Back in 2014 we showed you the revolutionary “water-based transportation” vehicle known as Quadrofoil Q2. The original news story showcased the Q2 prototype which has C-foil technology, an electric outboard motor and the ability to reach speeds of up to 21 knots with a battery life upwards of 2,200 nautical miles. While many of these features are the same, the original production of Quadrofoil Q2 was set to be shipped out to buyers in March 2015.

This year, the R&D team improved many of the key components to satisfy the consumers. With a second prototype they were able to upgrade existing features. The major upgrade was deciding to switch out the generic electric outboard engine and designed a Quadrofoil-specific engine which has proven to be a very successful move. While Quadrofoil did want to keep their promise of shipping out the first production line in March 2015, they feel that by having one more year to test, fine tune and reorient a few things their product is even better. Many of the investors, dealers and buyers continued to trust Quadrofoil even with their late production by inviting them to help in the prototype testing.

With spending another year refining their Q2 machine, Quadrofoil is proud to announce that they will be coming out with a Q4 prototype shortly. This will be the luxurious vessel of the company with a sleek new design that has a rooftop protecting four passengers from the elements.

One can associate the Q2 to a Prius and the Q4 to a Tesla. Both terrific car that are economically friendly but offer two different styles of riding. Quadrofoil is out to create a personal water transportation vessel that leaves minimal impact in the environment while providing the passengers with a comfortable ride. This is a new market with riding above the water. This could explode so stay tune and we will let you know of any news to come.

OK, so today’s “Case of the Mondays” is pretty dang cool if we say so ourselves. Not only do we have “Star Wars: Rogue One” coming out this Friday (being the first spin-off film from the core “Skywalker” saga, and predating the events of “Episode IV: A New Hope”), but the producer of this YouTube mini-film is none other than Devin Supertramp who you might recognize as being a major attraction in Sea-Doo’s recent viral video exploits in recent years. And best of all, this video not only has Jetovators – but totally decked out Jetovators and riders very creatively dressed up as the iconic speederbikes from “Return of The Jedi.”

In fact, the entirety of this video is a near cut-for-cut recreation of the infamous sequence when Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia and Luke attempt to get the jump on and disarm a squadron of Imperial Speederbike pilots. Devon himself takes on the role of Han Solo, while a pair of actors portraying the Skywalker twins pursue the fleeing Storm Troopers. There’s some huge nods to the original films despite the lack of John Williams’ legendary score and some choice sound effects, but the spirit is there and that’s really what counts in this homage. We particularly like the little kids suited up as attacking Ewoks.

Unfortunately, you cannot purchase a real speederbike-edition Jetovator, as these were made from spare parts and literally dozens of rolls of duct tape painted to match the original props. Even the Storm Troopers’ helmets and armor were also made from layer upon layer of duct tape. If you don’t believe it, we’ve included the very cool “making of” video at the bottom. Enjoy!

With the holidays quickly approaching we can easily forget about a very important race coming up. The Mark Hahn Memorial 300 race is a tribute to former racer Mark Hahn. When Mark Hahn died, his legacy stayed with the racing community. Here is a quick review of the event, rules, and entry form. The full review and specifics will be located on the bottom of the page.

Registration and Dinner:
The race will take place on February 12, 2017 in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Camping reservations for the Crazy Horse Campground are limited so be sure to call them at (928) 855-4033 as spots will fill up quickly. Once you have your sleeping arrangements in order make sure that you and your team members hold a current IJSBA membership. At registration you will be asked to show your card so you must have it! Luckily if your membership is expired or do not have one you can get one at registration. Becoming a member is $50 for one year.

Since this is a IJSBA sanctioned race, all rules and regulations will be enforced. Registration will be held at Havasu Powersports from 10am to 5pm on saturday, February 11th. There will be a dinner to conclude the events, each racer will have an armband which will give them entry into the complimentary dinner. Tickets for non racers will be $25 and can be paid in advance or at the door. Dinner buffet will begin at 5:30 and the awards will start at 6:00.

HERE IS THE OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

Race Information:
All boats must have current registration from whatever state they are form and wear USCG equipment at all times. Boats will need to have race numbers that are legible and  easy to read. There will be no duplicates of numbers so it is on a first come first serve basis. Arm bands must be worn by racers at all times to ensure that everyone is there for the race and is a member of IJSBA. This is not a closed course event but with the help of chaseboats, United States Coast Guard and the Bureau of Land Management racers will be protected by normal boating traffic that is using the lake.

HERE ARE ALL THE OFFICIAL RULES

2017 Stand Up Refueling:
Since stands ups have a much smaller fuel tank compared to the larger sit down boats, you may only refuel your stand up with a hand held fuel jug or a gravity fed can. If you have any questions about refueling please contact Ross Wallach at [email protected]

Race Time!
There will be a mandatory racer meeting at 7:30am before the race. The starting line is organized by order of entry. Sit Down riders will start 50-yards behind their boat and when the gun is shot, run to their boats and take off! Riders must maintain their lane until they pass the buoys marking the hot pits. Stand up riders will start 2 minutes after the sit down riders.

If you have any questions feel free to contact the following:
Jim Russell – [email protected]
Mike Follmer – [email protected]
Ross Wallach – [email protected]

Here is a quick history lesson for those of you who do not know about how the jet ski came about. The creator of the first Jet Ski was Clayton Jacobson II. When he moved to Palos Verdes, California, he became immersed in the culture of motocross racing. While out riding one day he stopped at a irrigation ditch to cool off and he had a crazy thought which has turned into a lifestyle for many. He created the “motorcycle on water.”

Last year, professional stuntman Robbie Maddison, on a specially-prepped dirt bike raced across the water and charged the waves of world-famous Tahitian surf spot Teahupoʻo. Clearly that footage was the solitary animus that spurred the rehashing of the pseudo super-spy Vin Diesel vehicle, “XXX.” Here is the trailer for the new movie which shows Vin Diesel aboard his dirt bike/motorcycle/jet ski riding on the water. The machine works by shooting out skis to keep the front of the machine afloat while the back is not shown. In the trailer it show two guys riding on separate bike in what appears to be one chasing another and they are getting pretty high off the waves just before they crash.

While this does look like a good movie, us PWC enthusiasts can’t help but argue that the name should be changed to something more related to the dirt bike/motorcycle/jet ski machine.

2004 was a big year for personal watercraft performance. Sea-Doo dropped a bombshell in the form of the world’s first supercharged 4-stroke PWC, in the form of the 2004 RXP 215. Not only was it the beginning of the performance 4-stroke watercraft saga, but also another beginning for Malvin Quinones. Sitting down with The Watercraft Journal, Malvin began, “this was the beginning of all my turbo tech Terminator series parts.”

“In late 2004/early 2005 Jerry Gaddis started a small internet blog on his supercharged 2004 RXP that he called the ‘Green Hulk’ (that later became the world’s biggest PWC forum) and we started sharing ideas with each other to improve its performance. Because turbocharging is my main business (Turbo Tech Puerto Rico), I designed a turbo system for the RXP. Later in 2005, I built the world’s first turbocharged ski that I called ‘The Terminator.'”

Malvin continued, “After that, I build my newest turbo creation using the latest in turbocharging technology – a Borg-Warner EFR series that I was able to display it at SEMA show in Las Vegas in 2011 at the Borg-Warner Turbo Systems booth. Because of it, EFR Terminator series turbo systems are featured on some of the fastest RXP in the world,” he smiled proudly.

“Now as a ‘commemorative edition’ of my first RXP, I built a 2004 RXP with the latest 300 series parts – all the mechanicals and electronics from the 2016 ski – I even modified the handlebar and cluster to adapt it to the 2004 set up! (That was the hardest part of building this ‘Mutation RXP’).”

Malvin admitted, “Building this 2004 RXP took me back in time when I got my first RXP back in 2004. It was more of a challenge for my personal satisfaction. The ski is a full 300 series in a old 2004 RXP hull with few upgrades and mods, like a F5 air intake system, an ECU reflash (so it starts in Sport mode), 8,400 rpm springs and retainers, and all ARP bolts, and a Zapata Racing dual impeller.”

“Ultimately, the ski was build for my favorite sport, Flyboarding/hoverboarding/jet pack, and I use an EMK (electronic management kit) remote control wireless system when I’m flying!” Malvin provided a huge gallery of images documenting the “Mutation’s” build, and promises to have some updates and performance numbers in the coming weeks. Until then, enjoy what we’ve got here:

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According to OZPWC , the inevitable finally happened, PWC were permanently banned during the summer along some of Australia’s West Beach. Personal watercraft and motorized boats cannot come within 200 meters of the shore between the River Torrens outlet and Grange Road between sunrise and sunset from December 1st and March 31st.

This has been an ongoing battle between the State Government and Charles Sturt Council. The Council previously asked for a permanent ban and the State negated the idea in favor of the Council reapplying every year for the jet ski exclusion zone. The community complained on a regular basis about the dangers of jet ski riders and swimmers having far too many sketchy close calls and the Council was tired of reapplying for the special exclusion zone every season.

Charles Sturt Council Mayor Angela Evans was thrilled with the latest outcome. “The introduction of these new regulations achieves the same safety and environmental benefits as the previous Aquatic Activity Licenses without the need to apply for these licenses on an annual basis and removes the liability responsibilities away from council,” she said.

Western Adelaide Coastal Residents’ Association president Jim Douglas agreed and said the ban was “a good outcome for the community and a great decision by the government.”

The residents are currently working on a way to get the word out to surrounding communities and jet skiers. Personal watercraft operators face fines up to $160 plus the victims of crime levy which may be an additional $1250 set by the courts.