“Whooo!” Florida Ski Riders’ founder and Sea-Doo ambassador Randy Cabrera howls like a waterborne Rick Flair. Donning his latest officially-branded FL Ski Riders’ jersey and embroidered hat, Cabrera pushes his silvery 2020 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 through a serpentine trail of grassy knolls and clusters of mangroves that litter the horizon and make navigating the labyrinthine waterways a dizzying affair. Only when we’re shown the occasional aerial shot via drone does one get a better scope of the maze he is traversing.
What Cabrera’s video demonstrates is what we at The Watercraft Journal and several more experienced riders have deduced for a while; the current Sea-Doo’s difficulty in negotiating tight, turbulent waters. Pay careful attention to how often Cabrera pins the handlebars to their stops while trying to make a hairpin. Even while feathering the throttle, the ST3 hull pushes Cabrera wide, almost into the grass despite being pinned to the side. Cabrera tilts hard, shifting his weight left to right, but the hull breaks its line and pushes outside of the apex again and again.
More importantly, Cabrera is a conservative rider. He’s not one for dangerous showboating or stunts. He knows when to get on the throttle and not; and his throttle control is more-or-less on point here. Nevertheless, the ST3 presents Cabrera a few too many close calls, to which he instinctively reacts with a “Whooo!” When leading the pack, Cabrera’s GTX sluices a trail rather naturally; yet, when navigating through wash, the hull is often prey to the whims of the leader’s wake. Thankfully, deep-set RIVA Pro-Series sponsons and some cleaver trimming has all but solved this issue for the big 3-seater, as we’ve proven HERE.
When you own a Sea-Doo Watercraft, you live for the moment, you own the experience, and you truly live the #seadoolife.
Just take it from one of the many Sea-Doo Ambassadors who perfect their own niche of respective sports or lifestyles. Each of them shows us what it means to live this lifestyle and how a Sea-Doo watercraft really transforms your adventures. It opens up a world of possibilities.
Over the years, we have gotten to know some of these adventurous ambassadors. From Anthony Radetic and Erminio Iantosca, two world-class Sea-Doo racers, to Randy Cabrera, founding member of one of the largest personal watercraft groups, Florida Ski Riders.
Sea-Doo has been adding to the list of their awesome Ambassadors including wake skater Nick Taylor who shows us that a Sea-Doo is a perfect tool for doing water tow sports. As Nick explains, “You don’t need a $150,000 boat to have fun!”
Additionally, complementing their wildly popular Fish Pro Sea-Doo, we have seen a rise in Ambassadors who love the sport of fishing. Take for example Bri Andrassy and Cameron Kirkconnell as well as a list of others.
So, check them out and start learning about all of the ways that you can live the Sea-Doo life.
It’s back for 2020! The Sea-Doo dream giveaway contest returns again this year giving you another chance to win your very own Sea-Doo Watercraft.
That’s right, you can win any Sea-Doo of your choice that will come fully accessorized at your discretion. It even comes with a Sea-Doo Move trailer so that you can tow your glossy new unit to the water. If you’ve dreamed about getting on the water and riding, now is your chance.
You will have to hang on tight though because the drawing isn’t until December 11, 2020. A prize definitely worth waiting for though and what a score that would be just in time for Christmas.
So, get your entry in folks because this year could be yours to walk away with your very own dream Sea-Doo.
Many of you PWC and powersports enthusiasts order parts as if it’s a weekly or monthly ritual. While researching about certain parts to upgrade on your current ride, you may not realize how valuable that information really is. If you are someone who loves the powersports industry and is looking to transfer your knowledge to work for a family owned company, check out Cycle Springs Powersports located in Clearwater, Florida.
Cycle Springs Powersports is currently looking for an individual to be their new parts specialist. This is a full-time position and provides you with the opportunity to use your knowledge and help others in the powersports industry. While working for a family owned business, you will be treated like so as one of their employees. While it is not guaranteed, having previous experience in parts and shipping is a huge plus. Cycle Springs Powersports offers great benefits and perks to their employees aswell.
Cycle Springs Powersports has been around for 31 years and has built a strong reputation. With hundreds of positive reviews online, this is a great place to work. For more information, click the link here to start the online application.
The job would be located at their storefront at 29703 US-19, Clearwater, FL 33761. Even if you are located out of the state, Cycle Springs may be able to help with relocation costs.
A few months back, we found ourselves in a conversation with Nelson at PWC Super Rack, LLC. We at The Watercraft Journal were toying with the idea of a “carry as much gas as you can” endurance ride, and they were manufacturer we wanted most to speak with, especially as the ride was set for either the Panama Beach, Florida area or the Intracoastal Waterway up Florida’s eastern shore, and PWC Super Rack calls South Florida home.
For those uninitiated, PWC Super Rack is quickly becoming the single-most popular storage accessory for watercraft enthusiasts in Florida, the Gulf and up the Atlantic Coast. In one of those “Five-Year-Overnight-Success” stories, PWC Super Rack built its business upon the credo that there is always room for someone who offers either a superior product or is easier to work with. It just so happens that PWC Super Rack offers both.
Nelson happily obliged to provide us with one of their racks to test. The problem was that the runabout we had planned to use – a 2019 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO – was required back at Yamaha, and the rack that was sent was specifically designed to match the Yamaha’s swim platform. Needing someone with such a machine who could rightly tally up as many miles as possible, we turned to Tom Hill, who many will remember from our tutorial on installing a Raymarine Axiom 7 Chartplotter and Transducer on a ’19 Yamaha FX HO.
After several months of cold weather testing, Tom came back all smiles. “After looking this Super Rack all over before install I was impressed with the build quality. The fit and finish are excellent.” All PWC Super Racks are hand-fabricated to exacting specifications in the United States. More importantly, PWC Super Racks offers an array of sizes, shapes, applications and fitments to precisely fit both your PWC and your intended use (gas cans, coolers, fishing gear, etc.).
“Sliding the rack on from the rear of my Yamaha FX Cruiser was pretty straightforward,” Tom began. “I liked the way Super Rack [lines the transom hooks with foam] making sure it was centered. [It] shows that someone took their time with an actual 2019 Yamaha FX to get the fit perfect. Hooking the stainless steel turnbuckle to the ski’s tow hook was a little time consuming – not bad – but not bolt on and go.”
Tom continues, “I removed the rear seat first. Then had to unscrew the turnbuckle to get the end out so I could turn it at a 45-degree angle to get the bolt to go through the tow hook. Once the bolt was in I screwed the turnbuckle back together.” The stainless bolt has a small hole drilled in the bottom for a safety ring so there’s no chance of the nut coming off. The hole is pretty small, so Tom used a small screwdriver to pry open the ring so it would slide through.
We also supplied Tom with a pair of 5-gallon SureCan jerry cans to try out. “Perfect fit, very nice. The two SureCan’s extra 5-gallons [added up to an] extra 10-gallons, which is about [an added] 170-mile range [on the FX]. I like to ride hundreds of miles so this is a win for me. I also tried my two 6-gallon moto-style tanks and they fit nicely with room to spare. The SureCans fit perfectly and have a lower center of gravity than the moto tanks, but they both worked well. I also tried my Yeti 20 roadie cooler and it fit perfectly too.
“My hat’s off to Super Rack for making this size as it’s not too big and not too small. Like I said, someone put a lot of thought into the rack.” Tom noted the accessory hand hold for reboarding. “You gotta have this as the factory handle is a little longer stretch with the rack on, and that handle [made with] the same great quality as the [rest of the] rack.” He continued, “Out on the water, the Super Rack is superb. You don’t even know it’s back there. [The] weight and balance [is perfect.] I had this rack on 2-3 foot solid chop at speed and it doesn’t move.”
Again, PWC Super Rack, LLC makes all of their racks to fit your model PWC, all without using straps, bungees or rope. It’s a hard-mount system every time. Because of the unique fabrication and application options, it does mean that prices tend to vary pretty extremely. Just perusing the website, we see prices beginning at $299.99 and going as far as $749.99; so it’s important to reach out and let PWC Super Rack know exactly what you’re planning on doing. Finally Tom concluded, “I am very impressed with this Super Rack. I don’t believe you could buy a better rack than this. Yes, it’s that good. Thank you Super Rack for making a excellent product that’s nothing but quality.”
For those in the northern hemisphere, it’s time to start planning your big trips – and Broward Motorsports just announced a doozy: its 2020 Key Largo to Alligator Reef Lighthouse Rec Ride, Sponsored By Yamaha WaveRunners. Set for Sunday, May 31st, the Rec Ride will have three launches set for everyone to meet up. The map has been set and there’s a lot of fun to be had, so check out the full announcement below:
Join us on Sunday May 31st for the experience of a lifetime as we visit Key Largo, Alligator Reef Lighthouse. This ride will take us through the Florida Keys and out to visit the beautiful and popular Alligator Reef Lighthouse for some exploring and snorkeling. This area is spectacular!
We will be at Alligator Reef Lighthouse for roughly 1-2 hours. We will then head to Islamorada Sandbar to relax, eat and enjoy the area. This will also be the time to fuel up if necessary. We will make our way back to our respective launch locations around 5:30 PM.
*We will be departing the boat ramps at 10am. Please arrive 1.5 Hours to 2 Hours prior to the 10am launch time.
FOOD
• Please pack a lunch. There will be a food barge at the Islamorada Sandbar as well.
WHAT TO BRING
• Lunch
• Your anchor(s)
• Snorkeling gear: fins, goggles, etc.
• Sun block for the entire family
• Plenty of fluids
• Pack a lunch
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
• Listen for the Air horns to identify launch times at each stop
• After the Air horn, you have 10 minutes to load and prep your
Ski(s)
• Please follow the lead skis and do not pass them
• With many out-of-town riders, it’s imperative we ride together
RIDE GROUPS: Florida PWC Riders
SPONSORS: Yamaha WaveRunners, Finn GPS, Worx Racing, PWC Super Rack, SureCan USA, and ShockStrap
We have seen a rise in the market for portable fuel cans. Various companies as well as watercraft manufacturers have come up with ways to allow riders to carry extra fuel for those long trips.
But how about the market for carrying and transferring other types of fluid. Maybe you want to carry water for those beach trips, top off your closed-loop cooling system without risk of spilling coolant everywhere, or simply perform yard tasks like watering plants.
Well SureCan USA has come out with a multi-purpose utility transfer tank to perform those various tasks. Now with the push of a button you can easily transfer other common fluids from their two- or five-gallon cans.
For more information on these new products, visit the link above and check out the full press release below.
SURECAN ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT FOR DISPENSING WATER, (DEF) DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID, & OTHER NON-FUEL-BASED LIQUIDS.
SURECAN is stepping outside the fuel can sphere of product applications and entering new markets geared towards dispensing water, (DEF) diesel exhaust fluid, and other non-fuel-based liquids. This new Multipurpose Utility Transfer Tank opens the door to vast new markets and makes performing daily tasks much easier! From watering plants, washing your hands/dishes while camping, to filling up the dog’s water bowl, these are just three simple things made easier by SureCan’s new Utility Tank. Other applications include but are not limited to:
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
Windshield wiper fluid
Coolant
And many more!
Trent Woolsey, Director of Marketing for SureCan said, “It’s a no-brainer when you think about it. The technology built into our products allows you to press a button with your thumb and dispense the liquid contents from the bottom of the SureCan. This simple process makes dispensing liquid, so much easier and less strenuous on the user.” SureCan’s flagship gas cans have already revolutionized the portable fuel can industry, through innovation into a market that has not seen anything like it in decades. SureCan is doing it again by bringing this same concept to other markets. “We see a huge opportunity to expand our brand offering by producing products that makes life a whole lot easier!” continues Trent.
The SureCan Multipurpose Utility Transfer Tank comes in both 2+ Gallon & 5 Gallon capacities and will be introduced into the market on Wednesday February 19th, 2020. You can purchase the Utility Transfer Can directly on SureCan’s website at www.surecanusa.com/utility. Look for the SureCan Utility Transfer Can to be in stores near you, this Spring.
SureCan Incorporated is headquartered in Ogden, Utah. SureCan manufactures the world’s best and most innovative fuel cans, and “now”, a functional and usable utility can, will soon be in the market. Winner of many national awards such as the Most Innovative New Product Award and Retailers Choice Award at the National Hardware show, as well as a global Edison Award Silver Winner. SureCan is changing the way one may dispense fuel and other liquids from a Portable Can.
It’s hard to believe that 2020 spring PWC racing is only a month away. The Hydro-Turf Jet Jam Racing Tour will kick off with rounds one, two, and three of the South Series. The closed course action begins March 28-29 at the Nautical Resort in Lake Havasu, AZ. The second event gets underway April 18-19 and the third race takes place May 16 -17.
Participants must register with American Watersports Association (AWSA) in order to compete in the Hydro-Turf Jet Jam Racing Tour. Find that information here.
Jet Jam racing is all about family-friendly events. The races consist of world class pros who have a fun place to really turn it on while showcasing their talents without the usual pressures of world title contention. Amateurs get to show off what they know and also have a cool place to learn new skills from the cream of the crop.
Jet Jam also hosts adult and children’s events in and out of the water. Everyone has an opportunity to participate in something fun!
The North Series heads to Lake Success in Porterville, CA from June 6-7. Round two action happens in Camp Far West in Wheatland, CA. The race runs June 20-21. The final round of the North Series goes down in Mossdale Lake in Lathrop, CA on August 1 and 2.
There are Jet Jam Racing Classes for everyone from ages and older. Check out the list of classes here.
Registration is open for rounds one and two of the South Series. If you aren’t already a member of the AWSA, a link to purchase an AWSA membership is on the registration page as well.
Be sure to stop by and say hi to the crew at the Hydro-Turf booth!
Attrition is the name of the game when it comes to PWC racing, and that is nowhere more evident than at the annual Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300. This past weekend marked the 16th annual endurance event and the lineup was a venerable who’s who of fresh-faced and weathered veteran racers.
Among the dozens of race teams ready to charge the cold and foggy shores of the Crazy Horse Resort were many riding FX Yamaha WaveRunners – and their selections served them well as many took home wins that day.
Yamaha WaveRunner racers proved again why Yamaha is the first name in professional PWC racing with wins in three top classes at the 16th Annual Mark Hahn Memorial 300 held in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
The three winning teams for Yamaha were Steve Friebe and Jerry Ham (4 Stroke N/A Open Class); Mike Neumann and Levi Sampayo (Manufacturers Stock Class); and Cassius Sanders and Cyrille Lemoine (Vet Masters Open Class).
The recently redesigned FX Series includes an all-new deck and hull well suited for open ocean and endurance racing. The new design favors stability, predictability, and comfort in choppy water conditions, all while delivering a light, nimble ride, despite its size. Powering the FX Series is the Yamaha 1.8L marine engine that comes supercharged or normally-aspirated. The Yamaha 1.8L engine is renowned for its impressive performance, reliability, and durability.
The Mark Hahn 300 is the longest personal watercraft race in the world, covering a total of 300 tough miles in 30 successive laps of a 10-mile course. There are so many variables in the event, from fuel stops, rider changes, rough water conditions, and attrition. Additionally, the race features the only true Le Mans start currently in motorsports of any type.
The RIVA Racing crew have been putting out stellar limited run skis for several years and for 2020 they one-upped themselves by building a handful of custom-built machines specific to order. These machines are all about high performance and not for the weekend-warrior type. The ski you see here was coined as a 2020 Sea-Doo RXT-X 350 and was assembled for one lucky customer. Although not specifically mentioned, the cost of this machine came in the $30,000 neighborhood and looks absolutely smokin’.
Looking sharp with its sleek bright green-on-green and black color scheme and custom-anodized gold parts, the gold adds a striking touch of bling and will definitely get the rider noticed. The watercraft is equipped with a king’s ransom of performance and handling components – offering slightly more than RIVA’s basic Stage 2 kit – that will dramatically increase the overall ride, acceleration and handling of the standard Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 from which it was based.
The build began with RIVA’s Sea-Doo RXT/GTX Pro-Series Steering System, which will aid in making those hard corners tight and controlled rather than loose and unstable. The steering shaft is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum tubing, giving it maximum strength and rigidity. Next was the addition of the billet iControl Levers. The set for Sea-Doo iControl provides superb control and comfort along with its cutting-edge design. It replaces the OEM plastic parts with high quality CNC machined throttle and brake levers. The set also features a more responsive stainless steel return for that precision feel. Anodized coatings prevent corrosion so you can run it in saltwater without a care! It will be fine.
Rounding out the rest of the handlebar package is RIVA’s 30” Pro-Bar Aluminum Handlebars, which are constructed form a proprietary aluminum alloy that provides maximum strength and reduced vibration. Reduced vibration is a must when traveling at extremely high speeds. Control at all costs is necessary and vibrating handlebars can wreak havoc by wearing you out and possibly causing the rider to experience a hard fall. The 30” Pro-Bar Aluminum Handlebars were a prime choice for both buyers.
Finally, the bars are fitted with the 2019+ RIVA Sea-Doo RXT Control Housing Switch Housing Set. It is designed to work with the original OEM control system in aftermarket steering applications. It also replaces bulky control housings, giving the craft a better look and the RIVA Billet iControl levels fit right into the housing.
The ski will handle extremely well with the combination of the RIVA steering components and the Pro-Series Sponsons. The sponsons offer improved handling and straight line stability with their deep-set blades. They also have a five-way adjustable fin system, which allows the rider to position the fins in ways that will control the overall influence they have on the craft.
The PWC is also outfitted with the Sea-Doo RXT/GTX Power Filter, RIVA MaptunerX ECU Tuning, and Solas Sea-Doo Concord SXX 13/18 Impeller. The Power Filter feeds the heavy-breathing ACE 300 supercharged engine with a constant flow of cool air, which delivers significantly improved acceleration and rpm. The Power Filter replaces the restrictive stock air box so you can go fast! The revised ECU tuner via the MaptunerX software delivers a proven engine tune to keep the ACE 300 running strong throughout the power curve.
The Solas 161 3-blade Concord Impeller increases low-end thrust and top-end speed on the 300-horsepower Sea-Doo models. The Solas impellers are comprised of high strength stainless steel. The impeller features a hub-end water seal, exclusive to Solas. The hub-end water seal reduces cavitation.
The two custom ski not only looks great and go fast, but makes some serious noise, thanks to the RIVA Sea-Doo Rear Exhaust Kit. While the kit delivers on performance and cutting-edge style, it allows for the removal of the stock sound suppression. The RIVA 4-Tec Catch Can/Engine Breather Kit stops power-robbing crank case fumes and oil vapor from the engine’s air intake. This in turn creates more horsepower due to the fact that it takes away the engine’s need to burn mostly non-combustible oil. The catch can is one more way to increase speed on these two RIVA Sea-Doo custom builds.
A nice addition to the first machine is a custom non-slip RIVA/Jettrim Seat Cover in black with silver stitching. The cover is made with ballistic nylons, ultra grade marine vinyl, and Jettrim’s exclusive Nada-Hyde, non-slip traction material. The custom PWC is rounded out with limited-edition graphics and custom gold anodized parts that sharply play off of each other and really make this machine pop! The overall appearance is bold and powerful. The PWC flies across the water at a peel-your-face-off speed of 81 mph @ 8350RPM!
Because this began as a fully-optioned 2020 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300, the custom build came with the BRP Audio-Premium System; and while this particular RIVA Sea-Doo wasn’t so equipped, RIVA has noted that other custom builds can feature custom anodizing for the speaker surrounds, to either match or play off nicely with the California Green body. As per factor, the audio system is completely integrated into the ski and has Bluetooth connectivity. The sound system is fully waterproof as well, which is definitely a good thing when you’re traveling across the water at high speeds or just cruising in general.
To reiterate RIVA’s stance on custom builds, RIVA Racing wants you to know that they are open to building custom builds. Give them a call to see what they can do. A lot has to do with ski availability, budget and time. If you really want a ski that represents you and has the specific features and parts that you want contact RIVA Racing and go all-in on custom build! You’ll be stoked!
