Yamaha Finance Dept. Launches New Credit Card Program

November 25, 2016

Regardless of your personal politics, these past two weeks have reveal a tectonic shift in consumer confidence, investors’ projections for the new year and the landscape of financial futures. The DOW has closed at all-time and seasonal heights, early reporting from commercial sales have seen an uptick unlike anything in the past 8 years, and even OE manufacturers have reorganized their regional and district sales teams to accommodate the expected upward pendulum swing in sales. For all intents and purposes, the world’s largest market for PWC sales is going to see more fluid currency and a marked swelling in industry growth.

To address this influx of potential new and returning customers, Yamaha Motor Finance Corp., USA, (YMFUS) announced an all-new credit card program available through all Yamaha dealers starting this past November 1, 2016. The Yamaha-exclusive “consumer financing tool” is replacing the company’s outgoing program that had been handled by different banks over the last 20 years. Likewise, the new program will provide an easy-to-use application process with instant approval system to qualify customers when considering a new purchase. YMFUS is supporting the card with special financing promotions and hopes the new program will serve as the primary financing source for motorcycles, ATV’s, side-by-sides and personal watercraft.

Here’s the original press release:
Yamaha Motor Finance Launches New Credit Card Program
Program will be Available to all Yamaha Dealers November 1
CYPRESS, Calif. – November 1, 2016 – Yamaha Motor Finance Corp., USA, (YMFUS) today announced it has launched an all-new credit card program that is available through all Yamaha dealers starting November 1, 2016. This important Yamaha-exclusive consumer financing tool is replacing an outgoing program that had been managed by various banks over the last 20 years.

“Yamaha will maintain the key features our dealers and customers value, while providing the program directly through our captive finance company,” says Kim Ruiz, Vice-President of Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS) and President and CEO of YMFUS. “The new credit card moves Yamaha closer to our dealers and customers, allowing us to better understand and fulfill their needs.”

The new program provides an easy to use application process and instant approvals to qualifying customers when they are considering a new purchase, and the revolving line of credit provided by the card translates to repeat purchases. YMFUS is supporting the card with low, attractive special financing promotions and expects the new program to serve as the primary financing source for many of Yamaha’s products, including Motorcycles, ATV’s, Side-by-Side vehicles and Personal Watercraft.

“Offering a long-term solution for a credit card program was critical to maintaining our leadership position in the powersports lending industry by providing Yamaha dealers and customers the most complete array of financing solutions,” says Jeff Young, executive vice president and COO of YMFUS. “This highly innovative solution not only provides program continuity, it also gives our dealers and customers the certainty of a Yamaha-backed program. Yamaha’s capital supports it and Yamaha manages it – that’s a very different model than the previous bank-managed program.”

YMUS launched Yamaha Motor Finance last year to initially focus on first-time and limited credit buyers, enabling its dealers to expand their business in a segment underserved by traditional banks and lenders. This new credit card program will allow Yamaha Motor Finance to expand its focus to “Prime” consumers and take over a program that has provided financing solutions to more than one million customers.

Yamaha Motor Finance has expanded its staff at its headquarters in Cypress, California, to manage the new program. The credit cards will be issued by WebBank, Member FDIC.

Gallery: QPWC Sunshine Coast Surf Racing

November 25, 2016

It’s been at least 5 Years in Australia since we have seen a surf race. For some reason it just stopped happening. I’m not sure if it was due to low numbers or insurance issues, but I’m glad it’s back. What a great day; the Queensland Personal Watercraft Club held their first Surf Round at Munjimba Beach on the Sunshine Coast. To me, surf racing is the most technical and exiting form of watercraft racing, with the track continually changing. You have to judge the waves perfectly and timing is paramount. Also, having the courage to hit the back of the waves without hesitation to prevent you from plowing into the sand if you get it wrong. There’s always a high chance a rider can come unstuck and see their ski wash up on the beach if it doesn’t sink first.

Well, at Mujimba there was a bit of carnage. I saw a FZS upside down and a 310 Kawasaki with its noise in the sand, as well as a couple of ghost riders crossing the line. The action was a plenty with a good size swell and plenty of shore break to keep the racing interesting. With some riders dusting off the cobwebs for this event it was a great turnout – more than the usual QPWC closed course rounds. Even the local freeride club, the Sunshine Coast Jetski Club, turned up and gave a demo of what they can do. It was great to see such a mixture of riders at a club event.

Seeing as no one has raced for a while there was plenty of new comers to the event. Only 4 riders had ever surf raced before, so plenty of supervision and guidance was on hand. A few basic ground rules were made clear so everyone understood safety was paramount. The day began with Sport class, a mixture of ‘Blasters and Sparks. This was always going to be interesting as its old meets new. With a couple of the ‘Blasters running triples it evened up the competition. Justin Windsor was the man to beat on his Yamaha. He was one of the riders that had competed in a surf race before and you could tell, he was on fire. Not just on the ‘Blaster but he also rode in the Ski round on his SuperJet. It’s a great effort just to compete let alone take the win on both classes.

Some of the other class stand outs were Bailey Cunningham racing his Sea-Doo Spark and his RXT-X 300. The kid only just graduated high school and is a up and coming star. For someone that had never raced in the ocean before, he did great taking first place in Amateur Stock. Bailey is also talented on the closed course track, with a few wins under his belt.

Another first timer was Frank Waite; the local jet ski mechanic was consistent and patient. He wasn’t getting the best of starts so he was always on the hunt. Chasing down QPWC president Tim O’Neill and Brett Douglas was a challenge. Brett was on fire until he misjudged a wave on the way in and sunk the big Kawasaki like a submarine. At one point I thought it wasn’t coming back up. Tim just didn’t have the stamina to keep young Frank at bay and got piped at the post about 300-feet from the finish line.

The class that everyone was keen watch was Open Runabout with Mitch Wayt, Breandon Boyd, Christian D’Agostin, and Shane Stuart. Shane hasn’t competed for a while so it was good to see him on the water again, riding his FZS like he had never been away. Christian, a tried-and-tested rough water champion, was keen to get some laps under his belt in preparation for this year’s Kings Cup in which he’ll be competing. Unfortunately, his ski had a couple of gremlins that prevented him from taking the win from Mitch.

Mitch is also heading to the Kings Cup to compete. If his ride this weekend has anything to show, he’ll been a rider the others should be wary of. He is a natural on a runabout and was giving everyone on the beach a great show, keeping the throttle pinned all the way to the beach. I don’t know how he hung on, my wrists would have snapped for sure. Brendon Boyde was another rider that was exhilarating to watch. His Hulk-inspired Sea-Doo is an awesome machine and he can ride it like he’s the green man himself. Mitch and Brendan had some great battles right up until Brendan had his lanyard pull out in the surf, pushing him onto the beach. A quick and frantic yell to his helpers had him up and racing again. Unfortunately for Brendan, it nearly cost him a lap, bringing Mitch within 100-feet of lapping him. No way was Brendan going to let that happen, and he kept the hammer down until the finish.

What a great day on the beach! Beautiful weather, awesome action and good friends. Who could ask for more. I’d like to thank all the events staff and volunteers. Without all your support none of us could participate in the sport we love. Here are your podium winners and classes: Sports/Spark: 1. Justin Windsor, 2. Joel Batt, 3. Luke Hudson; Amateur Stock: 1. Bailey Cunningham, 2. Gary Zaradie, 3. Jamie Eade; Expert Runabout Stock: 1. Frank Waite, 2. Brett Douglas, 3. Tim O’Neill; Ski: 1. Justin Windsor, 2. Jordan O’Keeffe, 3. Clyde Grant; Open Runabout: 1. Mitch Wayt, 2. Christian D’Agostin, 3. Shane Stuart

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Bring It Back To Life With Blacktip Jetsports’ Elite Traction Mats & Seat Covers

Kevin Shaw

November 23, 2016

Let’s face it, purchasing a brand new personal watercraft sure sounds tempting but many of us simply cannot justify the monthly expense – especially with the holidays upon us. That is why so many PWC enthusiasts have turned to used PWC sales. In fact, the influx of new pre-owned buyers has spurred manufacturers like Yamaha to offer official certifications for some pre-owned units. “Used” once was a dirty word, but with so much effort going into protecting the consumer from buying a lemon, that picking up a new-to-you older unit can still be as satisfying a purchase as a brand new unit.

Unfortunately, for most older units, the wear of time and bleaching sun’s rays can leave them looking less than appealing. Cracks in the vinyl seat covers, snags and tears in the factory foam traction mats can make your would-be purchase a no-go. Thankfully, there are easy solutions to turn any potential basket case into a fixer-upper and save you literally thousands of dollars in either purchasing a new or newer PWC. With some help from our friends at Watercraft Superstore and Blacktip Jetsports, any worn and weary PWC can look cool, clean and custom in no time.

Every year, Watercraft Superstore (WCSS) features a restoration segment in their annual “magalog” (a hybrid magazine and catalog). The Clearwater, Florida-based personal watercraft mega-retailer not only supplies the industry the single-most vast collection of replacement and performance parts, but riding gear, apparel, accessories and even water toys to help the average enthusiast eke out the most fun from their PWC-owning experience. In addition to WCSS’ gallery of goodies, is Blacktip Jetsports, the manufacturer of some of the highest-quality traction mats and seat covers available to the market today.

Above: An old or sun-bleached seat cover need not keep you from purchasing a pre-owned watercraft. With the addition of a BlackTip Jetsports Elite replacement seat cover, you can dial back the clock and make it look new.

Above: A professional upholster can quickly reskin a seat cover in a matter of minutes, but that’s not to say the job can’t be done at home too. All you’ll need is a professional-grade staple gun, some heavy duty staples, pliers and some elbow grease.

Focusing specifically on their Elite line of traction mats and seat covers, one can immediately add a splash of color and personality to their personal watercraft to not only dial back the years, but also make the watercraft look a little bit more custom. With 15 different colors and material patterns available, Blacktip Jetsports can literally put the “personal” back in personal watercraft, allowing the customer to design their own seat and traction mat patterns and color combination. Within a few minutes of perusing Blacktip Jetsports’ online store, anyone and quickly and easily create their own custom look.

Moreover, every single Blacktip Jetsports traction mat is made using the most advanced CNC cutting machines here in the United States of America, you know that the kit is precise, perfectly cut to the right pattern, and made with the same high level of quality each and every time. While some smaller outlets offer handmade mats, the product often doesn’t have the same level of precision that a computer-controlled CNC-cut kit can provide. Equally, all traction mats are layered on BlackTip Jetsports own proprietary PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive), making installation of the kit as simple as applying peel-and-stick decals.

Blacktip Jetsports is able to create such unique color-layered and textured patterns via a proprietary laminating process. When each laminated sheet of foam is ready, it’s laid beneath the CNC cutter that exactly and cleanly removes material to reveal the beveled edges, smooth transitions and creative patterns only found through Blacktip Jetsports – and we’re just talking about a traction mat here! Every kit has been precisely measured and patterned using a 3D scanning device to fit every make and model watercraft sold. If Blacktip Jetsports doesn’t have the correct measurements, they won’t “guess” and hope it fits. Either it’s right, or it’s not available yet.

Above: Installation of a BlackTip Jetsports Elite mat kit is not only quick and easy to do at home, but also is very rewarding on several levels; installing it yourself saves money, Elite mat kits can greatly improve the look and personality of a PWC, and the wide range of textures and colors not only improve the look, but traction and comfort of your ride.

Above: The combination of a BlackTip JetSports Elite mat and seat kit can radically change the overall look and appeal of any personal watercraft – new or old.

When it comes to Blacktip Jetsports’ hand-sewn Elite seat covers, the level of expertise is just as impressive. Just as before, ordering a Blacktip Jetsports Elite seat cover has been made gratefully simple thanks to Watercraft Superstore’s search engine optimization feature. Using the easy-to-follow prompts, simply plug in the year, make and model of your PWC, Blacktip Jetsports’ page will provide you a predetermined template with a variety of color and texture options (as well as all of WCSS’ suggested parts and accessories for items specific to your vehicle). Next, simply choose the pattern for your specific model, and Blacktip Jetsports’ array of colors and materials will appear, allowing your inner interior designer to come out.

Once satisfied with the pattern you’ve created, simply submit your order and a confirmation email will be sent back to you with an estimated time of shipping and arrival. Over the years, WCSS’ has demonstrated its commitment to delivering within days of an order. Even when the pressure is on, WCSS will make good on an estimated delivery date no matter the circumstances. It’s an incredible promise to make and thus far, Blacktip Jetsports and the WCSS has always made good on their commitment. And true to their word, a gorgeous, hand-stitched seat will arrive at your doorstep along with installation instructions (as well as an on-call customer service center who can help resolve any questions or concerns if any are to spring up).

Soon, what was once a budget-friendly but not so glamorous used PWC can be striking without having to break the bank. More importantly, the added traction and comfort that comes with a new Blacktip Jetsports Elite seat cover and traction mat kit will provide better riding confidence and a little more added pleasure in your PWC ownership experience. And not to put too fine a point on it, all Blacktip Jetsports traction mats and seat covers will be 50-percent off this coming “Black Friday” only. If you wait for the weekend, you’ll save 30-percent off on Saturday and Sunday. And WCSS will also have some apparel and other accessories on sale, so make sure to check out the store at www.watercraftsuperstore.net.

Videos: Cycle Springs Powersports & Slingshot Only’s Christmas Toy Run

Kevin Shaw

November 23, 2016

For the past two months we at The Watercraft Journal have been drifting a little out of our reservation to bring you updates on Cycle Spring Powersports and their Polaris-centered “Slingshot Only” retailer, who organized their second-annual Slingshot Charity Drive or the “Christmas Toy Run.” The event kicked off this past Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12 respectively, to not only reward Slingshot Only’s loyal customers, Slingshot enthusiasts in general, and people looking to support a good cause.

Central to the annual private event is a charity drive and auction, all with the sponsoring of local children in need. All of the proceeds from 50/50 raffle ticket sales went to purchasing gifts, clothing and other necessities for the families. “Without your help these children won’t have the Christmas that they have been dreaming of,” stated Cycle Springs on its raffle ticket website. Beginning with Friday’s Ride from Innisbrook Resort to Clearwater Beach, Florida, the event concluded Saturday with another ride, a special distribution of children’s gifts with Santa and the anticipated auction.

Attendee Al Marin shared, “[I] enjoyed every moment… Great vendor community makes it even better but most important were the smiles and tears of the kids and their families receiving their gifts of love.” The event was a huge success and promises to return for 2017; and while many weren’t able to attend, Cycle Springs Powersports and Slingshot Only has posted a massive photo gallery on their Facebook page HERE, as well as two videos recapping Friday and Saturday’s rides below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT3XRzJstl4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BmKuBI8XOo

Video: SureCan Takes Some Serious Abuse And Won’t Leak

Kevin Shaw

November 22, 2016

It wasn’t a month ago when we introduced the readership of The Watercraft Journal to possibly one of the coolest reinventions of possibly one of the simplest items we’ve all got in our garages: the gas can. But sure enough, SureCan has proven itself as not only an easy-to-use, spill-proof gas can, but also an insanely durable one to boot.

Recently, SureCan has put its indestructible gas cans in the hands of Monster Energy Supercross racer Beni Williams as well as a few professional lawn care companies, including B&B Lawn Care, just to illustrate how durable their cans are. And while the abuse illustrated in the video below is a little beyond the pale of what most of us would do with a fully-filled jug of gasoline, it does illustrate a solid point.

And while most of us are far from being a professional landscaper, we can appreciate the durability and clean, no-spill spout and trigger system unique to SureCan. We’ll have a couple of SureCans in our hands soon enough for some extensive testing more in line with the kind of every day use we can expect by the average PWC enthusiast. So hang on tight, and until then, enjoy some senseless pain inflicted on a gas can that surely can take it.

Save Up To 40% Off on Selected Sea-Doo Gear

Kevin Shaw

November 22, 2016

Are you brand loyal? Do you love to wear your loyalty like a badge of honor? Then Sea-Doo has got the perfect opportunity to sport some cool official ‘Doo gear – from baseball hats, hoodies, and boardshorts, to the latest in riding gear for men and women.

While they’re not officially calling it a “Black Friday Sale,” Sea-Doo is offering some big ol’ discounts on a wide array of their riding gear, accessories and apparel that anyone can take advantage of. Whether you walk into any one of the participating Sea-Doo dealers, or just hop online, you can scoop up a bunch of cool official Sea-Doo goodies while supplies last.

Just a quick perusal online shows that the clearance offerings are pretty extensive, ranging from nylon and neoprene lifevests, riding coats, cold weather jackets, wetsuits (both for women and men – with many marked 40% off), rash guards (in short and long sleeve options), gloves, boots, and even beachwear (inlcuding t-shirts marked 25% off).

There’s enough stuff to stock your closet for the next few seasons, so if you’re a loyal Sea-Doo rider and love to show your brand loyalty, then now is the time to jump on these deals.

Gallery: AquaX Concludes 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Kurt NgSaye

November 21, 2016

The P1 AquaX crews made the short trek south on I-95 from their last location of Lake Worth to the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida this past weekend. The series has traveled all over the state of Florida this year and chose Fort Lauderdale as the venue for their final round of the season. This was the first time that P1 AquaX had come to this location and it wanted to end the season on a big note.

Riders and spectators from all over the world made the trek for this event making it truly an international race. With AquaX expanding to more and more venues outside of Great Britain and the United States there were riders from many different nations.

Starting off the weekend were the Junior racers. It’s always a pleasure watching these young riders battling it out against each other. The Sport class and then the Ski class followed the Juniors. Sam Nehme wanted to finish his season the same way he started it, as number one on the podium. Johnny Smith who had numerous engine issues last weekend in Lake Worth and was looking to rebound this round and give Sam a run for his money. The Ski class followed the Sport class and it was Franco Tobler who would lead the pack and come away with the win.

As the Ski class was wrapping up their first race of the weekend, the Amateur Runabout racers were throwing on their helmets and prepping their skis for entry into the water. Due to Amateurs racing all three classes together it had many racers who had made the trek from Great Britain for the chase of the International Cup. All eyes were on Great Britain’s Joseph Harvey and Chris Saxon from the United States as they were only separated by one point coming into the weekend. Tommy Olswang, who did not race in Lake Worth, wasn’t thinking of either of the other two riders. Tommy came in first for the first race of the weekend and threw a wrench in the plans of Saxon and Harvey.

Next up was the Pro racers and it was going to be an epic battle as Aero Aswar was holding the top spot for the season at 182 points and Chris MacClugage was in second, tied with Eric Francis with 167 points. It was known that these three riders were going to bring their “A” game. The racers did their customary parade laps in front of the fans and headed out to the start line. The green flag dropped and the race was on with MacClugage in the lead. After only two laps completed the red flag came out. It appeared that a sea turtle and a manatee had entered the course. As an avid supporter of the Marine Foundation, P1 stopped the race for the protection of the animals. This was how the first day ended due to the time constraint and the animals not leaving the racecourse. It was decided that racing would resume on Sunday at an earlier start.

Sunday arrived and would start off where the previous day ended with the Pro Enduro Race. With helicopter up in the air and no sign of wildlife, the green flag was dropped and it was MacClugage who came away with the hole shot and a hold on the lead for the entire race. Could a change of number one be coming? Even more so, could we see Eric Francis move up in the standings also? MacClugage would take the win and gain valuable points to get within grasp of Aswar for the overall points lead.

The Amateurs did their second race of the weekend once the Pros finished. Joseph Harvey had his eyes set on taking down some riders to gain some very important points. Chris Saxon was still trying to hold off Harvey and wanted to keep the cup in the good old USA. As the race progressed it was Tommy Olswang who once again came into the mix and would win the second heat of the weekend. Harvey was on a tear as he moved up during the race and would finish second. Chris Saxon would have issues that would knock him out for the rest of the weekend.

The Sport, Ski and Junior classes all completed their second race of the day. As the Pros were getting ready for their second race of the weekend an unexpected guest decided to show up on the racecourse and did not want to leave. A sea turtle again ventured onto the course and racing was postponed with hopes of a quick restart. Unfortunately, the turtle had other plans and the P1 staff started to have discussions on what would be done about the remaining races slated for the weekend as they were on a very tight schedule.

Finally, after a long wait, the Pros were able to continue racing with MacClugage once again winning, giving him another 20 points to add to his overall total. The title was getting away from Aero Aswar and had many wondering if he was still feeling the effects from his collision the previous week with Eric Francis. The third and final race for the Pros took place later in the day had Eric Francis take the win over MacClugage.

Your winners for the weekend were as follows: Sam Nehme (Sport Spec) USA; Harry Robinson (Ski) GB; Eric Gabryel (Spark) USA; Joseph Harvey (Amateur 300 Class) GB; Jason Lester (Amateur 250 Class) USA; Jennifer Nolan (Amateur 200 Class) USA; Chris MacClugage (Professional) USA

As the season has come to an end it gives us time to reflect and come to this conclusion: P1 AquaX has grown tremendously since its very first season and has brought some of the best racers not only from the United States but also from all around the globe to race. The sky is the limit and we look forward to next season to see what the organization will bring. ‘Till next year!

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Pro Watercross Releases Tentative 2017 Schedule

Kevin Shaw

November 21, 2016

It was bound to happen; the temperature has finally dropped for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere but that’s no reason not to keep the adrenaline going next year’s racing season. And to keep the fires stoked, Pro Watercross just released their 2017 schedule dates (well, most of them, at least) – as well as some big changes additions to the roster!

First, what’s missing: Utah. One of the least attended stops in the National Tour, the St. George, Utah location was just a bridge too far for most racers. Taking its place is the Lewisville, Texas stop. Adding Texas to the calendar is a boon, as its centralized location is far more accessible to potential competitors.

Next, is a bit of political banter. In an effort to encroach on the Pro Watercross World Championships’ usual late-September dates, the IJSBA bumped up next year’s World Finals’ dates by a week. As a direct response to the IJSBA, Pro Watercross pushed its 2017 World Championships to the end of October/early November, leaving September wide open.

Big additions to the tour include the newly branded Pro Watercross Daytona Freeride, Bradenton Riverwalk Regatta, three stops for the Great Lakes Watercross series, four stops for Typhoon Tommy’s series, and the entire Hydrofight Us National Championship Tour. It’s a pretty aggressive roster for next year and we’re trying to figure out a way to cover it all.

Here’s the original press release:
With the holidays right around the corner it won’t be long before many of you will be ready to hit the water, whether it is for fun, freestyle or racing. The northern part of the country is being covered with a blanket of white snow and to be honest it just makes us think of the white sandy beaches of the gulf coast and the first two stops of the tour…

Pro Watercross is always working to improve the tour looking for new venues and ways to advance our sport and today we are pleased to announce the tentative 2017 national tour dates as well as the dates for Pro Watercross sanctioned events.

As the 2017 race season draws closer, event organizers; Great Lakes Watercross, Surf & Turf Promotions and Typhoon Tommy’s regional dates will be finalized as well as the introduction of a US National HydroFlight Championship tour.

Pro Watercross has been considering the idea of breaking the National Tour into two individual tours – a West Coast/East Coast tour or possibly utilizing a drop round for the tour. As soon as this decision has been made, we will make an announcement.

The Pro Watercross World Championships will be held at the end of October, beginning of November with Watercross, HydroFlight, HydroDrags and Wakeboard as confirmed competitions. Details will be announced at the beginning of 2017.

PRO WATERCROSS TENTATIVE NATIONAL DATES
May 6-7 | Pensacola Beach, FL www.VisitPensacolaBeach.com
May 13-14 | Panama City Beach, FL www.VisitPanamaCityBeach.com
June 10-11 | Lewisville, TX www.VisitLewisville.com
June 17-18 | Sparks/Reno, NV www.CityofSparks.us/visiting or www.VisitRenoTahoe.com
July TBA | Atlantic City, NJ www.AtlanticCityNJ.com
August 12-13 | Hartwell, GA www.Hart-Chamber.org

National Championships | CBS Sports coverage
August 19-20 | Charleston, WV www.CharlestonWV.com

World Championships| CBS Sport coverage
October 27 – November 5 | Naples, FL www.ParadiseCoast.com

2017 REGIONAL DATE
Daytona Freeride
January 12-15 | Daytona, FL

2017 TENTATIVE REGIONAL DATES
Surf & Turf Promotions
February 4 | Bradenton, FL | Bradenton Riverwalk Regatta

Great Lakes Watercross
June TBA | Minnesota
August 25-27 | Kenosha WI | Surf Ride
September 16-17 | Milton, WI

HYDROFIGHT US NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR
June | TBA
July | TBA
August | TBA

Gallery: Dean’s Team Limited Edition Yamaha GP1800RS WaveRunner

Kevin Shaw

November 18, 2016

Were Roger Penske willing to sell you a ALMS-spec Porsche for less than what it would take for you to build one, would you even blink an eye? That is the argument for Dean’s Team new Limited Edition WaveRunner GP1800RS. Built to exacting specifications, thereby earning its “RS” RaceSpec moniker, every RS is hand-built, tested and fine-tuned by the same hands that have assembled the same skis to rack up dozens of World Titles; including, as Dean Charrier wrote, “the last three years of IJSBA Pro Runabout Stock, the 2015 P1 AquaX Team of the Year with wins in the 200 and 300 classes, wins at the HydroDrag World Championships in Stock, Spec, and SuperStock classes, and many more.”

Only now have many who bemoaned the replacement of the FZ Series Yamahas with the new GP1800 WaveRunners started to come around, particularly through the efforts of Dean’s Team, as well as RIVA Racing and Greenhulk.net. Only yesterday did The Watercraft Journal report that a box stock GP1800 was capable of a staggering 79.2mph with only the aid of an ECU reflash. The GP1800RS sprints comfortably to 82-to-83mph in its closed course arrangement, and when pressed and slightly tweaked, can reach a maximum 84mph. “When we loosen it up for top speed, it gets upwards of 85 mph,” Dean told The Watercraft Journal, with all testing done locally in Orlando, FL.

Again, that is in IJSBA Stock Class trimming, as well as compliant with AquaX Pro Enduro regulations. As Dean continued, “[It’s] the perfect set up for someone who wants to be the fastest on their lake or the fastest around buoys,” continuing, “[When] set up for closed course racing it has great acceleration like the skis we won the World Finals on.” Until recently, Charrier and his Dean’s Team ECU reflash was a well-kept secret. Charrier’s relationship with Yamaha proffered the tuner exclusive access to not only early GP1800 prototypes (confessing, “We’ve had the GP1800 for over a year now and have been developing and tuning longer than anyone for it.”), but also access to sensitive engine mapping software.

Coupled with a uniquely repitched Single Prop, every GP1800RS is tuned and tested to Dean’s specs and standards. Of course, much more is included in the RS than just a custom Dean’s Team Reflash and Repitched Prop; but also includes a custom aluminum Worx steering neck and 32-inch race bars with ODI Ruffian Grips, Worx air intake and filter, a custom-shaped intake grate, a Worx ride plate and special, adjustable “Billet Insert Edition” sponsons, RIVA Racing water strainer, a custom-stitched, grippy Jettrim seat cover with contrasting-colored stitching to match the corresponding red or blue Yamaha, and a unique Dean’s Team GP1800RS vinyl graphics kit to match.

As per our initial review of the factory GP1800 for 2017, the new WaveRunner shines brightest when pushed through the corners. Lightweight and precise, the stock GP handles like a slot car, and the Dean’s Team RaceSpec configuration only magnifies that. The added traction provided by the sponsons, grate and ride plate, combined with the improvements to rider comfort and input thanks to the new steering system and seat, all make for a machine that is all but unmatched on the water. Although Charrier didn’t disclose a cut-off number, the GP1800RS will be a limited edition machine sold for $17,800 – and a quick breakdown of the MSRP of the craft, all of the parts and labor shows that at that cost, you’re paying less than retail.

Even if you’re not pursuing a career in racing, but just looking to get your hands on a race-ready machine that is sure to upset everybody else on your lake, the Dean’s Team GP1800RS (RaceSpec) looks to be the perfect weapon to bring to that fight. But if you are chasing podium finishes, we can’t think of a better watercraft package available on the market today.

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Gallery: Undercover At The 2017 Kawasaki Dealer Business Meeting

AJ Luinstra

November 17, 2016

“Inside baseball” is a phrase not commonly bandied about within social circles, but is an apropos way of saying “we show you how the sausage is made” (which is also a colorful albeit esoteric turn of phrase). When it came to the reveal of the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R JetSki, our coverage might’ve skirted that line, occasionally dipping into behind-the-scenes information that the layman couldn’t really care less about. Yet, seeing that we’re a PWC enthusiast magazine, and not some generic powersports publication, we felt it appropriate to dive a little deeper.

That being said, we also wanted to draw the curtain back a little further to reveal some of the inner workings of Kawasaki – in particular it’s mindset regarding the new ski – so we had multi-time Junior Ski and Amateur Ski National Champion AJ Luinstra skulk his way through the 2017 Kawasaki Dealer Business Meeting and bring us back a full report. Mind you, there’s not a whole heck of a lot revealed here (particularly about the new SX-R) that you haven’t already read or heard, but we do get a taste of how Kawasaki is looking to market the new standup:

Above: Kawasaki brought out several top superbike and motocross riders as several new units from the motorcycle, side-by-side and PWC divisions were rolled out for 2017.

“Well, the 2017 Kawasaki Dealer Business Meeting is officially in the books. The Dealer Meeting marked 50 years for Kawasaki in the USA. With this 50th anniversary we knew there had to be some awesome new products; Kawasaki released fifteen new products ranging from side-x-sides, motorcycles, and personal watercraft.

“One of the products that I know we have been waiting for was the all-new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R. This new standup watercraft had its official international unveiling back in October of this year at the IJSBA World Finals. One of the main things we did not know back in October was the price and the full specs for the ski. We now know after a very eventful 2017 Dealer meeting that the price will be $9,999 MSRP. We also now know that the weight is 551.3 pounds with fuel. You can also see the full specs HERE.

Above: Kawasaki displayed the SX-R with some interesting notes, including “Comfort” and “Convenience” as being major proponents of the new standup’s appeal, with easy boarding thanks to a wider, angled tray, easy-to-start electronic fuel injection, storage (!) and a drier ride thanks to the KSD splash deflectors integrated into the bow.

Above: In addition to several new 2017 SX-R units, Kawasaki also displayed what the manufacturer advertised as a unit modified for “IJSBA 2017 Ski Stock Class Racing.”

“One of the cool things that we got to see was all the reactions from the dealers and even the Kawasaki staff. There were many different Kawasaki employees that got to ride it along with some of the top motocross riders for Team Green. There were many dealers that were so happy and ready to sell this product this year. One of the top features noticed by a lot of the dealers is that it is not just for smaller people to ride. Bigger people can now ride this ski too and feel very comfortable on it.

“I got the chance to talk with many dealers and Kawasaki staff about this new standup. There were so many different reactions to the new ski. Some of the people said that it was crazy fast but it also handled very good. One of the coolest reactions was by one of the Kawasaki district managers [who] got to ride it in Indian Wells. He said the ski was so fast that he couldn’t hang on to it but that it was by far one of the best standups he had ever ridden. There was also many top Kawasaki motorcycle riders like Eli Tomac, Tom Sykes, and Johnathan Rea that got to ride it.

Above: Modifications to the Stock Class SX-R included custom stitched Jettrim mats, a blinged-out Sato Engineering billet gas cap, R&D Performance sponsons, a Rick Roy Products (RRP) handle pole and chin pad, a RRP 4-degree racing handlebar and steering system with ODI lock-on grips, and Skat Trak impeller.

AJ concluded, “Overall the 2017 Kawasaki dealer meeting was very eventful and we can’t wait for another 50 years for Kawasaki in the US.” We tried to get Luinstra a chance to ride the new machine but was thwarted at every attempt, saying that media will “get their chance in a few months.” Until such time, we’ll have to live vicariously via leaked video and sporadic social media posts. But fear not, dealers are taking pre-orders currently, including 321 Kawasaki out of El Dorado, KS – so order your 2017 Kawasaki SX-R today to get the special racers discount exclusively through 321 Kawasaki today.

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