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Case Of The Humpdays: VX1100 Yamaha Powered By Outboard

By
Kevin Shaw
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It’s been a while since we’ve published a “Case of The Humpdays” mainly because we just haven’t encountered something so funny, so strange or just something we’ve never seen before, like we have with today’s. Yes, you’re looking at a Yamaha WaveRunner VX1100, possibly one of the most prolific runabouts in recent history. The VX1100 (or just commonly known as the VX before becoming the V1 as it was later known) is the darling machine of most rental outfits as it is both incredibly simple in its execution and durable in it build. Knowing how brutal renters are with loaned units, this machine could take a beating and keep on ticking. So what gives?

This particular VX found its way down to the French-speaking Mozambique where it served diligently before giving up the ghost. Yet, rather than being scrapped, the powertrain was mothballed and a transom plate was drilled into the fiberglass. To the plate came a Yamaha Enduro 15-horsepower outboard engine, with a custom-rigged throttle cable and steering linkage that allowed some semblance of control via the handlebars (although we’re certain Yamaha’s lawyers would not agree). The final result is indeed a Yamaha-powered runabout (albeit a two-stroke now), whose owner calls the “jet vedette” or “jet star” in English.

There’s also zero seat foam or covering, so don’t expect this to be a comfy ride. Produced by MLBC Entertainment, the video has been making the rounds for a while, but we got a great laugh out of it although we’re terrified to try it out personally. Enjoy!

Video: Zack Bright’s “Everything Will Be OK” Freeride Highlights

By
Kevin Shaw
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Image: Jon Currier Photography
Image: Jon Currier Photography

The Watercraft Journal has had a long relationship with the Bright Brothers. Jake served as our Freeride Editor for a little over a year before departing to further his education and career. Recently, we welcomed exclusive coverage of the IFWA Freeride World Championships in Kamisu Beach, Japan, from elder brother Zack; and even which resulted in Zack’s injuring of his second knee shortly after recuperating from extensive knee surgery on the other leg only months previous.

In fact, both Bright Brothers have experienced severe injuries from freeriding over the years. The aforementioned Jake shattered his leg, requiring an alignment rod and several months of healing. Zack’s knees have been a source of much grief for the JetPilot/Krash Industries rider, who has seen a career rife with multiple ups and downs. In fact, it is this roller coaster of life that inspired Zack to edit together this highlight reel from multiple events stretched throughout his years as a professional freerider.

All of us at The Watercraft Journal as well as throughout the personal watercraft industry wish Zack a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him out in the surf soon. Until that time, we here anticipate many more updates and articles from Mr. Bright between that time.

Video: 2017 USFC East Coast Freestyle Championship

By
Brice Leckrone
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The U.S. Freestyle Championship brings you this latest video recap from the East Coast Round of 2017 P1 Racing Fuels US Freestyle Championship. The event took place back in October out of Revolution Cable Park in Fort Myers, Florida.

In association with IJSBA Freestyle and Freestyle PWC Association, this event was clearly wet, wild, and action-packed. Each rider was separated into one of four different classes based on their ski equipment and each routine lasted for two minutes while the rider showed their best in this freestyle-only event.

As seen, each rider was judged based on their variety, difficulty, flow, and execution, as well as total number of tricks performed in their two-minute timeframe. This video gives a re-cap of the overall results for each class as well as some video clips from each podium finisher’s routine.

The classes included beginner open, freestyle 800, freestyle 900, and freestyle 1200. For the beginner open class, Mike De Palma took the first-place podium. John Havell won in the freestyle 800 aboard his Action Kawasaki Yamaha Superjet. For freestyle 900, it was Evan Krefski that took the top slot and last but not least, Chris Anyzeski took it home for the freestyle 1200 class.

For full race details and results, check out the video and the USFC Facebook page in the link above.

Gallery: Celebrating The 10th Annual and Final Rip N’ Ride

By
Andrew Donovan
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The names of Butch and Julie Pringle are like royalty here in the Australian jet ski scene. For the past 10 years they have taken over the Cronulla beaches with the smell of two-stroke exhaust and a gathering of watersports fanatics from across the globe. An event that started off as a BBQ on the beach with a few mates has turned into one of the biggest freeride events in the world. In and of itself, it is a triumph just to get the permits, let alone organize 100-plus riders to get out on the water in some kind of orderly manner.

The event is not a competition as such, but a chance to ride with some of the best riders in the world at one of the prettiest locations in Australia. However, they do throw in a few competitions, issuing awards for the biggest air, sickest trick, first to flip and even JetPilot’s “Battle of the Best.” For the 10th annual – and final – Rip N’ Ride, the weekend started out with the usual army of helpers that put a massive amount of time and effort into helping make it all possible.

Of course, it’s not just people that make it all possible, but the sponsors who are the life blood of the freeride event community. With companies like Yamaha, Australian Jetski Parts and JetPilot, none of this could happen. Yamaha has been the major sponsor of the event for some time now, giving one lucky rider a brand new SuperJet to take home just for entering. Over $20,000 in prizes were on on the table thanks to some generous people.

As noted, this year was the was the final time the Rip N’ Ride family would come together. Butch and Julie have decided that a decade is long enough. The planning, organizing and bringing it to fruition takes its toll. Not to say the event has lapsed in enthusiasm, with over 110 riders turning up to hit the waves and catch up with some old mates. The three-day format works a charm, with plenty of ride time.

This year’s RNR got a new location right in the middle of town. “The Wall” – as the locals call it – is a great spot for spectators to check out the action and the move made life a lot easier for the organizers and riders. A mixed bag of swell rolled in over the three days with up to 5 feet of swell and a day of clean conditions between a few storms.

I don’t know if you have ever been to a freeride event, but the talent of the riders is just getting insane. Everything from Super rolls to Ruler Flips and plenty of re-entry variations. It was great to see Bruno Jacobs return to Cronulla this year, along with Mark Gomez and Tom Scaccianoce, who made their way from the States. Also all the riders from New Zealand and all over Australia.

Being the final official RNR it was great to see local boy, Grant Busby win the Yamaha SuperJet. He has be involved it the jet ski fraternity for years and a great supporter of the sport. It could not have gone to a better bloke. So if anyone would like to take over RNR and take it to a new location or steer it in a new direction, make sure you get in touch with Butch and get ready for a “ripper of a ride.”

GreenHulk PWC Performance Store November Sale

By
Ocean Priselac
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GreenHulk PWC Performance Store isn’t referring to it’s sale as a Black Friday deal, because you know, it’s over. No, it’s running the sale throughout November. Sure, “Black Friday” is notorious for being one of the biggest sales days of the year. However, this isn’t a Black Friday sale in the true sense. It’s a month long sale! GreenHulk is offering a ten percent savings on 60 of the products it carries. These range from the specially priced CandooPro Kawasaki Key Tools to Race Kits. The CandooPro is on sale for $44.10. The Race Kits are priced to move! Grab a Kawasaki SXR 1500 Riva Racing kit ranging from $1401.84 to $2017.44, depending on the class you race. All sixty items carry a 10% discount. GreenHulk likes to keep it simple. Order what you need at a reasonable discount and outfit your ski at a good price.

GreenHulk can take care of all your PWC maintenance needs as well. Check out the maintenance and care page for more details. GreenHulk offers free Continental USA shipping on orders over $150. That’s a great deal, considering the weight of some of the products. The free shipping doesn’t include oversized and overweight items. Keep that in mind when ordering. An excellent plus to ordering from GreenHulk is the lack of a dreaded sales tax! That certainly sweetens the pot. If you have questions, give them a call or check out the GreenHulk forums. The forums are helpful and can point you in the right direction.

Make sure to use the discount code “greenhulk” to save 10% on your purchase! There is still plenty of time to grab some discounted gear from GreenHulk PWC Performance!

Kevin Shaw: Leave Your Brand Rivalry Out of It

By
Kevin Shaw
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Most of you wouldn’t know (nor would I expect you to) that I cut my teeth in the world of professional publishing not in the powersports industry, but automotive, being hired directly out of school to work at (what was then named) Primedia, the publisher of Hot Rod Magazine, Car Craft and Motor Trend. I am a diehard Mopar lover (Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler), so I was whisked off to Primedia’s Tampa, Florida, office to work at Mopar Muscle Magazine. Over a dozen years later, I’m the owner, publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Mopar Connection Magazine, the only daily, digital Mopar-enthusiast magazine licensed by FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). It’s a sister publication to The Watercraft Journal and splits most of my time throughout the year. When I’m not out on the water, I’m in the garage and vice versa.

I say this to preface that I am no stranger to brand loyalty. Clashed between the ever-present Chevrolet vs. Ford rivalry, us Mopar enthusiasts are the third-wheel in this civil war. The vitriol between these warring sects is ludicrous to be frank, as any true car lover can find some beauty, some notable accomplishment or a single engineering marvel in their rival’s history that is praiseworthy. [Despite my loyalty to Dodge, I quietly lust for a 1965 Ford GT40 Mk I, because it is the car that knocked the Prancing Pony down a few pegs, and that alone, is quite an amazing story.] The same of course, can be said for most loyalty/rivalry situations, be them favorite colleges, professional sports teams, etc. If you’re so blindly loyal to anything, you’re likely missing quite a bit.

Here I am wearing a Holley t-shirt, yet Holley doesn’t advertise in our sister publication, Mopar Connection Magazine. How can that be? I know, I’m confused too.

So that is why the Sea-Doo/Yamaha/Kawasaki loyalty conflict is so petty in my view. The personal watercraft industry is minuscule in size (estimated at a total gross of roughly 65 million annually), and yet, in recent weeks, I have fielded the most inane accusations of favoritism, bias and literally being “bought out” because I have dared to share a modicum of praise for one brand or another. And often, it happens multiple times in a month, being blasted for favoring one brand and then the exact other within weeks of each other. The finger pointing extends even beyond me, but to contributors of The Watercraft Journal, and even to friends within the industry. The idea of taking sides in an industry this small is obscenely stupid [unless of course, you’re a sponsored racer, then by all means, you should be shilling that stuff as much as you can. Keep that gravy flowin’, I say.]

Case in point: Every month we publish two episodes of our free video series “Long Haul” on our YouTube channel. It’s a great show that showcases many of the latest personal watercraft, offers a little greater insight into our review process, and also shows off some really cool locations where we test them. Less than 2 weeks ago, we aired our latest episode reviewing the 2018 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300. Coming in at just shy of 13 minutes, the review is pretty lengthy and almost completely positive. And rightfully so, as I state in it, it’s likely the best Sea-Doo that Sea-Doo has ever built. Unfortunately, when people heard this line their brains translated it to: it’s the best friggin’ watercraft ever built and everything you love about anything else is stupid. Also, your mom is fat.

Interestingly enough, I wasn’t the only one to share the same sentiment. Jerry Gaddis of GreenHulk.net heaped pretty much the exact same degree of praise for the new Sea-Doo and he too was labeled as a sellout and a traitor, despite being neck-deep in a Yamaha GP1800 project. The backlash from Kawasaki and Yamaha loyalists was insane for both of us, and while I cannot speak for Jerry, it was personally infuriating. A text message came through my phone three days ago asking, “So you like the new Sea-Doo I take it. Is that real or are they paying you?” This was from a friend that I’ve known for a decade, and cut me deep.

Was Sea-Doo paying for me to lie? No. In fact, Sea-Doo hasn’t even shared our video – and they’ve shared reviews of the same ski that were far less praising, used nearly zero unique photography and even posted a smugly condescending review that questioned why you wouldn’t rather just buy a boat instead. But no, not our video. So if Sea-Doo was paying for me to compromise my principles and lie about how good the ski was, they’re not even bothering to let anyone know about it. Oh, and don’t even get me started on saying anything nice about a Spark. Ugh. There sure are a lot of people who love to hate on those things. Too bad they’re the number one selling personal watercraft for three years running. But I digress.

So yeah, when I say something nice about the brand or specific ski you like, I “get it.” When I say something nice about the brand or specific ski you hate, I’m a sellout. Hmm… Maybe, it’s less about me and more about you. For the next few months, we’re going to be alternating between Sea-Doo and Yamaha reviews. Back and forth. So it’ll be fun to watch the comments come rolling in. But remember, I don’t have a dog in your brand loyalty fight. I like ’em all pretty much equally but for different reasons. And note that Sea-Doo and Yamaha both advertise with The Watercraft Journal, and they like it when we’re honest and straightforward. It actually makes for better product. [The only time I lie to you is on April Fool’s Day, and still many of you fall for it.]

Go Get Wet,
Kevin

Video: Mark Gomez Closes Out Final Rip N’ Ride With Wild Swimming Pool Display

By
Kevin Shaw
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Photo credit Chris Rauen

After ten amazing years, the final Rip N’ Ride was hosted late in October upon the shores of Cronulla. The last RNR proved to be one of its best as the world’s most talented freeriders, as well as fans and families, packed the shoreline to watch the action as several dozen athletes launched their jet skis high above the rolling waves. The Watercraft Journal is concluding its full report from the Rip N’ Ride and will have it shortly, but until then we have a bit of a teaser:

Mark Gomez, the current IFWA World Champion and professional rider for Hydro-Turf, JetPilot, TC Freeride, JetRenu and just ton of other people had an amazing send off to the wonderful people who made the RNR possible, sharing this amazing aerial shot on his Facebook page. Not only that, our friend to The Watercraft Journal Andrew “Skip” Donovan flew his drone over the pool to give us this amazing video from the Rip’N Ride after party at Butch and Julie Pfrengle ‘s house. Gomez, also wrote, “Thanks again guys and Mike Ovey Krouskos for trusting me with your ski.” Enjoy the video HERE.

Forget Friday, Enjoy 2 Free WCJ Decals With a Purchase of a “Busted Lip” T-Shirt

By
Kevin Shaw
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If you thought Christmas was encroaching upon Thanksgiving, you better take a look at what Black Friday is up to. People are literally eating their meals sooner just so that they can pack up and head off to the mall that afternoon to cash in on all that Black Friday sale goodness. Stores are ever-pushing the end-of-the-year discount day, so much so that Black Friday starts in most places around 7pm Thursday night. Well, we at The Watercraft Journal say screw that! Why not enjoy a sweet offer for more than just one day?

That being said, we’re offering two free decals with the purchase of a “Busted Lip” T-shirt from The Watercraft Journal official store. And don’t feel rushed, because we’re going to give you until midnight, December 1st to take advantage of this deal! Yup, just buy a shirt and we’ll toss in a free pair of decals – normally priced at $4 each! That’s no joke, folks. Score two free decals (a savings of $8) with the purchase of a shirt. Now, we’re not going crazy here, so it’s two free decals per purchase.

[What does that mean? If you order 5 shirts in one order, you’re only going to get two decals. Now, we suppose you could just order one shirt every other day for a week and score 10 decals if you really wanted to “out smart” us. But that’s entirely up to you. – Ed.] So anyways, make sure to drop into The Watercraft Journal store right now and place your order for a “Busted Lip” T-shirt and enjoy two free decals!

Save HUGE at The RIVA Racing Black Friday Super Sale

By
Brice Leckrone
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Many of us are steadfast in the holiday season and this week can be a busy time with all of the Thanksgiving preparations and then on to the crazy shopping on Black Friday. Well the folks at RIVA Racing are giving you a chance to knock some things off your list early. That’s right, you can get all of your personal watercraft items now because their Black Friday sale is already going on.

RIVA Racing is calling it their Black Friday Super Sale and you can save up to 45% off of so many items. Whether you are looking for some go-fast goodies, pwc accessories and care items, riding gear, or just some good ole’ apparel items, here is where you want to be.

Some of their current featured items include the Maptuner X bundle with a free silicone case. Valued at $40, this free durable case is a great way to protect your investment. Another steal is the RIVA T-shirts which are up to 45% off and starting out at only $10. This would make a great quick gift for that PWC-lover in your life.

Now that the riding season is stretching thin for many of us and you prepare to winterize, it’s a great time to inspect your impeller and look into a nice cover for storage. Riva is throwing in a free OEM wear ring with purchase of a Solas impeller for your Sea-Doo. Or how about a beautiful Yamaha cover for your new GP1800, now on sale for $226.85. You can also check out our review of the cover here.

Gallery: P1 Aqua X; Round 8 Ft. Lauderdale, FL

By
Kurt NgSaye
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P1 AquaX returned to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for round eight of the race series. Gone are the cooler temperatures of Chicago and the hurricanes of the summer. The sunny weather of South Florida welcomed the racers and fans to the sunshine state and it was set to be an epic weekend of racing. Fort Lauderdale would be the final national race for the series and season champions would be crowned. Could Chris MacClugage maintain his season lead (of 292 points over Eric Francis who had 245 points going into the weekend)? Would Brian Baldwin (who was third in standings with 214) be able to pass Francis?

The big question that had to be answered was if MacClugage was going to race. Earlier in the month he had sustained a broken leg at the Pro Watercross Championship in Naples, Florida, that was significant enough that his racing this weekend was in question. Prior to the first race of the weekend we knew that Chris would be racing. Eric Francis knew he had his work cut out for him, as any significant placing by MacClugage would earn him the title for the year and give Francis a second place. Francis said, “I know Macc isn’t going to just give it to me and I just have to ride my hardest and try to out do him this weekend.”

The racing was supposed to start at 10:30am with the Pro racers kicking it off, but due to sea turtles on the track, racing would have to be placed on a marine hold. This gave both racers and fans an opportunity to check out the vendors and activities that were set up. One of the major sponsors of the series this year was Ford Motor Corporation. They had an area set up where everyone had an opportunity to try out their reverse system on their vehicles that assisted in backing up a trailer which makes it a lot easier putting a jet ski into the water at a boat ramp.

Alongside the Ford area there were the BMX All-Stars who had two ramps set up and put on a performance where the riders did tricks as well as some major air off the half pipes that were set up. While the racers were still waiting on the hold to be lifted the Jet Surf crew demonstrated their powered surfboards in the ocean. This was introduced at Naples where they raced their surfboards and it was an opportunity for many who had never seen the riders as well as their boards in action before.

Finally, the marine hold was lifted and it was time for racing to begin. The Pros took to the course and it was what everyone was waiting for. Mike Klippenstein took the holeshot ahead of both MacClugage and Francis but he wouldn’t hold it long. Nicholas Rius was on the hunt as well and eventually grabbed the lead ahead of Francis. This played into how the final standings would turn out, and Eric had to hope for MacClugage to have a lower finish. Upon completion of the first race, it was Rius who took the win with Francis coming in second. MacClugage would take third and it was definitely not the position that Francis was hoping for him.

Next up was the Sport GP class where Sam Nehme would once again put on a dominant performance from the very start, getting the holeshot and not relinquishing the lead the entire race. Johnny Smith, who had just rode his first race of the weekend in the Pro Enduro, jumped on his ski for the Sport GP Class and had a strong race but was unable to catch Nehme. Johnny was attempting to run three classes for the entire weekend and wanted to be a triple threat. The races that followed were the Spark and then the Ski classes.

In the Ski class, Smith would race his ski and his limits and body would be tested. By running all three classes Smith’s body was running on fumes but he was able to complete them. Along with Smith, Klippenstein would also race both the Enduro and Ski classes. The Junior racers would be up next and it was Taylor Skellett who took the win, followed by her brother Haden Skellett. Sammy Nehme round out the three. The three racers would battle each other just as they have in so many previous races in the past.

Next up were the Amateur Enduro racers. Carlito Del Valle took the holeshot but on the first lap he had missed the first buoy and it cost him, as he would be docked time for this. David Gorie had put in a solid performance and won the first race of the weekend. Sophie Francis, who was in the middle of the pack at the beginning of the race, put in a solid performance as well as she battled hard to get into striking distance of the leader but it was a little too late to gain positions. Cody Tetrault also rode a strong race and continued to add to his overall points total for the season.

Upon completion of the Amateur Enduro, it was the Pros’ turn once again take to the water for their second race of the weekend. Once again, Mike Klippenstein took the holeshot with Rius in second, followed by Francis. Francis, Brian Baldwin, MacClugage, Klippenstein and Erminio Iantosca battled, with Eric Francis taking the win for the second moto. Unfortunately for him, MacClugage had placed high enough and it was the win that he needed to become the overall point’s leader for the season and crowned the overall Pro winner of the year. With Macc clinching the overall title he would not have to race the third moto on Sunday, giving him time to relax.

Day Two started on time and everyone was hoping to get in all of the races. Racing started with the Sport class and Sam Nehme once again took the win and proved why he is number one in the world. The Ski class followed and Klippenstein took home the win. In the Spark class Eric Gabryel put on a dominating performance, which garnered him his win. Then the unexpected happened again. There was a hold on racing because of sea life on the course. The Juniors followed up the Spark class and it was Haden Skellett who grabbed the win over Sammy Nehme. In the Ski class, Klippenstein took the holeshot and didn’t relinquish his lead, winning his race.

In the second Amateur Enduro race of the weekend, it was once again be Carlito Del Valle who would take the holeshot. Fortunately, he learned from his mistake of missing the buoy from the previous day. Now it would be up to him to maintain the lead throughout the race. Yet, David Gorie wasn’t going to let that happen. Enrique Chia put in a solid race as well and added to his points total.

It was David Gorie however, who would take the top spot for the second moto. Next, the Pros took to the water for their final race of the weekend. Once again, it was Klippenstein who would take the holeshot. Brian Baldwin raced a great race and pulled off a first place finish for the third moto, however it was be enough to garner him a second place in the overall standings. Eric Francis earned second to Chris MacClugage for the year followed by Baldwin and then Klippenstein to round out the top four for the overall standings for the season.

The Amateurs would then take to the water for their final moto of the weekend and then year. Once again it was Gorie who would maintain the lead throughout the race, however this time he had Cody Tetrault right on his heels and it was a battle for position. Gorie fended off Tetrault for the moto win but it was Tetrault’s day to shine as it locked up the overall season points. The final racing of the 2017 P1 AquaX season was a great event and had something for everyone who attended. Next up will be the International race event, which will be held December 9th to 10th in Key West where an international champion will be crowned.

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