Home Blog Page 201

Videos: Greenhulk’s Breakdown Of The New DashFlash by DashPac

By
Jerry Gaddis
-
0

[The original article was published by Jerry Gaddis at www.greenhulk.net on 1/2/2019 and can be read here. -Ed]

DashPac has done it again with this innovative product! It was created and designed by forum members Evan Kassing and Andy Lamb. This product has been in development for over a year now and is now ready for resale.

Flash back to April of 2016 DashPac launched a new never-seen-before product called DashPac! It was the first time Sea-Doo owners could see on the stock OEM cluster the engines Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) and a digital read out of boost in PSI. Soon after more versions where developed for other years and ECU combinations.

Kassing explains, “Since then we have spent every dollar of profit in trying to learn everything about this platform, and trying to make new products. We have come a long way, made some mistakes along the way. We have made it our mission to try and provide good customer service and relationships along the way.

“Now onto why your reading this, new products! Like prior products, we look to be new and innovative. Keeping true to our company name we decided to make a full dash reflash.”

DashFlash is just that, a Dash Reflash that includes all existing functions of the dashboard and added these fun new features:

Display actual accurate GPS speed on the LCD and analog needle. Add a decimal to the Speed and Top Speed functions.

In the display Menu lineup, we added:

  • AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) (see note 3)
  • Boost
  • Estimated horsepower
  • Intake air temperature
  • Voltage (see note 4)
  • Throttle

On the LCD lower left next to the hour meter (lake temperature spot for some skis) DashPac added these user select-able options to display in that box;

  • Water temperature (see note 1)
  • Intake air temperature
  • Depth (see note 1)

On the LCD compass area, DashPac added user select-able options to display in that box; (see note 1):

  • Blank/nothing
  • Compass
  • Depth (see note 1)
  • RPM
  • Speed
  • AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) (see note 3)
  • Boost
  • IAT (Internal Operating Temperature)
  • Voltage (see note 4)
  • Throttle
  • Engine temperature
  • Estimated horsepower
  • Top speed
  • User select-able speed override (bypass GPS speed limiter)

We added user select-able units change; (see note 2):

  • metric
  • imperial

Note 1: This only works if your ski currently has this option otherwise it will be blank or read zeros.
Note 2: This option was only added to 2015 and older. The 2016 and up already have this option.
Note 3: Requires new version of DashPac DashFlash Module to see this option in the Dash.
Note 4: Voltage Reading only work with Bosch ECU and Only reads while the ski is running and for approximately 20 seconds after the engine is turned off. When its not reading correct voltage the display voltage in zero to let you know its not currently reading voltage.

Depending on other aftermarket devices on the can bus voltage may turn off so as not to interfere with other devices.

Here is how it works!
You remove your gauge cluster print and fill out our Questionnaire sheet (Put LINK here)
Pack the dash and sheet carefully and ship it to the address on the sheet. We Reflash the dash and ship it back to you.

Now unfortunately, if you have the original DashPac module it is not completely transferable to this new product. However, it can still be used. Allow me to explain. The DashPac module will still work as it currently dose, under the depth display. The new AFR display will read zero, but the depth channel will read your AFR and Boost like before. If, however you want the AFR to display under AFR you will have to purchase the new DashFlash module.

If your going to use the new DashFlash Module the DashPac Depth module is NOT required with this product for your depth sensor.

Currently We only support the 2012 to 2018 X-package style dash with the following part numbers:

  • 278002716 2012
  • 278002961 2012/2013 Superseded
  • 278003220 2015
  • 278003346 2016
  • 278003531 2017
  • 278003651 2018

If you have another version of X-Style dashboard other than listed please contact us for possible development.

Example of the three places you can select to display depth (If your ski has a depth sensor):

Order now in the GreenHulk PWC Performance Store!

Video: RIVA Sea-Doo 300 2018+ Speed Control Override Module

By
Kevin Shaw
-
0

Although the United States of America is the single-largest marketplace for personal watercraft, it’s also one of the most restricted, particularly as it restricts OE manufacturers from producing and selling new models capable of exceeding a sustained top speed of 68.5mph. This bar has been moved time and again, but today stands around 68 or so. Interestingly, outside of the US, new watercraft are known to have zero top speed restrictions, and thereby are seen as being somewhat superior. But, what if we told you that international ECU’s are just as restricted?

It turns that yes! watercraft outside of the United States are limited on their top speed as well. The best illustration we have of this is the current RXT-X 300. In stock form, the US-sold 2018 Sea-Doo will top out oat 68.3mph. Yet, the internationally-sold RXT-X 300 will cap off at exactly 72mph. These numbers are all sustained top speeds – meaning that the craft will maintain that speed after a slight peak at first. Sounds pretty clear, right? Well, that’s where things get sticky:

With the addition of the RIVA Speed Control Override Module (SCOM), the module interrupts the restrictive GPS speed control function on Sea-Doo iControl, permitting the 300-horsepower RXT-X to run unabated. When installed, which takes literally minutes, with zero cutting or permanent modification, the RIVA SCOM uncorks the Sea-Doo to run a blistering 75.2 miles per hour. And that is with ABSOLUTELY ZERO modifications to the ski. No sponsons, prop, ECU reflash, cold air kit, you name it.

Additionally, the SCOM also reprograms the Sea-Doo to start in “Sport Mode” for maximum performance right from the get-go. And yes, “Touring Mode” can be manually selected after start up. That’s a pretty amazing feat for one priced at $199.95. We’re thinking of picking one up ourselves.

NOTE: Stock ECU limits peak RPM for first 5 hours of operation. Top speed increases should be measured after 5 hour break in period.

Video: Yamaha’s New “Benchmark in Luxury Performance”

By
Kevin Shaw
-
0

Earlier this week, our friends at Yamaha WaveRunners Australia executed possibly one of the best “luxury car commercial” videos highlighting all of the features on the new FX platform. It truly has that 1990s throwback feel that was so commonly used for Cadillac, Lexus and BMW; y’know what we’re talking about: a dimmed photo studio, with soft light bouncing off of the paint as it slowly rotates around the room. All while a smooth, even-toned voice assures that not only do you deserve the best, but only the best will do.

Well, OK. It’s not that cheesy. But this is a fun little ad spot nonetheless. And moreover, it’s definitely worthy of the praise – the new FX WaveRunner, that is. Yamaha Motor Corp. USA made it a point to place its top-of-the-food-chain 2019 FX Limited SVHO in The Watercraft Journal’s hands as soon as possible; and as the review (linked here) attests, we think it was a home run. Not only did Yamaha redesign an already super-successful platform to corner smoother and navigate truer through chop, but it’s also pretty dang clever.

The new Yamaha ConNext all-digital, full-color touch-screen dashboard is a great feature and the first of its kind for the personal watercraft industry. That’s huge. (Plus, we’re happy to see the key fob finally be phased out.) The saddle is more comfortable for us taller guys, the new RAM mount system is both universal to all FX machines (FX HO, Cruiser, SVHO and Limited), it also is super useful. During our prolonged access to a 2019 FX SVHO (video review is coming soon. Hold tight!), we rotated ours around with the use of a single Allen wrench  between a mount, a cup holder (now, much deeper so drinks won’t bounce out) or the base plate.

There’s a bunch of other innovations that the video below does a far better job describing, so enjoy below:

https://www.facebook.com/YamahaWaveRunnersAustralia/videos/vb.850880131654291/283925098960645/?type=2&theater

Video: Free Diving The Florida Keys Reef By WaveRunner

By
Kevin Shaw
-
0

We love following Dean Baynon and his family’s exploits, and the newest adventure is definitely one to enjoy. He and his wife board their Yamaha WaveRunner to explore Hen and Chicken’s Reef and Mar Bar Tavernier.  Dean himself is a talented swimmer, diver and spear fisherman, and has regaled his YouTube audience with several instances of diving down through turquoise waters and sprawling coral to chase an elusive fish or bring home still-snapping lobster.

Dean is happiest spending some quality time with the wife and kids fishing and playing on Yamaha WaveRunners in the Florida Keys, and it truly shows. You’ll also want to pay attention to the incredibly thorough additions and modifications Dean has made to his FX Cruiser HO, including manual toggles for running lights, additional bilge pumps and more. It’s truly impressive to see in action. Again, while many of us are braving winter’s chill, Dean is showing us the good life free diving off of the Florida Keys.

WCJ Rebrands “Long Haul” as The Watercraft Journal Series

By
Kevin Shaw
-
0

So what happens the world’s most popular personal watercraft magazine launches a 100-percent free YouTube series that pairs its industry-leading reviews of the latest PWC models, as well as its stunning and exciting adventure rides? You get insightful, fun and entertaining information that not only equips you with the right knowledge to make a smart purchase, but also gets you excited to hit the water as soon as possible.

When The Watercraft Journal launched its YouTube channel, we did so under the title “Long Haul” as that was the name of our initial adventure ride – what is known now as Episode 1 of Long Haul. We continued in this pattern for two years, producing new and fresh episodes on a monthly, and soon bi-monthly basis. With just under 40 episodes, and well past a million and a quarter views, we were pretty dang happy.

Yet, there was one small problem. Folks who were searching YouTube for info on the newest personal watercraft were finding us, but with zero understanding that Long Haul was part of The Watercraft Journal! They had no clue we were a magazine offering far more information than what we could cram into a short video. Despite the hyperlinks, mentions in the video or otherwise, we couldn’t convey the message that Long Haul and The Watercraft Journal were one in the same. Something had to change quick.

So alas, the decision was made late last year: the “Long Haul” title had to go. Now, we want to introduce you to The Watercraft Journal. The show is pretty much the exact same thing as Long Haul, just under the magazine’s proper name. Well, sorta. For 2019 and beyond, you’re going to see a far higher quality of video with more descriptive graphics, data and pop-up captions. There’s a lot of information to be shared, and frankly we want to elevate our game.

Below is the official video introduction for the new The Watercraft Journal series. Enjoy!

Michigan’s Brave The Wave Joins Pro WaterCross

By
Brice Leckrone
-
0

The Pro Watercross tour has been making some serious announcements lately. According to the latest releases, Pro Watercross is in the midst of the most active expansion campaign for personal watercraft events.

To add to the growing list of events, they have just announced that Michigan Wave Makers will be joining Pro Watercross with its Brave The Wave event. The race and freestyle event which is held on Lake Orion in August, has seen a spike in interest in recent years and will now be joining the Pro Watercross family.

To read all about it, you can see the press release below:

Pro Watercross, in the midst of the most active expansion campaign for personal watercraft events has seen in several decades, announced this morning that Michigan Wave Maker’s has joined the Pro Watercross family with its Brave the Wave event held in August on Lake Orion in Michigan.

Ryan and Terri, co-owners of Michigan Wave Makers LLC, have brought a surge in interest and participation in competitive personal watercrafts in the Great Lakes region over the past two years with the popularity of the Brave the Wave race and freestyle competition.

“We are excited about Michigan Wave Makers joining with us in our mission to grow the sport and the PWC community in 2019,” said Pro Watercross CIO Jennifer Handler. “Ryan, along with his business partner Terri Nallamothu, will be bringing the annual Brave the Wave under the Pro Watercross banner in 2019, and we are proud to be a part of this great event.”

“We started Michigan Wave Makers LLC to help promote the jet ski sport in the state of Michigan,” Terri said. “Since we are the ‘Great Lakes state,’ we figured what better place to promote people using jet skis to enjoy their lake life a little more each year.”

Boasting not only a perfectly-situated venue and well-organized competition for freestylers and ski-class racers, but some of the largest prize money in the region, Brave the Wave continues to gain attention, and Ryan is expecting 2019 to be the largest turnout yet. The Third Annual Brave the Wave will take place on August 10, 2019 on beautiful Lake Orion in Michigan.

 “One cannot stand alone to be great, but with community, greatness is unlimited,” Ryan said. “Brave the Waves will be teaming up with Pro Watercross, because we felt our event fits the professionalism and growth that Pro Watercross provides our industry! We will continue to carry the slalom courses and freestyle like we did in 2018, and we are adding a few more categories, which we will announce soon.”

Like many other PWC events throughout the country, Brave the Wave is about fun, adrenaline, and good-natured, but fierce competition, but it is also about family and community, and Michigan Wave Makers donates a portion of the proceeds from Brave the Wave each year – adding more than $1,600 in support to local charities since the event’s inception in 2017. In 2018, Brave the Wave supported the McLaren Oakland Foundation – an organization established in 2004 to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, race and financial status has access to state-of-the-art health care services. In 2019, the Brave the Wave official charities will be McLaren Charity and Rainbow Connection Children’s Cancer Wish List.

“With three classes of freestyle competition, including the Stock Hull 800 Class, and five slalom race classes, including a vintage class, open class and 4-stroke class, Brave the Wave has something for every stand-up rider and fan”, Ryan said.

As Pro Watercross continues to increase its promotion of the PWC lifestyle across a wider range of activities, and a larger region, the Brave the Wave event is a perfect addition to the Pro Watercross family, Handler said.

“Grassroots racing is the true backbone of racing and without it there would be no consistent support for any kind of racing,” she explained, saying that regional events are vital to the national Pro Watercross tour, and to the sport, as not only a low-barrier entry into the sport, but as a means of bringing the PWC lifestyle to the attention of a whole new sector of people that may not have known of the sport before – and especially bringing the next generation of racers into the sport.

For more information about the 2019 Brave The Wave competition, and to register, visit www.facebook.com/MichiganWavemakers and www.MichiganWavemakers.com, and keep up with all the Pro Watercross news at ProWatercross.com, or by clicking any of our social media links.

Get Hooked: Fishing Is The Fastest Growing Segment In The PWC Industry

By
Troy Isaac
-
1

Listen, there’s this new sport that combines the speed and excitement of a PWC, and the age-old profession of fishing, it’s called PWC Fishing, and if you don’t already, your gonna love it. Chances are you have run across somebody that has embraced this new sport or seen a picture of that guy out thirty miles rolling in the chop fishing tuna. Well get ready to experience the best of both combined worlds, peanut butter and chocolate, baby.

There are so many up sides to PWC fishing it’s hard to know where to start, and over the next few months we’ll tackle each and every topic to get you, as a rider, in the fisherman’s seat. Be careful though, once you bring in the first 15lb salmon jumping 5 feet from your toes, a 65-pound sturgeon tugging for the bottom like a mad man, or that 250lb Goliath pulling your PWC around the bay, you’re going to be hooked on the sport. There’s nothing like the excitement of a rod going off inches from your finger tips and the fight is on, then landing that prize right at your toes. You are immersed in the action, the adrenaline and dopamine release is addictive.

Let’s just touch on a few advantages for those of you not convinced that fishing from a PWC doesn’t have a world of advantages over fishing from a boat. I’ll be preaching to the choir for most of you, but let’s start off on the right foot. How about the fuel bill for a day on the water. Back in the 80’s and 90’s, when I was a proud boat owner, it would cost a minimum of one hundred dollars in fuel bills, and that was for a quiet, reasonable day on the water, it just went up from there. I’ve spent upwards of two hundred dollars water skiing for the day, which would be close to three hundred at these fuel prices today.

I was fishing out of Marathon, Florida last year, and a gentleman came up to me asking about my rig, I get that constantly 24/7, he asked me about my fuel bill and what I was fishing for, he pointed to his boat with the twin 250’s on it. I told him I was out 15 miles where the green meets the blue, trolled and jigged some humps for the day and I just filled up for twenty five dollars of premium, his jaw dropped, he said, and this is a quote, that he can spend up to seven hundred filling his boat up after a full day on the water. We’ll touch on more advantages in the next series of articles, but I bet you can name a few already, send me an email if you have some ideas, we’ll get them written up for our readers.

To tell the story of PWC fishing, you need to start from the beginning so we can move onto the future. Back in the early 2000’s, there were a few fishermen that owned PWC’s that had such a love for both sports that combining them was a natural progression. These hot spots were mostly concentrated to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North America. I personally caught the bug over ten years ago while I was on business in Miami, Florida. While down there I decided I needed a vacation, so I bought a used 2007 Yamaha FX HO with 20 hours on it. From Miami I headed down to the Keys, as I had never been, and my curiosity was killing me.

After being on the water for only a few days, my love of fishing started to creep in, so I headed to West Marine in Marathon and picked up some fishing gear. Within the first few minutes I realized that a factory PWC was not the best laid out craft for fishing from. Stowing away gear, which was the first problem that needed to be crossed. No problem, that engineering degree kicked in and I soon had a series of brackets and bags developed, we’ll start to get into gear in our next article, but what I did realize is that these obstacles are not insurmountable.

I was sold on PWC fishing within the first day of being on the water, I couldn’t believe I was the first guy to ever think of this, turned out, I wasn’t. Trolling, which is my favorite part of the sport, was definitely out, as there wasn’t any way to hold the pole and control the craft, we later fixed that with the Maverick bracket system and addressed the storage with the Maverick bags. Those first few days were a real education of which I was regulated to jigging and casting, still productive, still a bunch of fun. Florida is such a fantastic place to fish, I could free dive off the machine and literally go down to the reef to see if I was in a good spot for jig fishing, the water was that clear and warm.

One thing I’d like to mention is that when you’re in the Keys and you’re on a PWC that’s dead in the water as your happily jigging away, every law enforcement boat, search and rescue, military and government vessel on the water will come over to see that everything’s alright, they are just not familiar with seeing a PWC sitting still in the water. Some of the looks I get these days, when they see my fishing rig now and how far this thing of ours has come, is downright hilarious, they just can’t believe what they are seeing.

PWC fishing has come a long way from those old days when four strokes and stable hulls were making their first debut, with a multitude of gear suppliers to get you on the water quickly and easily, this unique experience is but credit card swipe away. We’ll touch on all the methods to get you on the water fishing, so stay tuned for future articles. We’ll cover all the set ups from coolers to bags, GPS, fish finders, tackle suppliers, you name it, if you need it for PWC fishing, we’ll address it. I want to officially welcome you to the world of PWC fishing here on The Watercraft Journal, soon to be your number one hot spot for PWC fishing, tight lines my friend.

Video: Introducing RIVA Gen 3 Power Cooler For Yamaha SVHO

By
Brice Leckrone
-
0

Brand new from the RIVA Racing family is the Generation 3 Power Cooler Kit for your Yamaha SHO/SVHO powered Waverunners.

This redesigned intercooler packs an extreme performance upgrade compared to the stock unit and squeezes even more power when compared to the previous Gen 2 Riva Power Cooler. Rated for up to 600 horsepower, this is the ultimate intercooler.

New for the Gen 3 design is an even more efficient core which provides a standard twenty horsepower increase over the OEM intercooler. The new kit also features an integrated mounting bracket as opposed to a separate bracket on the old design.

Unlike the old kit, the Gen 3 kit now includes a TiAl Blow-Off Valve which improves reliability of your supercharger. Of course all hoses, hardware, and quick flush system is included in the kit as well.

If you’re looking to reliably increase the performance of your supercharged Yamaha WaveRunner, this easy-to-install Power Cooler Kit is a good option and gives a relatively large power boost for the price.

So head on over to rivaracing.com to pick up yours today and as always take advantage of free shipping on this order. Be sure to check out the video for all of the details.

Powerboat Nationals Announces Top Honorees For 2018 Season

By
Blake Ellestad
-
0

Are you wanting to see and meet some of the leading racers in the industry and see some of the up and coming racers? If so, mark your calendars for February 8, 2019 and be in Orlando, Florida as Powerboat Nationals will be holding its 2018 awards presentation. The presentation awards ceremony will be crowning the winners of each of the three Powerboat Nationals series it held in 2018.

Lee Daniel for the second time out of the last three seasons will be crowned for the Powerboat Nationals’ ProTunnel1 Series (formerly known as Formula 2). Residing from North Augusta, South Carolina, he was able to beat out rival Mark Jakob at the North American Championship in Wisconsin. In Powerboat Nationals ProTunnel2 Series (formerly known as Formula 4), Atlanta, Georgia’s Jason Nelson was able to pave his way to a commanding lead after securing the first three races at number 1. After that, Nelson never let off the throttle and proved he was the champion.

2018 was a big year for the Powerboat Nationals as they offered jet ski racing with its Hydro-Cross series. In the ProSport Series (formerly known as SportGP), Dawsonville, Georgia’s own Kyle Hayes was able to finish first. He had been battling with veteran-rider Brian O’Rourke through the whole series but O’Rourke was unable to secure the win.

Below is a list of everyone being honored at the Power Nationals 2018 Awards Ceremony taken from Romesburg Media Group LLC:

  • Powerboat Nationals Sportsman of the Year – Jake Alkema
  • ProTunnel 1 Series Champion – Lee Daniel
  • ProTunnel 1 Rookie of the Year – Rick Young
  • ProTunnel 1 Best Dressed – Jim Kerr, Team Racecraft
  • ProTunnel 2 Series Champion – Jason Nelson
  • ProTunnel 2 Rookie of the Year – Jake Alkema
  • ProTunnel 2 Best Dressed – Jake Alkema, Team Racecraft
  • HX ProSport Series Champion – Kyle Hayes
  • HX ProSport Best Dressed – Brian O’Rourke, Team Faith
  • Powerboat Nationals Best Looking Watercraft – Jason Nelson, Screaming Eagle/Wyatt Nelson Architect Racing

The most hardware decorated athlete for 2018 is rookie Jake Alkema riding for Team Racecraft’s. He earned PT2 Rookie of the Year, Best Dressed Team for PT2, and selected by his fellow competitors, 2018 Powerboat Nationals Sportsman of the Year.

The ProTunnel 1 Series will kick off in Knoxville, Tennessee with the ProTunnel 2 Series will be held in Parker, Arizona and Hydro-Cross will start in Tavares, Florida.

Video: Cycle Springs Powersports Reveals New North Showroom

By
Kevin Shaw
-
0

Claiming the title as “the world’s largest Yamaha dealer” of both WaveRunners and Jet Boats, Clearwater, Florida’s own Cycle Springs Powersports is truly making waves. In addition to Yamahas, Cycle Springs is also an authorized dealer for Kawasaki and Sea-Doo, as well as Suzuki, Polaris – meaning they also move plenty of motorcycles, ATV’s, Side-by-Sides and Slingshots. Additionally, Cycle Springs is the nation’s only powersports dealership with a LifeTime Engine Warranty and Money Guarantee on extended warranties.

Because of the massive volume of watercraft and vehicles pumping out of Cycle Springs Powersports, the dealership saw fit to begin expanding – and at a rapid rate. A satellite service center was one of the first expansions, and now Cycle Springs is proud to announce its new north showroom. Providing all the service capabilities and informed staff as the main showroom, the north showroom is to help provide a better, more personable shopping experience, and shares the same 29703 US Highway 19 N address, so you can’t miss it.

There’s a lot of cool things happening at Cycle Springs and The Watercraft Journal will have articles highlighting their growth and expansion in the coming weeks and months; 2019 is going to be a big year. So buckle up, buttercup.

https://youtu.be/EICYhYyv8ck

1...200201202...439Page 201 of 439