Chocolate and peanut butter; bacon and eggs; campfires and ghost stories; Thelma and Louise — some things are just better, together. And you can add one more paring to that list: the Kspeed STX Intake grate and the legendary Kspeed STX ride plate.
Brisbane Kawasaki’s Kspeed division — one of the most reliable go-to solutions for serious overhauls, upgrades and performance enhancements for your Kawasaki — offers an STX intake grate and an STX ride plate that, taken separately, each stand on their own as top-quality, high-impact upgrades.
The Kspeed STX Intake Grate ($243) is the result of years of research and development and hours of testing, delivering improved traction over the stock grate, allowing you to reach your full power and top speed quicker. By maximizing water flow to the jet pump, which leads to better hook-up, and reducing the amount of air getting sucked into the pump (cavitation), you will experience a more “locked-in” feeling on the water.
Whatever your skill level or riding style, the STX Intake Grate will deliver quicker acceleration, higher top speed performance and a much smoother and more predictable ride over the O.E.M. intake grate, with improved control in both low speed and high-speed turns.
The Kspeed STX Ride Plate ($297) will improve speed performance in all conditions, but its mastery is in the ramp-up of speed and reliable handling results in heavy chop, as well as straight-line handling, due in part to the extended length of the KSpeed Ride Plate over the original ride plate’s 9.5 inches. Similar to a boat’s trim tabs, the ride plate alters the PWC’s running angle.
As water flows under the plate at high speed, the KSpeed Ride Plate’s roughly 5 extra inches in length increases the surface area behind the jet pump, creating increased hydrodynamic downforce that keeps the nose of the PWC down and the hull firmly planted on the water, smoothing out the ride, improving handling during high-speed turns and providing better stability.
As one satisfied customer stated after installing the STX Ride Plate, “I have never felt more stable, dry and comfortable. Forget the extra 2.5Mph I picked up on top! This thing is the cat’s meow; feels like I’m on rails in all conditions and it’s a sin I waited this long for an upgrade!”
And when you combine these upgrades, the leap in performance and handling will multiply those benefits significantly and offer a synergistic improvement to your jet ski’s overall performance. Check out the KSpeed website and be sure to browse through the extensive catalog of tutorials, upgrade walk-throughs and performance tests on their YouTube channel, like this video of the test-run of a KSpeed Intake Grate and Ride Plate installation, along with the KSpeed Sponsons, on a client’s PWC.
The action is cooking, once again, in the RIVA workshop. The last time we took a look at the wizardry going on behind the scenes at RIVA, they were busy taking an RXT-X 325 and turning into a dream machine with custom graphics, RIVA’s billet steering system, sponsons, and Stage 2 engine modifications, including a power filter, blow-off valve, Maptuner ECU tuning and a Solas impeller, as well as a dual rear exhaust kit, a Wet Sounds audio upgrade and more.
And, according to a recent release on the RIVA Racing Facebook page and YouTube channel, the latest build starts off with a 2025 Yamaha Jet Blaster Pro 2-Up and piles on the excellence from there. In a detailed video, Dave takes us through the upgrades and mods for this custom lunar yellow and mint Jetblaster, starting with the RIVA Stage 1 engine package, and replacing the plastic plenum and rubber hose with the ultra-reliable RIVA rear exhaust system that improves performance by reducing back pressure and gives the added benefit of a nice deep exhaust tone.
The stock air box is replaced by with a high-flow power filter with stainless steel elements, a reflash on the factory ignition control unit using the RIVA Maptuner Nano engine reflash system, allowing interface with your smartphone. An intake manifold upgrade kit replaces the restrictive stock mesh screen with a high-flow billet aluminum sleeve, resulting in more airflow, thus more horsepower.
Other highlight features of the build include a 1217 Solas Concord Impeller to increase the operating RPMs from a stock ~7,500 to 8,400 RPM and is perfectly matched to the Stage 1 engine package; a performance ride plate and toploader intake grate with an aggressive design compared the stock unit, allowing more water into the jet pump, increasing op speed in rough water conditions; the adjustable pro series sponsons, giving significantly improved handling.
A number of additional steering and control upgrades are capped off with the install of a RVIA JetTrim Seat Cover, improving not only looks, but taking advantage of the effective non-stick material to help keep you planted on the seat no matter how aggressive you get on the water.
The end result is incredible acceleration and a top speed of 57 MPH @ 8400 RPM.
See more details and the complete build specifics below: This custom built craft features a host of RIVA Performance Products perfectly matched to the Yamaha JetBlaster platform. The modified engine delivers incredible acceleration and a top speed of 57 MPH*. To complement the added power, the unit is equipped with upgraded steering and handling components for complete rider control. This JetBlaster Custom Build was hand built by our team of performance experts and water tested to confirm performance. The craft stands out from the crowd with exclusive hull graphics and custom seat cover.
We don’t claim to be the undisputed kings of custom-built watercraft – although we’re pretty darn good at it. It’s safe to say that the watercraft we do build are a good representation of what we love to do – take great watercraft, and turn them into a badass racing machine. These watercraft are built in-house by our very own master technicians and guaranteed to make everyone’s head turn when you blow past them.
STEERING & CONTROLS Billet Aluminum Control Levers RY24160-RCL-GM ODI Rogue Grips (130mm/No Flange) L31RGB-S RIVA ODI Grip End Cap & Clamp Kit RY206-BK
Challenges have been issued, smack has been talked, and (most likely) wagers have been placed, and we’re just one day away from watching the controlled chaos ensue.
In other words, the fourth round of the Monster Energy P1 AquaX National Championship takes place this weekend, returning to Clearwater beach on August 22-24.
The season so far has seen some top-level racing from the ‘usual list of suspects’ along with some unexpected power performances from lesser known names, and this coming weekend promises to be packed with hard-fought motos and close battles, along with some added excitement as five Monster Energy athletes pulled from the ranks of other extreme sports join the fray and compete, many for their first PWC race.
The final race of the season will take place in St. Petersburg, FL on September 5-7.
Photo: ronnymac.com
(Editor’s note: We have requested a preliminary race schedule and course map, and will update this story as soon as we receive them!)
See the full press release below for more information:
Clearwater Beach Hosts The Fourth Round Of The Monster Energy P1 AquaX National Championship
CLEARWATER BEACH, FL – P1 AquaX jet ski racing returns to Clearwater Beach on August 22-24 as the fourth stop in of the Monster Energy P1 AquaX National Championship series. This exciting weekend event will also feature five Monster Energy athletes from other extreme sports competing in AquaX racing for the first time.
AquaX is a globally recognized sport attracting top level riders from all over the world.It offers two categories of racing, Enduro and Sprint. These categories are divided by rider skill and experience into Pro and Amateur classes. Race teams will be set up along Clearwater Beach so that fans can meet the racers and watch all the action free of charge between 10 am and 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Longtime partner Short Block Technologies (SBT), based in Clearwater, FL, is the Presenting Sponsor for the entire 2025 P1 AquaX season. SBT is the world’s largest aftermarket supplier of personal watercraft parts. AquaX and SBT have developed a strong relationship over the years, proving to be a company that truly cares about its customers and delivers a high level of service to the personal watercraft community.
Cycle Springs Powersports, part of the Dimmitt Automotive Group – a family-owned franchise dealer group that has served the Tampa Bay community for over 100 years, is the Presenting Sponsor of the Amateur AquaX Class. Cycle Springs Powersports, the most recent addition to the Dimmitt Organization, takes pride in its innovation and quality, serving local powersports enthusiasts for over 30 years. “We are looking forward to the upcoming race season. We are excited about sponsoring the amateur series this year. This circuit represents the future of AquaX racing, and we are honored to be able to contribute to the future growth of the sport,” shared Nick Waddell, Cycle Springs General Manager.
This year’s AquaX five-race series opened in New Orleans, LA, with additional rounds taking place in Kissimmee/St. Cloud, FL, and Sheboygan, WI. The final race of the season after Clearwater Beach will take place in St. Petersburg, FL on September 5-7. For more information, visit: POWERBOATP1.COM
There’s no denying that some of the more innovative PWC out there seem straight out of a movie. While mounting something like a hydrofoil can feel purely sci-fi (let’s be honest: that’s exactly what the Silver Surfer must feel like), and blasting through the air on a water jetpack may feel like Jedi powers, most of the time a PWC feels a lot like starring in an action movie. Ripping across the water on a jet ski can certainly feel like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, yet sometimes we come across a futuristic craft that seems straight out of a spy film.
Enter the SeaNXT Elite Scooter. We’ve all seen a movie where the protagonist dives into the water, only to grab onto a motorized board and speed away to their hidden base of operations—and this newly launched PWC provides just that (secret lair sold separately).
Capable of reaching an exhilarating 13 mph, the SeaNXT Elite Scooter combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Its carbon fiber body houses dual 2-kilowatt electric motors, delivering a remarkable 157 lb-ft of thrust—more than enough for serious divers and thrill-seekers.
While the 48V lithium-ion battery does put some limits on runtime—maxing out at 40 minutes at top speed—the quick 1.5-hour recharge makes it possible to get a few good runs in on the same day. Switching to Eco mode extends that to as much as 80 minutes. Navigation is streamlined with a built-in GPS and LCD screen, making it easy to track speed, depth, and route.
Perhaps most importantly, safety is built in: the scooter is slightly positively buoyant, ensuring it will float to the surface if released. This makes it a dependable choice for divers at any skill level.
As you might imagine, this kind of futuristic technology comes with a “futuristic” price tag—$12,653 to start. Even so, for those seeking an elevated diving experience and some truly cinematic moments, the SeaNXT Elite Scooter might just be worth it.
Practicing our very most self-restraint to keep from bursting into the chorus of “You’re Welcome!” from Disney’s Moana, once again The Watercraft Journal has delivered the goods on a less-than-super-secret new offering from Yamaha WaveRunners. Officially christened the “CrossWave,” this large flat-decked, fishing-specific center console-like 4-seater runabout (due in dealerships by Spring ’26) was first spied back in March of 2024.
Since that time, WCJ has speculated on its finer details but the message is abundantly clear: Yamaha wants to secure a big portion of the PWC fishing market and the CrossWave is their big salvo. Again, the recreational fishing market averages over $130 billion dollars a year, much of which is the small vessel/kayak market. Sea-Doo tapped into this segment in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since, and Yamaha wants in bad.
Notice the lack of sponsons. The CrossWave’s exceptional width and heft imply significant static stability (sitting still) and predictable tracking at speed.
Although official measurements have yet to be unveiled, the 4-seater CrossWave promises to come in less than 13-feet long, retaining its “personal watercraft” registration requirement. (Width, we speculate, might be a different matter.) Featuring the industry’s first and only walkaround deck, “offering nearly 13 feet of flat, marine-matted space from bow to stern,” according to Yamaha’s press release published to its social media channels.
This design, unlike others, permits the fishing enthusiast a full 360-degrees of mobility. Add to that oversized footwells and Yamaha’s new integrated “T-track” mounting system that allows for modular accessories for fishing, storage, lounging, and more to be mounted to the deck. Powered by Yamaha’s new 1.9-liter High Output Marine Engine, the CrossWave produces 200-horsepower on 87-octane pump gas.
The CrossWave is not a sporty watercraft by any means. This is purpose-built for leisurely recreational fishing. The brand’s standard 18.5-gallon tank is set below the console.
At the helm is a massive dual 7-inch Connext® and Simrad® display placing navigation, onboard monitoring, and entertainment controls upfront and center. Beneath the deck, the CrossWave is “pre-wired for a Group 24 deep-cycle marine battery, making it the first PWC capable of supporting trolling motors, lighting systems, and other high-draw electronics,” satisfying the demands from the industry’s more intense sportsmen.
Due to the expanded size, the CrossWave includes it’s own trailer in the price. On the craft itself comes with a uniquely stylized removable cooler and a new port system for cleaning out debris from the jet pump. In all, the CrossWave is more-or-less exactly as we revealed over a year ago, and while deviates strongly from Yamaha’s 40 year tradition of PWC, seeks to access a whole new segment of potential buyers.
Here’s the official press release: Yamaha Unveils All-New CrossWave WaveRunner at 40th Anniversary Celebration
Yamaha WaterCraft marked its 40th anniversary of jet propulsion innovation with the global debut of a groundbreaking personal watercraft: the all-new CrossWave WaveRunner.
Purpose-built to redefine versatility in the personal watercraft category, the CrossWave features the industry’s first full walkaround deck, offering nearly 13 feet of flat, marine-matted space from bow to stern. This design allows for 360-degree mobility, oversized footwells, and unparalleled freedom for boarding, loading, fishing, or simply relaxing on the water.
At the helm, dual 7-inch Connext® and Simrad® displays put navigation, system monitoring, and entertainment controls right at the rider’s fingertips. Riders can further customize the deck using Yamaha’s integrated T-track mounting system, which supports modular accessories for fishing, storage, lounging, and more.
Beneath its innovative deck, the CrossWave is engineered for today’s tech-driven rider. It’s pre-wired for a Group 24 deep-cycle marine battery, making it the first PWC capable of supporting trolling motors, lighting systems, and other high-draw electronics.
Unique to the segment, it also includes a factory-installed clean-out port — adapted from Yamaha’s jet boats — that allows riders to clear the jet pump without entering the water. A custom Yamaha trailer and premium cooler come standard, delivering turnkey value right from the showroom.
“The CrossWave is more than a new model — it’s the start of an entirely new category of WaveRunner,” said Bryan Seti, General Manager of Yamaha WaterCraft. “It embodies our commitment to innovation, usability, and fun, while honoring the legacy that began in 1986 with the very first WaveRunner.”
The CrossWave will be available at Yamaha dealerships in Spring 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
“Sometimes, less is more,” is an old maxim that often leaves the recipient asking, “but more what?” In the case of Sea-Doo’s recent unveiling of the 2026 lineup held in Boston, Massachusetts this past weekend, many were wondering, “is that it?” In a sweeping generalized oversimplification, Sea-Doo brought it’s large 10.25-inch touchscreen display to four new units, iDF to the two GTI models, and new colors for three units.
Yup. That’s pretty much it (well, besides some eye-bulging price changes). So why is so little change a good thing? It’s actually great news if you look just a little further past your own nose – which we know most social media critics can’t do. So we’re going to break down BRP’s strategy for those who actually want to understand how this benefits both them, the consumer, the dealers around the world, and the industry altogether.
Let’s start with some hard, sugar-free facts: These past two years have been miserable for the powersports industry. New unit sales have been “cold,” to use the preferred softer, marketing speak. Soft sales have resulted in ballooning inventories that dealers have struggled to offload. Even extended warranties, discounted services and rebates chipping away at MSRPs have done little to motivate buyers.
Some OE’s have tried to appeal to a narrower market of cash-flush potential buyers with more creature comforts, whiz-bang technologies and so forth, but to little avail. Fewer and fewer youthful enthusiasts are attracted to the current products (if not solely for their inflating prices); and reversing course is a far slower (and costlier) process than the YouTube comments section can bring themselves to understand.
What Sea-Doo’s play for 2026 speaks ever-so-silently is that they are reading the writing on the wall. In delaying the rollout of new shiny product allows dealers to breathe a collective sigh of relief as they try to thin their inventories of unsold 2023, ’24 and ’25 models. What additions Sea-Doo made to those few models are purposefully minimal as those are the units with the greatest turnover. For every one RXP-X 325 there are three GTIs waiting to be sold.
Moreover, most buyers often do not come informed enough to know the differences between said model years – and God help us, neither are many of the sales representatives. By postponing any large changes, buyers have a larger field to choose from with minimal differentiators. Equally, dealers don’t need yet another crash course to bring their sales team up to speed. Two or three year old data is indistinguishable from current.
Nominally, maintaining the model lineup “as-is” benefits the buyer in color options. For those few models who didn’t receive new liveries – namely everything but the Spark Trixx (2 & 3up); GTI SE 130 & SE 170; GTR 230; and RXT-X 325 and RXP-X 325 – you have greater selection between a 2024, ’25 and ’26 model. All other aspects of those units, including powertrain, accessories and options, continue untouched.
Gone is the one-year-only Fish Pro Trophy Apex 300 (as promised at its release last Fall). As hinted at earlier, the RXP-X 325, RXT-X 325, Wake Pro 230, Fish Pro Trophy and Explorer Pro (both 170 and 230) receive the massive 10.25-inch wide touchscreen dashboard introduced last year on the GTX Limited 325. The Trophy does get the larger 9-inch Garmin GPS & Fish Finder on last year’s Apex 300 as well as the hydraulic steering damper.
It’s worth delving a little deeper into the touchscreen display: the dashboard is fully customizable, shows driving stats, compass, marine navigation, music, and more. Unfortunately, all GPS guidance – available with a NavionicsTM subscription – is umbilically tied to the absolutely detestable “BRP GO!” app, which only functions when your smartphone has a signal strong enough to remain linked to 4G or higher.
When optioned on the RXP-X 325, it manages the Launch Mode as well as providing acceleration and top speed stats. On the FishPro Trophy, it, according to Sea-Doo, “provides anglers the opportunity to follow a detailed marine navigation map on the main screen using the BRP GO! Mobile App and then use the Garmin GPS exclusively in fish finder mode to improve the odds of catching the big one.”
For 2026, the Sea-Doo Spark (60HP) 2-up is priced at $6,999 and comes in Sunrise Orange/Dragon Red or Vapor Blue/Dazzling Blue colorways. Gone is the basic 90HP 2-up. The 90HP 3-up begins at $8,599 (up $300 from ’25) with the same colorings. Both the 90HP Trixx 1-up and 3-up are both up $300 over last year at $9,499 and $10,099 respectively; and are available in either last year’s Dragon Red/Bright White or Gulfstream Blue/Orange Crush.
The base GTI 130 comes unchanged in Bright White/Neo Mint and a $400 price bump to $12,099. The GTI SE 130 and SE 170 now include iDF, and are offered in either last year’s Teal Blue/Manta Green or Eclipse Black/Laguna Green. Both received an extraordinary $800 bump over last year, with MSRP’s of $13,299 and $13,899 respectively. The GTI-based Wake 170 leaps up another $750 to $14,849 with no color change.
As mentioned, the ST3-based Wake Pro (230) receives the new larger touchscreen, quantifying its $1,250 price increase from $18,599 to $19,849 for 2026. Both Wake models are sold in Sand Beige/Dazzling Blue. Equally, both of the 170HP and 230HP iterations of the Explorer Pro now include the same 10.25-inch display, sharing the same price climb of $750, putting them at $20,149 and $20,399 respectively. Both return in Iceland Grey.
The “Touring” segment includes the GTX 170, 230 and 300 models each returning in Blue Abyss/Gulfstream Blue colorway and are priced $15,949, $16,949 and $18,649 respectively, up $550 from last year across the line. For Sea-Doo’s flagship, the GTX Limited 325, almost everything carries over unchanged including options for either a White Pearl or Teal Metallic colorway, save for a $550 price increase to $22,549 over last year’s $21,999.
For Sea-Doo’s Fishing lineup, the aforementioned Fish Pro Trophy Apex 300 is retired with many of its featured accessories and technologies landing on the next tier Fish Pro Trophy 170, now priced at $22,649 – a hefty $1,950 more expensive than the previous Trophy. The Fish Pro Sport is priced at $18,149 and Scout is $15,849 (both up $550 over last year) and also return in their original, unchanged White/Gulfstream Blue colorways.
The GTR 230 receives the fetching Eclipse Black/Reef Blue coloring and a MSRP of $14,899 (up $600 from 2025). The absolutely stellar GTR-X 300 returns in Eclipse Black/Deep Marsala with a $17,899 price tag (up $600 also). Both the RXP-X 325 and RXT-X 325 are offered in Gulfstream Blue or Ice Metal/Manta Green and come with the new dashboard (it’s gratefully an option on the RXP-X 325, while mandatory on the RXT-X 325).
The RXP-X 325 fetches $20,099 (a whopping $21,999 with the Tech Package and 10.25″ screen) as the RXT-X 325 will cost you $21,899, both up significantly from last year ($400 for the base RXP-X 325 and $1,300 for the RXT-X 325). This might strike some as excessive, but technology like what the new touchscreen is offering ain’t cheap and you knuckleheads keep asking for more and more bells and whistles – so consider yourself served.
All teasing aside, these price increases will only help to make existing floor models look all the more attractive. Combined with promised discounts and competitive financing through Sea-Doo, dealers were assured by BRP that together they would “weather the storm.” In all fairness, reprieve years like these allow dealers to clear inventory and recoup any losses caused by years of flooring. It might not be as flashy as all-new units year-after-year, but it’s more sustainable.
[Editor’s note: if you’re wondering about all of the Switch announcements, stay tuned to WCJ for a separate update this week. –K]
Whenever you come across coverage of PWC in mainstream news outlets, the stories tend to fall into one of two general categories. There are the kinds of stories we like to cover here at The Watercraft Journal—featuring exciting races, stunts, rescues, and local events—which highlight some of our favorite aspects of the PWC lifestyle. Then there are the stories of accidents and injuries—the dark side.
There’s no denying that this sport (like any) comes with its fair share of risk, and it often seems like the only coverage afforded to safety concerns in the community is the typical set of safety tips: wear a life jacket, be aware of your surroundings, etc. It’s precisely because of this that we were so thrilled to come across a recent article published in The Conversation which actually seeks to consider how we, as a community, can go about reducing the risk of PWC injuries.
The article is a collaborative effort between two Australian academics: Milad Haghani, a professor of Urban Risk & Resilience at The University of Melbourne, and Clara Zwack, who lectures in Physiotherapy at Swinburne University of Technology. They begin by highlighting the growth of PWC popularity since the start of the pandemic in Australia, before presenting striking statistics:
Most accidents occur close to shore, often in crowded areas, with the risk doubling on weekends and peaking in warmer months. Across several Australian states, the annual toll can reach up to three deaths and as many as 26 serious injuries per 100,000 license holders—figures that may understate the true picture, as many incidents go unreported.
The data also reveal patterns in who is most at risk: the majority of injuries involve male riders, younger or inexperienced operators, and a concerning portion involve alcohol consumption. They also go out of their way to describe the particular risks associated with injuries in female passengers.
However, what truly struck us about the article was their well-thought-out proposals to improve PWC safety. They write:
We need public education campaigns to remind riders of the risks and to promote better behavior. This would remind riders to slow down in congested areas, avoid reckless turns, and be especially careful with passengers. As alcohol is a common factor in crashes, drinking in moderation before riding should also be stressed
Women are recommended to wear neoprene protective shorts, or wetsuits, instead of ordinary swimwear. A growing number of medical professionals are now backing this as essential safety gear, not optional, to reduce the risk of perineal injuries from water jets
Manufacturers can redesign handlebars to reduce the severity of impact injuries. They can also build in safeguards that reduce jet pressure when no one is seated at the rear (to safeguard the health of a passenger who falls off backwards)
States also need consistent rules on minimum rider age, training and licensing. The laws vary widely. These inconsistent regulations create confusion and loopholes, especially when riders cross borders.
If you’re interested in reading the full article, you can check it out here.
I’ve honestly always been a little surprised that there are not more pirate sightings within the PWC culture – after all, it is such a fitting and logical tie-in. There are few sport/recreation based activities or “hobbies” where the swashbuckling soul and daring bravado of the pirates of old blend right in with a sport’s lifestyle and culture the way they do with the PWC world.
However, if you don’t count race purses and championship cups – there’s not been much in the way of booty to be found on the high seas (or lakes and rivers) these days. However, that’s no longer true. Now, thanks to Sea-Doo and BPR GO!, there is Sea-Stash up for grabs August 20-26.
Whether you fancy yourself as Indiana Jones, tracking down valuable treasures, Captain Jack Sparrow seeking the heart of Davey Jones (and some rum!), or a young Jim Hawkins, on a quest for Captain Flint’s buried treasure, The Sea-Stash contest — getting set to launch on Aug. 20 — could be just the adventure you seek, and the treasure you want!
And like Hawkins, you will have the assistance of a treasure map — and without having to unearth a deceased pirate’s sea chest to find the it!
BRP GO – Bombardier’s Mobile App, which you can download here, is the key to finding one of the GPS-tagged treasure stashes. Each Sea-Stash, which includes PA&A (Parts, Accessories & Apparel), and a pre-papid Visa card totaling up to $2,000, also includes a chance to win a new 2026 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325.
Once you download BRP Go — which, as described in previous WCJ articles, provides water navigation, including detailed maps and the ability to download maps for offline use, and allows users to record their rides, track ride statistics, and share ride information — head to the “WATER” playground and select the Navigation tile to access the Sea-Doo map, which you will need to search for the Sea-Stash when the drop goes live.
Every day from August 20 – 26, Sea-Doo will release the location of a different stash, accessible by PWC or pontoon – and the first to arrive at the stash location will win the prize.
But don’t wait until the 20th, or the date of the location drop closest to you!
While the drop locations are a secret up until the drop time, the BRP GO stash map is live now, and you can use the BRP Go Ap leading up to the drop times to explore the approximate location of the stash, and up your odds of being the first one there!
Then, when the stash drops, open BRP GO!, ensure you are in the “WATER” playground, and search “Sea-Stash” or spot the SS icon on your map. Hit the water and head to the stash, which is hosted by Sea-Doo crew members and packed with Sea-Doo rewards waiting to be claimed.
WCJ has even scoped out the general locations and times of each Sea-Stash:
Gloucester, MA – Stash 1,2 & 3
Drop Live @ August 20th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the three different stashes that will be dropped at the same time in different spots.
Miami, FL
Drop Live @ August 21st, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.
Los Angeles, CA
Drop Live @ August 22nd, 9:00AM local time (PST)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.
Houston, TX
Drop Live @ August 23rd, 9:00AM local time (CDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.Detroit, MI
Drop Live @ August 24th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.
Lake Muskoka, ON
Drop Live @ August 25th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.
Thousand Islands, ON
Drop Live @ August 26th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.
It’s hard to believe but we’re just a week away from BRP’s big official rollout of it’s 2026 lineup. That’s right! This coming Sunday evening, August 17th, BRP will unveil to its international dealer network the entirety of its 2026 offerings published to its various social media and YouTube channels. (So if you’re rarin’ to know what’s new, you’ll want to tune in then.)
Yet, if you’re a little more patient, you can tune into The Watercraft Journal IRL podcast (see video linked below) that next evening, Monday, August 18th at 8pm EST, and watch as this author and special guests Greg Gaddis and Billy Duplessis go over the previous night’s announcements, and break down what’s new, what’s left over, and share our thoughts on the reveal.
It can’t be that easy, right? Well, sorta. We don’t want to read a novel or some sob story. No ma’am. We want to laugh! Give us your funniest reason why you deserve to win this Speed Control Override Module from Active Jet Sport. We’ll be reading your letter on the podcast, so keep it PG-13 or cleaner. That’s it! Make us laugh and you can win!
Some of our favorite content lately has come from riders taking on long-form, open-water PWC journeys. In part, this is because these trips tend to come loaded with beautiful scenery, epic wildlife encounters, and fresh perspectives on some of the world’s top destinations. At the same time, we love these trips even more because they show off just how great of a tool the PWC can be for people around the world, enabling some of the coolest adventures imaginable. But there’s no denying that this kind of open-water travel comes with its own risks and difficulties—and the biggest of these is obvious: fuel.
Whether you’re traveling around the islands of Fiji, visiting the Bahamas from Miami, or just looking for some good open-water fishing, having access to extra fuel for your journey isn’t just important—it can be the difference between life and death. On top of that, refueling on open water brings its own set of challenges: balancing on a moving PWC, contending with waves and wind, and avoiding spills that could harm the environment or even leave you without fuel. The key is to choose the right combination of storage, transfer, and securing methods so your adventures stay safe and uninterrupted.
Perhaps the most important consideration here is fuel storage. While basic gas cans can work in a pinch, we highly recommend opting for an option better suited for water refuels. We’ve covered options like the SureCan gas tanks before, and they remain one of the best solutions on the market for ensuring a safe and spill-free refuel on the water. There’s also the Sea-Doo LinQ caddy, available in 3.8– and 5-gallon sizes, featuring a spill-free spout and easy installation with their secure LinQ system.
If you’re going to be using one of the standalone gas cans, knowing how to keep it connected to your PWC is a key issue. DIY racks made from straps, baskets, or PVC are inexpensive, but they can be unstable in rough conditions and may impact your warranty or performance. Purpose-built PWC racks are designed to keep fuel stable, resist corrosion, and make it easier to handle cans in less-than-ideal weather. Many also double as gear carriers, giving you more storage space for safety equipment or a portable pump.
For those looking for a more involved setup for consistent long journeys, an auxiliary fuel tank can be a worthwhile investment. These connect directly into the PWC’s original tank, allowing for extended capacity without needing to manually refill from an external container.
Chocolate and peanut butter; bacon and eggs; campfires and ghost stories; Thelma and Louise — some things are just better, together. And you can add one more paring to that list: the Kspeed STX Intake grate and the legendary Kspeed STX ride plate.
The Kspeed STX Intake Grate ($243) is the result of years of research and development and hours of testing, delivering improved traction over the stock grate, allowing you to reach your full power and top speed quicker. By maximizing water flow to the jet pump, which leads to better hook-up, and reducing the amount of air getting sucked into the pump (cavitation), you will experience a more “locked-in” feeling on the water. 
As water flows under the plate at high speed, the KSpeed Ride Plate’s roughly 5 extra inches in length increases the surface area behind the jet pump, creating increased hydrodynamic downforce that keeps the nose of the PWC down and the hull firmly planted on the water, smoothing out the ride, improving handling during high-speed turns and providing better stability. 
