As part of BRP’s Together We Ride project, the company announced April 29th that it is offering a three-month warranty extension in order to make things more bearable during these trying times. This move will cover all of its powersports lines for customers worldwide. The extension will apply to those whose warranties expire between March 15 and June 30,2020.
The warranty extension is another way for BRP to continue to show its passion and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure customers are satisfied. It is through this warranty extension, that owners of BRP products will fully benefit from their warranty.
The warranty extensions apply to all customers globally, all BRP powersports product lines, all BRP registered powersports vehicles, regular, extended, or B.E.S.T warranties, and warranties slated to expire between March 15 and June 30. Those who qualify don’t need to take any action to be included in the program. Those warranties will automatically be extended.
″In the current context, people already have a lot of other things on their mind. We didn’t want their warranties running out to be one of them, especially with reduced service department capacity. We wanted to make sure we make things as easy as we can by being the first OEM in North America to offer a 90-day warranty extension on all our powersports products,” said Delton Bohlman, Vice-President, Global Customer Services Parts & Accessories at BRP. “Together, We Ride is not just a catchphrase for us: we are all in this together and we need to do our part to help each other get through it.”
For many, all that matters is horsepower. Unfortunately, while horsepower numbers can definitely be alluring, understanding how hull design plays into the application of horsepower is all the more important. Sea-Doo’s offers its stellar 1630 ACE 300 engine in two platforms: the ST3 (RXT-X, GTX) and the T3 (RXP-X). These two platforms not only differ in hull shape and intended design, but vary vastly in accessories, features and overall use. And since so many are unfamiliar with these key differences, The Watercraft Journal partnered up again with Sea-Doo Media Relations guru Tim McKercher to spell these differences out in detail.
So let’s start with what these two machines have in common: 300 horsepower. That’s right, both the top-of-the-performance-line RXT-X 300 and buoy-course-killing RXP-X 300 share the same supercharged-and-intercooled 1630 ACE 300. Building upon the previous Rotax 1503, the ACE 300 is a 1,630cc 3-cylinder four-stroke producing a true 300 brake horsepower. The sleeveless block features plasma coated-cylinders that not only cut engine weight, but improve surface durability and heat transference, all while minimizing friction. Redesigned pistons are 20 grams lighter than previous Rotax 1503’s and feature longer, coated skirts.
While the new 1630.5cc features the same 100mm bore of the 1503, it has an increased 69.2mm stroke (over the previous 63.4mm), providing 9-percent more displacement, and subsequently, 15-percent more power. And thus, Sea-Doo had itself a winning engine package. But what to put it into? First on that list was its racy two-seater musclecraft, the RXP-X. Redesigned for 2012, the RXP-X rode on a hull that dimensionally matched the GTI, as the two shared the same deck. Below the bondline, the RXP-X hull featured a prominent keel and soft (or rounded) outer chines that permit the craft to roll heavily into a corner. The keel is flanked by two lifting strakes for less friction.
The natural tendency for the RXP-X is to snap off lightning quick hairpin turns, similar to how McKercher in the video attached below, compares to a sportbike. The RXP-X’s intended design is for super-aggressive buoy course racing, so few are surprised at how responsive it is to steering input while at speed. While some might call it “unforgiving” the performance enthusiast will cheer it on. It all depends on your riding style. Conversely, the larger, full-sized 3-seater RXT-X 300 rides on Sea-Doo’s ST3 hull, introduced for 2018. The hull itself is a modified-V shape, featuring a sharper keel at the bow, gradually softening as it flows aft.
Directly in opposition of the RXP-X, the ST3 hull has prominently sharp chines, giving the craft far superior stability at lower speeds but slightly less intuitive handling when under throttle. The sides flanking the dihedral keel are surprisingly smooth, giving the ST3 a larger wetted surface than the T3 hull or the previous S3 hull shape. While this ought to produce more drag, the ST3 is also marked with a quartet of lifting strakes reducing drag and helping the craft rise to plane far quicker than previous full-sized Sea-Doo runabouts. This design has helped give the RXT-X 300 one of the fastest idle-to-60mph speeds in the industry (we know because we proved it here and here).
All that being said, the RXT-X 300 (and other ST3-based runabouts) offer a king’s ransom of features and accessories not available on the purpose-built RXP-X 300; namely, Sea-Doo’s center storage system, the absolutely killer BRP Premium Audio System, and the LinQ accessory platform, permitting the attachment of the Retractable Ski Pylon, LinQ cooler, fuel caddy or extra storage bag. Equally, all ST3-based machines offer tilt steering, deep footwells, and a huge swim platform to enjoy. So while engine performance and top speed are near equal between the two machines, how the RXP-X 300 and RXT-X 300 employ that power is very, very different.
Wow! The members of Jet Ski Club Stavanger have done it again. HDScreenerX has pulled off another epic YouTube clip. The footage through the Norwegian Fjords is absolutely mesmerizing. It’s a sight to behold and it was shot when the club kicked off an early season launch this year. The crew was underway at 6 am and headed out for a 125-mile ride. Along the way, the air temperatures fluctuated between a frigid 28.4 F and a chilly 44.6 F. The riders were in proper riding gear for the conditions.
The journey was filmed using the Insta360 One X and that camera is a must have! The footage from this trip is crisp and clean, making the scenes pop! The material is captured in a way that makes us feel as though we’re there. Add the music and it’s like the icing on the cake!
The four riders traveled on their sleek Sea-Doo RXT’s from Sandnes-Hjelmeland-Okstrafjorden, and to Josenfjorden.
One can’t refrain from being sucked into the gorgeous water world of Norway. The water was pristine and like a slick sheet of glass. The crew was definitely greeted with optimal conditions. Jet Ski Club Stavanger is hard-core! We’re looking forward to the next epic video!
With everything going on in the world regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be hard to find the positive in any situation. While many of us have all be told to social distancing, wear masks and to stay healthy, how can you find the positive in our daily lives?
The answer is Kawasaki Motor Corporation. Kawasaki has long been a name in the PWC industry with their beginning models of stand up JetSkis to now 300hp PWC’s that are being used to race offshore. While they may be a big company, they sure do know how to make each transaction personal. They are continuing to make each transaction personal by offering their new “Home Delivery Program.” They understand how COVID-19 presents a challenge but they still want to supply anything they offer to their customers.
Whether you need a new part for your JetSki SX-R or looking to upgrade your closet with some fresh new gear, Kawasaki will ship your orders through a third-party or common carrier. If you are purchasing a new vehicle, a trained dealership employee will personally deliver your new PWC to your house. By staying a safe distance back, they will walk you through operating the JetSki, regular maintenance and how to operate it safely. You will still get that same, personal interaction you would get at the dealership except now you are getting your new toy deliver right to your front porch!
Kawasaki Vice President, Sales and Operation, Bill Jenkins says, “In these unprecedented times, Kawasaki is looking to ease some of the burdens facing everyone and give them the opportunity to experience the Good Times again.”
Kawasaki Dealers across the nation want to make sure that everyone that joins the Kawasaki family receive the same treatment, no matter the circumstances. So, if you are getting restless at home and it is safe to going out on the water in your state, place your order today with Kawasaki and enjoy the “Good Time.”
Some companies are known for marking up all their items and running big sales throughout the year. While you may think that you are getting a good deal with a yellow discount sticker on it, you are actually paying the going rate. However, Yamaha is not like that. Yamaha prices all of their WaveRunners to compete with their competitors and provide a great value to all of their customers.
If you are looking to dive into the world of owning a PWC or looking to upgrade, now is the time to do so. Why, because Yamaha is offering $500 off every new Yamaha WaveRunner and zero down, zero interest and zero payment for the first 3 months! This is an unbelievable deal that will not last long. Saving $500 can be a huge saver and allow you to spend that extra money on gas and other accessories for your new WaveRunner.
You may ask where you can find one of the many models of WaveRunner’s Yamaha has to offer. Well look no further than Cycle Springs Powersports. Cycle Springs has been a long time Yamaha dealer and want to assist you with your purchase of a WaveRunner. They have a huge inventory and knowledge to answer any of your questions.
With beach’s starting to open up again around the US, now is the time to purchase a new WaveRunner. Going out and riding by yourself is a great way to experience the outdoors in a safe manner. For any questions, call Cycle Spring Powersports today!
Those of you who have ordered some parts from Greenhulk PWC Performance in the last few days might have noticed some very big changes. For those of you who haven’t visited the website, it has received a major makeover.
That’s right, the GreenhulkStore now has a brand new website which has been completely renovated to give customers an easy shopping experience.
GreenHulk is still committed to being the PWC enthusiast’s one stop shop when it comes to performance parts and factory replacement items, but now the browsing and searching of items becomes a whole lot easier with newly added features.
This includes a new search feature which takes all of the guesswork out of selecting the right parts.
As always, the GreenHulk Store strives to offer the absolute best customer service in the industry but don’t just take our word for it. Check out owner/operator Jerry Gaddis’s post about the new website.
GreenHulk still carries the same quality aftermarket parts and accessories that have been tested and proven. You can also still get all of the information, reviews, and discussions on many of the parts and PWC topics from end-users via the GreenHulk.net forum.
For all of the latest info, you can check out the post link above and head on over to The GreenHulkStore to start shopping today.
As cliché as it sounds, safety never takes a break. While safety may not be on your mind while pushing your supercharged PWC to its limits, it should be. Almost all riders wear their life vests but if you are needing to upgrade your or looking to make a statement, check out Slippery’s 2020 Lineup of Life Vests. Slippery offers nine different life vest that fit everyone from male to female, child and dogs.
Poorly made life vests can make a day out on the water miserable, whether it be from rubbing on your skin or worse, not doing its job. However, Slippery had designed each one of their life vests to make sure they are comfortable, give you the most flexibility and protect you if you fall off your PWC. Their Array Side Entry Life Vest is the perfect option for individuals who enjoy comfort and do not want to feel restricted when moving. It provides you with the ultimate flexibility and range of motion for your arms so that you can safely operate your PWC. With multiple color options, this is a great option for $99.95
Another great option is the Surge Neo Vest. This vest is for the most wicked and aggressive riders as it has a heavy-duty zipper in the front and a hidden back belt. This model comes in two high-visibility colors and in black. While nobody plans on falling off their PWC, if it happens, wearing a high-visibly color life vest is great for someone rescuing you. This model is also a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type 3 PFD. Slippery also offers a women’s Electra Neo Vest that is made specifically for a females figure.
Slippery also offers a few different models in their “economical package”. The Impulse Black Nylon Vest is great for regular recreation that can be tighten or loosened to fit any rider. With a price tag of $27.95, this is a great product for friends to throw on when going out on a ride.
They also offer Youth and Children vests that are perfect for the young kids. However, if the whole family is out having fun, the family dog is bound to get jealous. Slippery offers a Pet Vest that has a strap under the neck and two straps around the torso to provide a snug fit for the dog.
With the weather turning warm and summertime quickly approaching now is the time to upgrade your life vest to Slippery’s new 2020 Lineup. They have something for everyone and can look good as well. Slippery is a trusted name in the PWC community and provide its members with quality products that will last years. Check them out today!
Yamaha has put together a neatly packaged “how to” video that takes you through every step when you’re ready to add an EX Audio Package to your WaveRunner. The steps are easy to follow, though it is recommended that you have the factory service manual nearby for reference.
Before beginning installation, make sure your WaveRunner is level and secure on a stand or a trailer. Gather all of the necessary tools. These include: a drill with a ¼ inch bit, socket wrench, torque wrench, 3-inch extension, 7/16-inch socket, 10 mm socket, #4 Allen socket, 7/16-inch wrench,5/8-inch wrench, 10MM wrench, and a marker. The audio kit includes: Two T-Bolt couplers, Four ram ball mounts, nuts and washers, and a template.
After everything is gathered, begin installation by cutting out the template and hold in place using painters’ tape. Match the template to the style lines on the EX and then using the center point on the template, mark the location on the WaveRunner and drill a hole using the ¼” drill bit.
Remove seat and the two fasteners from side cover then unscrew the 10MM bolt from the top cover. Now you have access to install the ball mount. Place the mount into the drilled hole and fasten the washer and nut to the mount. Finger tightens.
Using the 5/8” wrench to hold the mount, torque it to the proper specs. Install the round base ram ball into the bottom of speaker. Attach the coupler to the ball mount and tighten everything.
Now reinstall the top cover and side panel. Repeat the process for the other side and you’ll be ready to turn on and listen to music the next time you’re underway on your Yamaha WaveRunner!
Sealver Wave boats are special. They stand out and make an impression. Why? Because they offer multiple models that fit anyone’s lifestyle. One of their most popular models is their Z Hevo lineup. The Z Hevo lineup offers their traditional boat that is powered by a PWC but they also offer other outboard models.
The Z Hevo lineup provides its riders with comfort without sacrificing performance. The Z-Line WB Z6 Hevo is their shortest model but has enough room for seven passengers. Most PWC’s only fit 2 to 3 people so adding a Z6 Hevo to your arsenal allows you to enjoy your time on the water with even more friends and family.
You’ll also look great too with the gorgeous hull and teak foam carpet. With the weather quickly turning for the better, this is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their ride. The Z6 comes in two options, Standard and Full Wake. The Full Wake comes equipped with a wakeboard tower, two rear sunbathing seats and much more.
The Z-Line WB Z7 Hevo is a step up from the Z6 because it offers a 21’ hull. This means if you have a larger family or wish to take your friends out on the water, you’ll have plenty of room to fit all eight passengers. The Z7 is the perfect models if you are looking for a larger boat but still want the maneuverability of a smaller boat.
Its modern design requires very little maintenance which allows you to spend more time on the water. The Z7 also comes in two options, Standard and Full Wake. While there is nothing wrong with choosing the standard option, the Full Wake offers many amenities that makes your time on the water the best.
The last model in the Z Hevo family is the Z-Line WB Z8 Hevo. This model is almost sure to turn everyone’s head at any beach. With an overall length of 24’, you’ll have more than enough room to enjoy with all ten passengers. This model is a great choice if you love to go on longer rides or travel to different marinas.
The Z8 comes equipped with an extra 26 gallons of fuel which allows you to travel to further places. While you may think that it will be hard to maneuver a 24’ boat from a PWC, you are wrong. Sealver states that “You’ll feel like you’re in control of a powerful, premium sedan”. The Z8 comes in three options, Standard, Medium and Full Wake.
Whether the Z6, Z7 or Z8 works better for your family, they all allow you to detach your PWC if needed. So, if you need to ride over to the fuel dock but don’t want to take the whole family with, join the Sealver Z Hevo family today. Check out Sealver Waveboats website today to find more information and find a dealer near you!
The world of professional jet ski racing has experienced tectonic changes since the days when Larry Rippenkroeger once ruled the water. In those nascent years, earning an IJSBA championship required athletes to excel at buoy course racing, slalom and freestyle. You had to be a triple threat. Yet, to the victor went the spoils, as huge payouts from big name tour sponsors lured athletes from across the globe. Corporate support yielded big dollar results wherein team riders could literally be full-time racers. The stakes were higher, the competition fiercer, and the energy was radioactive.
Yet, as the current world of professional jet ski racing is so dramatically distanced from those early years, it gives Rippenkroeger’s “Hot Water” an underlying melancholic sentimentality that lurks beneath the surface – particularly for the audience who remember what “it used to be like.”
Initially, that’s what many of us felt Rippenkroeger’s film was targeting to do: illustrate an optimized world where professional jet ski racing thrived in a modern world. A sort of thesis on “how it ought to be.” Rather, “Hot Water” leaves out any commentary on the current state of the sport or how it could be bettered.
Of course, challenging the status quo was never Rippenkroeger’s intent. “Hot Water” began as a collection of vignettes, scenes reenacting anecdotes collected over decades spent on the road competing on the IJSBA National Tour.
It was only in lacing these events into a cohesive narrative did the film’s story begin to form: a hotshot kid with aspirations to be a professional jet ski racer is taken under the wing of a retired undefeated champion. Albeit formulaic, this structure follows American mythologist Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey almost to a “T”, all amid a backdrop of a fictional National Tour and extraneous circumstances.
Campbell details the hero’s journey in seven key steps: 1. the call to action; 2. crossing the threshold from the known to the unknown; 3. receiving supernatural aid from a teacher or mentor; 4. making new allies; 5. facing challenges and/or temptations; 6. reaching the abyss, death and rebirth; 7. returning home a transformed being. This template underpins almost all of the greatest tales ever told, be them historical fact or entertaining fiction. From the life of Jesus Christ to that of Luke Skywalker. Many screenwriters follow it unknowingly, while others hold to it like a navigational chart.
The proverbial hot shot in Rippenkroeger’s “Hot Water” is Glenn McCuen playing novice racer Billy Burnett. For the most part, McCuen’s portrayal is somewhat monotone, letting the actor’s wry smile carry his Burnett through most of the film’s 100-minute runtime. It’s only in Burnett’s lowest point do we see McCuen give his character something truly to bite into. [minor spoiler alert] As he contemplates quitting, McCuen tries to play it cool over the phone to his mother, but we the audience know – as does his mom, played by Vanessa Angel – that Burnett is at his lowest point. It’s brief but it’s easily McCuen’s best scene.
Serving as Burnett’s mentor is 5-time World Champion jet ski racer Jared Harper played by Hallmark Channel go-to and “90210” heartthrob Trevor Donovan. Initially, Donovan’s Harper is entirely all-too one-dimensional as the reticent veteran unsure of his newest ward. Harper is a neutral character, never giving the audience reason to like or dislike him, as his irritation with Brunett is equal to the viewer’s. And somewhat comedically, after multiple mentions of Harper’s time spent with monks in Tibet (wait, what?) when it’s time for Harper to impart some mystical wisdom, Donovan produces actually pragmatic advice.
Despite Donovan’s near entire screentime seen either half, or in one extended scene, completely naked, it’s in “Hot Water’s” quietest scene [minor spoiler alert] where a newly humbled Harper confronts Burnett’s distant father where Donovan’s talent truly shines. In doing so Harper successfully marries the two halves of his student’s fractured world, gifting Burnett the means to carry forward. It too survives as a slow paced character piece in the midst of the whirlwind that is an action comedy, so be warned. If you blink, you might miss it. But it’s there, and its easily the second best scene in the film. Donovan and Michael Papajohn do great work here.
Yet, the film’s greatest standout is Nikki Leigh playing Burnett’s love interest and Women’s National Champion, Kelly Weber. Not only is Weber’s story arc demonstrably more compelling than the rest of the characters, but Leigh’s performance is easily the strongest of the cast. In what could have been a thankless role, Leigh’s Weber is complex, nuanced, and thoughtful. It’s clear Rippenkroeger saw this during the production and gave Leigh the film’s climax. Weber’s conflict isn’t so much between risking her career for a newfound relationship, but risking the safety of her current sponsorship for winning on her own terms. Her motives are her own. Again, Leigh’s performance here is the film’s high point.
[Minor spoilers ahead] Burnett’s arc from an arrogant-yet-talented jet skier to a polished racer as well as a team player is satisfactory, and in pushing through his tendency to quit when the going gets tough, he regains his father’s trust. Conversely, Harper’s distancing from the sport is never truly resolved; he left due to an injury and fear of failing were he to return. Doing so vicariously through Burnett provides this resolution, but its less personal. Weber’s is the most triumphant; having labored to achieve her success, she openly defies protocol to win – both morally and professionally – on her terms.
I was disappointed to see the film’s conclusion literally shown in the promotional material. Burnett’s conclusive win, flanked by his teammates, love interest and estranged father was featured in both the teaser trailer and on the website. It’s a small irritation, given that it would be wholly expected that the hero would succeed in his goal – particularly in a film like this, but it would’ve been nice to have kept some scenes a secret. And while trying to play the typical foil to the protagonists, Brian Combs’ dastardly Richard Hurt is entirely underdeveloped – being told of his underhanded ways rather than being shown. [end spoilers]
In all, “Hot Water” is a really fun, summertime romp that’s reminiscent of equally low budget action comedies like “Ski School,” “Rad” and “Airborne” chocked full of on-the-water jet ski racing action, attractive people and about 1 1/2-minutes of Chris MacClugage’s buck naked buttocks. (No, really.) With all of that, “Hot Water” is well worth the price of admission. Even without COVID-19 shutting down cinemas, “Hot Water” was not expected to see a widespread theatrical release. So permitting folks to digitally rent the film via Vimeo was a smart strategic move, and will hopefully drum up the kind of word of mouth that propelled theater underdogs into cult classics like “This is Spinal Tap” and “Dazed and Confused.”
Yet, as the current world of professional jet ski racing is so dramatically distanced from those early years, it gives Rippenkroeger’s 
