In a river well below the high banks where the spectators had a bird’s eye view, the sport’s premier classes were set to be decided after a long season of battles. Charleston, West Virginia once again played host to the final round of the Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour. There was not a bad seat in the house to see who came out on top. After a season of three motos-per-round, a one-race main was a huge plot twist.
Pro Am Ski Stock was up first where the heat race set us up for what looked like a two-man battle just like the last few rounds of the tour. Broward Motorsports’ David Cabrera and Judge Motorsports/Hidden Trails’ rider Jimmy Wilson were set to put on a show. Wilson nailed the start perfectly and jumped Cabrera out of the hole, but Cabrera and his Hydrospace had the top end to pull him to the first bouy. Wilson tried to reel in Cabrera the rest of the race but just wasn’t able, giving Cabrera the overall followed closely by Wilson. Rounding out the podium with a solid finish was Callaway Turner out of Apex, North Carolina. Cabrera also took home the National Title with Wilson in second overall and Gage Schoenherr in third.
Pro Am Runabout Box Stock has been a showcase this year for Monster Energy/ Mountain Motorsports rider Dustin Farthing on his Sea-Doo RXP-X and nothing would change at this stop. Farthing made a couple quick moves after a third place start and took the lead never to look back. Sea-Doo X-Team/Hidden Trails motorsports rider Tim Ducat was also plagued with a bad start in 4th place but after the half way point of the race he also moved up to positions to take a familiar second place finish for him. Yamaha rider Jeff Dyckowski took third after an amazing holeshot. The tour’s Overall for the class resembled the podium from this race with Farthing in first, Ducat in second, and Dyckowski in third.
Perfection was the theme of the season for Sport GP and Broward Motorsports rider Sam Nehme who saw no reason to stop now. Nehme put an exclamation mark to his season of perfection by once again winning the main. A familiar face that hasn’t been seen much lately, Christmas, Florida rider Richard Taylor put on a great show riding his way to second place to show. He will be a forced to be reckon with when the Pro Watercross World Championships roll around. Naples, Florida rider Keith Dill had a phenomenal ride on his way to third on the podium as well. Nehme easily took home the National Championship in Sport GP followed by last year’s champion Kelly Smith with third place going to Johnny Smith.
Pro Am Runabout GP was one of the best shows of the weekend and it was a two-man battle between Dean’s Team rider Brian Baldwin and Monster Energy’s Dustin Farthing. Baldwin on his blue Yamaha pulled a huge holeshot to give him the early lead with Farthing in tow. Baldwin rode flawlessly on his way to the win with Farthing finishing a close second. Third place went to Fly Racing’s Dylan Osborn after a race long battle with Hidden Trails rider Tim Ducat. The second place finish for Farthing was enough to secure him his second National Championship of the day on his Sea-Doo RXP-X with Ducat just edging out Hidden Trails owner Trey Frame for second overall leaving third to Frame.
The season’s biggest class, Pro Am Ski GP was a chance for Kommander rider Dustin Motzouris to shine. Motzouris applied that Kommander power to the track on his way to a huge main win. Judge Motorsports rider Jimmy Wilson finished up a highly successful national tour by finishing second behind Motzouris. There was a new face to the podium this weekend with Kommander rider Derrick Helm finishing third after a season of ups and downs for him in the GP class. For the National Tour overall, Motzouris edged out fellow Kommander rider David Redinger for the overall putting Redinger in second. Jimmy Wilson locked up third on the tour with his solid finish to the season.
After a season full of high speed action it was a fitting end to the National Tour in Charleston, West Virginia. The Pro Show did not disappoint and should be a great watch when it is aired on CBS sports next month. If anyone is interested in joining next year’s tour please visit prowatercross.com for more information.
Over time we’ve come to understand the certain ways that each manufacturer has in developing and introducing new product. While some play things a little “fast and loose,” manufacturers – particularly Yamaha Motor Corp. USA – have a very methodological process wherein designs are proposed, planned, and tested (and studiously retested) before finally being executed. In the simplest of terms, when the tides of change roll in to shore, Yamaha doesn’t react, they respond. But even providing a measured response is only half of the story. Standing at the forefront is where everyone wants to be, and often that position rotates year in and year out.
That being understood, it could easily be said this year belongs to Yamaha. As The Watercraft Journal will show you, the unveiling of Yamaha’s 2017 WaveRunners is a one-two-three knockout combination of a first-strike, a counter-punch and a haymaker that hits harder, more boldly and as smart as we’ve seen the manufacturer be in years. In discourse with some of the best minds in our industry, the consensus was that we’re peering over the precipice of a very diverse marketplace in 2017. A marketplace that is rife with product more interest-specific, stylized and personalized than we’ve seen since the rise of the four-stroke.
Above: Yes, this is it, the 2017 Yamaha GP1800. Powered by the SVHO supercharged 1.8L four-stroke, it rides on a NanoXcel2 hull and deck, bringing this beast in nearly 20-pounds below the VXR.
The “Yamaha Way” as we’ve come to understand is one where there’s no such thing as “leaps of faith.” All future product is weighed against market demand and more importantly, how it’ll effect Yamaha’s already established reputation.”We found that reliability is the single most important attribute for all customer segments,” Product Manager Scott Watkins explained to The Watercraft Journal. “Of all the customers who considered buying another brand, a quarter of them chose Yamaha [over the rest] because of our reputation for reliability.” Within the rental market is this no more better exemplified, as Yamaha handily outsells all other brands.
Tantamount to Yamaha’s reliability is maintaining a level of top level consistency in its manufacturing. Watkins walked us through the hull materials and compression mold process: “All WaveRunners are manufactured in a High Compression Molding process [consisting of a two-part compression mold that uses heat and pressure to compress the “High SMC Compression FRP” into a hull – Ed]. That results in better fit and finish; a smooth, paintable finish (giving us those automotive-grade metallic finishes); controlled tolerances and consistent results each and every time. And the process creates no VOC emissions.”
Above: For 2017, Yamaha retired the SHO (Super High Output) engine, reducing the FX to either the naturally-aspirated HO or SVHO powerplants.
The process freed Yamaha to develop its NanoXcel and NanoXcel2 hulls and decks, which not only shave total weight, but also result in a stronger hull – one with a bond with a higher tensile strength than traditional, or common SMC composites. Durability, strength, quality of finish and lightweight all amount to Yamaha’s priming for 2017. With that, the OE manufacturer has introduced five new WaveRunners for the new year, including a new Full Sized Luxury FX, two new Mid Size Sport/Rec units, and an entirely new segment of machines: Compact Rec/Lite.
We like being surprised, and this year is when Yamaha truly caught us off guard. Well, sorta. Earlier this year, we published the revelation that the FZ series WaveRunners were going to be phased out in lieu of a sportier, more nimble runabout based upon the new-for-2015 VX series. In fact, we had an inkling to this back at the new VX’s introduction when Watkins hinted, “We made the new VX to accept all of our engines. We’ve even got one with a SVHO. It’s bad ass.” The hint was too much for us to shake and the idea of a SVHO-powered VXR was just too exciting.
Above: All VX models return 2017, except for the VXS as well as the entry-level V1 models.
When intel confirmed the return of the “GP” name, it didn’t take much imagination to speculate on the new Yamaha’s name: the GP1800. Before the Internet is sent abuzz with claims that it’s “just” a SVHO-packaged VXR, note that it is much, much more. The GP1800 ($13,999) rides on the same hull and deck mold as the VXR, but is made from Yamaha’s NanoXcel2 material, heavily dropping the weight below the standard VXR ($11,999). Moreover, the GP1800 comes with Yamaha’s electric trim system, the brand’s own RiDE brake and reverse system, a wide (and extended) reboarding step, low RPM mode and a bunch of other features.
Of course, the big news is the application of the Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) supercharged, intercooled four-stroke. Privately dyno-tested, yet unofficially rated at 260-to-265 brake horsepower, the SVHO presses all of that thrust through a 160mm, 8-vein impeller mounted in a 75mm hub. No modifications were needed to be made to either the engine or intercooler to fit the SVHO into the GP1800 hull, and a scalloped and narrowed “cut-and-sew” race-inspired seat saddles the engine compartment. The steering remains fixed (like the current VXR) and is adorned with color-matched pistol-inspired hand grips, as there are two color varieties to choose from; and new CNC-cut Marine Mat traction mats cover the tray and swim platform.
As the GP1800 replaces the FZR and FZS, gone too is the VXS and the final SHO-powered FX models, the 9-year-old engine being retired. Other returning favorites include the perennial SuperJet ($8,499); the complete VX lineup, including the base VX ($9,599), VX Deluxe ($10,299), VX Cruiser ($10,599) and VX Cruiser HO ($11,199); the full-sized FX HO ($13,199) and FX Cruiser HO ($13,699), as well as the FX SVHO ($15,299) and FX Cruiser SVHO ($15,999).
Joining the ranks of the full-sized Luxury FX units is the new FX Cruiser Limited SVHO ($16,899). Taking a page from last year’s wildly popular VX Limited ($10,999), the “family fun starter pack” packaging has been applied to the Luxury class, giving a FX Cruiser SVHO all of the amenities included with the smaller Limited, including four pop-up cleats, a waterproof phone bag and full-sized dry bag, a tow hook and color-matched rope as well as a color-matched inflatable tube, a 12v outlet and electric tube inflator, as well as a custom-made PWC cover with a solar panel battery charger.
Above: Enjoying massive success with the VX Limited, Yamaha applied the same buyer-takes-all packaging and put it towards the FX SVHO, creating the FX Cruiser SVHO Limited.
Yet, the biggest addition to Yamaha’s WaveRunner family is the one that surprised us the most: the EX Series. Consisting of the base EX ($6,599), the EX Sport ($7,599) and EX Deluxe ($8,599), the EX units are a careful, measured response to Sea-Doo’s Spark. As the introduction of the Spark revealed a whole new segment of the PWC market that had gone previously untapped, Yamaha’s research uncovered that 62-perent of new PWC sold in the 2015 were Value/Economy models, the single-highest percentile since they began tracking PWC sales. Additionally, the recent uptick in sales these past two years was due (in large part) to an increase in first-time buyers.
With these persons in mind, Yamaha chose to provide them with a low price point watercraft that still maintained Yamaha’s commitment to reliability, durability and fun without sacrificing dependability. In designing the EX, Yamaha minimized the amount of body parts (fairings, panels, etc.) by incorporating much of the styling cues into the body itself. Equally, Yamaha developed a separate lower seat base (reminiscent of the once Honda R-12X) allowing for easy engine service when called for. The EX features a reduced and simplified instrument cluster, generous glove box storage (with wet bow stowage), and wide swim step.
Above: The EX models still ride on SMC fiberglass hulls (and decks) with a lower seat base that cradles the special EX-edition TR-1 3-cylinder four-stroke engine making 100-horsepower.
Powering the EX models is a slightly detuned 100-horsepower EX TR-1, based off of the same Marine TR-1 engine that received the 2016 NMMA Innovation Award. The changes to the engine are subtle, primarily in the form of a lightened flywheel and redesigned exhaust manifold and muffler. Reducing more weight is the EX’s unique jet pump. Compared to the MY16 V1 pump, the EX pump weighs 1.8kg less (14kg vs. 15.8kg), a redesigned shaft bearing, and features a combined pump and impeller piece. With a full-sized fuel tank, the EX also touts 14-percent superior fuel consumption than Sea-Doo’s Spark with 47-percent longer range (in Yamaha’s private testing).
Not only has Yamaha tightened up its selection of WaveRunners, but has added more excitement, fun and value to a lineup already teaming with such. Assuredly, Yamaha will continue its march towards racing gold with the GP1800 machines, and we’re certain the new EX models will be a hit with entry level riders and first-time buyers, as well as rental outlets and vacation spots. Yamaha’s latest crop of WaveRunners leaves no one behind and we’re certain there is something to fit your taste – if not, they just might surprise you next year.
“Last year’s [FZR] RIVA Racing Limited Edition was a big success,” RIVA Racing’s Dave Bamdas began. “Besides selling every one of the short 25 unit run, we also had a lot of customers inquiring about many of the parts developed for it.” The Limited Edition FZR Bamdas described was the first inaugural “RIVA Edition” Yamaha, first revealed here on The Watercraft Journal, and then exclusively test ridden only a few short months later. “The Limited Edition FZR 350,” as we stated, “is brutally precise, almost punishing anyone daring enough to mount it. The cornering force produced by this FZR on the human body will peel anyone less than a professional athlete from the grip of the Velcro-like seat.”
“It was built for a small percentage of true performance enthusiasts,” Bamdas teased. “It’s definitely not for the common rider.” True to that, the dyno-proven 350-horsepower Yamaha Super Vortex High Output engine was only mildly reworked, regulating much of its alterations to strictly bolt-on pieces. “It doesn’t need it,” Bamdas continued. “We can achieve significant performance gains with an ECU tune, an intercooler and some other non-invasive bolt-ons. Not only is it more than most riders can handle, but there’s that comfort of knowing the engine hasn’t been messed it. It’s a win-win.”
With the announcement that Yamaha’s new-for-2017 GP1800 will replace the FZ series, what does that spell for the Limited Edition? “We were very excited to learn about the return of the GP name, and very happy to find much of our current products worked on the SVHO engine within the VX platform.” As noted in The Watercraft Journal’s extensive reveal of the complete 2017 WaveRunner lineup, the new GP1800 rides on the durable-yet-lightweight NanoXcel2 hull and deck, putting the GP nearly 20-pounds below the existing VXR. “Of course, we had to develop several key components that are unique to the GP1800.”
In addition to a bevy of performance and handling additions to the Limited Edition units, RIVA sends out nearly two dozen components to be anodized and powder coated to match the custom orange/white/blue paint scheme. And adding to the overall aesthetic, RIVA took great efforts to carefully recreate the factory graphics kit that would match both the styling and lettering of the original GP1800 graphics, making the package look like it came from the factory floor this way. Even going so far as to include orange stitching in the custom seat cover.
Helping the big 1.8-liter breathe a little easier is a RIVA GP1800 Rear Exhaust Kit funneling the spent gases out of the transom, a entirely new RIVA GP1800 Performance Ride Plate, Stainless Intake Grate, RIVA GP1800 Pump Seal Kit and RIVA Pro Series GP1800 Sponsons (with the sponsons’ 5-position billet inserts having also been anodized orange), all of which were specifically designed for the new GP1800 model this year. A Solas 160mm Concord 13/20 Impeller was also uniquely designed for this application, helping transfer all that horsepower into thrust.
For improved rider input, RIVA Racing includes an entirely new and unique RIVA GP1800 Pro-Series Steering System, including a billet aluminum base and neck. A RIVA Pro-Bar 32-inch Runabout Bar retains the factory controls including Yamaha’s electronic trim control and RiDE braking and reverse system. The steering package is capped off with a pair of ODI Ruffian Lock-On Grips. Finishing out the GPR’s new look and feel is a RIVA Limited Edition Rear Traction Mat, a RIVA Limited Edition Seat Cover and of course, the aforementioned RIVA Limited Edition Graphics Package.
While pricing has yet to be revealed, scarcity is already guaranteed as again, only 25 of these will be built in 2017. And if its performance you’re looking for, the GP1800R clicks off an impressive 80mph (sustained) at 8,300rpm. Again, the GP hull was designed for optimal handling in corners, so pushing this machine to a solid (and safe!) 80mph at 8,300rpm is a feat. Undoubtedly, The Watercraft Journal will be the first media outlet to get its hands on one of RIVA’s Limited Edition GP1800Rs, and we’ll have a comprehensive review of it shortly thereafter. Until then, enjoy ogling these images below.
We’re feeling a bit mean for all of these teasers, but this week has definitely been a crazy one. With Kawasaki’s revealing yesterday, and now Yamaha’s 2017 WaveRunner unveiling tonight, adding yet another hotly-anticipated reveal on top of all of that is enough to give a person a stroke.
Nevertheless, as the Yamaha WaveRunners are rolled out to the public, so will RIVA Racing’s latest Limited Edition Yamaha. It’s pretty dang exciting, and promises to be a bigger collector item than the outgoing 2016 Limited Edition FZR 350. How can we say that? Because we rode it. But more on that later! (Aren’t we such a tease?)
Until tonight, enjoy this video and stay glued to The Watercraft Journal for more!
OK, we are only hours away from knowing everything that Yamaha has planned for its latest batch of 2017 WaveRunners. So ignore all the chatter, rumors and junk floating around the Internet – you will have the real McCoy within hours. Given the level of anticipation for Yamaha’s newest 2017 model lineup, we can expect that you’d all be pretty excited – and that’s understandable. But what people don’t know is voluminous compared to the total package that Yamaha recently unveiled to The Watercraft Journal. That’s right. We spent three days personally testing half a dozen new models that not only blew our socks off, but will assuredly do the same for you.
Also, it bears noting that while there’s plenty of outlets who will be publishing near exact “cut and paste” press releases issued by Yamaha’s marketing department, The Watercraft Journal (together with Greenhulk.net) dug a lot deeper and got quite a bit more information that others simply won’t have. Namely, the finer details that you hardcore enthusiasts need to know about Yamaha’s latest models. Confirmed GPS speeds? You betcha. Quotes from Yamaha’s own Product Manager Scott Watkins? You can expect that too.
But here’s the rub: The Watercraft Journal is sworn to secrecy until tonight August 23rd, at 8 EST (Eastern Standard Time). So figure out what time zone you’re in and be prepared. We will delay our regular publishing schedule to include the 2016 Yamaha release until that very same moment, as well as all of our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Oh yeah, and we’ll have exclusive hands-on reviews of some of the new models, video and a new episode of “Long Haul” at the exact same time.
OK, ladies and gentlemen. Here is the biggest news to hit the personal watercraft industry since, well…ever. Kawasaki, the company who first introduced the standup JetSki 43 years ago, has just announced the return of the JetSki SX-R. The video below is both a celebration of the company’s long and illustrious history with the JetSki, as well as a tease for the standup that will be revealed in October.
Obviously, this is a major revelation and The Watercraft Journal is excited to be sharing it first to you all. It’s been a long year of trying to play it cool and shoot down a whole heck of a lot of questions (many from personal friends and family), so finally we’re able to let the cat (if only just a little) out of the bag. Now there’s still a lot of information yet to be revealed, and much of it we don’t know ourselves, so stay tuned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2H2rNysDtY
Here’s the original press release: Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 22, 2016) — Kawasaki introduced its first stand up Jet Ski personal watercraft 43 years ago and soon the 2017 Jet Ski® SX-R™ watercraft will make its return to the water. Now in its final stages of development, the all-new Jet Ski watercraft is propelled by a four-stroke power plant that brings back all of the excitement of stand-up riding on the water.
About Kawasaki Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 300 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
What is it about Lake Michigan that keeps us coming back? Every year, the waves seem to get bigger, and the landings get a little harder. At the same time, the big picture becomes clearer. We do it for more than us. We are the Grand Tour to Benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind. Celebrating its 19th year in 2016, the Grand Tour has raised $325,000 for Leader Dogs. It’s a huge accomplishment for a relatively small family of riders and land support crew.
The Grand Tour exists to raise funds for leader dogs. It’s the sole purpose for this ride… well, almost. OK, it’s the biggest purpose for the ride. We’ll admit it. The adrenaline, the challenge that is Lake Michigan, compels us. Every year it’s a little different, sometimes better, sometimes worse, and sometimes both in the same day.
Day 1 was gorgeous, as Thursday, August 11th brought us everything that was perfect for summer, even the 90-degree high. Unusual in northern Michigan, we began peeling neoprene layers off at our first stop in Cross Village. The lake cooperated with a few little ripples and not much else. Even if the lake isn’t challenging, often something else is.
We arrived at the Mackinaw City Marina at 8AM to find one ski up to its cylinders in water. Quickly, Land Support stepped in and trailered the ski in, as the rider and crew drained it and began landside diagnostics.
On our way to Cross Village, another ski lost power, idling in to the small launch ramp at the park. Now Ski #2 was trailered and repaired on the spot by our incredible Land Support Crew. Later in the day, Ski #2 began taking on water, limping into Clinch Marina at Traverse City. More wrenching and some JB Weld, and it was good to go for the rest of the ride.
On Day 2, we pulled out of Clinch Marina in Traverse City at dawn to more smooth water. Land curving around the bay protected us for a while. Northport, our first radio checkpoint, was re-dubbed “ankle-breaker bay,” as it has been the site of two unfortunate injuries. The wind here always kicks up and big waves from multiple directions build quickly.
While everyone’s ankles remained intact, our first hard luck ski had a further electrical problem, and Land Support took over repairs again. When we arrived at Northport, waves were 0-to-2 feet. Ten minutes later, they were 2-to-4 feet, and a few more miles out, 4-to-8 feet, and building. The rest of the day we fought northwest winds, with waves pushing us hard from the back and side as we headed toward Leland, Frankfort, and finally, arriving in Ludington late afternoon.
Day 3 was brutal. A solid wall of gray greeted us at Ludington’s Harbor View Marina in the morning. As if that wall was holding back the wind, the water in the channel was deadly calm. We got out into the lake, and small rollers hidden in the water bounced us around a little, and misting rain fell for the first 20 miles.
By our fuel stop at White Lake, skies cleared, and 15-plus-mph winds were again blowing from the northwest. We were in White Lake for less than an hour, but when we left the channel and turned south into Lake Michigan, we were slammed by waves that just kept getting bigger as we rode toward Holland.
Safely off the water, sore but uninjured, wobbly but walking, our attention turned to our celebration banquet and the Leader Dog client who would tell us her story—reminding us why we do this. We were privileged to see her dog “off duty.” “Lady” was out of her harness and ready to play with the group after dinner.
Next Year is the Grand Tour’s 20th anniversary. The event will include an extra day; an overnight trip by ski to Mackinac Island. Then, along the regular Grand Tour route will be some special surprises. Come join us! Ride with us, join our Land Support Crew, or make a donation to help make 2017 the best Grand Tour ever! The adventure begins in Holland, Michigan on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 9AM. Find us on Facebook in the Grand Tour group, www.grandtour.org, or contact Event Leader Mike LaBelle at [email protected].
For those of you who have been following along with the exploits of the “Dangerous Waters” crew (no, we haven’t either. Is it any good?), you’ll know that they often find themselves in almost inescapable situations. It all makes for good drama and keeps the audience fixed to their boob tubes, but believe it or not, the drama is in fact, very real.
Back in April, 2016 the “Dangerous Waters” crew found themselves in bad shape. Prior to beginning production of their latest season, the usual crew were joined with a few greenhorns and the naturally-aspirated Kawasaki Ultras they had on loan were in need of some desperate TLC. For which, M&M owner Mitchel Miller flew to Singapore to help train the new crew on how to use and maintain their skis, as well as do some repairs the Kawasaki skis himself before letting the riders hit the water.
Although we’ll have to wait until Fall of 2016 to see Mitchel’s smiling face in the first episode, we did get this great bit of diary notes and pictures from Mitchel’s exploits from earlier this year:
April 6th 2016: Next Monday M&M Marine owner Mitchel flies out to meet the crew of “Dangerous Waters” in Singapore to help tune up these skis for their longest trip yet – Singapore to Indonesia to Malaysia to Brunei to Philippines to Taiwan to Japan to Russia to Nome, Alaska. As expedition leader Steven Moll explained to the crew, “You are about to embark on the adventure of your life, and it’s ok to be over the top excited!…This crew will be tackling island chains right from the start and following chains of islands all the way to Russia”.
April 13th 2016 M&M owner Mitchel has joined the “Dangerous Waters” crew in Singapore as they prepare for their longest voyage yet – from Singapore to Alaska. He will be providing much needed repairs to their jet skis before the crew sets out for this trip and training the crew on the most important aspects of maintenance and repair. What an adventure! Check out “Dangerous Waters” on AWE TV or visit their Facebook page for more information!
April 30th 2016: The crew of the “Dangerous Waters” TV show departed Singapore last week and ran into some technical problems due to the fact their jet skis had been stored in a warehouse in Singapore for the past year. M&M Marine owner Mitchel Miller was called in to help out. After pulling the show’s back up skis out of storage and preparing them for the trip, Mitchel connected with the show’s exporter in Northern California and the skis were shipped out to Tokyo where the crew is headed next. This shipment should get the crew safely back on the waters!
For a few still considering an ECU reflash but concerned whether pushing the performance of their supercharged Yamaha will detrimentally effect their ability to cruise, we’ve got a first-hand testimonial that should change your opinion. Tennessee local Scott Rice is no stranger to modding his machines, nor is he shy about running with a pack of long haulers for hours at a time. To most, it would sound counter-intuitive, but Scott makes it work. How? With Dean’s Team performance parts:
Posted earlier on the official Dean’s Team Facebook page: Reliability and tunes personalized for each customer – We’re proud of our work and always like seeing reviews and updates. Scott Rice just posted this from his ride yesterday after a 70 mile ride with his Dean’s Team Reflash:
“I have been playing with my rec boat and yesterday I installed Dean’s Team Intercooler flash for the SVHO even though I have not yet installed the intercooler – this boat only has RIVA air filter, ribbon delete, Rr&D grate, Jim’s modded ride plate and a Dean Charrier-bent Solas prop; everything else is stock. RPM was at 8,660, [and the] air was 92 today. I plan on installing the ECU on a boat today with same mods but with the intercooler. The best thing is I installed the ECU at the ramp then went on a 70 mile ride with no issues! This is the perfect daily rider but more mods coming soon.”
Because Hollywood is so woefully out of ideas that we’ve entered a new generation of “Hey, remember that movie/TV show? Let’s remake it” summer films, we’re being drowned in a bumper crop of totally unnecessary remakes (“Ghostbusters,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “The Jungle Book,” “Footloose,” “Splash,” and “Point Break” just to name a few). Well, it turns out that filming on another superfluous remake is just about wrapped up in Savannah, Georgia, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, and Priyanka Chopra as well as David Hasselhoff, who will reprise his role as Mitch Buchannon. The movie? “Baywatch.”
In one such scene, Johnson is in pursuit of a bank robber attempting to make his escape via a Yamaha FX WaveRunner. Giving chase, Johnson commandeers a blue Yamaha SuperJet and goes after the armed assailant in what will be assuredly a very daring sequence. Here’s the rub: while we know most actors don’t do their own stunts, and almost never ride personal watercraft themselves, the SuperJet Johnson is riding isn’t a SuperJet at all, but rather, a rigged up handlepole attached to a rubber zodiac raft. With some creative camera play, does it look like the former wrestler is riding the standup (without a lifevest no less! And he’s supposed to be a lifeguard, people! For shame!).
The action comedy is of course, based on the ’90s television series that inexplicably grew to become the single-most popular television program across the planet (no really, it’s true). As the film is mainly staffed with human eye-candy, you’ll take great pleasure in Googling the film probably before you finish this paragraph. It’s also noted that former Disney teen heartthrob Zac Efron became so absolutely shredded for this film that he’s all but completely unrecognizable. So don’t be surprised if your wife mentions wanting to see “Baywatch” when it hits theaters next May.
