Please see the chart below “Outstanding Dealer Order Reductions”.
These reductions will vary by dealership based on your dealerships’ prior receipt of these models compared to outstanding orders. We anticipate visibility of these adjustments on K-Dealer by next Friday, January 21, 2022.
We apologize for these latest reductions and I assure you that all of us at Kawasaki are working extremely hard to improve vehicle deliveries to your dealerships.
There is light at the end of the tunnel… starting in April, we anticipate having a variety of models in all categories, except Jet Ski watercraft available for “Open Ordering”. This will be just in time for the beginning of the spring selling season.
I hope this information helps your retail business planning for Kawasaki vehicles for the next six (6) months.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support of the Kawasaki brand.
“What oil should I run?” is easily the most commonly repeated and often mocked question circulating through PWC groups on Facebook and chat rooms. While it’s easy to mock these questions, it still leaves the inquirer asking, “Well, which is it?” And for the JetSki enthusiast, Kawasaki has just answered that question with a very exciting new option: KPO.
