Mr. Popular: 2017 Sea-Doo GTR 230

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October 24, 2016

To those regular readers of The Watercraft Journal, you’ll know that we fail pretty regularly to hide our personal bias towards the Sea-Doo GTR. Upon its initial introduction five years ago, the application of Sea-Doo’s supercharged-and-intercooled Rotax 1503 producing a wind-blown-smile-inducing 215-horsepower to the then-newly redesigned GTI platform was a match made in watercraft heaven. Whether you’re a fan of the GTR’s stellar power-to-weight ratio; its jack-of-all-trades hull that can either be loosey-goosey playful or track as straight as an arrow; or its awesomely aggressive angular aesthetic, the GTR has maintained itself as an overall favorite.

For 2017, the Sea-Doo GTR gets a little more than just a new suit of clothes (although the Black & Octane Blue livery is very fetching), but a whole new engine as well. As part of the brand’s eventual phasing out of the previous generation 1503 Rotax 4-tec, replacing it with Rotax’s weight-saving and efficiency-increasing ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) technology, the new 2017 Sea-Doo GTR gets a bump from 215 to 230-horsepower. The increase is much more than just a turning up of the wick, but the by-product of streamlining the engine’s overall effectiveness, resulting in a smoother-operating engine.

The in-line three cylinder plant – christened the 1500 HO ACE – replaces the 1503 215-horsepower Rotax 4-tec, yet maintains the same 1,494cc displacement. In fact, the castings of the crankcase and cylinder case are identical as the outgoing engine as well. The devil, as it were, is in the details, as the 1500 HO shines from its use of a redesigned cylinder head featuring four valves-per-cylinder, an all-new combustion chamber (accounting for the ACE head’s superior quench and distribution), and improved intake and exhaust ports.

Likewise, the new 1500 HO ACE employs Sea-Doo’s new plasma coating (applied to the aluminum casing’s cylinder walls via a proprietary thermal spraying process exclusively developed by Rotax’s team in Gunskirchen, Austria), to replace the heavy steel pressed-in sleeves. This new sleeveless cylinder design not only shaves overall engine weight (totaling 194-pounds), but minimizes friction, improving surface durability and heat transference.

Finally, the new 1500 HO comes equipped with Sea-Doo’s newly redesigned “maintenance-free” supercharger and external intercooler. The re-engineered supercharger uses a revised drive shaft that rides on two composite bearing packs at either end of a machined shaft, similar to its bigger 300-horsepower siblings. And, thanks to BRP’s iControl engine management, the 1500 HO is optimized for either regular or premium fuel, although performance is directly reflected in what you feed it.

And equal all 230 and 260 models, the GTR uses the same 159mm pump to process all of that power into water-spouting thrust. Sharing the pump tunnel is Sea-Doo’s USCG-awarded second generation iBR, which is not only more compact and lighter (weighing approximately 16.4-poounds, including the electronic module and all of the mechanical components) but also allows you to stop nearly 160-feet sooner than a PWC without an on-water braking system (*cough* Kawasaki *cough*). Fuel capacity remains identical at 15.9 gallons, and storage is utilitarian 30.8 gallons.

As noted earlier, the GTR 230 rides atop the same 130.6-inch long hull as the GTI SE 130 and 155, as well as the GTI 155 Limited and GTR-X 230. The mild strakes and low-V hull manages a duality of both stable and true when gliding across glass, or playful and loose when pushed without feeling schizophrenic. Unlike the often too-aggressive RXP-X hull, the GTR 230 can comfortably cruise or sweep a wide turn when called on. Obviously, there is a point in the apex where the 230-ponies will overpower the shallow-V hull, but discovering that is part of the fun. It is meant to be playful after all.

Externally, the GTR 230 retains much more of its DNA with the GTI family than its wild new GTR-X 230 sibling, sharing the same fairings, hood and fixed steering system. Yet, being part of Sea-Doo’s Performance segment affords the machine its VTS (Variable Trim System) handlebar-mounted toggles, the easy-to-navigate LCD and twin dial analog gauge system and info center, and iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control) allowing for quick cycling through Touring, Sport and Eco tunes. The grips are Sea-Doo’s new palm rest variety that can be off-putting at first, but surprisingly effective especially over longer rides.

Priced at $11,999, the 2017 Sea-Doo GTR 230 is noticeably trimmed of fat. No retracting swim step, or X-package digital options (including time/distance to empty, top/average speed/RPM, lap timer and engine temperature in-dash features) come with the Performance segment’s lowest rung – but are available options, as well as a bevy of other items. Now, if you’ve read our reviews on two other of Sea-Doo’s GTI-based machines, the 2017 GTI SE ACE HO 900 and the 2017 GTR-X 230, you’ll know that there are some big changes on the horizon. We’re extrapolating here, but we’re thinking this might be the only year of an all traditional SMC fiberglass GTR before receiving either a new CM-Tech deck or *gasp* a Polytec hull (although we foresee the latter as being a little far fetched for now).

Weighing in at 807-pounds, the GTR 230 actually bests the stylish GTR-X’s power-to-weight ratio .29:1 versus .28:1. It’s not much, but a difference of 14-pounds between the two might make all the difference between a showdown among friends. Throwing objectiveness to the wind, we’ve always expressed a bit of favoritism towards the GTR, and now with a smoother running and more powerful engine, there’s even more reason to praise this little machine. Again, it’ll happily serve double duty as a hot toy or a family craft thanks to its standard Eco mode, so there’s no reason why mom or dad can’t enjoy it.

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Case of The Mondays: Six Men Ride Single Jet Ski For World Record

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Cody Cole

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October 24, 2016

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When PWC manufacturers produce new watercraft, they always come with a weight restriction warning label. Typically like most things, the weight restriction is the very maximum weight you can put on it. Sometimes, it can be a bit forgiving if you happen to exceed it by a few pounds. However, when you go waaaaay over that limit, the result usually isn’t good. Sometimes, the result can just be downright hilarious.

In the video you’ll see below, we comically start off with four full grown men riding a single two-man jet ski. Within a few seconds, a fifth man comes into the picture on a jet ski and quickly jumps off of his and joins the four men, now resulting in five men together on one jet ski! With the five men on it, the jet ski is surprisingly handling it pretty well even though it’s hunched down in the water pretty good.

Shortly after, a sixth man joins the party in the same way as the fifth! With the extra weight of the sixth man, you can definitely tell the ski is working hard pulling all of that weight thru the water. While many would be happy with the accomplishment of having six men on one jet ski, this group isn’t. They wave to a seventh man to join them. We’ll let you take a watch to see how that ended up!

Truckboss Prepares For Winter With Four October Package Specials

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Kevin Shaw

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October 21, 2016

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As the mercury in the thermometer begins to drop, so does most people’s interest in suiting up in a full body neoprene wetsuit and dipping into the lake for a brisk wintery ride. (Of course, that’s not to say that many of us won’t, but c’mon, there can’t be that many people as crazy as we are.) So what happens when people hang up their lifevests and winterize their watercraft for the next few months? Well, they keep playing of course! And to keep you active powersports lovers up and able, Truckboss – the leader in heavy duty-yet-lightweight truck decks – is offering not one, not two or even three special offers, but FOUR unique packages to meet your needs and riding styles.

The first being their “UTV Savings Bundle,” providing you with everything you need to haul your UTV. This packages promises to save you up to $698 USD, and comes with the Truckboss Base Deck, and the Base Deck Ramp Package (two 10-foot skinny ramps), a winch kit, six tie down rings, and under deck lights. The choice of a 7-foot or 8-foot deck has been reduced to $3599 USD (Regular $4279) for the 7-foot, and $3999 USD (Regular $4697) for the 8-foot, respectively. If you’d like to add on a Flip Extension, it’ll cost you only $399 over the regular $467 price.

The second is their second “ATV Savings Bundle” which is perfect for hunting season, allowing you to haul your ATV’s with style. With a savings up to $881 USD, this package begins with the Truckboss Expandable Deck with an optional upgrade to skinny ramps, six tie down rings and under deck lighting, with three deck length options. At 6-feet you’ll pay $3799 USD (Regular $4486), 7-feet is only $3999 USD (Regular $4719), and 8-feet is $4399 USD (Regular $5280), with an optional winch package for only $499 (Save $96).

Next is Truckboss’ “Snow Base Package” including everything you need to get you there, providing a savings up to $720 USD. It begins with a Truckboss Expandable Deck, a carbide kit, six tie down rings, and three super clamp D-rings. It too has the option of three different deck lengths, 6-feet for $3999 USD (Regular $4595), 7-feet for $4199 USD (Regular $4828), and 8-feet for $4599 USD (Regular $5389). There’s also an option to add a flip extension for only $529 (Reg $606).

Lastly, there’s the “Snow Deluxe Package,” easily the best setup for hauling sleds offering a savings of up to $899 USD. It starts with Truckboss’ Expandable Deck, a winch kit, six tie down rings, and three super clamp D-rings, two Superclamps, a carbide kit and 20″ LED light with under deck lighting. It then offers three deck lengths; 6-feet $5199 USD (Regular $6004), 7-feet $5399 USD (Regular $6237) or 8-feet at $5899 USD (Regular $6798), with the option for either a flip extension for only $529 (Reg $606), or Truckboss’ awesome Flexxloader Snow (cradle, Push Back, and buggy) for only $1099, offering a savings of $507.

So if you’re a powersports enthusiast of all kinds and makes, and for every season, then Truckboss has got the truck deck system for you. But you better act quick because this promotion ends October 31st, 2016.

On The Ground Level at SBT’s New Marine Mat Headquarters

By

Kevin Shaw

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October 20, 2016

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It’s funny how things come about. Greg Pickren first launched SBT, Inc (Short Block Technologies, incorporated) in 1997, building the company in to the largest supplier of aftermarket jet ski parts in the world. To facilitate a large base of product, accessories and customer’s needs, Pickren launched Watercraft Superstore (WCSS) to accompany SBT in providing everything a PWC enthusiast could need to keep their ski and themselves on the water as much as possible. Shortly after the launch of WCSS, it became apparent that they would need to create their own brand of high quality traction mats and seat covers, birthing Blacktip Jetsports. These proceedings all helped to rise the tide and elevate the other companies, but something was still left on the table.

Blacktip Jetsports began reaching further into the realm of top-of-the-line quality CNC-cut mats, researching superior materials and processes to develop their traction mats. Soon, the brand found itself exploring into various applications and uses of their Elite Series of mats. Pickren and John Salvatore, the then General Manager for Watercraft Superstore came upon a larger idea: What if we offered traction mat kits for larger, recreational boats? The idea had merit, as BlackTip Jetsports’ unique soft, closed cell EVA decking provided a logical replacement to most brands’ carpeted decking. Salvatore explained to The Watercraft Journal, “We saw the opportunity and need in the marine market for another decking supplier.” Yet, it wouldn’t be until the idea was hatched for a proprietary snap-in traction mat kits.

Above: Between two ends of manufacturing is the warehouse stocked with both bare, unlaminated sheets of EVA foam, and finished and ready-to-ship decking kits.

Above: Although its Snap It Series mats are what put Marine Mat on the map, they also offer traditional adhesive-backed kits for swim platforms.

Immediately, a new company was formed, Marine Mat, and went to work creating a whole new product for the boating and marine industry. “We’ll be two-years-old in January,” Salvatore continued. Within that short time frame, the newly launched company secured contracts with several manufacturers’ products (including Yamaha jet boats, Orion coolers, Cobalt Boats, Crownline Boats, Hurricane deck boats, Rinker, Scarab, Wellcraft, Fourwinns, Glastron, Seafox, SeaPro, Statement Marine, Midnight Express and quite a few more. “I think we’re over 30 OEMs in total,” he laughed. Currently, Marine Mat is working closely with brands’ art directors and designers to craft stellar, and artfully designed patterns for their latest products. So while your new jet boat might not say “Marine Mat” on it, if its wearing snap-in traction mats you’ll know where they came from.

What makes Marine Mat a superior choice for OEMs is hinged on two key components. As Salvatore explains, its pretty simple: “MarineMat has built our business by introducing our patent-pending Snap It Series removable mats – along with traditional stick down mats. In addition, we have prided ourselves on having the absolutely best customer service and shortest lead times of anyone in our industry.” Turnaround and wait times are nearly non-existent with Marine Mat’s new state-of-the-art facility dedicated specifically to the brand’s development, manufacture and distribution of their Snap It Series mats. Housed within a modest 20,000 square foot building, Marine Mat is staffed by an ever-increasing team that has more than quadrupled in size in its 2 years, from 5 to over 40 and growing.

Above left: Two of the five CNC machines are known as “long deck” machines which can “pendulum” between processes; allowing a worker to set up material on one end while the computer cuts a pattern at the other. Above right: Three other traditional CNCs work non-stop from 7am-to-11pm between two swing shifts of workers 5 days a week.

Above left: “We’re essentially killing this boat on purpose,” John Salvatore joked. “We leave it outside, uncovered all the time just to see what kind of beating our kits can take.” Above center: Other more scientific methods are also being used to stress test Marine Mat’s materials, such as this Xenon Test Chamber, which can recreate a myriad of conditions, from extreme to zero humidity, extreme heat to bitter cold, and anywhere in between. Above right: Marine Mat’s conference center.

“We maintain production two shifts (running from 7am-to-11pm) 5 days a week. This keeps our seven CNC machines in constant operation,” Salvatore explained. “Two of the five CNC machines in the front of the building are double the size – what we call ‘long deck’ machines – that work in ‘pendulum processing’, meaning a worker can set up material to be cut at one end of the table, while the other side is cutting. This means no down time.”

What struck us during our tour was how many Marine Mat employees (and the rest of the SBT, Inc. companies, for that matter) are married, related, or longtime personal friends to each other. When asked regarding this unusual business tactic, Salvatore beamed, stating, “We encourage our employees to refer friends and family. We have many long term employees that have even had their kids and even grandkids come to work for our group of companies. Even though Marine Mat is a new company, we handpicked our core management team from a group of proven long term employees from the Pickren family of companies.”

This familiarity among employees mirrors the family of companies, as they’re all strongly tied one to another, a policy that only adds to the company’s trajectory. “We plan to continue to introduce our innovative products to the marine market both at an OEM level as well as aftermarket,” Salvatore concluded. A plan which we no doubt believe is already in action.

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Sea-Doo Launches 2017 Pre-Season Sales Event

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Ryan Cooper

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October 20, 2016

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The holidays might be just around the corner, but our friends at Sea-Doo have started their pre-season sales event early this year – making it more affordable for enthusiasts to get into a brand new watercraft model.

Encompassing the new lower entry-level pricing this season is a 3-year coverage plan on select new 2017 Sea-Doo units; and the same folks that bring enthusiasts the most competitive watercraft models are offering these incentives on a local level.

In an effort to help folks like us take full advantage of their promotion this season, Sea-Doo has partnered with dealers across the nation to provide purchasing (and warranty) assistance on a broader, more local level. Popular units like the 2017 Sea-Doo Spark, a Rec Lite PWC, are currently available under this promotion – boasting an affordable price-point of only $5,299 (and including the aforementioned 3-year warranty).

However, if price-point isn’t a concern, and you’re more inclined to venture into the high-performance models like the Tow Sports, Luxury, and Performance units – you’ll be happy to know Sea-Doo includes these 2017 models under its promotion as well. And the best part is, enthusiasts can either purchase or pre-order 2017 units under this promotion between now and March 31st, 2017 when it ends – giving you tons of time to save those pennies for the model you want.

With huge promotions, tons of financing options, and a 3-year coverage plan on select all-new 2017 models, it’s easy to see why the folks at Sea-Doo offer the most versatility for PWC owners. Hit up your local Sea-Doo dealer today for a quote on your next hull. Until then, we’ll see you on the waves.

Real Review: Go Loop Phone Strap

By

Kevin Shaw

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October 19, 2016

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We often get asked to review products that have very little application to our industry, so much so that we often reply, “Why do you think we’d be a good fit for your product?” To which, most reply, “We don’t know. You’re name just came up. We’re just the marketing company.” In the instance of the Go Loop phone strap, we were a little perplexed as we’re a personal watercraft enthusiast magazine, not a tech toy blog. But their reply made perfect sense: “The Loop is meant for people ‘on the go’ who take their phones with them everywhere.” And if there’s anything we’ve learned in the last few years, it’s that people take their phones out on the water more than phone manufacturers would really like them to.

The Go Loop (or simply “Loop”) works with most cell phone cases, except for heavy duty cases like those from OtterBox or LifeProof, which are either dust or waterproof, and thereby completely sealed. The Loop, on the other hand, works with “open cases” that provide some impact resistance or shock absorption. The Go Loop provides a secure grip for your phone to “avoid unfortunate and expensive drops.” Attached by two adhesive-backed ends, the Loop makes a relaxed-but-firm strap to slide your hand through allowing for easy one-handed use (for filming or snapping selfies while out riding). The thin, woven nylon strap won’t bunch up when your phone is in your pocket, and your phone will lay flat on a table so you can watch videos.

Installation is pretty simple: Just remove your phone’s case, attach both ends to the inside of the case, looping through the camera port and either the speaker port or charging port on the other end, and that’s it. The Go Loop also has creases already folded into the strap marking where each end should bend, giving you the right amount of slack in the strap. (Don’t make it too tight or you won’t be able to slide your hand in and out easily.) The Loop is available in a myriad of colors (as well as offering custom patterns for those needing to express their individuality via a cell phone strap) and patterns as well as two styles: Petite and Ninja. For our testing, we went with a silver Ninja Loop.

While we saw this as a nice little feature, the $4.99 asking price seemed a bit much given that the strap had zero elasticity (ie. give) and looked almost no different from a strand of ribbon in our wife’s sowing kit. Additionally, given the nature of the high-speed environments PWC enthusiasts play in, we found the adhesive to be a tad weak and requiring re-gluing after one use on the water. If you’re looking to keep your phone from slipping out of your kids’ greasy hands this is a nice item to pick up, but if you’re hoping to take live streaming video of yourself while scooting across the lake at 50mph without fear of your phone slipping out of your fingers, the Go Loop isn’t going to be your silver bullet.

Yamaha Gets High as Title Sponsor of Cronulla RNR9

By

Ryan Cooper

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October 19, 2016

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If you’re a regular reader of our content, then you’ll know we’ve covered the Rip‘n Ride event over the years. But what you may not know, is that Yamaha Motor Australia, along with Marina Bayside, Yamaha Motor Finance, and Yamaha Insurance, have once again teamed up with the folks at Rip ‘N Ride as the premier sponsor for this year’s event.

As part of their ninth consecutive year in partnership, this year’s event is expected to bring the biggest turnout yet – with some of the world’s best performing freeriders for around the world attending. Since the event was announced earlier in June of this year, more than one hundred entries were sold in mere minutes. If that’s not enough to get you excited to travel to Cronulla, NSW, this October 21-22, then get ready to be even more hyped.

“Yamaha has been involved with the Rip’n Ride since it’s conception nearly a decade ago,” said Grant Binskin, National Marketing Manager for Yamaha Marine Products in its press release. “It has proven to be the perfect platform for riders to come together and showcase their unique talents in a fun, safe and controlled environment. It’s also a great way for Yamaha to promote our unique Superjet model, a watercraft that has been the backbone of stand-up and freestyle sport-riding for over 20 years.”

Just like previous years, the event will conclude with its famous after-party, where you’ll have the chance to witness the award ceremony for the event’s winners – including a sponsored prize for each entry, and a Yamaha SuperJet valued at more than $11,3300 as the grand prize. Hyped enough yet? Then checkout Rip ‘N Ride’s Facebook page here for more information. You’ll be glad you did.

Kawasaki to Reopen “Good Times World” in Kobe, Japan

By

Ryan Cooper

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October 18, 2016

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Whether you’re a watercraft enthusiast, a motorcycle enthusiast, or both – the Kawasaki Good Times World located in Kobe, Japan, is a real treat to visit in your lifetime. In short, it’s a spectacular display which boasts more than one hundred years of engineering marvel throughout Kawasaki’s history in the making; and in this century, we are fortunate to say it’s been reopened in honor of its craftsmanship.

Beginning this month, enthusiasts can once again revisit this iconic maritime museum in Japan, to experience some of the most exciting machinery that Kawasaki has to offer. Alongside displaying some of the company’s greatest motorcycle offerings reveals the ‘Heritage Zone’, a spectacular treat for enthusiasts looking to receive a broad and in-depth history lesson on how Kawasaki started.

Speaking of history, Kawasaki has added an all-new exhibit on display at the Good Times World museum. In celebration of the 120th anniversary of Kawasaki, a special event will take place where enthusiasts will have the visual pleasure of examining an authentic Hien Type 3 fighter place on display (which was recently restored at the Kawasaki Gifu Works). While the main focus of the exhibit is on the fighter plane and its restoration, its secondary purpose is to introduce enthusiasts to the evolution of supercharger technology.

For those of you looking for more of a ‘hands-on’ experience, check out the museum’s RideEX riding simulator – where you can take two laps around a circuit on a Ninja ZX-10R sportbike. For more information on the reopening of the Good Times World, including ticket and parking information, head over to Kawasaki’s website, and checkout the dates for availability.

Video: Jetsport Australia Restocks For Coming Summer Season

By

Kevin Shaw

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October 18, 2016

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Yeah, you read that right “summer” because those residing in the Southern Hemisphere are just starting to enjoy the rising temperatures that come from this time of the year, while we in the Northern Hemisphere are preparing to winterize our boats and weather through a depressing few months of not riding (or at least as much as we’d like to).

Jetsport Australia, the largest reseller of personal watercraft parts in the world, recently shared a pretty impressive video but one that may require a little explanation. The massive 40-foot container showed at the beginning of the video has already been unloaded three-quarters of the way when we first see it, as Jetsports employees have been busily unloaded, categorizing and restocking their shelves prior to filming.

Pallets of new crankshafts, pump rebuild kits, props, gaskets and much, much more came flooding into to Jetsports’ warehouse preparing the retailer for what is promised to be a very active season. The container marked a special occasion as it was the single-largest order ever placed by an Australian company and sets the tone for the rest of the market.

As a specialist in premium WSM aftermarket powersport parts, engines and accessories, and the premier Australian distributor for WSM Performance Parts, Jetsport stocks everything you’ll need for all brands and models of PWC. And if you’re looking to ramp up the performance of your machine, Jetsport Australia is also an authorized online dealer for Riva Racing, the industry’s biggest manufacturer of class-leading performance parts as well as the top OEM part supplier in the world.

And remember, Jetsport Australia is Australia’s number one source for used and reconditioned parts with over 1000 dismantled PWC to choose from. So don’t fret if you’re in need of anything to keep your PWC on the water, Jetsport Australia is just a phone call or email away.

Gallery: 6th Annual Sea-Doo Ultimate Owner’s Ride

By

Kevin Shaw

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October 17, 2016

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There are ways to cultivate the owner experience. When Dodge first launched its open-roofed, V10-powered Viper roadster, marketers sought to make the purchasing experience far more inclusive by issuing owners a unique jacket, a subscription to an exclusive monthly newsletter and invites to Viper-only track days and driving schools. The result was an immediate customer-satisfaction rating that Corvette quickly needed to bridge.

While this level of owner inclusion is more often found within the sphere of supercars, one company inside the personal watercraft industry has taken this challenge to heart, well above its competition. Sea-Doo has striven to not only provide its customers with the latest in innovative features and a top level riding experience, but also integrate them into a more inclusive experience by offering social media campaigns to win great accessories and gifts, as well as unique experiences.

The biggest of which has been the Sea-Doo Ultimate Owner’s Ride. Celebrating its sixth consecutive year, the Ultimate Owner’s Ride takes place during the main event weekend of the annual IJSBA World Finals held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. While watching the world’s greatest PWC racers compete for gold might not be everyone’s particular cup of tea, several dozen riders have flocked to historic Site 6 early in the morning to join fellow Sea-Doo owners for a one-of-a-kind ride.

“This is easily one of my favorite rides,” beamed Look Marketing’s Tim McKercher, who hosts the annual ride. “I’ve ridden all over this country (and some pretty amazing places worldwide), and this is still one of my favorite rides. You just don’t see stuff like this anywhere else.”

Leaving from the westernmost tip of Lake Havasu Island, the ride begins southward, circling back east around the island, past the Island Inn where the World Finals called home for decades (before relocating to the northern side of the island), and beneath the world-famous London Bridge that was first erected in the 1830s over the River Thames in London, England prior to being dismantled in 1967 and relocated to Arizona. From there, the tour journeys north past the racing and up into the Colorado, all the way up to the Pirate’s Cove resort.

This year saw the event moved back to Friday, welcoming over 75 individual Sea-Doos and nearly 100 riders (as many rode two-up). In the mix were nearly a dozen Sparks, and no shortage of brand-new 300-horsepower RXP-X, RXT-X and GTX Limited machines, with a blend of everything else in-between (we had hoped for at least one 3D or LRV, personally). A handful were heavily modified supercharged machines, with their open exhaust cackling in the early morning air.

McKercher and the Sea-Doo team even rolled out several 2017 units for many to oogle at, including the new GTR 230 and RXP-X inspired GTR-X 230. While many inquired about it, all available Sea-Doo Spark Trixx models were being used at the Trixx Experience happening on the other side of the island at the Crazy Horse Campground. Leaving a little after 9am, the flock of Sea-Doos cruised back and around into the No Wake Zone leading to the back of the London Bridge Resort and infamous Kokomos nightclub for a photo opportunity beneath the bridge.

While trying to link 75 runabouts together sounds a lot easier than it really was, we managed to get everybody into frame before heading back through the channel and into the lake. Clearing the No Wake Zone, we throttled up the Sea-Doo 230 camera boat with a field of runabouts in our wake and the grand stands of the World Finals in the background. Wind was mild and churned the lake slightly, producing patches of 1-to-2 foot rollers between the wakes of the usual boat traffic.

At the mouth of the river we passed through the narrow channel, flanked by groves of underwater grass waving just below the surface. With none needing to be rescued from clogged intake grates, we sped off to the infamous Havasu Sandbar for a break. The location has been nefarious for some rowdy behavior over the years, but local patrols have helped to clean up the spot throughout most of the year (Spring Break is still a zoo and definitely not “family friendly”). From there, the ride north enters through the rolling sand dunes occasionally dotted with the wild burro native to the area.

Regathering at Topock Gorge, the group idled through one of the most pristine portions of the Southwest’s painted desert. The river is rife with native species of rainbow trout, largemouth and striped bass as well as catfish, carp and crappie, as the canyon’s walls reach as high as 500-feet overhead. Interestingly, the Gorge retains significant archeological history with ancient petroglyphs from the Mojave people.

Through the Gorge and pass Topock, we cruised to the mouth of the Pirate’s Cove Resort. There, riders filled the beach and docks with a full spectrum of colored Sea-Doos, overtaking the patio for lunch provided by Sea-Doo. Catered to by the courteous staff and sufficiently filled, we gathered for a quick trivia game where prizes and gifts were rewarded, prior to taking a group shot and releasing all to navigate back to Site 6 at their own pace.

While the ride was expertly scenic and the meal provided refreshing, it was the company that made the trip for all. Smiles beamed and laughter was heard echoing through the canyon, people traded tales of high speeds and adventure while ashore, and tech tips exchanged among the speed demons. It’s the kind of camaraderie not often found in groups of strangers elsewhere but inside the sport, and its well worth being a part of in future years. All it takes is owning a Sea-Doo and you’re living the “Sea-Doo life.”

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