The Yamaha VX Line of WaveRunners is the best-selling watercraft in the world. It’s no wonder that it is one of the go-to watercraft a salesperson will show to an average family-oriented or entry-level customer.
This workhorse watercraft is not a dull family sedan though. It can be heavily equipped with options for every member of the family, including those with a little need-for-speed. Yes, we’re talking to those dads out there.
This is exactly why Yamaha kept that check box to allow this platform to come from the factory with the high output 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine.
Most of the VX WaveRunners now come with the 3-cylinder TR-1 engine. Those looking to really put a smile ear-to-ear, can opt for one of the two High Output VX options. Either the VX Cruiser HO or the VX Limited HO will come with the most powerful engine available in the VX lineup.
Rated at 180-horsepower and requiring only 87 octane go-juice, it not only provides a good deal of acceleration and towing power, but it is also relatively easy on the family budget when it comes time to visit the gas pump.
New for 2021, the new integrated speaker system comes standard on the VX Limited HO as well as a king’s ransom of other accessories and this speaker system can be factory installed on the VX Cruiser HO also.
There are so many included features that come on and with a new 2021 VX Limited HO that we even wrote an entire article gallery highlighting everything so be sure to check that out if you are interested in the VX lineup.
With all of the news pouring out of Yamaha’s watercraft division this year it might be easy to forget the newest addition to the lineup, the 2021 EX Limited WaveRunner. While much of the brand’s entry-level Rec Lite series went untouched for the new year – apart from the usual colors and graphics, that is – Yamaha did add one more model to its EX Series: a new, fully-optioned EX Limited.
The new EX Limited joins both the VX Limited, VX Limited HO and FX Limited SVHO. To those unfamiliar, the “Limited Package” includes a king’s ransom of accessories including two waterproof wireless EcoXgear Bluetooth Speakers, a single-rider tube, tube inflator, tube holder, tow rope, tow rope bag, fixed bow-mounted dry storage, 12V outlet, custom color-matched cover with glove box access and two fenders.
Effectively, the Limited accessory package equips the owner with quite possibly everything that a new personal watercraft owner could want or need for the season – and all for a nominal price. The EX Limited comes with an MSRP of $9,599 – a paltry $600 more expensive than the EX Deluxe (MSRP $8,999), a sum well below the cost of purchasing each of the items separately from Yamaha’s accessory catalog.
The Deluxe is the EX Limited’s closest sibling, sharing the same weight (602-pounds), fuel capacity (13.2-gallons) and powertrain; namely, the 100-horsepower TR-1 EX 4-stroke. There is one small outlier though; the 2021 EX Limited features slightly widened sponsons for increased static and dynamic stability. This change was made for the Limited only, as this WaveRunner is expected to be operating with multiple passengers and towing a raft.
Equally, as the Limited comes equipped with Yamaha’s factory-installed bow compartment dry bag, the standard 7.7-gallons’ worth of storage is up an additional gallon-and-change.
As all standard EX models are made using traditional fiberglass, the EX Limited is a far more forgiving ride than the competitor’s entries in the segment. The EX hull is playful but predictable, tracking straight in chop and reliably true in tight corners. Throttle response is on point as well, wringing out plenty of low-end grunt from its standard 1,049cc three-cylinder to launch the EX from a standstill or pull a towable around the lake with moderate effort.
While not as sporty as the 110-horsepower EXR (MSRP $9,499) and its featherweight NanoXcel2 construction that shaves off an additional 70-pounds, the Limited is still an incredibly fun, agile ride that permits riders of all experience levels to have a great time. Of course, the Limited includes Yamaha’s RiDE dual throttle braking and reverse system, permitting riders to bring their WaveRunner to a complete stop from a full speed clip, or simply maneuver through the tight confines of a marina.
A single spartan LCD dash below the handlebars sits almost between the driver’s knees reading off the speed in an oversized font and a slightly-too-simplified gas gauge shows only 4 bars (with each representing 3.3-gallons of fuel each). Of course, it’ll take a whole day’s worth of play to drain the tank as the TR-1 is notoriously efficient, miserly sipping fuel even when really romping on the throttle.
With half a tank and some decent flat water, we eked out a respectable 51mph from our EX Limited. Speeds like these aren’t going to set the internet on fire, but then again, that’s not what it was intended for. Also, using the spring-loaded reboarding step begins with a single knee, as placing your full weight on it will surely roll the lightweight runabout nearly completely over.
Available in White with Torch Red, our time on the 2021 EX Limited was spent mainly cutting figure-8’s and trying to churn up the lake enough to launch the little WaveRunner into the air. Powerslides are effortlessly doable, but not as easy thanks to the wider sponsons. Nevertheless, the EX never fails to put a smile across your face; and with its everything-but-the-kitchen sink Limited accessory package, is certain to be a great candidate for a first-time buyer or lakefront resident.
With the introduction of Sea-Doo’s revolutionary Intelligent Debris Free pump system (iDF), fishing and navigating waterways aboard your Sea-Doo has never been easier with its convenient ability to unclog foreign debris from your pump system.
Perhaps no one knows the Fish Pro Sea-Doo life better than Bri Andrassy. As a Sea-Doo Ambassador, she lives, eats, and sleeps from her Sea-Doo Fish Pro. No literally, she camps out on the water.
With Sea-Doo’s continued efforts to innovate and push new technologies, people like Bri have much more to look forward to. Check out what Sea-Doo had to say about her in their latest news content below.
Bri Andrassy has passion. Her love of being as close to the water as possible has led her to set up camp where she can sleep with the fish, literally. The Jupiter, Florida nursing professor escapes the chaos by loading her Sea-Doo FISH PRO with an inflatable island, tent, and other basic necessities. She then finds a calm cove to rest for the night and wakes up to start fishing instantly.
Andrassy lives an adventurous Sea-Doo life and shares her adventures via her popular YouTube channel. “The FISH PRO lets be so close to nature,” she explains. “It’s so versatile and capable, and easy to fish from. Why not camp as close to nature as possible?”
Her adventures can also be followed on her Instagram page @ba_fishing_ .
That is not a typo in the title. You read correctly, this great portable speaker system can literally be taken anywhere including inside the water as it is a fully submersible audio system that keeps functioning.
Designed to mount securely to the Sea-Doo Spark, BRP knows that listening to your favorite audio while riding is only part of the fun. Taking the music anywhere you go, is just as enjoyable so that is exactly what this portable Bluetooth system allows.
Check out Sea-Doo’s description below or visit the link above to add it to your Spark today.
Riding a Sea-Doo is amazingly fun. Riding with your favorite playlist amplifies the fun. The BRP portable audio system quickly and securely mounts forward of the handlebar on the Sea-Doo SPARK, facing the rider providing high quality sound at idle and at speed. The system can also be removed in seconds with no tools and be enjoyed anywhere.
Use the BRP portable audio system in the garage while conducting winter maintenance on your Sea-Doo, in the shower as its 100% waterproof, or in the kitchen providing background music during your Thanksgiving feast. Using Bluetooth simply connect to your phone, tablet, or computer and listen to your favorite audio entertainment with high quality sound.
BRP portable, submersible, audio system for SPARK;
50-watt audio system with Bluetooth† connectivity.
Powered with a rechargeable lithium battery that offers up to 24 hours of autonomy.
Support base with quick-attach system mounts to any Sea-Doo SPARK, specific hardware required.
Chances are your local Yamaha dealership does not have the exact WaveRunner you’re looking for on their showroom floor; or much of anything on their floor at the moment.
With the riding season coming to an end for many regions, now is the time that dealers are ordering the new 2021 models and preparing for the shipments to arrive shortly.
It is also a perfect time to talk to your sales associate if you will want a particular model, package, color option, or accessory added on. With the current watercraft craze and low inventory situation, it is definitely a good idea to place a pre-order, especially if you have specific requests.
Your dealer may only be getting one or two units with your specific options and if they are already pre-sold, then you will either be left with a unit lacking your approval or otherwise be left high and dry.
Then you can add options and accessories to your build such as integrated speakers to certain new models. Then you will be taken to the next page of the build where you can review current financing offers such as zero down and zero payments for 90 days for a limited time.
Once you get your build summary and pricing, you can either print out your build or send it directly to your dealer who can place the order through Yamaha.
Can’t find a new 2021 Yamaha SuperJet at your local dealership yet? Maybe instead you want to give that tried and true 2-stroke a fresh new face for next season. Well in this video, freeride world champion Mark Gomez walks us through one of the best modifications you can make to your ski which is to put a new traction mat kit on it.
This is the easiest way to improve the lackluster factory mat or to simply replace that worn out mat that has been on your ski for years.
For this video, Gomez is replacing the factory mat on his new 2020 SuperJet and the process will be identical if you have a 1996-2020 model year Yamaha SuperJet. The particular mat being installed is Hydro-Turf part #HT-751 and is shown in black molded diamond, with a 9mm plush under pad and 2-inch corner kick wedges.
This mat is being installed using the recommended contact cement adhesive method however you can also order the kit with a peel and stick adhesive, although that method might not hold up as well. So get those scrapers out, roll up those sleeves, and follow Mark along in the video below.
When we first learned about the all new Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 for 2021, we here at The Watercraft Journal asked the question whether it could rise up to the challenge of the closed course.
Well folks, the results are in and the answer is a huge yes! It rose up to the challenge and took home a world championship win at its first-ever debut race. We’d definitely say that is a huge success by Sea-Doo and the factory team racers.
A big congratulations to Erminio Iantosca who took home the Pro Runabout Box Stock World Championship and Anthony Radetic who won third place in Veterans Stock aboard this revolutionary new Sea-Doo platform.
Iantosca couldn’t be happier with the podium finish he scored for Sea-Doo as he posted his thoughts following the race below.
We did it! Pro Runabout Box Stock World Champion onboard the all new 2021 @seadoo RXPX 300. I can’t thank my team enough @seadoo for having the faith in me @rivaracing @jesusgarcia_pwc for the amazing parts and set up @jettribe for the sweet gear to look good @hydroturf for the best traction in the business @jetx_powersports for doing everything and anything needed to get me on the line @nutritionelite for keeping me fit #xpslubricants for their amazing products, Allen Walker for never stopping and making sure I have the best and last but not least @richardmaley for working those long nights to make sure everything was perfect.
We never fail to be amazed by the images that come from the Jet Ski Club Stavanger. Club member Audrius owns and operates North Pix Media, a professional photography and video service company, and from what we’ve seen, is well worth the money. Audrius sent me this video and these images from the club’s most recent trip, which included some amazing footage from The Fjord Flier, hang glider pilot. Audrius wrote:
“Everyone has their own hobbies and activities that make them feel truly alive. We set out early for a 110 mile jet ski trip to meet the hang glider pilot aka TheFjordflier. Passionate about flying. A man is living his hobby and using every good weather window to do what he loves. Most of the time he flies in the early morning just before the thermals pick up. To get perfectly still weather for a flight is really rare at this time of the year. He drove 80 miles from the city to “Lysebotn” to reach one of his favorite launch spots.
“About the place called Lysebotn. Lysebotn sits at the end of Lysefjord – one of the pearls of Fjord Norway – and gets many visitors in the summer on the car ferry or tourist fast boats from Stavanger city. The village is located in a very isolated valley that is only accessible by one road or by boat. When the narrow mountain road is closed during the winter, for seven months of the year the village is accessible only by boat. It is most alive from June to mid-August, with base jumpers from around the world coming here to jump off “Nesatind” and “Kjerag”.
“The tourist season has ended in October and there is no activity in the valley. TheFjordflier launched from the low spot close to the road. Normally, during the season, he launches from the very top of the Lysefjord mountains. For more breathtaking flights, please visit TheFjordflier’s YouTube channel HERE.
Usually nothing really “big” happens on Wednesdays (at the time of this writing) but we at The Watercraft Journal are excited to announce two big bits of news: First, we’re excited to welcome Unlimited PWC Products as the newest advertising sponsor of the world’s most popular PWC magazine. We’ve been following Unlimited’s progress over the years, particularly their custom carbon fiber components and billet parts for a wide variety of PWC.
Secondly, Unlimited recently launched its own line of USCG-approved life vests, wetsuits and many more bits of apparel. Although still in the production phase, these items will be available to purchase in a couple of months. Whether you’re looking for riding gloves, jackets, front or side-entry vests, Unlimited has exactly what you’re looking for. The apparel catalog is available in the link HERE.
Prepare to see a lot more coming out of Japan’s fastest-growing performance parts and apparel brand, as Unlimited is really ramping up its catalog of products. We’ve got a slew of new product releases waiting to be rolled out, so you’re just gonna want to click the hyperlink and check out their newly redesigned website (make sure to select your preferred language in the translator bar at the top of the screen) and peruse their store beforehand!
Those of us with a few years of experience under our belts have trained ourselves not to launch our trailers too deep in the water because your ski will tend to float away if the hull isn’t making contact with the bunks. It’s a pretty common occurrence. Unfortunately, the consequence of this is often having to throttle into and up your bunks to properly dock your ski before winching it the rest of the way up, resulting in stressed, worn and even broken bunks.
Thankfully, the team at Easy Guide have made boat loading demonstrably easier with its floating docking system. Designed to help save you from stressed or broken bunks – as well as novices and those persons not too comfortable with the launching/loading process, the chambered plastic, heavy-duty floats literally guide the PWC between the bunks, keeping your watercraft from floating away while you dismount and attach the winch. Made of sturdy, reinforced polymer plastics, the Easy Guide is durable (literally, bulletproof!) and made entirely in the USA.
Designed for single PWC trailers, the Easy Guide kit ($399) requires zero cutting or drilling. And with several inches of adjustment in both the width and length of the brackets and arms (respectively), the dual float system will work on most all single-bunk trailers. Again, for you seasoned pros, you’re going to feel that you’re not going to need the help. That’s fine, but your wife and kids – or that one buddy whose been begging to use your ski that you’re just not too sure about – will like ’em. See how it works below: