“Australia Day” was a month ago and people are still calling in sick from the hangovers. What once was the official “National Day of Australia” to celebrate the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip – today, Australia Day celebrates “the diverse society and landscape of the nation,” according to Wikipedia, and is noted for BBQs, beach parties and a lot of questionable behavior.
In the personal watercraft (PWC) community, one video has been making the rounds exemplifying such negligible decision making. But it bears noting that professional standup freeriders such as Mark Gomez have made a lot of headline news by performing backflips and other tricks in swimming pools. This requires a ton of skill, timing and a machine properly tuned for the close quarters. One missed entry, one slip of the throttle could spell disaster.
On January 26th, a few mates in Melbourne thought they’d celebrate Australia day in fine fashion by dragging a well-tuned and customized Sea-Doo RXP-X (dubbed “Project X”) into a friend’s pool (which had already had a dirtbike jumped into it earlier that day) and attempt to snap some turns. Unfortunately, the fiberglass Sea-Doo RXP-X made contact with the brick and concrete, smashing debris across the top of the pool. While we don’t know how the Sea-Doo’s hull fared, we can see how damaging the impact was to the pool.
For those not paying attention, the economy is banging like, hardcore. The Dow Jones Industrial has hit an all-time high for a 10th time in as many days. Equally, other financial trackers are excitedly watching industries grow at a breakneck pace. Companies are quickly making moves to relocate to more tax-friendly states while others are swinging open their doors to new hires. And this explosion is hitting the powersports world as well.
Recently, powersports equipment, riding gear and apparel juggernaut Western Power Sports sent out the call for a new IT Support Desk Technician (as well as few other full-time positions). “We are seeking individuals who are passionate about life and bring that energy to their careers,” WPS states. “As a member of our team, you will be exposed to the fast-paced powersports environment, which has experienced explosive growth over recent years. We offer competitive pay and benefits coupled with potential for career growth.”
“Love riding anything with two wheels? Four wheels? Skis? Based in beautiful Boise, Idaho, access to the great outdoors is just outside your front door,” they continue. The position is straight-forward enough: an entry level IT Support Desk Technician with an eagerness to learn, to join its fast-paced and expanding community. You’ll be required to support and maintain in-house and off-site location computer systems and desktops; including installing, diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and upgrading hardware, software and equipment while ensuring optimal workstation performance. This role also troubleshoots problem areas in a timely and accurate fashion, and provides end user training and assistance when requested.
Obviously, some proven know-how is required but WPS emphasizes that the “ideal candidate will have excellent communication and people skills, strong analytical skills, and the ability to support a wide range of personalities at varied staff levels.” As they concluded, “If you thrive in a team environment, enjoy finding solutions to varying computer-based issues, and have a desire to break into the IT field, this is the opportunity to jumpstart your career.”
The current VX WaveRunner design configuration is now three years old, but in that time it has proven itself a formidable platform. Not only has it aptly replaced the single-most awarded runabout platform of all time (the previous VX or the now retired V1), but it also has shown that it is a watercraft for all seasons. Whether an entry level unit, a moderately-priced day cruiser, a family-friend fair weather toy, or the single most aggressive supercharged 4-stroke that Yamaha has ever produced, the VX platform out shines them all.
As Yamaha states, the VX is “the perfect combination of features, technology, and performance for the whole family starting under $10,000. This includes Yamaha’s RiDE technology, Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode, the award-winning TR-1 High Output engine, and a hull designed for 3-up stability or 1-up thrill riding.” Certainly, the entire VX lineup (and the performance-bred VXR and GP1800, which share the same design and architecture despite using Yamaha’s NanoXcel and NanoXcel2 materials) illustrate the versatility of the machine.
Whether wielding the race proven SVHO Super Vortex High Output supercharged powerplant, the naturally aspirated 1,812cc High Output 4-cylinder, or the lightweight-yet-torquey TR-1 3-cylinder 4-stroke, the VX has plenty of oomph to propel you at any desired speed. Add to it ample storage, smart instrumentation and (as mentioned) Yamaha’s intuitive dual throttle brake-and-reverse system RiDE, and you’ve got a stellar combination.
It’s been said that to best foresee the trajectory of the personal watercraft industry, one needs to only look towards snowmobiles. So much of the technology first applied to the snowmobile industry finds its way into watercraft, particularly in regards to engine design and management, but then again, that’s solely at the OE level. Many in the aftermarket equally cut the teeth of their latest products in the wintertime arena, and of those industry leaders is Truckboss Decks.
“We have been designing, manufacturing, selling and installing truck decks for over 15 years,” Truckboss’ Kent Natrass wrote. “Over 15 years of servicing this market, we listened and observed how our customers used their truck decks, what features they found lacking and how pickup trucks were evolving. After several years of concept testing and design improvements we developed our modular Truckboss product to meets these needs.”
Split between both US and Canada, Truckboss focused its early efforts in developing durable, lightweight and weatherproof truck decks for the snow and ATV markets. This began by engineering an all-aluminum system that was completely weldless. “Even when performed properly aluminum welds considerably weaken base metal strength (up to 40%), while creating start points for metal fatigue and cracking,” Natrass continued. “Our Modular System replaces welding with purpose-built aluminum extrusions to retain high base metal strength throughout every truckboss component and connection.”
And to survive the rigors of inclement weather and harsh salt deposits on roads, all Truckboss decks’ wear surfaces are treated with ExtremEtch anodizing. “This hard-wearing no-maintenance finish is an exclusive feature of our product and comes standard on every deck,” Natrass added. Years of working with avid snowmobile enthusiasts and professional riders required Truckboss to up their game. “The materials used in a standard Truckboss deck meet or exceed the fit and finish of any truck it is mounted to.”
Equally, the systems needed to be able to not only transfer from one truck to another, but outlast the truck itself. “Our product is designed to outperform and outlast anything on the market – including the trucks they are mounted to. After years of service it will transfer to another vehicle – with little effort and little or no depreciation in value,” Natrass beamed.
Since that time, Truckboss has managed to build upon its modular design, adding to it several features that have set the truck deck manufacturer at the top of its industry, one of those being the “SureSeal-Fit.” This ensures that the cargo in the bed of your truck will remain dry and safe despite the conditions outside, and when the tailgate is locked the deck provides a secure tamper-proof seal. In fact, Truckboss is the only deck system that seals around the bed rails and tailgate with a weather-proof fit.
Only a few short years ago did Truckboss begin development on its first PWC application. Much of the technology created for the snow and off-road systems transferred seamlessly over to watercraft, save for a couple of items. In its original iteration, the Flexxloader provided a cart system that held the watercraft as it rode up the ramp up and onto the deck. Early last year, Truckboss made several key improvements on the Flexxloader, and developed a smoother operating, easier to secure and more diversified product.
“The [new] Flexxloader is easy and safe to load and unload using the Truckboss winch system, will allow you to unload almost anywhere – boat launches, beaches, parking lots [and] incorporates a push back system to make unloading easier and safer,” Natrass explained. “The ramp is now lighter and easier to engage, [and] with the optional buggy system, [it] becomes an ideal beach tote and a beach dock, [and] also helps with storage when you get your machines home.”
The modular aluminum construction and ExtremEtch anodizing, together with the SureSeal-Fit has never been better tested and more appropriately applied than with the PWC-focused offerings as salt water-dripping standups were first fished from the beach at the Blowsion Surf Slam two years ago. The contents of the weatherproof “Smartboxx” cargo drawer remains dry and safe from contamination even as a pair of full-sized runabouts drip-dry on the deck above, their Flexxloader racks protected from corrosion and locked in place.
Interestingly enough, the recent innovations incorporated into the new Flexxloader have been added to the snowmobile and UTV/quad lines, bringing the Truckboss deck systems full circle. Equally, the rise of snowbikes (dirtbikes with front skis and articulated rear tread) has caused a second integration of technology – this time from the motorcycle applications to snow. It’s another testament to the flexibility of the modular Truckboss Decks design. With only some minor accessory additions, one truck deck can be used for water, snow or dirt with little effort and maximum enjoyment.
Reunited, and it feels so good! For those who were in attendance at last October’s IJSBA World Finals, you would’ve noticed a very familiar voice missing from the announcer’s tower. Mike Young, the man behind the Hydro-Turf Surf and Turf Promotions, was noticeably absent (as well as co-partner in crime, Dawn Dawson). While a recent post on the IJSBA’s website downplayed the drama, Young’s departure from the Finals – and from the IJSBA, for that matter – has come to a close, as Young will promote and organize IJSBA-sanctioned competitions in the Southern Region of the United States for 2017.
Young’s (and for that much, his Hydro-Turf Surf & Turf Promotions events) forced hiatus from the IJSBA was due to a conflict of interest: Young worked with competing PWC event organizer, AJ Handler and his growing Pro Watercross Tour last year, and the IJSBA was clearly unhappy about that, so away he went. Thankfully, it appears to be water under the bridge since Young recently paid IJSBA HQ a visit in San Francisco last week. And Young’s Surf & Turf Promotions has been welcomed back into the fold, with its schedule and many other goodies, such as race results and announcements found here.
Meanwhile, RonnyMac is hard at work with the rebirth of the IJSBA website. We are all anxiously awaiting the new design, which should be live within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, you can still check out the old website.
For many not paying attention, P1 AquaX just made a huge rule update for those racing SHO and SVHO-powered Yamaha WaverRunners in 2017: you’ll now be able to run an aftermarket Blow Off Valve (BOV). Blow off valves help to extend engine and clutch life but siphoning of excess supercharger boost when pressures reach a certain level. Obviously, too much boost makes things go “kaboom” and nobody wants that. Given the offshore conditions found in many AquaX events and the wear-and-tear it can have on a supercharged Yamaha, the rule change is really intended for securing longevity, not giving the Yamaha a performance advantage.
Never to sit back and let the moss grow, Dean’s Team Racing is now offering special pricing on all brand new Worx Blow Off Valve Assemblies. These not only feature a cost effective design, each kit includes a high strength silicone hose incorporating a billet lightweight Blow Off Valve (BOV), necessary vacuum lines and fittings for you to complete the install. The lightweight, fully adjustable BOV installs directly in the factory location, puts less load on the hose (for reduced fatigue and tearing), is easy to disassemble and clean and can be yours for 10-percent off of the Dean’s Team store asking price of $300.
Simply use the code “CHAMPION” at check out and hack 10-percent off on this BOV kit and other performance products available in the store today!
Well, the Miami Boat Show has come and gone, and Sea-Doo once again has made waves in the boating market by bringing home – yet again – the NMMA Innovation Award for its new Sea-Doo Spark Trixx. The freestyle-inspired Spark offers a whole new way for individuals, friends and family to enjoy their time on the water as the design features integrated into this new Spark allow for near-vertical tail stands, nose spins and a variety of other tricks (hence the name).
Weighing in at 422-pounds, the lightweight Trixx is priced at $7,299 and sits two yet is likely best used as a single-rider (although, it would be perfect for ejecting your passenger when the fast-responding VTS is triggered). Clearly the board at the NMMA sees what many of us in the media are viewing as a great new addition to the Spark lineup and applauds Sea-Doo for continually pursuing new and exciting ways to enjoy your PWC.
Here’s the original press release: Miami, FL, February 21, 2017 – BRP won its record-setting ninth NMMA Innovation Award at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show for its new Sea-Doo SPARK TRIXX. The TRIXX model is based on the Sea-Doo SPARK, but with added features that offer a fun new way to play on the water.
“The Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX turns riders into instant trick artists. You go from zero to hero in five minutes,” said Alan Jones, marine journalist and member of the NMMA Innovation Award judging panel.
The Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX targets the next generation of watercraft owners with riding fun that not only changes the game, it helps invent new ones. Redefining what a sit- down watercraft can physically do – especially at an entry-level price – can spur younger generations to more strongly consider ownership.
The ultra-lightweight (422 pounds) SPARK TRIXX is the most compact and nimble watercraft on the market. It adds exclusive features not found on any other production watercraft, each designed to deliver playfulness:
900 HO Rotax ACE engine
Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR)
A performance handlebar with adjustable aluminum billet riser to provide more leverage for increased rider input
60° step wedges for secure footing and more confidence while going vertical
Extended Range Variable Trim System (VTS) with 2x the normal range to bury the nose or pop the bow up into a water wheelie easily with the tap of the throttle
“Sea-Doo’s brand promise is, ‘Fun Runs in The Family’. SPARK TRIXX brings this to life for the entire family by providing an enhanced experience on the water,” said Anne-Marie LaBerge, senior vice-president, Global Brands and Communications at BRP. “Winning nine of the prestigious NMMA Innovation awards is an accomplishment BRP proudly celebrates. It is a tribute to our design and development approach, along with our commitment to producing technology that will lead the marine industry into the future.”
For more information on the award-winning Sea-Doo SPARK TRIXX and all of the models in the 2017 lineup, visit www.sea-doo.com and follow Sea-Doo on social media via facebook.com/seadoo and @BRPSeaDoo on Twitter and Instagram.
Believe it or not, owning and operating a high performance personal watercraft in the United States is really a low impact purchase. As noted, there’s no national boater license, no mandatory classes, government ID or anything remotely close to operating a motor vehicle on the nation’s highways. In fact, for most states, all you need is a lifevest and for your PWC to be registered, with the appropriate registration numbers on the deck and a copy of your registration (preferably laminated or in a ziplock bag) in your glove box (or crammed in around your fire extinguisher like we used to do on our old 550 standups).
While the Watercraft Superstore can definitely help you with the lifevest, they also can help get your legally registered PWC looking good with a set of Hardline registration decals in a simple all-in-one registration kit. Sure to make your ski stand out, WCSS’ selection of Hardline decal styles are sure to fit the look and color scheme of your machine. And true to WCSS’ description, each package includes one bottle of Sticker-On! Decal Application Fluid for easy installation and one bottle of Sticker-Off! Decal Adhesive Remover for removing the old decal adhesive left behind by previous decals.
But wait! There’s a lot more! Included is a squeegee/scraper tool to help remove old adhesive and apply new decals professionally. All of Hardline’s decals are made with 4 mil. marine grade vinyl, super-stick solvent based adhesive UV coated to resist fuel, fading and scratches; the letters and numbers are 3-inches in size to meet USCG guidelines; factory matched colors; and includes 4 sets of A-Z, 0-9, total of 144 decals. 2 oz. bottle of Sticker-On!, 2 oz. bottle of Sticker-Off! and one squeegee/scraper tool.
Get ’em while they’re hot because these Sea-Doos won’t last long at these great prices. Pre-season is the time to buy because as temperatures rise, so do prices! Cycle Springs Powersports, located in Clearwater, Florida is offering a great promotion on 2017 Sea-Doos. As a buyer you can pick one up with as low as $130 a month with $0 dollars down with approved credit, of course. Grab the 2017 Spark 2-up for $5,125, the GTS 90 for $7,250, or the GTI 90 for $8,150, taxes and fees are additional. These boats are available with 60 or 90-horsepower. The sale ends March 31, 2017.
An exclusive lifetime engine warranty is offered for as long as you own your Sea-Doo purchased from Cycle Springs. Your Sea-Doo will be covered for lifetime when a prepaid maintenance and extended warranty are purchased. The purchaser also agrees to have the vehicle serviced annually by Cycle Springs or as described in the owners manual. Here’s another cool thing about purchasing the extended warranty; Cycle Springs is the only dealership in the Tampa Bay area that will give the buyer a 100% cash refund on an extended warranty as long as no claims are made during the warranty term. As far as the prepaid maintenance goes, Cycle Springs will match your funds applied to your prepaid maintenance card up to a $1000.
If you buy a Sea-Doo from Cycle Springs now, you are eligible for an awesome deal on the warranty based on select models. Three year coverage is available for the new 2017 PWC models and the buyer receives a 12 month Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) Limited Warranty plus a 24 month B.E.S.T. coverage. Florida residents receive an even better deal, which is a 36 month BRP Limited Warranty. For more information on this big pre-season sales event; visit cyclesprings.com.
There’s big news for the personal watercraft industry’s most well-known photographer, Ronny Mac. Recently, Ronny (McHenry, aka RonnyMac) was announced as the official photographer of the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) and World Finals. According to the IJSBA’s website, after landing in San Francisco, Ronny went straight to a meeting with the IJSBA, where he immediately got to work rebuilding the group’s website. You can check out the original snippet on the IJSBA’s website HERE.
According to Ronny, he fell in love with photography “purely by accident.” While working with an action sports internet radio talk show, he bought a little point-and-shoot camera so he could grab some nice photos for the show’s website. People loved them, so he upped his game and picked up his first single lens reflex (SLR) camera. He purchased a Canon Rebel 300D, which was the camera that made his photography into an obsession.
Well over a decade later, Ronny has the opportunity to shoot events all over the world and enjoys the lifestyle. We were first introduced to Ronny’s talents back in 2007, while The Watercraft Journal‘s Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Shaw worked as Editor of Personal Watercraft Illustrated. “Ronny was always trying to sell me images from APBA events, but I needed stories to go with them,” Kevin recalls. “It took a lot of coaxing, but I finally pushed him into writing stories and supplying images. After that, Ronny was one of our most reliable contributors.”
Ronny has delved into other aspects of photography as well, such as design work and print media, which talents he has turned into his own brand “RonnyMac”. He was led into this particular realm of photography after the now defunct AWA’s Ride Magazine asked him if he would create an event layout for an issue. In 2011, Ronny partnered with Mike Ratti to launch Pro Rider Magazine. Ronny did the majority of the design work, including the logo and website which are proud accomplishments for him. He spent four years with the group before parting ways.
RonnyMac wanted to make sure people could easily purchase his images so he created ronnymac.com, where he offers introductory packages for riders who simply want him to take shots of them all the way to a team package which includes all the bells and whistles. As for his current position with the IJSBA, we wish Ronny well and look forward to seeing his creative touch on the IJSBA site and great photos as they come in.
“Australia Day” was a month ago and people are still calling in sick from the hangovers. What once was the official “National Day of Australia” to celebrate the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip – today, Australia Day celebrates “the diverse society and landscape of the nation,” according to Wikipedia, and is noted for BBQs, beach parties and a lot of questionable behavior.
