The all-new Yamaha JetBlaster broke Sea-Doo’s nearly decade-long reign of the Boating Writers International Innovation Awards, winning the Personal Watercraft division of the 2025 awards.

During the early-morning awards breakfast held yesterday, Feb. 13, the Jet Blaster model series was recognized for its “cutting edge” three-piece deck design and top-of-the-line performance.

The Innovation Awards, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market. The awards are presented at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show and the Minneapolis Boat Show. This year’s awards featured 12 categories, including, among others, Personal Watercraft; Tow Boats; Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats; Cabin cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers; Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats; Fishing Equipment, Gear & Tackle and Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software.

This year’s Judges’ Committee included seven BWI members with expertise in marine products and equipment. On the committee were chair Tim Murphy and co-chair Ben Stein (co-chair), along with Gary Reich, Kim Knudsen, Tony Esposito, Kate Bush and Kelsey Bonham.

During the awards, Murphy stated, “We live in a time of fundamental change in boating—how we store and use energy, how we control our boats, how we collect and send dynamic information, how we draw in younger boaters and those who haven’t tried it yet. There are so many new ways to enjoy time on the water, and the 2025 Innovation Awards are showcasing those changes as they happen.”

In announcing the Yamaha JetBlaster as this year’s winner of the Personal Watercraft category, Knudsen stated, “Yamaha’s new JetBlaster WaveRunner Series prioritizes practicality and function for consumers, dealers, and service providers. As an entry-level offering, the three-piece deck system and the removable mid-deck makes maintenance and customization easier at all stages. From a performance perspective, the JetBlaster’s lightweight truly delivers a PWC that’s fun for everyone –from first-time riders to adrenaline junkies and performance racers.

The win for Yamaha breaks a nearly decade-long Sea-Doo clench on the Innovation Awards Personal Watercraft category that included (2024) RXP-X, (2023) Explorer Pro 170, (2022) Fish Pro 170, (2019) Fish Pro 155, (2018) GTX Limited, (2017) Spark Trixx.

In 2016, Yamaha got the Innovation Award nod for the TR-1 Marine High Output Engine, in 2015 Yamaha tooke the Personal Watercraft win for the Ride System, in 2013, Yamaha’s 192 Series with Thrust Directional Enhancer claimed the win, and in 2008, the  Wave Runner SHO took the top honor.

 

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2025 Yamaha JetBlaster highlights (Courtesy Watercraft Zone):

Yamaha JetBlaster two-seater (90hp):

• SMC fibreglass hull
• Small LED instrument display
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• Rear deck mats

Yamaha JetBlaster Deluxe three-seater (90hp):

• SMC fibreglass hull
• Small LED instrument display
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• 7.8-litre bow storage
• Two-tone rear deck mats
• Reverse trigger
• Side mirrors
• Rear boarding step

Yamaha JetBlaster Pro two-seater (110hp)

• Lightweight Nano-Xcel 2 hull
• 4.3-inch digital instrument screen
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• Two-tone rear deck mats
• Rear boarding step
• Rear step wedges and adjustable trim to ride on the ‘tail’

Yamaha JetBlaster Pro three-seater (110hp):

• Lightweight Nano-Xcel 2 hull
• 4.3-inch digital instrument screen
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• Two-tone rear deck mats
• Rear boarding step
• Rear step wedges and adjustable trim to ride on the ‘tail’
• Side mirrors

WatCon has recently uploaded a must-see video for any serious jet ski enthusiast. In this episode, shop owner and passionate collector John Zigler introduces the “Butch’s Racing Christy Carlson Old Race Ski,” a true vintage gem from the ’91-’92 racing era.

John’s deep connection to the sport shines through as he details every authentic aspect of this classic piece. The video highlights the hand painted finish, complete with Butch’s original decals and every original sticker—tech sticker included. With Christy Carlson’s name emblazoned on the ski, it stands as a proud reminder of a past era of jet ski racing. For those who may not be familiar, Christy Carlson was a prominent figure in the early days of race jet skiing, and this jet ski from Butch’s shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan is part of the sport’s history.

One of the most intriguing parts of the video is John’s take on restoration. While the idea of reviving old personal watercraft is tempting, he makes a compelling case for preserving these relics in their original state. For him, if you repaint a PWC and restore it, it’s no longer the real deal. He goes on to emphasize that the untouched condition is what gives these old skis their charm and historical value.

John also shares a glimpse of his broader collection, which includes rare pieces like “Harry Goatcher’s West Coast 550 mod boat” and “Chris Fischetti Polaris Octane.” These treasures, along with the legacy of Butch’s jet ski shop underscore John’s dedication to keeping the history alive. What’s more, he highlights that he’s always on the lookout for new additions to his collection!

For dedicated watercraft fans, this video is an invitation to relive the glory days of jet ski racing. Head over to WatCon’s YouTube channel to catch the full feature and join John’s call for preserving these one-of-a-kind classics.

Last month, The Watercraft Journal took a bit of a detour from our typical focus on PWC models and major PWC components and upgrades to look at some of the less glamorous additions, replacements or upgrades that you can look into to increase your riding efficiency, safety, comfort and convenience.

On Jan. 21, we took a look at a simple project to improve safety and provide protection for your graphics, all while polishing up the look of your watercraft with bright, colorful traction-providing gunnel pads.

This time, we’re taking a look at adding an item that can keep your gear organized and dry and serves double (or more) duty, coming in handy for not only PWC rides and races, but designed for use in hiking, camping, travel, workouts and more.

The KSpeed Performance Duffle Bag is crafted from tough, waterproof polyester, keeping your gear protected in day-to-day use or on epic adventures. Designed for durability, this duffle features 40L of storage, waterproof compartments, a separate pocket for water shoes or dirty towel, making it the perfect storage and transportation for PWC rides or races, carrying racing gear and accessories. It can be stashed in hood compartment storage or secured to a cargo rack and still keep your gear dry.

As an added bonus, the duffle bag quickly and easily converts into a comfortable backpack, perfect for travel or outdoor missions. From hiking trails to the gym, overnight trips to training sessions—wherever you’re headed, the KSpeed Duffle is ready to roll – and with a price tag of just $26, including tax, you’ll still have funds left over to do a little more (browers) window shopping at KSpeed,where you can find other cargo and storage solutions, like the 2022-2024 Ultra Multi-function Cargo Rack for $514. The rack mounts to Multi-Mount Rail on Ultra® Deckstable rail positions and features a large capacity and fishing pole provisions, is RotopaX enabled. The rack can hold three of the Dry Duffle Bags or one Kawasaki Orca 40 Quart Cooler.

For those interested in the Orca 40 Quart Cooler, it is available in green or white an has integrated insulation for maximum ice/cold retention and freshness of stowed items for up to 10 days; a lid gasket to ensure a perfect seal; extendable flex-grip handles for comfortable solo or tandem portage, a cargo net attachment for added storage, and an easy-flow drainage spout, all for $453.

If the cooler doesn’t fit your needs, you can grab a water resistant 2022-2024 Ultra 310 & 160 Stern Bag for $443, with an approximate 27-litre capacity and is compatible with or without the ULTRA Deck.

KSpeed also has the Kawasaki Insulated soft cooler bag with a 5 liter capacity and designed to fit inside the Stern Bag.