With the invention of the jet propulsion system, many people have been able to go in their garage and create some pretty interesting ways to get around the water. Gameli Cruz has been working on a prototype for a while now and was able to go out and test his new product recently. Remember the movie, Aladdin? There is one scene where one of the actors is flying on a magic carpet. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young, riding on a magic carpet would be super cool.
While this one guys idea of a magic carpet may not have spawned from Aladdin, he has created a “magic carpet” that is able to fly above the water. In order to fly above the water, a PWC is needed where someone is applying the throttle to keep the magic carpet above the water.
In this video, the rider is riding solo which means he is having to balance while he is applying throttle through a remote control. This is a lot harder than it sounds but with practice, you could be zipping around the water in no time.
The inventor of this ride is Gameli Cruz. He owns a company called Waterblade where they offer a three different types of water toys. However, this new magic carpet is something he has been working on and is now in the testing phases. Be sure to check out their products they offer now and be on the lookout for mass production of this magic carpet!
In a video taken during this past July’s Hydro-Turf HydroDrag National Championships presented by RIVA Racing [an event that has refused The Watercraft Journal from covering this year – despite being the world’s most popular PWC magazine with 345,000 annual readers, Mikey – Ed.], the crew at Sun Daily achieved a major milestone for a stock ST3 hulled RXT-X.
Touting more boost than a Hellcat Challenger, this HydroDrag Spec class 2019 Sea-Doo RXT-X produces a staggering 400-supercharged-horsepower at 9360 rpm, hitting a top speed of 94.6 in mere seconds! The most amazing feat is that these numbers were all controlled via a ECU reflash from Chezzy Performance – earning them the title of “World’s Fastest ST3 Hull, Supercharged Sea-Doo RXT-X in the world.
An eagle-eyed viewer of the video below noted that the dashboard was a traditional analog cluster native to pre-2019 models. Sun Daily replied, “I had to change the gauges from 2019 to a 2018 to work with the tune on the ski due to the fact the ski is so new [that] the flash was not working correctly with the iBR or the display, and would turn off suddenly after letting off at 5K RPM; slight sacrifice but we are working out the quirks!”
Considered one of the hardest working, loyal and dedicated persons to the annual IJSBA World Finals, Blake Corning announced his retirement as the Event Operations Manager and Associate Competition Manager of the IJSBA yesterday.
Never one to take the limelight, Corning was satisfied to keep the attention on the athletes, choosing to rather remain behind the curtain making sure that the event could operate as best and fluidly as possible. Concluding a 22-year career with the event, Corning wrote in a Facebook post:
“This past Monday I retired from the IJSBA World Finals. I want to thank each and everyone of you that has been involved the past 22 years at the races. I can’t thank you all enough.
“In the next few weeks I will continue on the phone to support all my staff and preparing for the week-long race and weeks leading up to it. I’ve been doing it since 1997, [when I was] hired by Tim Trombley back then as a course marshal with my buddy, Jon Courier […] and then put right [in] the tower where all the riders have learned my style[,] my timing, and when the band is going to snap.
“I need to thank Steve Strick – thanks, dude! [To] Joe Lezay and David Gaskins: I learned a hell of a lot from your finger pointing and owning everyone on the line. (Enough said.) Scott Fraizer, thank you. I was made Event Operations Manager and Associate Competition Manager in 2006. Thank you for all your support.”
Corning went on to thank a huge list of family, friends and associates – a list far too long to cite here. (But you can read the original post here.) At the end, a grateful Corning signs off, “There’s one more bag of ice in the freezer and no more fuel left in the barrel. Good night, World Finals. Sweet dreams. I love you all, Blake.”
Remember that one kid in class who could answer every question the teacher asked? Well, while many of us were not big fans of that kid, I do have a pretty simple equation for you. What equals power plus lighter parts? Speed! One of the best ways to gain more speed in your PWC is by cutting down weight. Whether that be with a lighter seat or fiberglass parts, the lighter your PWC is, the faster it will go.
One company in Japan named Ochty24 on Facebook, is now making lighter parts that replace heavier factory parts. Two of the main parts they are producing are fiberglass hoods and rear seat delete sections. These parts lighten up the overall weight of your PWC while giving more air to your engine bay.
The original post shows hoods and rear seat delete parts for 2018 and newer Yamaha WaveRunners. The price for the front hood is $1,100 and the rear seat is $800 including mounting brackets and installation instructions. Both items are delivered unpainted however can be painted for an additional fee.
We have all looked up online how to make our PWC’s go faster and this is the first step! If you have any questions, connect the owner through Facebook Messenger and he will gladly get back to you!
For those who stayed up to watch the live reveal of the 2020 product line, they will have noted as the top BRP brass rolled out a selection of prototype electric vehicles. Later, a special display in the “Club BRP” showroom revealed a true “E-GTI” prototype. Little to no details have been given towards the new Sea-Doo’s powertrain, but it’s a bit of showmanship to reveal what the company is currently up to.
After the full 2020 lineup was revealed, BRP issued this press release, stating: BRP furthers its exploration of electrification by showcasing at Club BRP 2020 six different electric concepts within its current product lines and beyond.
These concepts give a glimpse of what the future could hold, among others, for both of its current product lines and for other potential segments. As a leader in the powersports industry, BRP continues to push the limits of the industry by unlocking new ways to move people and to explore new territories, while still providing the fun and exhilarating experience that riders expect.
“BRP has been working for some time on how to create e-vehicles to bring new experiences to potential and existing riders. As we’ve said, it was never a question of “if’’, but “when’’. We are truly excited about electric and see it as a potential opportunity for our business,’’ said Denys Lapointe, Senior Vice-President, Design, Innovation and Creative Services. “We continue to constantly innovate, and e-vehicles are no exception. Our talented team from around the world is working on new ideas and we’re eager to hear the consumer’s reaction. For the moment, these are preliminary concepts as we are currently evaluating market viability,’’ he added.
These concepts follow a series of past ventures by BRP into electric propulsion, which included the introduction of its Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and its electric side-by-side vehicle, the development of a Can-Am Spyder electric prototype, and the commercialization of its electric karts, Sonic.
As representatives from dealers, media and other organizations poured into the conference center at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada for BRP’s annual dealer meeting, many were buzzing with what to expect from Sea-Doo. As the lights dimmed and the music climbed, BRP’s CEO Jose Boisjoli was more than happy to share some of the philosophies and motivations propelling the brand not only into 2020, but beyond.
“There are many talks about recession, but we don’t see it. The three critical indicators we follow are employment rates, the number of new home construction and consumer confidence,” Boisjoli expressed that both nationally and globally, all signs look incredibly positive. When joined on stage by Sea-Doo Watercraft Global Product Manager, James Heintz, both he and Boisjoli were excited to announce that since the Spark’s introduction, over 130,000 units had been sold.
Considering the natural progression of Spark buyers who graduate to a larger Recreation segment vehicle, Sea-Doo saw it time to completely redesign the GTI platform. Borrowing a great deal from the larger ST3 platform, BRP engineered a smaller 3-seater runabout that is more stable thanks to an added inch of width and a lower center of gravity, and more comfortable due an ErgoLock seat.
A longer, flatter rear swim platform incorporates both the screw-capped port for the LinQ Retractable Ski Pylon as well as the LinQ accessory attachments. Other smaller details include a new orange-backlit 4.5-inch dashboard replaces the outgoing analog gauges; a redesigned front storage bin that holds a whopping 40.2-gallons, a 2.3-gallon glove box for smaller items, and a watertight phone box.
That phone box will come in handy if you opt for the optional BRP Premium Audio Package, the same 100-watt audio system available on the ST3 models. But of course, we’re burying the biggest news for the GTI lineup: a new hull material and three engine choices. Riding on Sea-Doo’s new Polytec GEN 2 material, it’s now thicker and lined with an additional fiberglass inner skin.
This drops the GTI’s weight down to 739 pounds from 790 previously, a significant difference. Powering the GTI lineup are the same Rotax 900 ACE producing 90-horsepower (with a top speed of close to 42 mph) and 1630 ACE at 130-horsepower (a top speed of 50 mph), but for 2020, BRP upped the ante with the retuned 1630 ACE knocking out 170-horsepower (with no advertised top speed listed).
The four GTI vehicles offered are the GTI 90 ($8,999), GTI 130, GTI SE 130 ($10,799) and GTI SE 170; all available in either Metallic Beach Blue and Lava Grey, or Ice Metal and Orange Crush coloring. Fuel capacity also remains the same as the previous models at 15.9-gallons. Although unavailable for the everyday consumer, the GTI Pro remains unchanged from last year for the rental market.
The advent of the new 170-ponies 1630 ACE also replaces all runabouts using the previous 3-cylinder; that includes the Wake 155, Fish Pro and GTX. Speaking of the Fish Pro, the industry’s only dedicated fishing PWC remains mainly the same – apart from the slight bump in horsepower that is sure to please – and retains its White and Night Green coloring and $14,999 price tag.
For tow sports, the newly rechristened and redesigned Wake 170 ($12,199) comes in Malibu Blue and Neon Yellow, enjoys all of the benefits of the newly re-engineered GTI platform including added stability, better ergonomics, a more comfortable saddle, new dash, and voluminous storage; but also rides on the new Polytech GEN2 hull material. (Although weight increases from 718 to 747-pounds.)
The Wake 170 is paired in coloring with its larger Wake Pro 230 sibling ($14,899), who also gains the much desired 18.5-gallon fuel tank. BRP’s Premium Sound Package is available for both of these machines for a premium, so make sure to check the box to order the package from the factory, as it’ll cost less than having it installed at the dealer at a later date.
Sea-Doo’s Touring segment sees minor changes; firstly, the entire segment receives the larger 18.5-gallon tank. The previous year’s GTX 155 and 230 – although now with 170HP – ($12,999) retains last year’s Beach Blue Metallic and Lava Gray coloring options; while the more opulent GTX Limited 230 and 300 models (starting at $16,199) are bathed in Liquid Gray Metallic with Beach Blue Metallic highlights and come with BRP’s Premium Audio standard (as well as a king’s ransom of other accessories).
In contrast, big changes were made to Sea-Doo’s Performance segment although zero mention was made during the presentation: gone are the GTR-X 230 and RXT 230; the RXT being a mainstay model for nearly 20 years. The GTR 230 rides on the newly redesigned GTI platform, uses the same second-generation Polytech hull material, enjoys better seating, the digital dashboard and other features built into the new design.
Wrapped in Neon Yellow and Eclipse Black, the new GTR 230 shaves off a few pounds from its previous 807 to 774 pounds, thanks in large part to its Polytech lower half.
Priced at $12,399, it’s the lowest entry in the segment. The RXP-X 300 ($15,399) remains almost entirely untouched save for a repaint in California Green Metallic and Black, or last year’s Eclipse Black and Lava Red livery.
The top-of-the-food chain RXT-X 300 picks up the much anticipated 18.5-gallon fuel cell and also shares the same coloring options as the RXP-X, which is to be expected given its popularity;
California Green Metallic and Black, or the limited edition Eclipse Black and Lava Red. Disappointingly is the lack of a much-needed adjustable sponson similar to what comes standard on the RXP-X.
Surprisingly, Sea-Doo chose to only offer the Spark ($5,499 and up) new set of colors (Blue Raspberry and Pear; Licorice and Mango; or Vanilla and Blueberry) and a bunch of accessories. The Spark Trixx ($7,499) also received a new color package (Chili Pepper and Pear; Jalapeno and Pear) – all of which are available as either 2-up or 3-up seating configurations.
Lastly, a final bit of interest to you cold weather riders, Sea-Doo’s accessory division just added Heated Grips. Featuring five heat settings controlled with an integrated button on the left grip, these little bad boys pair perfectly with the available Wind Deflectors. And while this is a quick overview of the 2020 Sea-Doo lineup, you can expect detailed exclusive reviews of many of these new units in coming weeks and months as The Watercraft Journal starts to rack up plenty of seat time on them!
This last weekend, Brian Baldwin was able to show that all of his hard work has paid off. After four rounds of racing in the USA P1 AquaX Pro National Championship, he came out on top as the overall winner. Baldwin has proven to be one of the industry’s biggest threats and this new feat is just another thing to add onto his resume.
Baldwin’s success could not be done without the help of many people. One of his key sponsors is RIVA Racing. RIVA Racing started out as a small shop in New Jersey before moving to Pompano Beach, Florida to grow their business. Since then, RIVA has been able to help grow the sport of PWC racing by offering performance kits and OEM parts. RIVA’s R&D shop works relentless hours to provide the best machines for their racers.
Dave Bamdas, owner of RIVA says, “[I’m] proud of our RIVA Team for taking home the USA P1 AquaX Pro National Championship! Our racer Brian Baldwin secured the title this weekend after 4 tough rounds. This championship would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of so many of our RIVA employees. Baldwin’s skis were built in our R&D shop, tested on our lake and maintained by our support crew. Thanks to all who helped make this happen.”
RIVA has partnered with Yamaha for decades and that partnership has paid off for both parties. With RIVA’s knowledge and expertise; and RIVA’s engine tuning guru, Jesus Garcia working his magic with the MaptunerX software paired with the Yamaha Factory Racing Budget, it brings out the best in rider such as Brian Baldwin.
“Dammit. That’s not the news I wanted to hear today,” I growled to myself. The bad news traveled quickly, the annual Long Beach-to-Catalina Offshore Endurance race had not only been cancelled for 2019, but according to RPM Enterprises’ Ross Wallach, indefinitely.
Wallach wrote this morning, “Offshore Endurance Racers: RPM Racing Enterprises regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2019 LB2CAT – Long Beach to Catalina & Back IJSBA Offshore Endurance National Championships scheduled for Sunday September 22nd. The event is being cancelled due to lack of committed entries. If you have any questions, please contact RPM RACING at (310) 318-4012 or [email protected]”
The 52-mile-round trip endurance race is one of the oldest offshore PWC endurance races period. Dating back to the mid-1990s, the LB2CAT once required racers aboard ancient 2-strokes to beach at the island town of Avalon to refuel before returning back to the mainland.
After a short hiatus and a transfer of ownership, the LB2CAT became leaner, meaner and more streamlined. No more stops on Catalina Island. No refuel teams needed. Modern supercharged runabouts suddenly cut event times in half. Average speeds rocketed by double.
Racers from across the US, Canada and even Australia flocked to Long Beach, California. Hell, it was the race that earned Kawasaki’s modern (2007-plus) Ultra JetSki its fame as the crowned king of offshore racing. It was the American gold standard of one-day, open ocean, offshore racing.
I had personally raced it 5 times, earning one class championship (Manufacturer Stock) and a Top 10 place. Weather was always a crap shoot; conditions could be densely overcast with mirror-like water; or the skies could be so clear that Avalon’s whitewashed casino was visible from Queensgate while the oceans churned with 6-to-8 foot chop. You simply had to be ready to take a beating.
Wallach had graciously pushed the event back once – from mid-July to September 22nd – but the necessary pre-registration entries weren’t enough to guarantee enough racers to make the event fiscally sound. In recent years, participation had dwindled to low 20’s – a sad death to a legacy event.
If you would like to see the Long Beach-to-Catalina Offshore Endurance race return in 2020, then you must reach out to promoter Ross Wallach at (310) 318-4012 or [email protected], and do so quickly. Who knows? I might just dust off my helmet and give it another go too.
No matter where you live, you have probably heard of the devastating Hurricane Dorian that is going through the Bahamas and into the southeastern part of the United States. It has left a terrible impact on the island of the Bahamas. Currently the death toll is at 43, which is expected to rise drastically and there is more than 70,000 left homeless due to the hurricane. With so many people lost and in need of help, lucky there have been good Samaritans on PWC’s who have helped rescue many people.
In a CNN video, they said a group of twelve PWC riders helped rescue 100 people from flood waters. PWC’s are the perfect piece of machinery to use after an area has been hit with a hurricane and has caused major flooding. They can travel far into narrow places and they do not have a propeller like a boat that could run into debris. These rescue missions are so crucial because there are people all over that may be landlocked or trapped. If nobody goes out and checks all of the effected areas, survivors could be trapped forever.
Riding in these flood conditions is not glamorous at all. Due to all of the debris in the water, the chances for diseases and getting hurt rise. Many of the survivors are living without clean water, running out of food and trying to battle off any diseases. If you are able to help in any way possible, the Bahamas need your help. There are multiple GoFundMe’s online and places to donate supplies. Even if it is donating a case of water or canned food, anything will make a huge difference.
Are you tired of looking at the same old worn out faded mats on your jet ski? If so, give BlackTip JetSports tone mats a look. Black Tip Jetsports carries two- tone mat kits for Sea-Doo, Kawasaki, Polaris, Yamaha, and Honda.
The two-tone traction mats are available in red and black, blue and black, grey and black, and green and black. The mats are available for a wide variety of PWC, especially for the many models of the Yamaha and Sea-Doo makes.
Kits for models of Sea-Doo range from $113.95-$123.95. Kawasaki traction mats cost between $83.95 and $113.95. The Polaris and Yamaha mats range from $113.95-$123.95. There are three selections of Honda mats and they are priced at $113.95.
Upgrade your ski with a set of BlackTip two-tone mats. The mats will give your machine a custom look and better traction, providing safety while cruising or racing. The kits come with BlackTip’s Jetsports exclusive pressure sensitive adhesive. This makes installation easy because all you have to do is peel off the backing and press into place.
BlackTip warns against attempting to install the mats all at once. It is recommended that during installation, press the mat down as you go while following the outline you drew after removing the old mats. Once that task is completed, press down everywhere on the mat and let the glue dry for 12 hours.
Now when you riding, you can stand out from the crowd with a set BlackTip Jetsports two-tone mats.
Wrapped in Neon Yellow and Eclipse Black, the new GTR 230 shaves off a few pounds from its previous 807 to 774 pounds, thanks in large part to its Polytech lower half.
