Whenever you come across coverage of PWC in mainstream news outlets, the stories tend to fall into one of two general categories. There are the kinds of stories we like to cover here at The Watercraft Journal—featuring exciting races, stunts, rescues, and local events—which highlight some of our favorite aspects of the PWC lifestyle. Then there are the stories of accidents and injuries—the dark side.

There’s no denying that this sport (like any) comes with its fair share of risk, and it often seems like the only coverage afforded to safety concerns in the community is the typical set of safety tips: wear a life jacket, be aware of your surroundings, etc. It’s precisely because of this that we were so thrilled to come across a recent article published in The Conversation which actually seeks to consider how we, as a community, can go about reducing the risk of PWC injuries.

The article is a collaborative effort between two Australian academics: Milad Haghani, a professor of Urban Risk & Resilience at The University of Melbourne, and Clara Zwack, who lectures in Physiotherapy at Swinburne University of Technology. They begin by highlighting the growth of PWC popularity since the start of the pandemic in Australia, before presenting striking statistics:

Most accidents occur close to shore, often in crowded areas, with the risk doubling on weekends and peaking in warmer months. Across several Australian states, the annual toll can reach up to three deaths and as many as 26 serious injuries per 100,000 license holders—figures that may understate the true picture, as many incidents go unreported.

The data also reveal patterns in who is most at risk: the majority of injuries involve male riders, younger or inexperienced operators, and a concerning portion involve alcohol consumption. They also go out of their way to describe the particular risks associated with injuries in female passengers.

However, what truly struck us about the article was their well-thought-out proposals to improve PWC safety. They write:

1. We need public education campaigns to remind riders of the risks and to promote better behavior. This would remind riders to slow down in congested areas, avoid reckless turns, and be especially careful with passengers. As alcohol is a common factor in crashes, drinking in moderation before riding should also be stressed
2. Women are recommended to wear neoprene protective shorts, or wetsuits, instead of ordinary swimwear. A growing number of medical professionals are now backing this as essential safety gear, not optional, to reduce the risk of perineal injuries from water jets
3. Manufacturers can redesign handlebars to reduce the severity of impact injuries. They can also build in safeguards that reduce jet pressure when no one is seated at the rear (to safeguard the health of a passenger who falls off backwards)
4. States also need consistent rules on minimum rider age, training and licensing. The laws vary widely. These inconsistent regulations create confusion and loopholes, especially when riders cross borders.

If you’re interested in reading the full article, you can check it out here.

I’ve honestly always been a little surprised that there are not more pirate sightings within the PWC culture – after all, it is such a fitting and logical tie-in. There are few sport/recreation based activities or “hobbies” where the swashbuckling soul and daring bravado of the pirates of old blend right in with a sport’s lifestyle and culture the way they do with the PWC world.

However, if you don’t count race purses and championship cups – there’s not been much in the way of booty to be found on the high seas (or lakes and rivers) these days. However, that’s no longer true. Now, thanks to Sea-Doo and BPR GO!, there is Sea-Stash up for grabs August 20-26.

Whether you fancy yourself as Indiana Jones, tracking down valuable treasures, Captain Jack Sparrow seeking the heart of Davey Jones (and some rum!), or a young Jim Hawkins, on a quest for Captain Flint’s buried treasure, The Sea-Stash contest — getting set to launch on Aug. 20 — could be just the adventure you seek, and the treasure you want!

And like Hawkins, you will have the assistance of a treasure map — and without having to unearth a deceased pirate’s sea chest to find the it!

BRP GO – Bombardier’s Mobile App, which you can download here, is the key to finding one of the GPS-tagged treasure stashes. Each Sea-Stash, which includes PA&A (Parts, Accessories & Apparel), and a pre-papid Visa card totaling up to $2,000, also includes a chance to win a new 2026 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325.

Once you download BRP Go — which, as described in previous WCJ articles, provides water navigation, including detailed maps and the ability to download maps for offline use, and allows users to record their rides, track ride statistics, and share ride information — head to the “WATER” playground and select the Navigation tile to access the Sea-Doo map, which you will need to search for the Sea-Stash when the drop goes live.

Every day from August 20 – 26, Sea-Doo will release the location of a different stash, accessible by PWC or pontoon – and the first to arrive at the stash location will win the prize.

But don’t wait until the 20th, or the date of the location drop closest to you!

While the drop locations are a secret up until the drop time, the BRP GO stash map is live now, and you can use the BRP Go Ap leading up to the drop times to explore the approximate location of the stash, and up your odds of being the first one there!

Then, when the stash drops, open BRP GO!, ensure you are in the “WATER” playground, and search “Sea-Stash” or spot the SS icon on your map. Hit the water and head to the stash, which is hosted by Sea-Doo crew members and packed with Sea-Doo rewards waiting to be claimed.

WCJ has even scoped out the general locations and times of each Sea-Stash:

Gloucester, MA – Stash 1,2 & 3
Drop Live @ August 20th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the three different stashes that will be dropped at the same time in different spots.

Miami, FL
Drop Live @ August 21st, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.

Los Angeles, CA
Drop Live @ August 22nd, 9:00AM local time (PST)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.

Houston, TX
Drop Live @ August 23rd, 9:00AM local time (CDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.Detroit, MI
Drop Live @ August 24th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.

Lake Muskoka, ON
Drop Live @ August 25th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.

Thousand Islands, ON
Drop Live @ August 26th, 9:00AM local time (EDT)
Within the BRP GO!, search “Sea-Stash” in Navigation at the time & date above, to uncover the location of the stash.

It’s hard to believe but we’re just a week away from BRP’s big official rollout of it’s 2026 lineup. That’s right! This coming Sunday evening, August 17th, BRP will unveil to its international dealer network the entirety of its 2026 offerings published to its various social media and YouTube channels. (So if you’re rarin’ to know what’s new, you’ll want to tune in then.)

Yet, if you’re a little more patient, you can tune into The Watercraft Journal IRL podcast (see video linked below) that next evening, Monday, August 18th at 8pm EST, and watch as this author and special guests Greg Gaddis and Billy Duplessis go over the previous night’s announcements, and break down what’s new, what’s left over, and share our thoughts on the reveal.

More importantly, we’ll be giving away a brand new Sea-Doo 325 GPS Speed Control Override Module (SCOM) from Active Jet Sport (retails for $259.99) to one lucky winner. If you’d like to win this SCOM unit and unlock the potential within your 325-horsepower Sea-Doo all you have to do is submit an email to [email protected] telling us why you should receive this awesome prize.

It can’t be that easy, right? Well, sorta. We don’t want to read a novel or some sob story. No ma’am. We want to laugh! Give us your funniest reason why you deserve to win this Speed Control Override Module from Active Jet Sport. We’ll be reading your letter on the podcast, so keep it PG-13 or cleaner. That’s it! Make us laugh and you can win!

Some of our favorite content lately has come from riders taking on long-form, open-water PWC journeys. In part, this is because these trips tend to come loaded with beautiful scenery, epic wildlife encounters, and fresh perspectives on some of the world’s top destinations. At the same time, we love these trips even more because they show off just how great of a tool the PWC can be for people around the world, enabling some of the coolest adventures imaginable. But there’s no denying that this kind of open-water travel comes with its own risks and difficulties—and the biggest of these is obvious: fuel.

Whether you’re traveling around the islands of Fiji, visiting the Bahamas from Miami, or just looking for some good open-water fishing, having access to extra fuel for your journey isn’t just important—it can be the difference between life and death. On top of that, refueling on open water brings its own set of challenges: balancing on a moving PWC, contending with waves and wind, and avoiding spills that could harm the environment or even leave you without fuel. The key is to choose the right combination of storage, transfer, and securing methods so your adventures stay safe and uninterrupted.

Perhaps the most important consideration here is fuel storage. While basic gas cans can work in a pinch, we highly recommend opting for an option better suited for water refuels. We’ve covered options like the SureCan gas tanks before, and they remain one of the best solutions on the market for ensuring a safe and spill-free refuel on the water. There’s also the Sea-Doo LinQ caddy, available in 3.8– and 5-gallon sizes, featuring a spill-free spout and easy installation with their secure LinQ system.

If you’re going to be using one of the standalone gas cans, knowing how to keep it connected to your PWC is a key issue. DIY racks made from straps, baskets, or PVC are inexpensive, but they can be unstable in rough conditions and may impact your warranty or performance. Purpose-built PWC racks are designed to keep fuel stable, resist corrosion, and make it easier to handle cans in less-than-ideal weather. Many also double as gear carriers, giving you more storage space for safety equipment or a portable pump.

For those looking for a more involved setup for consistent long journeys, an auxiliary fuel tank can be a worthwhile investment. These connect directly into the PWC’s original tank, allowing for extended capacity without needing to manually refill from an external container.

One of the great things about the PWC lifestyle is that there is a corner of the PWC world for just about anyone, regardless of where your interests lie.

Have the ‘need for speed?’ PWC racing has some of the most adrenaline-boosting wire-to-wire competitions in the powersport world. More into lazy cruising some calm-water rivers and shorelines? There’s a PWC for you! Backflips and stunt riding? Zipping around fast-current rivers? Dodging waves or towing wakeboarders over them? Fishing? Adventuring? Safety Patrols and rescue work? Whatever your goal, there’s probably a PWC for it.

Which makes it a huge added bonus when there’s a supplier that also excels at “just a bit of everything.”

What’s even nicer is when you can get a nice hefty discount at said one-stop-shopping” location.

Well, the good news is, when it comes to that part, accessory, equipment or gear, Jet Tech has you covered with a website full of deals for just about every branch of the PWC family, and when it comes to that nice discount, WCJ and Jet Tech have you covered with a WCJ-only discount of 15% on everything on the Jet Tech website. Just enter “watercraft15” in the coupon code slot when you check out, and your discount will automatically be applied to your purchase.

Just a sampling of the deals you can snag as Watercraft Journal supporters:

From the Jet Tech Surfing and Watersports department
The Jet Tech tow sport rope, specifically designed for use on a PWC, with sectional lengths, floating core and anti suck up features make this rope the ultimate solution for water sport behind your PWC. Normally $109; you save more than $16 with the watercraft15 code.

Or you can grab a set of Jet Tech universal board racks for almost $70 off the regular price. These simply clamp onto any make & model jet ski with a uniquely designed patented clamping system from Jet Tech, with no modifications required, providing a quick, easy solution for transporting all types of boards while freeing up valuable space on the ski.

From the Fishing and Touring department, this 15% off even applies to the Jet Tech adventure fish box recently promoted on the Jet Tech Facebook page. This ultimate jet ski fishing set up fits almost every make & model and attaches in seconds, providing a strong, secure and modular storage system customizable to your style and needs.

Built around a large removable 55L Jet Tech insulated cooler box, the systems includes 4 rod holders, 4 rod leashes a tackle box and tackle box cargo net, 1 powder coated, marine grade aluminum crate, 2 stainless steel tie down ratchet straps and all the hardware. In addition, You also have the option to carry up to 25L of extra fuel with up to (5) 5L jerry cans around the entire box. These simply attach to any of the cam lock points with provided hardware. And as a WCJ reader, you can slash more than $100 off the purchase price.

Also in the Fishing and Touring department, after a successful fishing outing, you can keep that prized catch nice and fresh whilst trekking home on your ski with the insulated Jet Tech Fish Bag featuring securing points & profiled to fit a jet ski – all for less than $110 with your discount code.

And speaking of bags, your exclusive-to-WCJ readers discount code will earn you 15% off Jet Tech’s 10- or 15-pound drybag or their 35 Liter Backpack Dry Bag, which is reinforced with extra strong points to carry heavier equipment like cameras, drones and more cargo in general. The integrated shoulder, waist and chest straps also ease the load by dispersing weight while keeping the bag nice and tight when riding your ski – and save $11.25 on the deal, all just for being a part of the WCJ family.

Jet Tech and the Watercraft Journal have you covered on the more mundane things that never get noticed … until they’re not there. Things like snap hook carabiners, bonnet bungie kits, 5L fuel containers and both inshore and offshore anchor kits.

And don’t forget, with this deal, Jet Tech and WCJ can help both you and your ski stay stylin’ and sharp. Included in the 15% off with the watercraft15 code is Jet Tech’s full line of PWC cleaners and detailing products and kits, as well as all of Jet Tech’s apparel and accessories, including the popular Jet Tech goggles.

Shop now on the Jet Tech website for your discounted prices with the watercraft15 code, and follow their social media accounts for new product announcements and more.

When we talk about Sea-Doo, it’s usually because we’re exploring their variety of PWC models and innovations throughout the years—but that doesn’t mean their offerings are limited to watercraft themselves. A few months back, we highlighted the utility of their YouTube channel’s “Product Series” videos, as they provide visually aided deep dives into some of the various products and accessories that can enhance the experience for any kind of PWC enthusiast.

In fact, while that article covered their set of watersports accessories for fans of tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing, other videos are dedicated to those who are more interested in PWC fishing, long-haul trips, and plenty of other ways to get the most out of your time on the water.

Along this line, one video particularly caught our eye as highlighting a less-frequently-covered product that might be useful to some of our readers. While most of the time we think about being on the water on our PWC, we imagine warm summer days. But there are plenty of reasons to be out on the water in colder climates. Whether you just happen to live near colder waters, are out for a race or a fishing trip, or just run into a few cold days, being able to stay warm on your PWC can be the difference between a day cut short and a lifelong memory.

That’s where Sea-Doo’s Neoprene Riding Jacket comes in. In the video, they highlight just how well this jacket is built to handle the elements—designed specifically to keep riders warm, dry, and protected in cooler weather or when facing wind and water spray. Made from 2mm thick neoprene with 90% neoprene stretch fabric and 10% nylon for added flexibility and comfort, this jacket offers insulation without sacrificing movement. Built-in UV protection, an adjustable hood, and adjustable cuffs ensure it fits securely and shields you from the sun and splash alike. Ideal for both casual riders and racers, this men’s neoprene jacket is a solid addition to any PWC rider’s gear for extending your season and staying comfortable no matter the forecast.

Be sure to check out this jacket as we move towards the end of summer, and don’t forget to follow along on Sea-Doo’s YouTube channel for more engaging deep dives! 

When it comes to competitive racing, whether on wheels or on water, the top performers are those who manage to bring their ride’s performance up in every aspect available to them. While for many this may be limited to changing the hull’s aerodynamics, installing an aftermarket impeller, or any number of other important upgrades, there’s no denying that all of these are secondary to a PWC’s beating heart: its engine. While some engines are certainly better than others, FuelTech puts aside those comparisons and addresses a different question: “How can this engine be better?”

We’ve covered before how their high-tech products allow racers to get the most out of their engine’s potential, but if you still haven’t been convinced to take the plunge into big gains in your watercraft’s performance, they’re taking the opportunity to sweeten the deal this August. Their current sale allows buyers to receive a free Nano with the purchase of their ECU systems, which amounts to savings of up to $339… with major payoff!

The offer is available in three “packs,” each of which offers slightly different benefits, so you can find the performance that’s right for you. For example, the FT600 ECU includes a free NanoPRO Wideband O2 Sensor Controller, their three-in-one interface that acts as a secondary dash, an O2 conditioner, and a switch panel, all while measuring less than three inches. By bundling it with the FT600, you’re guaranteed FuelTech’s most advanced engine control/monitor system, with a user-friendly interface and an impressive list of features.

On the other hand, for those who want a slightly more affordable option without sacrificing the NanoPRO deal, the FT550 ECU also includes the bundle offer, still providing electronic fuel injection, an integrated dashboard, data acquisition, and power management. Finally, the FT450 ECU comes with a free WB-O2 Nano, a less “advanced” but super useful O2 conditioner, which promises a cost-effective way to really boost your engine’s performance.

All three of the ECUs included in the promotion are compatible with Sea-Doo, Kawasaki, and Yamaha watercraft, making this deal a perfect fit for PWC racers looking  to take their ride up a notch. Even still, it’s important to keep in mind that a “plug and play adapter harness” is needed to fully integrate the engine management system with your PWC.

On top of this, FuelTech’s sale includes their typical “Fast & Free” shipping, sweetening the deal just a bit more. The offer is only valid in August, so if you’re looking for high-performance tuning for competitive PWC racing, be sure to check out the details of this offer over on their website now.

In March of 2003, the PWC industry got superpowers — or at least one superpower — when Sea-Doo introduced the 2003 Sea-Doo GTX Supercharged model, featuring a 1494cc Rotax 4-TEC engine offering 185 horsepower – a significant increase compared to naturally aspirated models available at the time.

Following up the next year, Sea-Doo’s 2004 RXP 215 supercharged ski was the first personal watercraft to break the 200-horsepower barrier, boasting 215 horsepower thanks to its supercharged engine.

In 2006, Kawasaki introduced the 2007 model year Jet Ski Ultra 250X, featuring a marinized, 1,498cc, 4-cylinder, supercharged and intercooled engine, derived from the Ninja ZX-14. This model marked Kawasaki’s entry into the supercharged PWC market. 

Yamaha’s first supercharged WaveRunner, the FZR SHO, built on the FZ platform, was introduced in the 2009 model year. This two-seater, factory racer featured a supercharged 1812cc engine, producing 210 horsepower. 

As the years slipped by — or, in this case, raced by like a freightliner on a 9% downgrade with no brakes — the knowledge, design-work and technology integrated into supercharged skis has improved, even to the point of boasts of “maintenance free” superchargers.

However, as pointed out by WCJ’s Kevin Shaw in previous articles, maintenance is still a wise bet, as “a quick scroll through Google Images will show that it isn’t pretty when the clutch washers fail, as they’ll send metal debris scattering into the engine, galling bearings and destroying the entire supercharger.” He also noted, in May of 2023, that the “300 ACE engines have a much longer service life than the older superchargers, they can and will fail.” 

So, just because (again, quoting wiser WJC minds — this time JD Brussels) “there’s nothing like screaming across the water on a lightning fast supercharged personal watercraft. The power, speed and agility of these muscle machines is unrivaled by their naturally aspirated counterparts. Purchasing a supercharged ski opens up a new world of possibilities…” that doesn’t mean that supercharges have magical powers — they still require care.

And that’s where GreenHulk comes in, with professional Sea-Doo Supercharger Rebuild Service for 185/215/230/255/260 HP Model skis. 

“If your Sea-Doo supercharger is approaching 100 hours or hasn’t been rebuilt in the last 2 years, it’s time for a professional rebuild and no one does it better, faster, or more affordably than The GreenHulk PWC Performance Store. Period! We ensure your supercharger is rebuilt correctly, safely, and to factory specifications, every time,” GreenHulk states in a recent social media post touting the lowest prices and one-day turnaround 

Prices include complete disassembly, inspection, rebuild, and precision torquing of all components. Read the full press release below for more information.

You can also check out JD Brussels’ article, “What You Should Know Before Buying a Supercharged Personal Watercraft for a detailed discussion of Supercharged PWCs. 

Professional Sea-Doo Supercharger Rebuild Service for 185/215/230/255/260 HP Model skis.
Are you looking to restore peak performance and reliability on your Supercharged Sea-Doo? The GreenHulk Sea-Doo Supercharger Rebuild Service is the most trusted and experienced option available for 185, 215, 230, 255, and 260 HP models. With over two decades of hands on experience, 4-Tec Performance has rebuilt thousands of superchargers for riders across the world. If your Sea-Doo supercharger is approaching 100 hours or hasn’t been rebuilt in the last 2 years, it’s time for a professional rebuild and no one does it better, faster, or more affordably than The GreenHulk PWC Performance Store. Period! We ensure your supercharger is rebuilt correctly, safely, and to factory specifications, every time.

THE CHEAPEST PROVIDER ONLINE
We beat all competitors on price without sacrificing quality. No markup, no gimmicks, just honest, professional service using the right parts.

We only use genuine Sea-Doo OEM Rebuild Kits.

We won’t cut corners with cheap parts. Every rebuild includes a brand new OEM Sea-Doo Supercharger Rebuild Kit, the same high-quality components found in brand new machines.

We offer a one day turnaround time, and don’t charge extra for this expedited service.

Each rebuild is performed in house by our experienced technicians. The price includes complete disassembly, inspection, rebuild, and precision torquing of all components.

Need new mounting hardware? No problem! Use the dropdown menu on the product page to add three (3) OEM Torx flange screws (Part #420641258, M6 x 35mm), which are used to secure the supercharger to the engine. These are often overlooked but critical for proper installation.

Why Choose The GreenHulk PWC Performance Store?
25+ Years of Experience
Thousands of Superchargers Rebuilt. We are the most experienced.
GENUINE BRP OEM Kits ONLY, ABSOLUTELY NO Substitutes
Fast Turnaround that we do not charge you more for!
Trusted by Racers, Riders, and Dealers Nationwide

Give your Sea-Doo the performance and reliability it deserves. Whether you’re a casual weekend rider or pushing top speeds on race day, we’re the shop riders, racers, and dealers trust. Don’t overpay elsewhere. Get it done right—the first time—and for the best price online. Order today and experience The GreenHulk PWC Performance Store difference.

The Watercraft Journal is on the hunt – maybe for you!

In the coming days and weeks, you might notice a series of course corrections at The Watercraft Journal to realign us with the founding spirit that sparked a whole industry back in 1973: namely, the youthful attitude and explosive energy – both as a competitive sport and as an athletic recreational activity – that marked the true jet ski lifestyle from the very beginning.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief Kevin Shaw has stated many times in the past, and emphatically re-stated recently, that the soul of jet skiing was about pushing boundaries and defying the norms of what could be done on the water – both for the individual as much as the machine.

As WCJ strives to tap back into that original spirit, we are looking for a couple of new freelance writers to bring in that same youthful energy. Those interested must be insanely passionate about the type of machines that fit this agenda.

Do you know somebody reviving old school 2-strokes? Sure! Building a turbocharged Spark? Great! Some insane Frankenstein that somebody’s putting together in their garage? Tell us more about it!

We’re wanting to focus on people in our sport showing some real “old school” stoke. No, we’re not trying to live in the past but we are trying to fix the future by looking at what made this hobby cool in the first place (and it sure as hell wasn’t cup holders and phone chargers).

So if this is all making sense to you, we think you’re exactly who we want to start writing articles for us.

Articles will range from highly technical information, to reviews of products, and will include tutorials, event recaps, and more. Those interested should drop an email to [email protected].