Love jet skis? Enjoy writing? Want some spending dough?

If you answered yes to all three of those questions, The Watercraft Journal wants to talk with you.

Heck, if you answered yes to even one of those questions, and would like the opportunity to explore the other two, we’d still love to talk with you.

As The Watercraft Journal heads into 2025, I am actively seeking self-motivated, dedicated freelancer writer(s) and/or PWC enthusiasts to inform, advise and even entertain our ever-growing readership. 

Ideally, WCJ freelancers will have a strong interest in the personal watercraft (PWC) industry on either the racing or the recreational side (or both), and a familiarity with the terminology, technology and players, but writers that can pick up quickly on the details and culture of the PWC community are encouraged to apply.

Likewise, WCJ freelance writers should be knowledgeable writers, with the ability to turn a phrase, the understanding of journalistic principles and practices, and strong self-editing and proofing skills. However, racers (and families and crew members), fans, recreational riders and industry experts with the ability to follow through on assignments and an interest in learning the art and craft of writing are also strongly encouraged to apply. 

In addition to general interest writers and photographers, I am specifically interested in speaking to prospective writers who are experienced and knowledgeable enough to provide in-depth, insightful and informative product reviews. 

Freelance writers are 1099 subcontractors and will be paid twice a month per a predetermined scale for each written article. Workload is flexible depending on your schedule, but commitment to completing accepted assignments on deadline is essential. 

For more information, please send an introductory cover letter and a resume to [email protected].

Following an extended period of accepting rule change suggestions from racers, IJSBA has compiled and released a set of rule suggestions for the 2025 Competition Rule Book. This year, for the first time, the newly-created Rules Committee will play a part in the process, with the committee’s response to the suggested rule changes to be posted, and taken into consideration in the compilation of the final draft of the 2025 Rule Book.

According to the procedure set out by IJSBA, “The IJSBA Managing Director will prepare a set of recommendations for these suggestions.  This year, an ad hoc Rules Committee was created and IJSBA will post a response from this committee as well.  If you have questions or comments regarding this posting or believe you have submitted a suggestion not included, please email: [email protected].”

The full list of suggested rule changes under consideration, as submitted by racers, is as follows, with IJSBA notations in bold:

• Modify rule excluding promoter participation to allow for this with certain oversite features.
• Refine Ski GP Rules to remove some references to the donor watercraft (pump length, etc.).

The way the f style rules are working as you know is that after the coral if no complain all is good .

Note: The Freestyle Corral does not prevent protests for mechanical violations or missing parts, participation in the corral only prevents protests of hull design and specifications.

On a stand up the intake grate is put there for safety and also in some case to use a loader to load the pump .

What is happening now is the many people are using only a loader plate fix on the side or not even anything as grate

To me this is a safety issue just like the lanyard

I would do away with the restricted plate in this class since none of the ones that were used at world finals this year are the same size.  the speed is about 6mph faster than the 4stroke yamaha seems to be safe . I would think another item for safety in this class would be a letter of proficient from there promoter saying that the Jr is able to control the ski at the increased speeds.

It is known that swapping out the factory camshafts from the normally aspirated VXR ski into the supercharged SVHO makes more horsepower. Some have argued that they are “OEM” and are allowed per the rules for the “Stock Runabout” class. The way I am understanding the rules, is that you could swap cams from any “SVHO” model, in this case 2014-2025 from any Yamaha ski with any model originally equipped SVHO engine. Or for SeaDoo, any 2016-2023 300 ski could use cams from any of those years. I’m not sure how the rules could be written for the use of the 230 cams for the same years, if that’s an advantage or not. I also suppose one could also make the case, per the rules, that an RXP-X couldn’t use the same cams as an RXT-X  or a GP1800R SVHO couldn’t use cams from a FX SVHO, or vice versa.

From speaking to multiple tuners (Yamaha), it’s not a direct plug-n-play swap. The addition (temporary or not) of o2 sensors, air flow meters, and tuning are necessary to get the tune “correct.” This small gain, yet still an advantage, adds a lot of cost to a “Stock” class that most racers would have to hire out to get done, making it harder to gain new racers, like myself, getting into the sport, or even retaining current racers. Adding in clarification, whether allowed or not, would help with costs and complexities associated with building a ski for the “Stock Runabout” class.

RAS.1.2 Original equipment parts may be updated or backdated to original equipment parts of the same model. The part must be a bolt-on requiring no modifications to that part or any other parts except where rules allow substitutions or modifications. Models with the same designation (i.e. RXP-X, SHVO, etc.) will generally be considered the same model unless restricted in the homologation listing (See Appendix).

RAS.3.4 Camshaft(s) must remain stock. Replacement bearings or bearing shells are allowed, providing they maintain their original type and dimensions. Camshaft timing may be changed.

1. 2. Can the rules clarify whether additional tubing and ventilation is allowed or not, in addition to the OEM ventilation tubes?

RAS.2.13 Engine compartment ventilation tubes must remain as originally equipped.

1. 3. Can the rules clarify whether aftermarket “keepers” can be used or not? Although the GP1800R SVHO keepers are very good on their own, I would like the option to use some aftermarket ones when I get my valve springs and retainers installed next month, and don’t won’t to have to pay for this service again if I move up classes and my tuner recommends different keepers. For the “Stock” class, I think there is zero advantage. It’s just more of a piece of mind item using “better” keepers.

RAS.3.5 Aftermarket valve springs and valve spring retainers may be used.

1. 4. Restricting impellers to just a single impeller like OEM, not a twin impeller, which is currently allowed. It’s a major advantage having the twin impeller, but gets away from the roots as a “stock” ski and doubles the cost. Since the West Coast series runs in elevation and sea level, two impellers, if not more, are necessary. I think it would be a win-win to restrict it to just a single impeller.

RAS.10.1 Impeller may be modified or aftermarket, providing that the original diameter is maintained. Replacement wear rings that are within OEM internal diameter specifications may be used. Silicone adhesive sealant may be used in addition to original equipment seal to seal pump inlet. Visibility spout must be removed or plugged

Runabout Naturally Aspirated: add runabout naturally aspirated to the displacement guide specifically stating what the requirements are for this class. In the past, the class has been four stroke stock 1800 cc (now1900) or two stroke limited 1300 cc (aftermarket hoods are not allowed)

Runabout naturally aspirated is not in the 2024 rulebook and I was unable to find it in a few previous years. I was able to find the displacement in a previous IJSBA post (see below).

Note:  This class was, many years ago, a formula class combining Two Stroke Limited and Four Stroke Stock rules.  This definition was for a specific World Finals.  Afterwards, Mark Hahn 300 Competitors petitioned this class to be a Naturally Aspirated Class which used actual Open Rules.  If this suggestion is adopted it will appear in the Rule Book as a specific category likely called “Formula Naturally Aspirated.”

Ski GP,,,,  boost control,  remove any limits and allow electronic control.  (it’s nearly impossible to make a good test of this unless you get into the ECU of the pilot)  the real number of boot on the water is much different then the trailer test.

Runabout 1100 open ,,, change to “GP”  this will open the class up to other manufacturers, Sea Doo needs the GSX hull the spark is too small to compete with the Yamaha 

Expert Ski GP ,,,, change this class to Expert Ski Modified 

Ski Modified,,,,, clarify rules     1. cam gears 2. fuel pump with regulator , fuel tank (some hulls run other tanks then what came with the engine package originally ), exhaust collector  to be modified or aftermarket. ( some hulls do not fit the original) 

Ski 1100 Modified    Yamaha 1050 can use any exhaust manifold that is OEM by Yamaha. (Yamaha has 3 different manifolds and depending on your hull one fits for some and not others. 

Ski Modified ,  open up the pump rule  for any aftermarket pump as long as it remains OEM dia. ( many company have pumps to sale and they contribute to the sport)

Suggestion:  I suggest the following rule change: Changing VSK 2.2 to allow anyone to create and use modified top decks. Currently, there is a monopoly on who can sell “legal” top decks. This is due to wording relating to the historical approval of the ski. Opening up the rules for everyone to have a chance continues the growth and development of the class, as well as allows the riders to have another aspect of the hobby to get involved in.

Suggestion:  I suggest the following rule change: Changing VSK 2.2 to allow modifications to the bottom of the ski, as long as it stays within the original length (front to back) and width (left to right).

Suggestion : I suggest the following rule change: Changing the wording of VSK 2.4. The current wording allows that we can use a maximum of 2 sponsons. The problem is  the definition of the word ‘sponson’ is interpreted differently by the different tech personnel.  I suggest the wording be changed to “All watercraft may be equipped with a maximum of 1 set of tubbies (front sponsons) and 1 set of sponsons (rear sponsons). A set is defined as a two part system with a left and right component.” I feel that this would relieve some of the confusion that takes place regarding the rule. People tend to call the tubbies, front sponsons and subject them to the dimension requirements and maximum requirements.

Suggestion : I suggest the following rule change: Wording changes relating to VSK 4.3 and VSK 5.2. VSK 4.3 is a rule regarding fuel injection and VSK 5.2 is a rule regarding CDI ignition. The nature of adding an electronic fuel injection system requires the addition of additional sensors, like TPS, MAP, MAF, ect. Rule VSK 5.2 says that no additional sensors may be added. This creates a contradiction, which I feel will lead to friction going through tech. I suggest adding a line to the wording on VSK 4.3 to “Addition of sensors required for electronic fuel injection is allowed”.

Suggestion : I suggest the following rule change: Allowing titanium in rule VSK 6.1. Titanium was used on the top race skis from the early 1980’s to the last year of 440 superstock and 550 modified. I understand the motivation of this rule is to keep costs down, but the additional costs of using titanium drive shafts over stainless is significantly less than the cost of other modifications that are done to the motors and pumps that are somewhat necessary to have a competitive ski.

Suggestion : I suggest the following rule change: Clarifying how VSK 6.1 is measured. The rule is about ‘the overall length of a complete pump and nozzle assembly. The 750 pumps don’t have a shoe as part of the assembly while the 550 does. The rule is there is an allowance of additional length compared to the stock length of the “complete pump assembly”. If you can see the attached picture.

Note:  This suggestion was essentially made by two different parties but only posted once.

I would like to propose a rule change for the 1997 Seadoo xp be allowed to use a carbon fiber hood in limited class, the 1997xp is 95 pounds heavier than its 1996 xp counterpart, the 96xp is allowed a carbon hood in limited class

Note:  This suggestion was made by three different parties.  IJSBA received a similar amount of correspondence apparently aware that this suggestion was being made and asking to preserve the status quo.

On ski gp and sport gp class for engine below 1100 cc. engine can do forced induction but there’s limit of boost. I suggest that no electronic boost control allow need to be only mechanical boost control or manual adjustable only, so they can’t use aftermarket ecu to control awhile racing in the moto.

NOTE:  This suggestion was clarified with the submitting party who intends this this suggestion to be a preservation of the existing allowance of mechanical regulation of boost pressure.

Clarify what brand and model to use for checking boost pressure so everyone will have the same reading on Ski gp and sport gp class for boosted engine.

NOTE:  This suggestion was clarified with the submitting party who intends IJSBA Rules to update the boost pressure blow off or checking device to mandate the product(s) by name.

Runabout superstock class, please clarify if the engine allow to use aftermarket rods and pistons. Because on rule books saying aftermarket crankshaft is allow within 5% of weight.

NOTE:  Persons advocating for shorter more concise rules should take heed of what this suggestion is adressing. The Superstock Class has always allowed aftermarket connecting rods as part of the crankshaft provision (pins, bolts, bearings, too).  This will be rephrased to describe all components of a crankshaft assembly in the 2025 Publishing.

Do NOT Impede Progress of another Racer – Safety Rule

In the drawing here the merge lane corridor is separated by the (Sausage Buoy) and this would be proper set up, but the sausage buoy does not extend this long and is set back further behind the finish line.  We are adding a longer sausage buoy (an extra) to extend this corridor this year.  The arrows indicate what I enforce and are in a straight line as racers should follow a racing line that is as straight as possible and cannot move into the opposing lane.  After the sausage Buoy racing is a straight line to the merge bupy.  A Racer may not move into the other lane, inside or outside, push, block, Slow or Impede the progress of another racer, in order to gain an advantage in the safety corridor leading into the  merge buoy. These lanes in this safety corridor may not be crossed. Race in straight line towards merge buoy.  The racer with the lead going into merge buoy has the advantage.  Passing is allowed in a straight line.  This rule is in place to minimize merge collisions in a higher probability impact zone.  Safety corridor penalties cannot be made up during race.  You cannot hit my sausage buoys ( 1 lap penalty)  You cannot cross over , swing wide or merge into the other lane, coming off of your final turn on inside split or outside split. (1 lap penalty)  Racer will maintain straight line and hold that line through corridor.  Impede progress of another racer in these lanes is (1 lap Penalty.)

Christmas may be over, but there’s still time to put a positive spin on the season at Impros Impellers, with limited-stock savings, plus the closeout of the store-wide Winter Sale of 10% off regular-priced items and off-season repairs!

When it comes to ‘limited stock’ flash sales, Impros, a leader in impeller performance with 40+ years of experience, isn’t just randomly throwing out that word… the last post-up on their social media page specified “3-4 units left” … and that was a few days back, so you better jump on this deal if you’re looking for a Skat-Trak Kawasaki JS 550 Impeller with the price slashed from a normal $332.99 to a low $285.99. These beauties come with 13/16 pitch.

The Skat-Trak Kawasaki 550 JS impeller is a stainless-steel design that produces excellent performance in all ranges of the powerband. Skat-Trak produced the original stainless-steel impeller for the 550’s. Compared to the stock aluminum impeller, this simple bolt-on creates better bottom end, and top speed.

The 550 JS impeller fits into the Kawasaki mixed flow pump used specifically in the 550 JS Jet-Ski. Impros even offers a Solas Application Charts to check if this application is best for your set-up.

Don’t forget, for the do-it-yourselfer, Impros offers impeller installation instructions by brand, and if you are riding at elevation or with a tune or looking for a different pitch than the 13/16, Impros can custom pitch your impeller to meet your needs and to give you top performance!

Also available on a ‘limited stock’ sale is the Adjustable trim nozzle set for Kawasaki 800 and 750 skis, the Solas Kawasaki SXR 800 Pump Nozzle w/Trim, slashed from $268.99 to $228.99 while supplies last.

The Solas Kawasaki pump nozzle is an 80mm venturi, with 83.5mm steering nozzle assembly, that can trim up and down with a lever/cable installed (sold separately).

The nozzle assembly is aluminum, and is made to utilize interchangeable rings.

The nozzle assembly at this price includes the nozzle set only. No cable or lever is included.

The Solas pump nozzle fits the Solas 12-vane pump, a Skat Trak Magnum 140mm pump, as well as OEM 2003-2010 Kawasaki 800 SXR. It also fits the 1992-2002 750 models SX, SXi, SXi Pro, SS, ST, Xi, and XiR.

And if neither of those limited-stock items fit the bill, you still have time to take advantage of Impros’ Winter Sale through Dec. 31, with 10% off all regular priced items, plus free U.S. Shipping for orders of more than $150.

And the Winter Sale includes 10% off all off-season repairs – the shipping form is on the website; fill it, add code “Winter” to the form – print it – pack it – send it – and let Impros take care of the rest, all while saving $$$.

If you’re anything like any of us here at The Watercraft Journal, you’re probably a little confounded by the recent moves made by Kawasaki USA and the Kawasaki Motors group altogether. These last couple of weeks might’ve felt like somebody hit the “shuffle” button within the Big K’s marketing department when it comes to unveiling new products for the 2025 model line.

Earlier this year, Kawasaki unveiled its impressive Angler JetSki – an Ultra 160LX-S outfitted with some seriously impressive fishing gear – earmarked for the 2025 model line. Fair enough. And for the most part, that was all we in the media heard for 2025. Nothing else newsworthy was to come…right? Well, as it would seem, not so.

Just two weeks ago, Kawasaki issued a release of the fixed-steering standup, the XS-S 160. Although reminiscent of the X-2, it retained the SX-R’s open tray, making it a mix of a standup ski and the X-2. Yet, mingled in that announcement was the quiet reveal that the STX model line was getting a redesigned hood, shroud and latch for 2025, making for a sportier look.

Shouldn’t that news have come out back in October? Technically, yes. But more confusing was that Kawasaki’s Japanese brass not only failed to alert the media at all but thought it a smart strategy to reveal the 2025 production units in the shadow of the XS-S – a 2026 unit! Then to really shake things up, Kawasaki pulled the cover off of a set of 2026 STX models with a whole new top deck!

Needless to say, all of us at The Watercraft Journal were entirely baffled by this – as was our friend, Joshua Dowling of Watercraft Zone in Australia. Together, these two outlets broke the news on the modest redesign of the 2025 STX, the wild redesign and re-equipped 2026 model STX lineup, and the 2026 XS-S 160.

Then, in an effort to suss out all of this mess, Joshua joined WCJ‘s Kevin Shaw during The Watercraft Journal IRL podcast to break down all of the changes, the sequence of events and to see what might resonate with the general public. If you haven’t already, watch the podcast linked below:

Are you realizing that your procrastination might have gone a bit far this year, and it’s now Christmas Eve and you forgot to get a very important person a gift for Christmas?  If you forgot to get yourself a gift, don’t worry, it’s not too late! One of your favorite PWC retailers has some great deals and special offers that you still have time to jump online and take advantage of!

At RIVA Motorsports, their Holiday Sale lasts through 11:59 EST tomorrow, Dec. 25, so you can still slash up to 60% off throughout the store, including 15% off RIVA Racing Performance Kits, Impellers and OEM Parts, 60% off Jet Pilot Riding Gear, and more. 

For the pure fun of it, you can grab a Airhead G-Force 3 Tube for $168.981, down from $220.89. Airhead G-Force 3 Tube is a wild ride for up to 3 thrill-seekers! Defy centrifugal force with G-Force’s topside stabilizer fins. The 6 deluxe nylon-wrapped handles with neoprene knuckle guards provide a sure and comfortable grip. G-Force has a tough 30-gauge virgin PVC bladder, fully covered with an 840-denier double-stitched nylon cover. G-Force is 78 x 75 (Deflated) and is equipped with a heavy-duty Kwik-Connect for easy and secure hook-ups. A Speed Safety Valve provides the ultimate in inflation and deflation convenience. Grab 15 % off the G-Force 3 or other great inflatables for you and your family and be ready for fun as soon as summer hits. 

Take up to 15% off all of RIVA’s in-stock fuel parts like the RIVA Yamaha ’08 & Newer Pro-Series 100lb Fuel Injector Kit for $458.96, down from $539.905, or a RIVA Sea-Doo 2004-07 High Volume Fuel Pump Kit marked down to $260.91 from $306.95. 

You can snag that Christmas discount on Maptuner products, too. For example, the RIVA Maptuner X Tuner is on sale for $424.96 down from $499.95, and the RIVA Maptuner Nano (BRP) is marked down to $263.46, with the RIVA Maptuner Nano (HDMI) marked down to $254.96.

Whether you’re wanting to grab yourself (or someone else!) a last minute special gift, or just looking for a stocking stuffer or thank-you gift, RIVA has you covered; but act soon! The sale shuts down when Christmas ends tomorrow!Visit the RIVA Holiday Sale to find all the deals you are looking for!

Acknowledging a number of request from racers still interested in submitting ideas and suggestions regarding IJSBA Rules for the 2025 race season, IJSBA, on Dec. 18, extended the deadline for Rule Change submissions for one week, but today is the final day of that extension.

The Rule Change period opened on Dec 2, and was scheduled to close on Dec. 16. 

As noted in the original announcement of the opening of the Rule Change Period, “At the end of this period, the IJSBA Managing Director will compile and publish the list of suggestions for peer review.  By December 21, the IJSBA Managing Director will also publish a recommendation as to which of the suggested changes should be implemented, if any.   This year, a Rule Committee shall also review the list of suggestions and may publish their findings as to which suggested changes should be implemented, if any.  Shortly after the Christmas break, all suggestions, the Managing Director’s recommendations, and the committee findings shall all be forwarded to the IJSBA Board of Directors for voting.  Votes will be cast at the annual IJSBA Directors Meeting which is held at the beginning of the year (this has been held online since 2020).  Results are expected to be published by the end of the first week of January 2025 with final language approved and ratified before February.”

According to last week’s extension notification, “The list of suggestions will be compiled on December 26 (please do not send any that morning).”

Suggestions received so far this year include: 

1. Increase boost on Ski in Ski GP;
2. Change from mechanical boost control to electronic boost control;
3. Refine parameters of Stock Class engine allowances in Ski Modified, including (a) State allowance for idle aftermarket manual control valve adjuster (b) State aftermarket fuel pumps, both internal and external (c)State mandated use of stock cams but allowing adjustable cam gears;
4. Expand definitions of upper deck handling appendages and allowances in Ski GP/Ski Modified;
5. Allow aftermarket hoods in all two stroke powered Runabout Limited watercraft (effectively applies to Sea-Doo XPL);
6. Refine Vintage X2 rules;
7. Remove restrictor plate requirement for 1500cc based Junior Ski categories;
8. intake grate requirements for Freestyle.

To submit a suggestion for rule changes, email [email protected] and place in the subject line “2025 Rule Change Suggestion.”  Then in the body of the email, please introduce yourself indicating your membership in IJSBA or IJSBA Affiliate and a short statement of your experience/resume.  Then please itemize each suggestion along with a couple of words or sentences expressing the purpose of the suggestion.  Include a valid email and phone number so you can be contacted if clarification or further information is necessary.