The next few months should be an exciting time for Australia’s Lindsay Warner as he plans to become the first person to circumnavigate around the entire Australian continent on a solo journey aboard a Kawasaki JetSki.
If successful, this journey could also put him in the records of longest open water travel as he plans to trek a total distance of 20,000 kilometers. Warner is trying to raise awareness for Men’s health issues and aims to raise $100,000 for this awareness.
This trip will hopefully help him to achieve his goal. He currently plans to commence the journey on March 1, 2020. With an expected duration estimated to be 4 or 5 months, it will still be quite some time before we know the exact date of completion.
Warner has however setup a spot app so that anyone can track the trip. This information as well as efforts on sponsoring his journey can be found in the media release below:
As a person heading towards my “senior years” I am very much aware of men’s health and the fact many men do not take the time to have regular health checks or not talk about many issues associated with my demographic.
I am hoping this trip will bring more awareness to Men’s Health and excited to raise funds for this cause. In total I am looking to raise $100,000 to assist in this awareness. I hope you can assist.
For the last 3 years I have been seriously involved in and enjoying open ocean jet ski safaris. Kangaroo Island in SA is touted as one of the most iconic, world recognised, tourist destinations but its oceans and coastlines are some of the most challenging as well. Isolated and often storm influenced, it has its challenges
In 2018, I was the first to circumnavigate Kangaroo Island on a jet ski. Traveling approx 400 kms in 12 hours, over 2 days. After this, Tasmania was calling, and in 2019, I was the first to solo circumnavigate Tasmania on a jet ski. This trip of approx. 1600 kms was achieved over 12 days.
In 2020, I will be attempting to become the first person to solo circumnavigate Australia on a jet ski; and to also reach a total distance of 20,000 kms of open water travel. This Guinness Book of Records attempt will be for the “longest open ocean, unsupported journey by aquabike (jet ski).”
The current Official Record is 3,602 kms, the current Unofficial Record is 17,267 kms. A majority of this trip will be not assisted by a ground crew and I will be relying on the generosity of many individuals at different ports of call to help with refuelling and other logistics.
This trip will commence on 1/3/20 from Exmouth in WA, travelling anti-clockwise across southern Australia, east coast and then the top end. It is expected to be about 100 days of water time and allowing 4 to 5 months to complete.
If you would also like to sponsor the costs of fuel & services, or assist in anyway, please contact me on
To track this trip, download “The Spot App” and enter Name: AUS2020 Password: LWAus2020 and you can follow me all the way.
Hydro-Turf is a well-known leader in the performance traction industry. Throughout its thirty years in business, the company has received many industry awards. Hydro-Turf continues to expand into other sports, like SUP and boating.
We at The Watercraft Journal agree that Hydro-Turf is synonymous with performance traction products. It’s rare to see a ski without a Hydro-Turf product.
Hydro-Turf uses only USA manufacturing for all of its products. The crew prides themselves on products that looks good, fit well, are made with high-quality materials and workmanship.
Now, the team has upped the game with a brand new super user-friendly website. The rebuilt site simplifies online shopping with its clean and polished look. The six drop down menus at the top of the page make it so much easier to find items. They are categorized in a way that makes sense and won’t get you lost while perusing.
Checkout is a breeze with the new shopping cart. Enter your address and the cost of shipping pops up. You can also create an account to make your checkout experience that much easier and quicker. When you finish shopping, pay securely through PayPal and kick back and wait.
According to the Hydro-Turf website, most orders ship within 5 business days, including expedited shipping methods. Should you need to place a rush order, please contact the office. Seat Covers and Upholstery orders can take 7 to 10 days to ship.
International customers should contact Hydro-Turf by phone at 714.635.6350 or email [email protected]. Contacting Hydro-Turf will get you the best shipping rates. Check out the recently launched site and let Hydro-Turf and us know what you think!
If you have been paying attention to local Florida News as well as some of the national headlines, you have probably heard about some of the initiatives led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in order to establish more restrictions on boating, fishing, and diving within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
It is a heated topic in many regions and a very challenging subject. On one hand the Florida Keys have been the livelihood and recreational bloodline of many fisherman, marine biologists, and recreational enthusiasts for years.
On the other hand, there has always been, especially in more recent years the need for environmental safeguards and restrictions of this delicate and beautiful ecosystem.
This is why the Bamdas family of RIVA Racing have been keeping an eye on the initiatives. With their facilities residing around these important territories, it’s important to know the impacts of the proposed NOAA initiatives.
For more information on the initiatives, you can visit NOAA. You can also stay up to date on all of the community opinions regarding this delicate topic.
There is nothing better than rolling up to a dealership and leaving with a brand-new Yamaha Wave Runner GP1800. The model “GP” has seen a few different forms in the past couple decades but with the new GP1800 design, it truly seems to be the best version yet.
While the Yamaha GP1800 comes with a powerful 1.8L Supercharged SVHO engine, after a while you may want to ride with a little more power. There are many ways to increase your power, choosing to replace your stock impeller with a performance Solas is a great way to customize where you want that power. Whether it be in low end torque or a higher top speed. PWC Muscle recently made a video where he removes the jet pump and installed a performance Solas Impeller.
PWC Muscle does a great job explaining how to remove the pump so that you can take the impeller and drive shaft out of the PWC. This process is fairly simple and only requires a 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm socket, a set of allen wrenches, a pry bar, a 1 1/16th wrench and some marine grease. While many of you may have these tools in your garage, marine grease can either be found online or at your local automotive store.
Solas has established themselves as one of the premier impellers on the market. Many of the top riders and racers in the world use Solas as they are made with high strength stainless steel and a tight seal to eliminate corrosion and cavitation. Check out their website today for all of their models and other parts!
Have you had your eye on a new Kawasaki Jet Ski or other Kawasaki powersport vehicle? Perhaps you are still working to build your credit score or this is a first-time purchase for you and you aren’t quite sure how to go about getting approved.
Well you are in luck because Kawasaki has announced a new agreement with Roadrunner Financial to offer financing for those first-time buyers and credit builders.
Not only is this partnership great news for the end customer, but it is also a beneficial selling tool for the Kawasaki dealers. It will enhance opportunities for the dealers to put more customers on new units.
To see all of the details, continue reading the press release below:
Kawasaki Announces New Agreement with Roadrunner Financial to Offer Financing for Credit Builders and First-Time Buyers
Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is pleased to announce a new financing agreement with Roadrunner Financial to offer competitive near-prime loans to Credit Builders with 550-660+ FICO scores. Roadrunner delivers a revolutionary lender experience through digital applications with instant decisions, comprehensive credit coverage, and unbeatable dealer and customer support.
Kawasaki joins a group of Powersports and Outdoor Power Equipment partners that utilize Roadrunner Financial to bring great finance offers to their customers. The relationship with Kawasaki allows Roadrunner to offer an enhanced program with improved near-prime rates with no fees for dealers.
“Roadrunner Financial is a key addition for Kawasaki and our dealers” said Kawasaki Senior Vice President, Sales and Operations Bill Jenkins. “The focus on a near-prime credit program will offer dealers new opportunities for financing customers on Kawasaki powersports products.”
“Roadrunner will give Kawasaki dealers a new tool to close deals that would usually walk out the door.” When asked about the new financing agreement, Jon Vestal, VP of Sales at Roadrunner Financial said, “We’re very excited to strengthen our relationship with Kawasaki. By targeting near-prime, we plan to deliver significant incremental sales for Kawasaki in 2020 and beyond.”
This new Kawasaki program from Roadrunner Financial will be available to Kawasaki dealers starting March 1st, 2020.
Picture this, it’s springtime and you and your buddies have just docked up to grab a quick bite to eat. All is going well until a boat comes by and its wake sends your PWC crashing into the dock. Nobody wants that, but don’t worry. There is a solution for you, no matter what kind of PWC you have. Dock rash is in the past, the future is the new Makeport Marine PWC Fender. These fenders are compact but provide plenty of protection for your PWC.
The UPW200 is Makeport Marines newest fender (set of 2) that is made with closed cell foam wrapped in UV resistant vinyl. This means that the foam inside the fender will not rot or mold, making sure that it will look brand new every time you use it and has no lingering smell. With its rounded design, it offers more protection compared to other fenders. These fenders are very compact with measurements coming out as 7”x4”x2.5” respectively. Whether you have a large storage compartment or small, these will fit up front in almost every model of PWC.
Installing these fenders takes very little time and ensures protection. Each fender comes with a durable strap and rope so that you can make a quick adjustment and a hook on the bottom to ensure the fender is snug against the side rail. If you own a Sea-Doo model with the speaker and adjustable handlebars, you can simply hang the rope around the speaker casing.
With a price of C$44.99 or $33.87 these are a must have if you tie your PWC up on a dock. While the two colors currently offered are black and white, there will be a custom color feature in the new future allowing you to color match with your PWC’s color. With spring and summer quickly approaching now is the time to make sure you have everything you need for your first ride.
Makeport Marines offers a 30-day risk-free warranty. By providing a great product at a very reasonable price, they want to make sure you are happy with your purchase. Feel free to contact them at [email protected] for any questions!
PWC Muscle is offering its Yamaha carburetor rebuild service at the very nice special price of $150. That’s almost $100.00 off the regular price of $245 PWC Muscle will accept one or two carburetors for the rebuild service. Make sure to add the quantity of rebuilds at checkout.
The crew at PWC Muscle is extremely proud to announce this service and all you have to do is box your carburetor or carburetors and send them to:
PWC Muscle
2000 E 12th Ave #75261
Tampa, Florida 33675
(for UPS or FedEx, use ZIP 33605)
Call: 1 888 605-2335 if you have any questions. The guys will be happy to hear from you and will gladly address any concerns or questions you may have.
Shipping is free in the United States and PWC Muscle will ship outside the U.S for an additional cost for shipping.
Turnaround time is quick because each carburetor is rebuilt within a few days after it’s received. After the work is completed, the part or parts are shipped out the next morning. That’s some fast service!
Hit up PWC Muscle up if you need your carbs rebuilt!
Don’t forget to print a copy of your receipt after checking out so you can pack it in the box with the carburetor(s).
Let PWC Muscle rebuild your Yamaha PWC carbs now. Spring is just around the corner!
“We’re doing things a little differently this year,” RIVA Racing’s Dave Bamdas hinted, pointing to the red-over-black 2020 FX SVHO next to him. RIVA Racing had rolled out a custom FX1800R prototype onto the checkered floor of its booth at the 2019 IJSBA World Finals, showcasing a near-catalog’s worth of go-fast components. Referencing last year’s Limited Edition FX1800R, Bamdas continued, “We produced a limited production run of 25 units in 2019. They sold out, but simultaneously, we got a lot of requests for custom builds.”
A crowd had gathered in the RIVA Racing booth by now and things were getting cramped. He walked around the one-of-none custom WaveRunner, grabbing the ODI grip on the red-anodized steering system and gave it a quick jiggle, silently demonstrating how precise the steering feel was. “As you can imagine, fulfilling those orders ate up a lot of our guys’ time. So instead, we chose to produce 10 of these Limited Edition Yamaha [FX1800Rs] and then roll out a couple other Limited Editions later in 2020.”
Previously, the company’s annual Limited Edition builds, wherein RIVA Racing hand-assembles an exclusive run of a particular unit fitted with performance parts specially anodized to match the craft’s new custom appearance package – beginning back in 2016 with a FZR followed by two years of Limited Edition GP1800s and then last year’s FX-based unit – would be restricted to a single model. For 2020, RIVA is looking to change things up.
The latest RIVA Racing FX1800R Limited Edition is based on the standard 2020 FX SVHO in Satin & Gloss Black, which The Watercraft Journal nicknamed “Darth Vader” back during its introduction in August 2019; RIVA smartly did little to alter the Yamaha’s aesthetics. Instead, RIVA made strides to replicate the look and feel of the factory graphics. While not replacing the Yamaha’s accent panels, RIVA did choose to add bright red touches through the decals and anodized components.
Now, large “RIVA Racing” billboards stretch down the hood and across the hull below the bondline, with large “FX1800R” panels below the custom-stitched grippy seat cover. High up on the fairings, just below the handgrips are call-outs threatening, “350 horsepower, Limited Edition” for the close-up observer to read. A custom CNC-cut Hydro-Turf rear mat reads “RIVA Racing” and is matched to the factory two-toned black-and-gray mats lining the footwells. The aforementioned seat is equally as stealthy, with red stitching to break up the grippy black canvas (RY5-FX19-1).
The handling package has since been fine-tuned after a year’s worth of national and world championships; the 5-way adjustable RIVA Pro Series Sponsons (RY26120) now feature anodized-red aluminum inserts that stand out particularly well. The pump is fed by a RIVA Yamaha FX SVHO & FX SHO/HO 2012-20 Top-Loader Intake Grate (RY22070), a Solas Yamaha 160mm Concord 13/18 Impeller (YV-CD-13/18), a RIVA Yamaha Pump Seal Kit (RY25070); and the most important addition, a RIVA Yamaha FX Performance Ride Plate (RY21120) – the one component responsible for the FX’s improved tracking at high speeds.
Completing the handling package is RIVA’s Pro-Series Steering System for the Yamaha FX (RY20120), fitted with RIVA’s Pro-Bar 30-inch Runabout Bars (RY205BK-BAR-2), ODI RIVA End Cap & Clamp kit (RY206-RD) and ODI’s 130mm Ruffian Lock-On Grips (L31RFB-S), all of which replaces the plastic steering components with aircraft-grade billet aluminum giving the rider significantly better steering input and responsive feel.
It goes without saying that the biggest changes to the FX1800R are found beneath the reupholstered seat; engine modifications begin with a RIVA MaptunerX Yamaha License (RY110SC-TL); a RIVA Yamaha 1.8L High Flow Billet Fuel Rail (RY12040-BFR); a RIVA Yamaha FX SVHO 2019-up Power Filter Kit (RY13120); a RIVA Engine Breather Upgrade Kit, 2012-18 Yamaha 1.8L (RY19040-12-EBUK); a RIVA Yamaha SVHO/SHO Supercharger Shaft Upgrade Kit (RY17040-UK-6S5-4); a RIVA Yamaha SVHO “Gen3” Power Cooler (RY17081-PC-TV); a RIVA Pro Series Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit, SVHO (RY10080-ECUK-PC-2); a RIVA Yamaha Valve Retainer Upgrade Kit, 1.8L (RY19040-SRU); and finally, RIVA’s through-hull Rear Exhaust Kit for the 2019-up FX (RY15120).
Although brandishing a slightly modified parts list than last year’s model, the 2020 FX1800R produces a dyno-tested and more importantly reliable 350-horsepower at the flywheel, which when ridden on RIVA’s private testing lake last year, delivered a sustained top speed of 83mph at 8,600rpm. It’s also worth noting that RIVA states that all of its testing was performed with 1/3 tank of fuel, the trim set at neutral at sea level elevation, and the air temperature at 80-degrees F. When The Watercraft Journal tested the 2019 FX1800R Limited Edition, we recorded similar numbers.
Priced at $26,995, the RIVA Racing FX1800R Limited Edition provides performance enthusiasts a safe, verifiable way to hit mid-80’s speeds while maintaining proven race-grade traction and handling characteristics. Sure, you can get pretty close to replicating the proven performance of the FX1800R by purchasing everything from RIVA Racing and try to either install it all yourself or have done by a reputable shop, but you’ll wait longer and likely pay more. Or worse, try to cut corners and sacrifice championship-level handling to quickly pick up a few extra mph. If you’re wanting what RIVA is offering, make the call and order a FX1800R before all 10 units sell out.
We found ourselves in a déjà vu moment as we headed down the long Interstate 95 stretch to RIVA Racing’s Pompano Beach, Florida facility. I was reminded of a time when I rode Cedar Point’s lightning-fast Top Thrill Dragster coaster. RIVA had just completed a Stage 3-equipped 2019 Yamaha FX SVHO test mule and they invited us down to try it out. If you remember last year we were in sheer awe by RIVA Racing’s Limited Edition FX1800R.
Not only was the Limited Edition based around their 350-horsepower Stage 2 package, it also put the power down firmly and handled like a dream. Included was a laundry list of improvements in the steering, exhaust, and aesthetic departments. Needless to say, we were enthusiastic for the opportunity to get our hands on RIVA’s Stage 3 test model. It has quite a few additional performance enhancements under the seat compared to the Stage 2 kit.
For starters, the factory Yamaha fuel injectors are replaced with RIVA’s 1,000cc fuel injector kit (RY12040-I-KIT-100). Supporting the increased volume of fuel flow is their high flow billet fuel rail (RY12040-BFR). In the supercharger department, the OEM impeller is swapped out for RIVA’s 20 psi SVHO impeller (RY17080-SCI-F20) since all of that extra fuel flow requires a healthy surge of fresh, densely-compressed air. The supercharger shaft is also upgraded for reliability (RY17040-UK-6S5-4).
Since the titanium valve retainer upgrade (RY19040-SRU) is carried over from the stage 2 kit as well as the list of other items, the Maptuner X can now safely spin the reliable Yamaha SVHO engine to 8,900 RPM, nearing to the neighborhood of 400-horsepower. Best of all, this kit is still conservative enough to reliably run on premium octane pump gas. Since this was a test ski, RIVA Racing also had a few other diagnostic items installed including individual wideband O2 sensors and the associated air/fuel ratio data loggers. As for the performance, this thing would rip just like their standard stage 3 kit.
Arriving to RIVA Racing’s main facility, we were promptly greeted by the team and escorted to RIVA’s private testing lake along with the beautiful FX SVHO watercraft. The team proceeded to brief me on the conditions, lake and ski setup, as well as safety precautions. I was cautioned that this setup included RIVA Racing’s Pro-Series sponsons (RY26120) and while they were not trimmed all the way down, they were still set in the intermediately-aggressive middle position, meaning “be very careful because this thing is going to go exactly where you point it.” Whether or not you go with it depends on your strength and readiness.
After I finally strapped on my riding gear and climbed firmly aboard the monstrously-equipped full-size runabout; my heart rate increased as I fired up the full-bred racing Super Vortex High Output 1,812cc engine. It didn’t skip a beat as the motor which straddled between my legs roared to life. I backed off the trailer and idled away from the dock as the mesmerizing tame rumble of the free-flow exhaust (RY16070) made anything but a hint of what was to come. One of the great features about this stage 3 kit are the lengths that RIVA Racing goes to tune and refine the power delivery.
While there is immense power constantly on tap, the free-flow exhaust works seamlessly with the OEM water box to deliver a pronounced, yet not obnoxious sound which is great for the everyday recreational rider. As I pulled away and let the engine warm up a bit, I ever-so-slightly pulled in some throttle and began testing the turning and predictability of the watercraft.
I was immediately comforted by the responsiveness of the hull and knew that the combination of ride plate, intake grate, and sponsons that RIVA had designed was going to make an equally predictable and straight-tracking watercraft just as it had done on the Stage 2-equipped Limited Edition FX1800R.
I couldn’t wait any longer to experience the raw power on tap. I lined up along a straight, undisturbed section of the freshwater lake, notched the trim down a few clicks, and leaned my body forward. I mashed the throttle and was instantly greeted with a ferocious thrust as the FX leaped into action. My feet buried into the foot wells and my bicep muscles were immediately requested to perform their duties as if my buddy was testing them at the gym by adding a few extra pounds to the workout machine.
Instantaneously, 0-to-60mph came and went in the blink of an eye. Within a few seconds, I was already at 80mph and climbing further towards the ski’s maximum of 85mph as the engine screamed at 8,900rpm. As I approached the end of the lake, I backed off slightly, tucked my knee, and applied a gentle turning pressure to the handlebars. I was immediately reminded of the team’s prior advice about the handling and sponson settings.
In this exact moment, I paid attention to their warning. Even if I wasn’t prepared to oblige, the ski wanted to do exactly what it was just commanded and so I was forced to heed the advice given or pay the consequences. The FX SVHO’s hull gripped the water tightly, the sponsons took a huge bite of water, and like a laser-guided missile, the watercraft carved the corner with precision. I held on for dear life and once I reached one hundred eighty degrees, I evened out the handlebars and commanded the throttle like a dictator at war.
My command was met with 20psi of supercharger boost and the 818-pound runabout pulled instantly and delivered the power linearly. It’s almost as if the FX SVHO was told to go on an aggressive weight loss program. With so much power and handling ability on tap, it literally feels like a watercraft half its size.
As I approached the dock again, RIVA Racing’s Mike Hodges reminded me to stay within sight. I apologized and kindly obliged, however, with the pull and speed of this watercraft, they were really asking me to test the nature of physics since this thing disappears quickly at those speeds. As I got more and more comfortable with the true-tracking nature of this setup, I found myself squeezing the throttle more and more as I carved through S-turns. The watercraft never skipped a beat and failed to disappoint my greedy commands.
It took every instruction given and spit out intense excitement and an adrenaline-pumped ride. If I continued to push harder and harder, eventually my peak strength would be overcome, and the result would have been Newton’s First Law of Motion throwing me overboard as the ski continued to track around the corner. RIVA Racing has definitely created a package that works together. The huge power gain of the Stage 3 power-adders works in unison with the handling capabilities to create a watercraft with endless possibilities. Chances are that no matter how long you ride this watercraft, it will wear you out before you overcome it abilities.
Ladies and gentlemen, the time is now to put your hands in the air because Broward Motorsports is your one stop shop for providing the best air flow for your Yamaha WaveRunners! BMS offers WORX Racing components for your 1.8L Yamaha SHO and SVHO. They offer air filter kits, intercoolers and ribbon deletes. A happy engine makes for a reliable and powerful ride.
The WORX Racing Air Filter guarantees that your engine will get more air and better flow. This is because it replaces the stock air filter which is much more restrictive. PWC’s have a rather small engine bay compared to other vehicles so getting as much air flow as possible is crucial. A WORX Intercooler ensures that your engines air will be colder than a stock intercooler.
You can hear from plenty of people saying that they have had issues with their stock intercoolers, but nobody seems to be complaining about an aftermarket WORX Intercooler. An additional way to make your watercraft feel good is by installing a WORX Ribbon Delete. A WORX Ribbon Delete is pretty cheap part provides a big bang for your buck. It takes out the mesh in your intake which provides even more air flow to maximize your engines performance.
If you order now and use code “BMS10”, BMS will give you 10% off of your total order. Additionally, they are offering free shipping on all orders over $125 within the continental United States. Why buy from another company that will charge you full price and shipping fees? BMS has the lowest price in the industry guaranteed. If you find a lower advertised price, they will beat it! Feel free to call or email them today at, 800-940-3000 or [email protected].
