Man, this clip is so cool! While watching a “Jigging with Jordan” video, I couldn’t stop smiling. His happy go lucky attitude kept me entertained. Heck, I was ready to hit the ‘glades on a ski!
Brandon M. Jordan, is excited to take us on his fishing excursion with him, albeit vicariously. The dude carries all his own camera gear and sets up cameras to film himself from his pwc. His GoPro is attached to the right side mirror. He also has a drone following him. After he loads up his Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800 with several fishing rods and other gear, he gets underway from Holiday Park while the tourists are feeding nearby alligators. The WaveRunner he is riding is fast enough to get him out of any trouble he may encounter. It’s a beast that’s rigged for fun and fishing.
Jordan heads 20 miles deep into the Everglades and reels in some nice pan sized bass and releases all of them after showing them off to us. He recommends carrying a paddle so you can push off from the pesky lily pads. The last thing a rider needs is lily pads clogging the intake, which may leave you at the mercy of the elements. Jordan’s motto is, “Paddle through dirty spots and jet through the clean water.” It’s enjoyable to watch him easily maneuver his Yamaha WaveRunner through the twisting and turning channels within the Everglades. The machine handles well and is much quieter than the nearby airboats.
Jordan points out alligators and reminds us to be careful of the shallow waters. He also lets us know how easy it is to get lost once you begin turning in and out of tributaries. Jordan says he doesn’t get lost because he navigates the smooth handling Yamaha GP1800 through a main canal. Plus, he can always launch his drone to help him figure out where he is. He takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through beautiful territory with lots of water, flora, and fauna. The video is quite captivating and Jordan’s big personality makes it super enjoyable! That GP1800 he’s riding will have you frothing!
Sea-Doo’s brand new RXT-X 300 is scheduled to make its official racing debut in the P1 AquaX series for the weekend of April 21-22. We certainly can’t wait to see how this tremendous watercraft with its new revolutionary design will fair.
Check out the full press release here: Sea-Doo enters the 2018 watercraft racing season with tremendous buzz and excitement with the launch of the new RXT-X 300 model. Anticipation is high for the redesigned Sea-Doo RXT-X to make its official debut in the popular P1 AquaX enduro racing series. New riders will be joining the X-TEAM in 2018 and all Sea-Doo racers competing is select events are eligible for the Sea-Doo Bounty racer contingency program.
The 2018 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 watercraft is poised to follow in the dominant racing wake of championship proven Sea-Doo RXP-X; the two-seat watercraft that has set the handling standard in closed course racing. The RXT-X 300 enters the enduro racing world with new ST3 hull and lowered rider center of gravity that combines to offer more 30% more stability at rest and when charging through big water at speed. The new design innovations, including the rider Ergolock system that allows riders to better connect with the machine, has the racing community excited for the start of the 2018 season.
BRP will sponsor premier racing events including the P1 AquaX Series, Pro Watercross Tour, IJSBA World Finals and others and will see elite racers representing the Sea-Doo X-TEAM in 2018. These racers include, Erminio Ianstosca, James Bushell, Mohammad Burbayea, Claude Clayton, Tim Ducat and fan-favorite Anthony Radetic. Radetic, who is a former Army Helicopter pilot and renowned, challenged athlete who has limited use of his legs. Radetic will also be an ambassador for XPS lubricants and maintenance products. Joining the X-TEAM in 2018 is the JET-X team from Ontario, Canada with Pro rider Jay Edworthy who will be at the helm of a new RXT-X 300. Edworthy will join Iantosca – the Sarasota AquaX champion – and Radetic as favorites to finish on the Pro Enduro podium at P1 AquaX events.
The X-TEAM riders and all Sea-Doo watercraft riders will be eligible for Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty. The Sea-Doo X-TEAM contingency is essentially an, “open-sponsorship” that excludes no one, except those competing on other brands. To supercharge the P1 AquaX season opener in Miami an additional $1500 bonus will be added to the $1000 Pro Enduro win bounty for a $2500 top finish incentive. In addition to the glory that comes with winning on Sea-Doo watercraft, comes the opportunity for extra prize money.
“Sea-Doo is ready to compete for championships in AquaX with the new RXT-X 300,” says Tim McKercher, of Sea-Doo watercraft competition management. ”Sea-Doo’s global fan base including the dealer network, owners and race fans are excited for 2018 as we’re looking to extend our race-proven success to Enduro racing with the new RXT-X platform.”
Be sure to visit sea-doo onboard for details about the Sea-Doo watercraft contingency program and bounty payouts. As always, you can check out the latest Sea-Doo watercraft here.
The Moto-Surf and Freeride Exhibition takes place April 14th and 15th. It’s Southern California’s first surf race in almost 20 years. This is a big deal so get in on the action and register for the “Surf City” race. This event is a IJSBA World Finals qualifier so it counts toward the IJSBA qualification requirements, which gives you one more reason to enter.
Moreover, registering for this contest may bring more moto-surf events back to Southern California. Keep in mind that the race is a cumulative two day event and the overall winner is determined by the results of their four motos over the two day event.
Pre-registration has ended. Late registration will be available on site, April 13th from 12:00-6:00pm. If you can’t make it to registration on Friday, it is highly recommended that you make it to the parking lot before 6:30 a.m. Saturday. Registration will take place between 6:30 a.m. and 8:a.m Saturday morning. On-site registration will cost an additional $50.00 Also take note of the $100 parking fee for event days. Don’t forget to grab an event t-shirt!
Ross Wallach sums up his feelings about the Huntington Beach event in his final note on the race. We borrowed it from the IJSBA website: “I cannot stress how important this race is and how important we have a good showing and are seen as a professional group of racers. If you want surf racing back, please support this event!”
Hailing from Bordeaux, France, the 25-year-old Mélody Lattes is the most recent addition to the ever-growing RIVA Racing Support Team. Aboard her #232 Sea-Doo Spark, Mélody is coming from a phenomenal 2017 season, having earned the second podium spot in France for “speed in the female Spark category,” and the French slalom championship (as well as her second European championship in the same category).
Having spent her childhood riding and racing in the tutelage of her father, Bruno, Mélody fully committed herself to racing two years ago with stellar results. For 2018, Mélody’s ambitions are no less tempered: she writes, “My intention is to stay in the Spark category and my target is to get a new title of European champion with men for this year again and reach the mondial podium.”
Towards the end of the season, Mélody looks to take her skills to the pebbled shores of Lake Havasu City at the IJSBA World Finals, writing, “[it] is the most important event in the world for personal watercraft” and “wants to align with the best and achieve the best goals to exceed its limits.” Recently, Mélody was interviewed in Bordelais Magazine where she discussed her racing experience, goals for the next year and her drive to keep going forward towards the IJSBA World Finals.
The Yamaha Motor Corporation showed off its new concept truck at the 2017 Tokyo Motorshow. According to the Yamaha company, its Cross Hub Concept vehicle is aimed at connecting the active and urban lifestyles of Yamaha enthusiasts. The focus is on making everything “just the right size”. Yamaha designers kept the body size conducive to traveling on or off-road. They achieved this by keeping the truck small enough to maneuver through city streets and maintain the ability to hit the dirt.
The vehicle is designed to seat four adults while leaving plenty of cargo room for transporting other Yamaha recreational products. The bed has the capacity to either carry two SuperJet WaveRunners, two Yamaha dirt bikes (one full size and one mini bike), or a single ATV. The truck can be loaded with camping gear or numerous other items. Whether you’re an on the go type of person who one is spontaneous and likes adventure, the Yamaha Cross Hub is made for you. This idea is the “hub” of the total concept.
It also appears designed for a minimalist who likes to have fun. It is a compact vehicle and is similar to a European type automobile. The truck is sleek with its nice lines and futuristic styling. The interior is bright and complete with many gadgets. Yamaha hasn’t released many details pertaining the vehicle. That’s why we’ve focused on the unique seating arrangement and the versatility of the machine.
The interior has a diamond layout to meet the needs of comfortably seating four adults. The development team positioned the drivers seat forward and in the middle of the cabin and centered the steering wheel. The three passenger seats surround the drivers seat, with one directly behind. This particular style of seating left room for plenty of cargo space in the bed.
Yamaha stayed true to itself by designing the vehicle similar to its other products. An example of this is by using the wood paneling inspired by the look and feel of their boat decks. The Yamaha Cross Hub Concept vehicle is a nice looking ride and complements Yamaha’s line of motorized products. We’ll let you know if and when it comes to market.
Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, and jet skiers are hitting the water just in time for the first TXH2O Racing event of the 2018 season! Riders will flock to the shallow waters of Gene’s Polaris on April 21-22nd in Baytown, Texas to spend time with fellow racers, friends, and family.
The turn of the New Year brings about many exciting changes for the TXH2O Racing series. New management plans to pump new life into the region under Pro Watercross sanctioning – not only raffling a new Sea-Doo Spark, but plans to bring back slalom racing, offering $25 Junior classes, and $0 entry for freestylers!
That means more entertainment for the spectators and more seat time for the riders. A win win! Concessions will be available on-site and it is free to come watch, bask in the sun, and enjoy the ambiance of two stroke exhaust wafting through the air.
The inaugural event is only a few weeks away; mark your calendars to come and ride or watch some full-throttle, high-flying jet ski fun! Please visit www.txh2oracing.com and the TXH2O Racing Facebook page for more information, registration, directions, and future events.
Twenty-five years is a long time no matter how you cut it, and the crew at AquaCarts, Inc. have been fabricating the personal watercraft industry’s most popular shop carts, beach totes and service cradles for a quarter century. Obviously, plenty of things have changed over the years and AquaCart’s product line has only improved with better processes and materials, as well as expanding the product line to service an ever-expanding array of PWC – most recently being the addition of AquaCart’s new AQ-20 model designed to carry and transport those full-sized runabouts with deep-V hulls. But that’s not all, as 2018 marks the company’s 25th anniversary, AquaCart, Inc. is offer a limited-edition “silver edition” color for all original AQ-19 carts – the company’s most popular unit.
Here’s the original press release: AquaCarts, Inc. will celebrate its 25th Anniversary in April of this year! This is truly a milestone in the ever-changing Power Sports Industry. This time frame is older than the internet! AquaCarts, Inc. had a very humble beginning. The company was born from a personal need, where its founder (a mechanical engineer) needed a cart for his PWC. AquaCarts, Inc. went to market by offering 3 cart models of different heights for showrooms and service applications. Those same models are offered today, but the product line has expanded significantly. AquaCarts, Inc. has advanced to the top of the market by making models to hold up to 3 PWC at a time as well as horizontal or radical angles. They also offer the most popular Beach Transport Carts with 2, 4, 6, or the industry’s largest model with 8 wheels.
Aquacarts, Inc. has been thriving for years and even expanded to offer Heavy duty PWC Lift Harnesses, as well as carts for snowmobiles and boats. The AquaCart, Inc. line has become an iconic brand in our industry. Continuing to stay on top of industry demands, they just released a new AQ-20 model for PWC with deep V hulls. To commemorate their 25th Anniversary, they are offering a Limited-Edition silver color for the original AQ-19, which has been one of their most popular models. For more information, visit www.aquacarts.com or contact them at (317) 769-6318.
This season Sea-Doo introduced their BRP premium audio system for the 2018 lineup of GTX, RXT/RXT-X, and Wake Pro models. This is another step forward in the personal watercraft world when it comes to factory sound systems.
Previously you could only buy a factory-installed sound system on the premium flagship models such as Kawasaki’s Jet Sounds which only comes on the $17,999 Ultra 310LX JetSki.
Yamaha also recently offered a JL Audio system as we saw before and even more recently they even offered their Slampak audio for FX WaveRunners which has an 8.8-inch subwoofer. Talk about some serious bass-pumping sound but it does come with a hefty price tag.
So what’s so unique about the latest introduction from Sea-Doo? Well for starters the price tag on the sound system option is very low compared to the other manufacturers. If ordered as a factory-installed option, the BRP audio system only adds about $700. Not bad at all considering it is a Bluetooth system unlike Kawasaki’s Jet Sounds which takes a traditional wired connection approach.
Now that all three major manufacturers offer sound systems, are they here to stay? If Sea-Doo has played their cards right, most everyone who buys those appropriate models will check the option box for the BRP Premium Audio and if they don’t up front, then Sea-Doo hopes they will eventually order the accessory after realizing how much time they are spending lounging around on the new large swim platforms.
If this is the case then that means the demand will be there and most likely the other manufacturers will improve their sound system offerings and begin also offering them on more budget-friendly models or at more reasonable prices. We shall see how these tunes play out.
By mid-afternoon, Lake Havasu was churning like a bathtub. The IJSBA World Finals were chewing through their final motos for the day, and the noise carried over the water like a siren’s song. Add to it the boat traffic and racers performing final tuning on their racecraft, and we were hard pressed to find escape from the din. Finally finding a quiet stretch of beach, we set up our camera, stowed our gear bag, lifevest and other non-essentials, and readied to grab our video footage reviewing the 2018 Sea-Doo RXT 230. It would be our third such review in as many days, and we were on a roll. Thinking all was well and good, we hit “record” and POP!, our microphone went out. Searching the cosmos for inspiration, we fired up our trusty iPhone and began recording all over again, keeping the phone close enough to record our voice. Sure, the quality was pretty poor, but at least you could hear us speak.
If that, of all things, was the worst that happened during our week-long testing session with Sea-Doo’s all new ST³-based full-sized runabouts, then we were in good shape. Replacing the popular-yet-9-year-old S³ platform, the ST³ incorporates much of the outgoing DNA with a large splice of RXP-X’s T³ hull for good measure. What that did, effectively, was create a 135.9-inch long, 49.4-inch wide runabout that weighs in at 805-pounds (that’s 45 less than the current RXP-X 300, by the way), but handles nearly as sharply and as intuitively as the sportier relative. The added one-and-a-half inches of width over the previous RXT is found on the new hull’s outermost edges, providing a virtual shelf that the craft balances on. This gives the rider significant stability both while at speed and maneuvering around the craft while at rest.
Both the new ST³ hull and deck are made using Sea-Doo’s CM-Tech (Closed Mold Technology). This not only alters how Sea-Doo makes its watercraft, but also permits for better automotive-grade paint finishes (the current RXT 230 looks striking in its glossy Black and Octane Blue livery), as well as eliminating the irritating fibrous texture on the inside of the engine compartment – leaving only a smooth, somewhat chalky surface in its stead. While the use of CM-Tech does manage to shave a little bit of weight, Sea-Doo Watercraft Global Product Manager James Heintz explained, “Most of the weight savings is attributed to the new sectioned two-piece seat. Gone is the big, heavy single-piece seat [that pivoted on a gas strut-powered hinge], replaced with this lighter two-piece seat that can be removed for single-person riding, or for lounging on the rear platform.” Moreover, the new seat sits the rider and passenger deeper into the ski, 1.5-inches for the driver, and 3-inches for the rear passenger.
Motioning to the redesigned rear deck, Heintz focused our attention back to the transom – there was a lot to break down: First, the new deck is huge, 366-square-inches huge, to be exact. It’s also flat, only ever-so-slightly sloped downward, and terminates in a plastic molded-in tow eye hook and cleat combination. Fore of it is Sea-Doo’s new LinQ system. Pilfered from BRP’s Can-Am and Ski-Doo categories, the LinQ system allows for the attachment and securing of a triad of accessories: a 4-gallon fuel can; a semi-rigid, 5.5-gallon storage bag; or a 4.2-gallon ice chest. (Each sold separately through Sea-Doo’s accessory line.) Moreover, the storage bag can attach atop the fuel caddy (nothing goes on top of the cooler). Each item is mounted to the deck via two pop-up attachment blocks that also can be snapped down for a flat surface. Equally, there is a provision for the telescoping Wake tower (previously only found on Wake 155 and Wake 230 models) for better towing of skiers and tubes.
Both the ski tower screw-cap portal and LinQ system are integrated into a long panel, which also features the attachment points for the sectional seat. When removed (via 13 torx head screws), beneath the panel reveals a massive access window into the cavernous engine compartment. There the 1,494cc four-stroke, 3-cylinder ACE 1500 is readily available for service. The new-for-2017 powerplant also has some minor upgrades including a simplified CLCS (Closed Loop Cooling System), a more thermally-efficient ride plate, a larger oil cooler, and a sacrificial anode in the intercooler are all new for 2018. Of course, performing minor services like oil changes do not require the removal of the panel, just the driver’s seat. Even at a lesser 230-horsepower, the RXT had little trouble reaching its 300-horsepower big brother’s top speed of 68.6mph. Other than the X-Steering system, angled foot wedges, racy sponsons and three-bills power rating, the lesser RXT 230 is nearly on par with the $15,699 RXT-X 300 – at least in regards to performance and sheer thrills.
Forward of the engine compartment is possibly Sea-Doo’s most polarizing addition to the ST³ yet, its Direct Access Front Storage, a giant 27-gallon single basin located directly beneath the cockpit’s control panel. This integrates the 5-position tilt steering (which features completely redesigned toggle pads allowing for scrolling through the VTS settings, Sport and Eco modes, and setting and adjusting Cruise settings); the analog-and-LCD digital dashboard; two heavy-duty hood release locks; and a smaller, secondary glove box (that won’t fit any gloves) all into one hinged piece. Inside of the glovebox is a watertight, padded cell phone case. Admittedly, it’s pretty small, good enough for say a set of keys and a second lanyard. As we’ve reiterated in other reviews, the new ST³ is down considerably in storage (from 42.8 to 27-gallons) from last year, but the centralizing into a single bin does eliminate the need to double up over the handle bars to extract something from the front bucket.
Although not standard equipment, all ST³-based machines can be equipped with Sea-Doo’s 100-watt BRP Premium Audio sound system. Consisting of two 50-watt pressure washer-safe, all-weather speakers with an external playback control pad located above the left speaker (allowing the rider to toggle through their phone’s song list while at speed or simply lounging around). It is also the world’s first Bluetooth-controlled PWC audio system. And for those looking to be the life of the party at the sandbar, dock or beach, a sensor kills the sound after an hour or low battery signal, whichever comes first, when operated with the engine off. From the factory, it’s a $700 option, but if you choose to have it installed by your dealer at a later date, the price goes up a few hundred bucks. Frankly, we loved it so much, we encourage all of you to order it right then and there.
At anything over half throttle and over anything over a foot of water, you’re gonna get wet. Even at neutral trim, we were getting pretty hosed as we rode face-first into the wind, clipping through the white caps now breaking over the lake. Gratefully, despite our shower, the RXT 230 darted across the chop undaunted. No bobbing or darting left and right; it just cut a laser-straight path in whatever direction I pointed it. Months later, while rushing across a particularly rough Tampa Bay during a second test session, we really pushed the ST³ hard, as 4-to-5 foot breakers hollowed out into deep-bottomed pockets. We buried the nose of the ski nearly a dozen times, trying to find a comfortable through-line. The ST³ stayed hooked, pressing hard, its centrifugal supercharger shrieking. It was water that broke handlebars and hoods off in offshore races, and the 230-horse Sea-Doo was bearing it all. We were impressed for sure.
In big surf, the low-slung sculpt of the RXT feels incredibly low, even with the steering adjusted all the way up. That’s also because Sea-Doo lowered and expanded the footwells considerably for the ST³, placing the rider’s center of gravity deeper into the machine. This allows for better balance for sure, but took a little getting used to. With all of that being understood, the ST³ is unequivocally the best rough-water runabout that Sea-Doo has made. Lesser machines would’ve given up the ghost, or worse, the rider in equal conditions. This time, our confidence was high that even at our given speed, both man and machine would return home safe. Best of all, our effects remained dry (albeit tossed about) inside of the large storage bin. Priced at $13,799, the RXT 230 is just under $2,000 cheaper than its T-X 300 for reasons mentioned earlier. For those not insisting on the biggest, baddest machine in Sea-Doo’s quiver, the 2018 RXT 230 is a willing and eager soldier ready to do battle.
The folks over at RIVA Racing just posted this awesome build of a custom 2018 Yamaha FX SVHO with all of the stage 3 package goodies. Along with the stage 3 kit, this ski has some sharp-looking custom graphics and a RIVA Racing Seat. It definitely looks like some lucky customer will be very happy.
The Stage 3 Kit from Riva Racing has all of the major engine modifications to push your Yamaha FX SVHO, FX Cruiser SVHO, or FX Limited SVHO to out-of-this-world performance levels. Good for an 85 MPH top speed, this kit will get you going in no time.
At a current sale price of $6989.30, it’s no slim investment but the list of parts definitely fits the bill. Additionally, the RPM increase to 8500 is 1000 RPM greater than the stock ski. RIVA Racing had to put great effort into research and development for figuring out how the engine and hull would be able to lay down and reliably support such a steep increase in RPM, power and performance. The price tag goes along with the peace of mind knowing that this kit has been tried and tested.
Another awesome custom build ski in the books for RIVA Racing.
Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, and jet skiers are hitting the water just in time for the first TXH2O Racing event of the 2018 season! Riders will flock to the shallow waters of Gene’s Polaris on April 21-22nd in Baytown, Texas to spend time with fellow racers, friends, and family.
