After two-plus-months of mandatory shut down for fear of spreading a relatively unknown virus to the most susceptible members of society, we’re finally seeing large swathes of the nation retract its more confining restrictions. While federal restrictions have been lifted, states’ governors are left to decide the best course of action for their respective citizens. Florida’s Ron DeSantis recently announced a grueling 60 day extension of the state’s Phase 1 precautions.
While potentially destructive economic results may result from this, others are desperately pushing to “return to normal” by continuing to produce goods and offer services. One such is RIVA Racing. As folks are constrained to their homes, RIVA’s been seeing massive spikes in web traffic and even phone inquiries to its tech and service lines, but many are afraid that orders simply won’t be fulfilled. Not so! In a recent phone call with RIVA President, Dave Bamdas, he assured, “RIVA Racing is open for business! Our team is filling orders, answering emails and calls and are ready to help you have the best season possible.”
Whether you’re looking to swap out broken or faded plastics with factory-correct replacements, increase your PWC’s handling prowess or acceleration, or itching to pick up a few more miles-per-hour, RIVA Racing’s team is ready to discuss your performance goals! RIVA’s staff of performance experts is there to support you with professional advice on your PWC project. And don’t think that their R&D team have taking this time off, either. Massive gains have been achieved on their private test lake, and RIVA Racing will be rolling out some awesome new products for Yamaha and Sea-Doo runabouts in the coming weeks and months!
Yamaha Motor Australia believes in looking out for its customers and in its latest press release; the company lives up to its reputation by offering three months extended warranty. By doing this, Yamaha Motor Australia is alleviating some of the pressure put on folks who are living in these uncertain times.
The initiative has been put forth to ensure that customers who are unable to use their Yamaha products during the lockdown. This way they aren’t left disadvantaged by not being able to use their Yamaha brand vehicles and their warranties aren’t going to waste.
The Three-Month Warranty Extension applies to all motorcycle, outboards, and WaveRunner products. The warranty also applies to groups between April 1 and June 30, 2020, which includes existing warranty holders, warranties that expire during that period, and new models purchased between those dates. The extension does not apply to ATV’s or ROV’s.
“We are all in this together,” says YMA Chief Operating Officer and Director Brad Ryan. “And we are constantly looking to introduce initiatives that offer both our dealers and customers more confidence in these uncertain times.”
Sea-Doo knew it had something special on its hands when it first developed a runabout specifically for tow sports way back in 2005. Fitted with a semi-collapsible ski pylon and rail-mounted board rack, the “Wake Series” began as a trim option on the GTX line. Fifteen years later, the two Wake series offerings are their own Sea-Doo models delivering three times the fun per hour all while maintaining the same spirit and formula as its first ancestor.
Every year, we at The Watercraft Journal are lucky enough to be provided a long term test unit to use as we wish, and rack up as many miles as we can muster over that season. While we’ve had our share of race-ready supercharged machines over the years, when it came time to select one unit from the entire 2019 lineup, we opted for the top-of-the-line Wake Pro 230 without a moment’s hesitation.
Why, you may ask? Because few watercraft available from Sea-Doo allow so much versatility, range of use, and just plain enjoyment as the ever-popular Wake series. And yes, it’s true! Sea-Doo’s Wake models (whether its the full-sized ST3-based Wake Pro 230 like we selected, or the smaller, naturally-aspirated Wake 155) continue today as some of the most popular, highest selling models sold by Sea-Doo – and all for the very same reasons we mentioned.
The 2019 Wake Pro 230 we received shares the same Teal Blue Metallic and Lava Red livery as the 2018 model, where it debuted on the then all-new ST3 platform. Made entirely from Sea-Doo’s proprietary CM-Tech material, sheets of fiberglass are pressurized in a closed mold into a pre-formed shape – a process that leaves the inside of the hull and deck with a smooth, almost chalky surface, ideal for service technicians and home mechanics tired of the scratches that raw chopped fiberglass can leave on their hands and arms.
The hull design itself is a bit of an amalgam. The knife-like vertical bow borrows heavily from the RXP-X 300, featuring an aggressive 23-degree deadrise flanked by smooth-sided convex coves. This allows the craft to split a path through waves and rollers, but also has a tendency to hunt like a forward-mounted rudder, as well as pitch over to the inside of a slow turn. When throttled out, the heavy lean can overpower the tail’s flattened running surface and cause a temporary loss of traction, breaking free and even spinning out – similar to smaller, more playful units like a Spark or GTI.
Wide-set, hard-edged chines at the hull’s outermost edges give the ST3 its remarkable stability, particularly while stationary or operating at slow speeds. This permits passengers to move around freely without feeling uneasy or imbalanced. Adding to the Wake’s increased balance is the lowered Ergolock seating – the bench and footwells have been sunk deeper into the hull, optimizing the craft’s center of gravity. Additionally, the Wake Pro’s voluminous footwells mean standing up and moving positions isn’t the cramped exercise it might’ve been on previous models.
Extra ease of motion for the passengers is provided through a redesigned folding swim step, and inset re-boarding hand grips molded into the new LinQ accessory platform integrated into the deck. All ST3-based Sea-Doos, including the Wake Pro 230, feature this modular system that permits the attachment of a LinQ accessory: be it a 4.2-gallon cooler, a 4-gallon fuel caddy, a watertight dry bag, or even the gargantuan 13.5-gallon cooler previously exclusive to the Fish Pro. Either way, the Wake Pro is incredibly versatile when it comes to accessorizing to fit your needs.
Of course, a major feature of the LinQ platform is also standard equipment: the inclusion of the retracting ski pylon. Extending to 3-times its height, the BRP Retractable Ski Pylon is ideal for towing low-drag wake skaters, wake boarders and lightweight water skiers. A reinforced tow eye is also integrated into the rear of the hull if you so choose to tow a raft or heavier skier behind the Wake Pro. Equally, the Wake Pro 230 includes an easily removable, padded wake board rack that snaps in place alongside the passenger side bond rail.
For the operator, the Wake Pro 230 provides some unique features not found on any other brand. Most notable is the Wake Pro’s digitally-controlled Ski Mode. Providing the pilot a sequence of launch settings to select from, Ski Mode throttles the Sea-Doo’s rate of acceleration from incredibly mild to surprisingly aggressive. Toggling through the Ski mode pre-sets is done easily using the handlebar-mounted thumb pads. The 7.6-inch wide digital display telegraphs the Ski Mode settings, VTS trim attitude, fuel and other vitals in big, bold typeface that’s easy to read at most any speed.
With the 2018 redesign also came the phasing out of conventional Cruise Control. Rather, Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) software employs a clever Speed Mode, as indicated by a small tachometer icon on the left-hand side thumb pad. Speed Mode serves two functions: when in Neutral or Forward without the throttle engaged, Speed Mode works as “Slow Speed Mode” providing several No Wake Zone idle speeds. While under throttle, Speed Mode locks in a designated top speed that cannot be surpassed, but allows the pilot to ease off the throttle without cancelling the preset, providing a tertiary purpose of eliminating the need for a “Learner” lanyard.
Seeing as our Wake Pro 230 was on the new ST3 platform, it also meant that we enjoyed the easy access center storage system. Rather than having to double over the handlebars, two durable plastic latches unhinged the top deck and center console to reveal a massive center bin and filler neck. While this arrangement (paired with the tiny glove box and integrated waterproof phone case) reduces the full-sized runabout’s total storage down to a meager 27-gallons; when upgraded with the optional storage divider and cargo bag, bringing along extra sunscreen or a pair of flip flops became far less unruly.
Over the course of the year, we racked up just over 30 hours of riding time, which we know to many might not sound like much time at all, but considering how many makes and models we test throughout the year, it was significant. Mainly stored outside, our 2019 Wake Pro 230 never failed or disappointed. Although, without the use of a UV-protective cover, the black plastic surrounding the gauge cluster and handlebars began to discolor. We tried several restorative products to bring the plastic’s luster back but never found one that lasted more than a few days.
With 230 supercharged-and-intercooled horsepower on tap from its Rotax 1500 HO ACE, we maxed out at 65 miles per hour – a respectable speed for a family-focused runabout tipping the scales at 815-pounds. As our Wake Pro 230 came equipped with the aforementioned onboard stereo, our unit carries an MSRP of $15,599 – not exactly an impulse purchase by most family’s budget.
Interestingly, with Sea-Doo standardizing the attachment point for the retractable ski pylon across all ST3 and GTI runabouts in 2020, and the pylon and the removable board rack being made available through Sea-Doo’s Parts & Accessories division, there’s very little left to distinguish the Wake Pro 230 from an equally-powered GTX, save for maybe the Ski Mode program, which also can be upgraded to any iControl-powered unit.
While there’s zero threat of the Wake Pro 230 going away, it would be nice to see some added features like larger rear view mirrors and footwell drains, as both items offer specific benefits to those using their Wake Pro for tow sports as it was intended. In either way, the 2019 Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230 was a definite crowd-pleaser, never let us down over the course of the year, and fetched plenty of looks while towing it to and from the launch ramp, which is always nice.
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!
The initiative has been put forth to ensure that customers who are unable to use their Yamaha products during the lockdown. This way they aren’t left disadvantaged by not being able to use their Yamaha brand vehicles and their warranties aren’t going to waste.
