Days like this are what dreams are made of! On June 2, 2019 Cycle Shack North in Conroe, Texas hosted a truly “Fun in the Sun” Yamaha Demo day at local 3 Palms Extreme Sports Park from 11am to 1pm.
Riders both new or experienced were able to sample a phenomenal 2019 Yamaha WaveRunner lineup or ride their own skis around the zig-zagging buoy course. The new Yamaha models in attendance were a GP1800R, EXR, VX Cruiser, FX Cruiser SVHO, and (drumroll please) a SuperJet!
As a predominantly stand up rider, I was very impressed to see a SuperJet available for new riders to try. It definitely took skill, but standing for the first time brought a true grin across everyone’s face. There were a handful of people who tested their mettle on the mighty SuperJet, and almost all of them were able to complete a full lap on the buoy course.
Wide grins were plentiful all day. Some attendees had never ridden a WaveRunner and by the time they tested all models you could tell they were hooked. I mean, c’mon, these were some of the hottest watercraft now available – talk about starting off a new hobby right!
If you missed the June 2nd Cycle Shack North Yamaha Demo Day you still have a chance to try out some brand new Yamaha WaveRunners on June 23, 2019. Same time, same place!
Last month, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) showed-off their 20 new rescue watercraft and equipment as they prepare for the upcoming typhoon season. Typhoons have been known to cause devastating damage and leave many people out of their homes. With Tsunamis, floods and heavy rain as an aftershock, it is important to have trained personnel willing to help save people. While boats are able to carry many people and equipment, personal watercraft are an unsung hero. Their ability to navigate through shallow waters and around tight obstacles makes it a perfect rescue vehicle.
For those of you that do not know, a hurricane is the term that is used in the North Atlantic, Central North Pacific and Eastern North Pacific. In the Northwest Pacific, they use the term “typhoon.” Typhoons are usually accompanied with heavy rain that makes a tropical storm even worse. Nevertheless, both leave devastating impacts. The Philippine Coast Guard is much like the United States Coast Guard as they have trained personnel who are able to save lives.
In an article from Philstar they say, “The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had earlier said that the rainy season might begin the first or second week of June.” This make the delivery of the new watercrafts that much better. With brand-new equipment and training, they are going to exhaust every effort they have to make sure they are able to save as many people as they can.
With Summer officially here, many of you are getting on the water, school will be letting out, and it’s time to start living summer and why not in Sea-Doo style!
Sea-Doo wants you to know that “Living the Sea-Doo Life is about more than the ride. With so many ways to customize your Sea-Doo experience, we’ve compiled our list of must-haves to create your ultimate Sea-Doo adventure this summer season. You’ll be making waves with your crew by living the Sea-Doo Life the best way we know how – your way!”
So check out Sea-Doo’s list of must-haves this season below and start living the Sea-Doo life.
The party doesn’t start until the music starts bumping! With Sea-Doo’s exclusive BRP Audio – Portable System you can add to your SPARK, you can take the party wherever you want. From poolside to the beach, out on the water, and back for a sunset toast on the balcony, you’ll bring the party wherever you go. With 50 watt and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a good time just waiting to happen.
From relaxation to wet ‘n wild, Sea-Doo’s newest line of inflatables amps up enjoyment on the water to suit your mood. With relaxation stations featuring built-in Bluetooth sound systems and a variety of towables, there’s a fun-soaked adventure ahead the whole family can get on board with.
That seaside table for two is closer than you think – and can be anywhere you want – with the Sea-Doo LinQ Cooler options. Available in 4.2-gal or 13.5-gal configurations, you’re now able to refuel with refreshments on the go or set your sights on meal with an ocean view. It gives a family picnic at the beach or dinner for two in your favorite lagoon no just a possibility, but a reality ready for your own personal touch.
You may not always know what the day has in store for you, but you’ll be prepared for any adventure the Sea-Doo Life throws at you with the latest LinQ storage accessories. With enough room to pack for an all-day outing or even an overnight excursion, there’s no end to the Sea-Doo adventure in sight. Choose from 4.2 gal up to 5.5 gal of hard sided or semi-rigid cargo solutions that easily mount on the back of your Sea-Doo thanks to the exclusive LinQ mounting system. Or really go the distance with the LinQ Stackable Fuel Caddy that allows you to carry up to 4 additional gallons of fuel, plus, still stack your LinQ storage bag or box on top. Suddenly your days on the water just got a lot longer!
The all new 2019 Yamaha FX Series Waverunners are totally redesigned and built with luxury in mind. Combining Yamaha’s top technologies with more standard features and stylish designs, this Waverunner series is the cream of the crop.
With five different models to choose from, the FX series have unparalleled design, performance, and technology. With all models, you get the new industry-first ‘Connext’ touchscreen dash display.
This full color touchscreen display features drive control allowing you to customize your ride and access all vital display functions. Additionally, the control center gives you security mode which allows you to electronically lock the vehicle prohibiting unauthorized use.
Also standard is Yamaha’s RiDE dual handlebar throttle system as well as a list of other luxury features. Beginning with the FX HO, this is the standard FX series Waverunner which gives the best price-to-value ratio.
The FX Cruiser HO is the next normally-aspirated engine Waverunner in the FX lineup which offers some additional features such as pop-up cleats and a theater style seating arrangement for better passenger visibility and comfort.
Next in line are the FX SVHO and FX Cruiser SVHO. These units feature the powerful supercharged SVHO engine. For those seeking the ultimate package of luxury and performance, Yamaha offers the FX Limited SVHO. You get all features and technology standard including a tubing package for the water sports lovers.
To see and compare all of the FX series Waverunners, you can visit HERE.
It’s not too late to start the summer off right by scoring some exclusive savings on a new Sea-Doo model. It’s still dealer open house season and perhaps you can still find some leftover 2018 model Sea-Doo watercraft.
There are still a few open house events taking place later this month so for some of you it’s not too late to take advantage of these extra-special and exclusive offers.
Beginning each season, dealers across the nation take inventory of the leftover models that were unsold the previous year and in an effort to move those models and make room for the latest incoming units, Sea-Doo and their dealers offer some amazing incentives to the buyer.
For those of you who are in the market for the latest model or your local dealer has already sold all leftover models, it’s still not too late to take advantage of Sea-Doo’s ongoing promotions.
Check out the link or talk to your local Sea-Doo dealer to find out what savings you can get on any new model. The annual ready-to-ride sales event or other seasonal promotions can give some great rebates or extended warranty offerings.
So hurry in to get the best savings on your new Sea-Doo because the savings won’t last long.
Back in April, The Watercraft Journal let loose a salvo of information and spy photographs revealing that Kawasaki has given the now 17-year-old STX-15F a slight redesign for 2020. We say “slight” only because by examining the profile of the hull and lower deck, it appears that only the upper deck (fairings, hood, seat and steering configuration) have been updated – at least from outward appearances.
Thankfully, an insider informed us late in 2018 that the new STX-15F will receive quite a few goodies from the full-sized Ultra LX, including the craft’s fly-by-wire engine control and management system, which also permits for the use of Kawasaki’s digital Cruise Control, Eco mode setting and electronic trim. While we couldn’t confirm which of these additional features would come on the redesigned STX, we also learned that there would not be just one STX anymore.
Initial reports had it that there would be two trim levels of the new 2020 Kawasaki STX-15F; a basic, low trim edition similar to the current STX-15F and a more luxury-equipped STX (likely equipped with the features listed above).
Now, with a copy of the 2020 model listings in hand – thankfully provided to The Watercraft Journal by a faithful reader – we have hard confirmation that a third trim level is to arrive this Fall.
According to the official model listing, the three tiers of the STX are labeled as “JT1500RL,” “JT1500SL” and “JT1500TL”. These codes are clearly not the JetSki’s official names, but rather a sequential list that are not specific to their respective trim offerings.
Per our existing information, we understand that there will be a stripped-down, bare-bone STX-15F equipped with likely nothing but the superior engine management hardware.
We also know that a “luxury-edition” of the STX will be made available; but now we have to believe that there will be two versions of this luxury craft. In our previous article, we surmised that the top tier craft could feature the industry’s first factory-installed sound system, Jetsounds. Now it appears more likely than ever. Whether other luxury items carry over from the Ultra 310LX, like the heat-resistant seat cover and superior paint, we simply don’t know yet.
For those paying close attention to The Watercraft Journal, you will have recalled a similar article to this was published a several weeks ago only to be pulled down a few hours later. It turns out that we might’ve been a little too good at our jobs and spied Sea-Doo clandestinely filming and photographing their 2020 lineup in real time. While leaked spy shots are all part of the game, publishing the article while Sea-Doo was in the act would’ve likely caused a stampede of lookie-loos wanting to see the newest machines in the flesh.
And because it’s not our intent to cause a major manufacturer to possibly loose thousands of dollars in hotel bookings, staffing, scheduling and other logistics, just to uproot camp and find a new secret location, we opted to pull the story down post haste. And it worked out for the better too, as we’ve managed to gather quite a bit more intel on the latest crop of Sea-Doos intended for a 2020 release. To reiterate, much of what we have here is unconfirmed, and we’re going to lean hard into some informed speculation, so again, take what you will with a grain of salt.
Shortly after the first article was published and then promptly redacted, one of our readers alerted us to his presence in Querétaro’s Industrial Park. For those unfamiliar, Santiago De Querétaro, Mexico is home to BRP’s second manufacturing facility where all Sea-Doo watercraft are assembled (as well as all Rotax engines for Can-Am off-road vehicles). The facility employs over 1,100 line workers, manufacturers, managers, and many more.
Our spy noted that the nearby staging lot was already packed with assembled models, preparing to ship to distribution centers across the globe. This massive surplus struck us as odd considering that these shouldn’t be 2019 models, and that most dealers have already collected their current models. Rather, we surmised these to be assembled 2020 units prepared for the final reveal later this season. And as it turns out, several of these 2020 units were already in the States…
The above undoctored image is what sparked the original article: a cell phone picture of a closed off pebbled parking lot with several skis on trailers, smartly covered up with a box trailer behind it. Our eagle-eyed informant wrote, “I think I saw what looked like a 2020 GTX Limited (either a 230 or 300). The seat was off at the time and looked to be two-tone gray, not the brown like the previous two years. All of the other skis were covered up.” The other units present remained covered up and out of sight, leaving the rest for us to speculate as best as we could.
Yet, what we see in this image is, as described, a new silver-hulled GTX Limited. To the right of the GTX are a pair of other ST3-hulled machines, one with a blue hull (with Neon Yellow graphic highlights, which may be a new Wake Pro, given the current color combo is two years old) and a RXT-X 300. Deducing the green-hulled ST3 as a RXT-X was obvious given the use of the same “down arrow” decal over the larger sponson, which is unique to the RXT-X. This appears to be the same hue of green that we’ve seen used on the GTR-X. The runabout behind the presumed Wake Pro is identified as a RXP-X 300 given the louvered hood design. So yeah, no new RXP-X for 2020, guys.
Above: This is a quick-and-dirty photoshop rendering of what we could see as the 2020 RXT-X 300 and Wake Pro 230 when color matched to the spy photograph we received.
A new part number for all 2019 models revealed a slight redesign in the central storage tub, allowing for the installation of the Fish Pro’s 18.5-gallon tank. Whether all ST3-based runabouts (GTX, GTX Limited, RXT, RXT-X, Wake Pro) get the larger tank is unconfirmed. Any other changes to the full-sized models are entirely speculative (ex. footwell drains).
Absent were any Recreation-segment models. The GTI has been expected to receive a redesign for 2020 given the craft’s current 9-year run. From it, the commercial rental GTI Pro (introduced last year), as well as the GTS, GTI, GTI SE and even the GTR 230 and GTR-X 230 are based. While in the image below we identified the two PWC in the forefront as low-optioned GTX or RXT models, given their lack of folding swim steps, these very well may be new redesigned GTI’s considering their possible deviation in design from the ST3. Again, it’s hard to tell for sure.
Finally, the two Sparks to the extreme right of the original image appear to be unchanged – again from what little we can extrapolate from the image. Normally, we would say that was all we could offer in the way of spoilers for 2020, but a second tidbit of information came in shortly thereafter; the dealer order list.
Last year, the order list revealed the Fish Pro as a certainty, and was such a big deal that Sea-Doo scoured the internet looking to quiet the ski’s reveal.
This year, the list reveals no new models (apologies to those anticipating a turbocharged Spark X 130 or a supercharged 230-horsepower Fish Pro) but is oddly missing the RXT and GTR-X.
We’re almost certain Sea-Doo wouldn’t terminate these two performance models given their popularity, which leads us to believe that either the list itself is incomplete or only part of a larger list.
Equally, the list doesn’t distinguish the Spark 2-up, 3-up and Trixx models; the GTX 155 from the 230; as well as the GTX Limited 230 and GTX Limited 300.
Of course, Sea-Doo has a strong habit of surprising us each season, so it’s too early to say if there is a trick or two still up their sleeve. Regardless, we’re all excited to see how 2019 shapes up for the industry leader and what new and exciting things they’ve got planned for the future.
We’ve noted that side-entry life vests aren’t necessarily our most preferred form of personal flotation device. Oftentimes, the range of motion is limiting, they’re cut too high making it feel like your midriff is exposed, or simply getting in and out of them can be a chore. Thankfully, many of The Watercraft Journal’s readers have echoed the same thoughts, so we’ve tried to keep our life vest reviews mainly on more popular front-entry vests. Yet, that policy changed for the good when Slippery Wetsuits redesigned its Array Side-Entry Neo Vest a couple of years ago.
We had gotten our hands on their Array Side-Entry Neo Vest last year and quickly discovered how a side-entry should be made. The problem was that the red-and-silver camouflage was just a little to flashy for our personal tastes. Of course, that was purely subjective on our end as the vest itself absolutely uprooted our previous bias towards the side-entry platform. The two biggest issues we voiced with the previous vest was how easily it showed dirt and the heavy layer of silk screening coating the front and back panels, that began cracking after a year of use.
Thankfully, these notes didn’t fall on deaf ears, and Slippery has revised its Array Side Entry Black Neo Vest for 2019. Made from a super-comfortable stretchy neoprene construction had plenty of give and was comfortable on bare skin. Surprisingly, being a USCG-approved Type 3 vest – meaning its required to provide sufficient flotation to keep an unconscious person’s head above water – you’d expect the Array Side-Entry to be far bulkier than it is. Rather, it’s surprisingly slim and smartly cut to make even the huskier rider feel more svelte than he actually is.
This trait is accomplished through the use of multiple hinges designed into the EV foam panels. By breaking up the larger panels, Slippery was able to design a vest that looks more like body armor than two slabs of foam strapped to your torso. The segmentation also provides the Array Side-Entry fantastic flexibility. Doubling over the handlebars to reach inside the front storage bin isn’t nearly the same ordeal as other, more cumbersome vests make it. Slippery also limited the design at the sides, to assign the thicker portions to the upper body – again, adding to the vest’s superhero-padding effect.
The Array features generously-cut armholes and narrowed shoulder straps for the widest range of motion yet. A wide neckline is slightly flared at the collar giving the head and neck a similarly wide range of motion. Gone is the thick silk screened pattern, replaced instead with a modest logo across the chest. Large 1-and-a-half-inch wide belts are hidden within the soft neoprene carapace ending with buckle closure that cinch tight. These snap atop a thick-toothed zipper opening the side for easy on and off. Slippery includes the same D-ring sown into the net webbing, and has included a tethered emergency rescue whistle for 2019, which is a nice added touch.
A final improvement over conventional side-entry vests is that the Array Side-Entry is cut long, meaning it reached your waistline, providing sufficient coverage. It might sound a little ridiculous, but understand that this means no more silly sunburn lines on your lower back or flanks! Priced at $99.95, the Slippery Array Side-Entry Neo Vest offers a far superior fit and feel than the itchy bargain-priced nylon vests, is far less cumbersome and fells surprisingly natural – all adjectives we never thought we’d ever use to describe a life vest, we know. The Array has quickly become our favorite go-to vest for use on the water, and we’re sure it’ll become yours.
Due to some reorganization, the 7th and 8th rounds of the Hydro-Turf Jet Jam Series that were originally supposed to be held in Sparks, Nevada will now be held in Camp Far West in Wheatland, California. Rounds will be held on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday the 23rd. Camp Far West is a great places to race and hang out with friends and family. It is roughly 45 miles northeast of Sacramento.
To participate in the races you will need to have a membership with AWSA. If you do not have a membership do not worry, you can sign up for one here. Memberships includes a 1-year membership, t-shirt, 2 AWSA stickers and an ID Card. Not a bad deal for $55.00. You can also purchase a membership at the race site if you are unable to do so before.
Jet Jam is offer a deal right now where you pay full price for the highest class and then all other classes you register after that will be subject to 25% off! Tuesday, June 18th is the last day for pre-registration so if you know you are going to be racing make sure to sign up. If not, there will be a late fee of $20 per class you register for. Pre-registration helps the coordinators know how many racers will be in each class and make this weekend go smoothly.
Lake Ouachita
Visit Lake Ouachita outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas to enjoy 40,000 acres of unique islands and shoreline winding through the Arkansas countryside. At around 36 miles long and offering over 90 camping spots, camping is even allowed on the islands, this is a wonderful lake to visit for the outdoors-focused individual or family.
What sets this lake apart and why it is considered a “Bucket List PWC Lake” is the unique islands scattered all over the lake. As mentioned above, the adventurous types will revel in the fact there are over 200 islands to explore and camp. You could spend days exploring the lake and islands from your PWC and still not visit them all.
Not interested in camping? Hot Springs is close enough to offer resorts, fine dining, and many other natural attractions outside of a day on the lake. Comfortable water temperatures range from the 70s starting in May up to summer peak of high 80s to possibly 90 in places in July & August, then returning to the low 70s by October.
Lake Havasu
The quintessential watercraft lake in the United States of America, Lake Havasu is nestled on the border of Arizona and California in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Did you know the real London Bridge crosses Lake Havasu? The famous bridge was purchased and dismantled in London in 1968, sent over the Atlantic Ocean, and reassembled to completion in late 1971 in Lake Havasu City. Who would have thought a seemingly immovable piece of European history would become such an integral part of a small desert town in America.
Lake Havasu is a must-visit for the jet ski enthusiast and should land solidly within a PWC owner’s bucket list. Not only is it the seed and heart of the PWC racing community in America, it boasts great food, nightlife, and scenery on and off the water. Water powersports can be shunned on some lakes, but not Havasu! It is the yearly host of the IJSBA World Finals of jet ski racing where racers and freestylers from all over the world meet for competition and camaraderie. Local waterfront nightclub and bar, Kokomo, even boasts a vintage Kawasaki jet ski hanging in the entrance.
Cool off in the hot desert heat with water temperatures usually ranging from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit April through September. Enjoy beautiful, lush hillsides lining the lake as well as typical desert sand views. Cruise over to Body Beach on a weekend during summer to watch the locals ride, carve, and flip on their skis with friends and family. For a nice desert getaway without leaving your beloved watercraft behind, be sure to check out Lake Havasu in Lake Havasu City, Arizona!
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and an epic PWC destination because of the sheer enormity this body of water offers. Nothing like over 31,000 square miles of surface to bond with your PWC. As the northernmost lake on this list be prepared to suit-up for cold-weather riding, because water temperatures in the summer barely reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Brrrr!
However, as a bucket list destination, Lake Superior has a lot to offer for both stand up and sit down riders. At calm times riders can travel thousands of miles and see shoreline few people have laid eyes or walked on. Careful on the rough days though because this Great Lake can produce ocean-height surf without the salt! Airtime anyone?
With Canada to the North, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan bordering on the US side local tourism options around Lake Superior are limitless. Enjoy PWC fishing? Relish in some ‘superior’ variety of trout and salmon options, plus walleye and whitefish.
Lake Tahoe
This do-all lake winds up on The Watercraft Journal’s bucket list because of the incredible sights and vacation options it offers. From beautiful beaches to ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is a one-stop-shop! The personal watercraft rider is welcomed to this gorgeous alpine lake by sandy beaches, crisp blue water, and beautiful mountains towering in the distance. Lake amenities set the stage for both the wilderness adventurer or those who seek 5-star creature comforts.
Lake Tahoe is located on the California and Nevada border and tends to be on the cooler side with water temperatures ranging from 50 – 75 degrees in the spring and summer months. A good wetsuit or dry suit will solve all of your cold-temperature worries and allow you to sample the outdoors with camping, fishing, and exploring wild coastline.
As with many of the lakes on this list, Tahoe boasts some of the great tourist attractions off the water. Having trouble picking the right destination for a family vacation? It can be a great compromise where you can bring your ski, or sample skis from a number of Lake Tahoe ski rental locations, while non-riding family enjoys premium shopping and dining. That’s a win-win in everyone’s book!
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a powerhouse watersports destination lake where exquisite rock formations and over 180 miles of snaking waterways entice the adventurous PWC rider. Known for a great family-getaway lake, Powell offers water access to some of the most stunning desert views in America with refreshing water temperatures ranging from mid 60 degrees Fahrenheit in May to a peak of around 80 in August.
On the border of Utah and Arizona Powell’s bluish green water is brilliantly contrasted against desert rock landscape for truly jaw-dropping beauty. Where other lakes boast mountains, blue water, and desert landscapes to feast your eyes on, none pull off the disparity of color so well. You could explore this lake’s shore, island, and waterways for days and not grow bored.
Another unique aspect of visiting Lake Powell as a PWC enthusiast is the many houseboat options available to stay on the water the entire trip. No need to leave the lake and drive to the local town for the night – a watercraft rider’s dream! But never fear – if you or the family are looking for resort-style stays there are a few available options right on the lake with food and other amenities.
Now, with a copy of the 2020 model listings in hand – thankfully provided to The Watercraft Journal by a faithful reader – we have hard confirmation that a third trim level is to arrive this Fall.
Finally, the two Sparks to the extreme right of the original image appear to be unchanged – again from what little we can extrapolate from the image. Normally, we would say that was all we could offer in the way of spoilers for 2020, but a second tidbit of information came in shortly thereafter; the dealer order list.
