There seems to be a theme in Tampa when a major league team wins a championship. It somehow turns into a Sea-Doo celebration as was the case when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup.
In the latest post Superbowl championship news, Rob Gronkowski has been easily transitioning into the Sea-Doo lifestyle aboard an RXT-X 300.
Maybe this is becoming a trend from Tampa Professional Sports, or quite possibly this area has always been and will always be one of the most popular Sea-Doo destinations in the world.
Check out Sea-Doo’s take on the spotting of the Pro-Bowl Athlete:
The combination of Professional Sports Championships, All-Pro players and Sea-Doo watercraft seem to be trending in Tampa, Florida. Months after Tampa Bay Lighting star Alex Killorn led the team’s championship winning boat parade aboard his Sea-Doo GTX Ltd with the Stanley Cup, another transplanted Tampa sports star made to the waves of “Champa” Bay.
Pro-Bowl tight-end Rob Gronkowski transitioned to the sunbelt lifestyle in true Gronk fashion; at full, supercharged speed. The four-time pro football world champ has been running routes all over Tampa Bay on a Sea-Doo RXT-X 300. Being a champion is obviously leading these athletes to enjoy life to the fullest as they live their best Sea-Doo life.
When Yamaha entered into the Rec Lite segment with its EX series in 2017, many of us at The Watercraft Journal noted that the new WaveRunner entry was a conservative – almost “grown-up” response to the segment’s first entry, the Sea-Doo Spark. The EX platform was Yamaha’s way of recapturing a bit of its loose and playful history with watercraft like the WaveBlaster, while still providing first-time buyers and entry-level riders a somewhat more stable platform with a few more added modern perks.
Mechanically unchanged since its introduction, the EX – particularly this 2020 EX Sport, which came to us in a very attractive Black/Azure Blue livery – remains as-is even for 2021, so this review of a then-new 2020 model is just as pertinent if it was a 2021 unit. The black-and-blue coloration carries over into the two-tone Hydro-Turf traction mats in the footwells and swim platform, accessible through a standard-equipment single-sided folding reboarding step.
The saddle is narrow allowing for plenty of movement, which is great, because this little craft responds amazingly to body English. Ergonomically, the control console is spartan to say the least. A small 4-inch LCD screen is set below the fixed handle bars, reading off speed, RPM and fuel but in the least complicated way possible.
The Sport trim level doesn’t include Yamaha’s dual throttle brake and reverse system, RiDE (you’ll need to opt for either the Deluxe, Limited or racy EXR for that). Rather, Yamaha’s dreaded right-hand side manual reverse lever returns from the grave. There’s also no electric trim control or other bells-and-whistles to really count either. It’s basically a real-deal throwback to the loosey-goosey 2-seaters from the 1990s, which is just fine by us.
Of course, the 2020 EX Sport isn’t running some blue-smoke belching two-stroke but a modern, 3-star rated super-fuel efficient 1049cc TR-1 EX 3-cylinder four-stroke pumping out a respectable 100-horsepower. While that might not sound all that much, it’s plenty to push this 584-pound runabout up into the low 50’s at wide open throttle. We saw 52 miles per hour at 7,300rpm with half a tank of gas – but then again, that was reading the speedometer, and not tracking with a GPS.
Fuel capacity is 13.2-gallons, which is the most in the segment to be sure, and storage – although scant – is 7.7-gallons (again, making it a class leader). Stowage is broken up into a shallow wet storage bin in the bow (ideal for a dock line); a removable tub beneath the rear passenger; and a lockable glove box that’s deceptively deep. Thankfully, our test model this day came to us with three optional features available through Yamaha’s Parts & Accessories Catalog that radically increased our cargo capacity:
The first being Yamaha’s Stern Mounted Storage Bag ($129.99). Made from durable, weather resistant compression-molded black EVA foam with a mesh base that allows for quick water drainage, the rubberized zippers provide easy access, as well as use of a tow rope without removing the bag (a nice little feature we appreciated). Equally, our EX Sport also had Yamaha’s new Hatch Mounted Storage Bag ($54.99).
This small waterproof pouch is ideal for stowing more sensitive items like smart phones, wallets, keys and cameras – and even includes a transparent window to allow visibility and interaction with your smart phone (but you’ll definitely only want to use a waterproof phone or a phone with a waterproof case). Again, the EX Sport is a fun, playful ride, so don’t expect not to get wet. …because you’re gonna get wet.
The final addition, which we can’t believe isn’t standard equipment is Yamaha’s EX Fixed Bow Storage Bag. This roll-up style dry bag replaces the shallow wet storage plate under the front lid. Adding an additional 5.4-gallons of storage, the Fixed Bow Storage Bag is a great solution for those looking to bring along a towel, T-shirt or other items that need to stay dry (and can’t fit into the glove box). Priced at $75.99, it’s the one “gotta have” item for the EX.
The EX Sport WaveRunner is, as we noted, incredibly fun particularly for those who remember how personal watercraft used to be before the days of cruise control, Bluetooth speakers and heated handgrips. It’s a bit of a throwback. Priced at $7,999, the MSRP is pretty retro too. Cutting sloppy donuts, hopping the wake of a passing boat or snapping it on its bondrail for a gnarly powerslide is precisely what this little WaveRunner loves to do – and you’ll love doing it too.
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous racers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Wind, on the other hand… The morning of Feb. 27 – the dawn of the 17th annual Mark Hahn 300 – promised a sunny day full of Havasu blue water under bluer skies and Mother Nature followed through on that promise, but she definitely added a curveball too. As Race Director Ross Wallach stated, “Separate the men from the boys and the girls from the women.’’
That curveball came in the form of a breeze that kicked up about the time the 8am riders’ meeting wrapped up. That breeze just kept blowing, and by the time 40 teams and solo entries lined up on the familiar sands below Crazy Horse Campground, there were few riders that were not casting concerned glances out at the expanse of chop and churn that stood to be their home for the next several hours.
Following the hallmark LeMans start, which rolled out in two waves, with stand-up classes following quickly on the heels of the heavier classes, the impact of those wind-whipped waters and the accompanying chill could be felt by riders and seen by spectators. “I was just trying to survive out there,’’ said Mike Neumann, who, along with teammate Leslie Adams, took first overall in the Manufacturers Stock class. He did so without his trademark sidesaddle riding style, however, in deference to the riding conditions.
Those riding conditions, brutal by any standards, took their toll on both man and machine, as 20-to-25 mile-per-hour winds put an even sharper bite in the cool air. Each circuit of the 10-mile course, which under calmer conditions typically takes racers from 7-to-9 minutes to complete, was eating up 12-to-15 hard-fought, exhausting minutes during the first hours of the race. Leaderboard changes were frequent during those slow-paced laps, and the #110 team of Tory Snyder and Christian Daly, the #8 team of Lee Phan and Tony Hoa, and the #176 team of Christopher Landis and Valentina Lezcano all snagged time in the number one overall spot.
“I loved and hated it,’’ Lezcano said of the brutal conditions. “The cold was not good for my Miami iguana skin, but the experience of pushing my body to limits I didn’t know I could was amazing. Motivated me a lot of for the race season.’’ “It was a nice wake up call!’’ added Lezcano, a relatively new face on the PWC circuit.
The weather took its toll across the board. Even sport icons Dustin Farthing and Troy Snyder felt the impact. “Three hundred miles in those conditions definitely make you dig Deep inside your inner self to continue to fight onward,’’ Snyder told The Watercraft Journal. “Dustin and I had a few issues that took awhile to fix; like the 14-lap head start we gave them and still came back and won Pro 4-stoke Stock! I’d like to thank Ross (Wallach) and Hot Products and IJSBA for the continued support of the racers. Great job to all competitors this year.’’ Snyder said.
But by 4:30pm, when the wind finally began leveling out and the front-runners were heading into lap 20, the number of skis on the water had been cut nearly in half and the battle for the top overall slot seemed to be falling to a battle between two red, white and black Yamahas – with the #720, solo-piloted by Cassius Sanders, battling the #212 team of Mike Klippenstein and Eric Lagopoulos for every inch and every minute.
With only three laps left, Sanders trailed the #212 by less than 90-seconds. Both teams screamed through a last minute fuel-stop in the last few laps, but it was Sanders who took the white flag, and held on to that lead through the final lap. After the chaos, Lagopoulos admitted, “This year’s Hahn was extremely challenging on body and equipment! It was definitely the ultimate survival of the fittest!”
In an even more surprise finish, sport neophytes and local Lake Havasu High School students Ryder Bliss, Logan Blanchard and Jake Tobin piloted the first stand-up to cross the finish line. “I thought the race was fantastic. [It] had everything – water conditions and great competition. My hat’s off to everybody that participated in congratulations to the winners and everyone that just finished,’’ Wallach told The Watercraft Journal. He also confirmed that the 18th Annual Mark Hahn 300 is on the books, set for February 26, 2022.
Winners: Runabout Overall: Cassius Sanders; Pro/Am 4 Open: Mike Klippenstein, Eric Legopoulos; 4-Stroke N/A Open: Pete Strobl, Greg Matta; 4-Stroke Stock: Troy Snyder, Dustin Farthing; 4-Stroke Mod Standup: Jake Tobin, Ryder Bliss, Logan Blanchard; Vet Masters Open: Cassius Sanders; Sportsman 2-Stoke Standup: Hunter Dunn, Jeremy Newton, Deegon Newton; Manufacturers Stock: Mike Neuman, Lislie Nadeker
Prices on jet ski trailers vary from dealership to dealership because dealers can buy a lot of them at one time. Buying in bulk saves them money and those savings are passed on to you. Prices on jet ski trailers go up every year and trailers don’t change much, so it’s a good idea to buy now instead of waiting.
Trailers come in singles, doubles, and fours. This translates into the ability to carry one ski, two skis, and four skis. Jet ski trailers are made of aluminum, steel, and galvanized. The cheapest trailers are the painted steel ones. Aluminum is the most expensive and the lightest. Also, it won’t rust, making it your best bet if you are riding in salt water.
A new single jet ski trailer will cost $800-$1500. A double jet ski trailer is from $2,000-$3,500, with the 4-place trailer rounding out at $7,000-$9,000. Jet trailers do not go on sale and they aren’t thrown into the deal when you buy a new jet ski.
If you are considering a used trailer on Craigslist, check the tires for dry rot and the frame for rust and broken bolts. Put your eyes on the axle too. If it’s bending or bowing, don’t purchase the trailer. A used aluminum single trailer should cost about $500, depending on its condition.
You will need a few things to make sure your trailer is road ready. A brake light adapter is one of the most important items to have before hitting the road. A tongue lock is another big deal. For peace of mind, a spare tire and spare tire holder are good investments.
For more detailed information on buying a used jet ski trailer, check out the Steven in Sales article here. He has many great tips!
Steven in Sales has updated his go to guide for buying a new jet ski from a dealership. He lets us in on how to get a better deal on our next jet ski and it’s not like buying a car. Jet ski salesmen are laid back because they are selling a lifestyle. They know you don’t need a jet ski, so they tend to be less pushy than a car salesman. Though buying a jet ski may be a laid-back experience, you still need to get everything in writing.
Also, try to buy your new watercraft in the cooler months because prices rise and fall with the temperatures. Check out promotions before buying and only shop the three closest dealers to you. That way, the dealer is nearby if something goes wrong and they are more likely to care about your issues. Also, you won’t have to take your ski too far to get its vital first service. The first service is a necessity, and it is not included the price of your ski.
Don’t plan on a test drive unless the dealership is on the water or the dealer is offering special test-driving events. When you do buy, let the shop get the jet ski ready for delivery. Assembly is required so it is best to schedule a day for delivery. Check it out before taking it and have the salesman show you how to start and drive the watercraft. Keep the bill of sale with you when you ride until the state issues your hull numbers for your new watercraft. Don’t forget to buy insurance for your new ride and most of all, have a good time!
If you have any questions, be sure to check out the full-length piece on the Steven in Sales site. He will be happy to steer you in the right direction.
The northern hemisphere is thawing. The roads are clear. The ice covering the lakes has melted. Heck, in many spots, the grass is growing. And then there’s Florida. Yeah, we know. It’s like, a tropical paradise 24/7. Either way, folks are just preparing their personal watercraft for a much deserved season of fun on the water. And of all of the accessories that you could buy to increase the smiles-per-gallon that your PWC can offer, there’s no better than the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit from The Watercraft Journal.
Increasing the fuel capacity of your 4-stroke Yamaha WaveRunner, Kawasaki JetSki or pre-2012 Sea-Doo by over 12-gallons, the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit automatically siphons fuel from the rear-mounted tank all without any cutting, drilling or permanent modifications. It’s super-simple, designed for even the least mechanically-savvy to install, and has been proven over some seriously grueling testing.
The kit consists of 9 pieces: A special-designed stainless steel, powder-coated rack from Kool PWC Stuff; a stainless steel double-hooked turnbuckle; a USCG-certified 12-gallon auxiliary fuel tank featuring a ventilated locking gas cap, internal pickup and fuel level gauge; two ratchet straps; 11-feet of non-EFI 50psi-rated fuel line fitted with a brass 5/16-inch hose barb; and two zip-ties to secure the fuel line.
Florida resident and FL Ski Riders club member Mike Hall recently installed a Long Hauler Kit on his 2021 Yamaha FX Limited SVHO and had this to say, “I found this to be extremely easy to install and probably took me about half an hour to install. Once installed, I follow the directions as far as filling it and opening the vent. I took it out on the water and it worked exactly as it was supposed to. This is a awesome product. I also did some hot doggin’ around and it never moved a bit.”
Above: FL Ski Rider member Mike Hall was one of the first to purchase the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit, installing it to his red-and-black ’21 Yamaha FX Limited SVHO. Adding over 13-gallons (when filled to the brim), Mike had more than enough fuel to allow him a full day’s worth of riding on the open ocean.
And as Spring Break is a couple of weeks away, The Watercraft Journal just dropped the price of the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit by $50, effectively saving many within the continental United States the cost of shipping! Please click this link to go to The Watercraft Journal’s online store to purchase the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit today and increase your PWC’s fuel range by upwards of 85-percent in a matter of minutes! And also make sure to check out this tutorial on how to install your Long Hauler kit with a how-to video as well!
When Watercraft Zone’s, Joshua Dowling, published an article pitting the Sea-Doo Fish Pro against the Yamaha FX HO equipped with a FishSki package, we knew we wanted to bring it to our readers. We were able to glean valuable information through Dowling’s thorough review of both PWC.
Both skis are the largest three-seaters in their respective ranges. The Sea-Doo Fish Pro is built for fishing and you can take it straight from the showroom and directly to your favorite fishing hole. The Yamaha FX HO must be outfitted with the separate FishSki package, which is produced by FishSki. Installation of the FIshSki package will take 15 minutes.
Each machine has enough power to quickly get you out to your secret fishing spot. The Sea-Doo Fish Pro is equipped with a 1630cc3 cylinder, 170hp engine. The Yamaha is powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine. On the water, the Sea-Doo Fish Pro is stable in small to medium chop.
The Yamaha FX takes on rough conditions like a boss because of its more rounded nose and flatter body. It handles more intuitively at lower speeds. The Sea Doo is equipped with a trolling mode, which is ideal for fishing. The Yamaha has a no wake mode and cruise control, which would be fine for fishing as well.
In summing up, the Sea-Doo Fish Pro is a turnkey solution for enthusiasts wanting to fish off a jet ski and who prefer fuel economy over power. The Yamaha FX HO is a great platform for a dedicated fishing Jet Ski after adding the aftermarket FishSki cooler and accessories. This PWC is great for riders who want more power and who spend more time in rough water.
You can’t go wrong when choosing either of these models. Both offer what you need to get on the water and get after the big one. It comes down to personal preference. Happy fishing!
Steven in Sales has put together another a useful article. This one is full of great tips on how to figure out how much you should pay for a used jet ski and what to look for in a used jet ski. The handy guide will help you avoid getting ripped off and from buying a boatload of problems.
You will want to begin by learning what a fair price for a used jet ski should be. Knowing the year, model, and manufacturer is the first step. Check the KBB Watercraft and NADA Watercraft for the current values of used PWC. The “Typical Listing Price” is a good starting point. From there, you will want to check out real-world prices on sites like PWC Trader, Craigslist, and others to gauge what the market looks like. Prices will also vary based on location.
You also need to know how to find jet ski issues or problems. It’s a good idea to know if the model you’re looking at had known issues. Greenhulk.net is an excellent source of information on to get some good intel.
Once you know what the price should be and have the known issues in hand, you’re ready to check out some used jet skis. Placing your eyes on a ski and assessing it for damages is the best way to ascertain whether it is the machine for you. Knowing the cost of fiberglass repair and the jet ski’s service history will go a long way in negotiating a fair price. Keep in mind that jet skis are always priced higher in the summer and cheaper in the winter. A dealership will have higher prices as well because they usually take care of any needed repairs before the PWC hits the floor.
According to an article in Watercraft Zone, Australia may soon have an electric Jet Ski available to the public. An obscure boating store in Kima on the south coast of NSW is experimenting with Jet Ski engine swaps. They are replacing gas motors with pure electric power for an estimated cost of $10,000-to-$12,000.
The company, EClassboats, has already swapped out at least six two stroke engines with electric outboard motors. They are now working on bringing electric power to PWC by replacing combustible engines deemed to expensive to repair. They are beginning with a 2008 Kawasaki Ultra with a blown 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. They started this project in early February. They pulled the engine and fuel tank and dropped in a 10kWh battery pack and a 50kW electric motor. The lithium-ion battery pack weighs 154 pounds, and the electric motor comes in at close to 84 pounds. The battery pack weighs as much as full tank of fuel and the battery is half the weight of the Ultra’s engine.
EClassboats hope to have this machine in the water for testing by the end of March. If they are successful in this endeavor, they will give Europe’s fully electric Narke Electrojet, a run for its money. Right now, Narke doesn’t have any competition in this arena. Also, EClassboats will be offered at a much lower and affordable price point than the Narke’s $80,000 cost. EClasstboat’s PWC will cost between $10,000 and $12,000.
For now, electric jet skis are considered niche products and the big three; Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki are researching electric motor technology and how it may work with personal watercraft. No plans to move forward have been announced.
It’s funny that what looks like some absolutely brutal rail-to-rail racing is just another fun weekend practice session with the riders on the Unlimited PWC race team. This super-fun POV perspective gives you a behind-the-bars view of what racer Takahiko Saito was seeing as he chased fellow teammate Kazuo Hattori around the buoys.
Of course, the both are riding Kawasaki SX-R 1500 JetSkis equipped with the best go-fast parts from Unlimited PWC, as well as brandishing some of Unlimited’s new riding gear and apparel. All of us are proud to be working together with Japan’s premier performance brand and encourage all of you to check out their new line up of riding gear HERE.
There seems to be a theme in Tampa when a major league team wins a championship. It somehow turns into a Sea-Doo celebration as was the case when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup.
