Windows of opportunity are a great thing – The trick is catching them when they’re open. 

So when we saw that FuelTech has opened up new dates and posted the 2025 schedule for their in-person, hands-on training sessions, we figured it was a good time to remind our readers of the wealth of experience and knowledge available through the courses offered by the selection of instructional tuning, wiring and performance courses offered.

FuelTech Education offers comprehensive training courses for enthusiasts and professionals alike, equipping students with the knowledge to maximize performance and an in-depth understanding of the features available on FuelTech ECUs as well as engine management principles and advanced tuning techniques.

FuelTech courses are held at FuelTech USA’s headquarters in Ball Ground, Georgia and led by experts in tuning FuelTech ECUs. Skills learned in the classroom are reinforced as students apply their knowledge during a Hub Dyno session, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of our expert technicians and instructors. Gain the knowledge and skills to optimize engine performance and troubleshoot issues.

Each course includes a FuelTech training handbook, a FuelTech promotional kit, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and a FuelTech Education Certificate upon completion of the course. 

On the 2025 schedule are two news sessions of FuelTech’s 3-day Base Tune Seminar – one scheduled January 22-24, and the second scheduled for March 26-28. Limited seating available for each session. You can check out WCJ’s overview of the course here.

Also on the schedule is a special session of the 3-day Base Tune Seminar – Puerto Rico edition, in Spanish, offered at Salinas Speedway in Puerto Rico on April 22-24.

The other offering currently on the 2025 FuelTech training calendar is a Wiring + Tune From Scratch 5-day training course offered Feb. 3-7 and April 7-11. The 5-day course offers all the knowledge and expertise covered in the 3-day seminar, pulse electricity principles, wiring routines, how an ignition system works and more. 

Keeping up with maintenance on your PWC is key, and most riders, whether racers or recreational riders, have a schedule and system down for taking care of the mechanical aspects of PWC ownership.

One thing that often gets overlooked, however, is switching out your seat cover as needed. This task is easily put off, often with the rationale that other repairs and upgrades are more important. But a good quality seat cover is more than “looking good’ – it also impacts safety and your handling abilities – especially in the racing world.

RIVA Racing Seat Covers are a game-changer! Handmade in the USA with the finest materials including a Non-Slip Traction Top. Available in a variety of thread colors to match your watercraft’s paint & graphics. Transform your ride today!  

Likewise, a good quality watercraft cover, made specifically for your ski, will help extend the life of your graphics, protect your ski from the elements and save the ski from chips and dings while trailering. 

RIVA’s line of PWC Covers are designed to help protect your watercraft, featuring superior construction and materials specifically designed to help provide long life and custom fit. Attractive matching colors and graphics provide a stylish accent.

For example, the Kawasaki 2020+ STX-160/160X/160LX Watercraft Cover is designed with a vacuum-vented trailering system that is constructed with Sur Last marine fabric. Made with Ultra-violet, mildew, and rot resistant material. It’s the perfect application that gives your watercraft the UV protection that it needs while being stored. The cover is water repellent, lightweight and durable. With zippered openings for access to tie down cleats, it is easy to use and fits comfortably over the Kawasaki STX models. Fits all 2020 & Newer STX-160/160X/160LX models, for $332.89. 

There is also a Sea-Doo 2024+ Spark 1up/2up Watercraft Cover to keep your Keep your Sea-Doo Spark protected in the sun or storage with an ergonomically designed watercraft cover made especially for all 2024 & newer Spark 1up & 2up models. Solution-dyed fabric offers easy handling and increased UV resistance. Strapless design provides easy installation. Patented air release vent system for trailering. Features include a strapless design allows easy installation with solution-dyed fabric for increased UV resistance, patented air release vent system for trailering and interior pouch to store cover when not in use, openings to accommodate the Speed Tie system and Snap-in Fenders while docked, plus one at the back for hook under the seat. All for $326.89.

And for Yamaha, check out the Yamaha WaveRunner III Watercraft Cover, designed to help protect your watercraft’s appearance. Each cover features superior construction and materials to help provide long life as well as a custom fit. Attractive matching colors and graphics provide a stylish accent. Yamaha Watercraft Covers are constructed of ultra-durable Sur Last fabric for the ultimate protection against fading and the elements. It is also non-abrasive, water-repellent*, and UV, mildew, and rot resistant. Features include Vacu-Hold design, which creates a vacuum inside the cover during transit to draw the cover down snugly to the WaveRunner. Benefits include reduced air-induced stress on the seams, and less aerodynamic drag. Additional features include a handy convenience zipper for access to the fuel tank cap. Priced at $304.89. 

Check out the full lineup of Watercraft Covers and find just what you’re looking for!

And stop by the RIVA YouTube channel for an instructional video on properly and easily installing a watercraft cover.

2025 PWC Racing schedules are flooding the social media feeds; the 2025 Boat Show Season is underway, and even though much of the country is a bit of a deepfreeze right now, there is little doubt that many PWC racers are starting to get impatient for the start of another race season. 

And while there are a list of “must dos” for each racer to get ready for that season – from physical training for themselves to upgrades and modifications for their PWC, not to mention the mundane tasks such as trailer upkeep and gear checks, there is one aspect of racing that is not talked about near as much – sponsorships. 

While sponsorships may not be the goldmine they once were, there can be no denying the fact that securing sponsorship is a key component of funding your race addiction. 

In a 2015 WCJ article, Roger Berkon shared some advice for racers who are looking to secure sponsorships before the 2025 race season, and we thought now would be a good time for a refresher. 

At today’s “touring series” level, personal watercraft (PWC) racing is not only becoming a serious sport, it can easily become a business and an investment. It can be an investment in a state-of-the-art PWC, or two, support equipment, a hauler; an investment in team development, crew recruitment and travel to each of a minimum of twelve poorly scheduled geographically divergent race venues per season year.

Even the well-funded teams and riders are considering outside sources to fund their racing budgets. The outside sourcing, and the search for commercial participants (sponsors) and investors, must be done with the same research and consultation as any other business investment or capital expenditure. You and your outside sources have every right to expect a reasonable return; be it in hard dollars to your race team, or the benefits of brand development programs and campaigns that stimulate higher sales volume and increased traffic resulting in subsequent profit to your outside sources.

The point here is that sponsorship is a vital income source. You must develop this source with the same effort you put into your racing program; you must provide a valuable market service and or advertising vehicle in return for the sponsorship dollars. No longer can you attract sponsors or team investors with flashy graphics, creative numbers or smoke and mirrors.

In the PWC racing world of today, your off-water wars can be won incrementally by producing exciting, informative, efficient communications at every level of your marketing and promotional mix. This holds especially true when you are selling PWC racing. To accomplish this requires thorough knowledge of every aspect of the sport and industry; a carefully conceived strategy designed to impact each of your opportunity areas. These subjects are not the absolute function of advertising or sports marketing agencies. You must develop your own marketing and promotions person; someone that is close to or from within your own race team who can effectively and profitably reach each of your team’s targeted opportunity areas.

You must be aware that successful promotion motivates marketers and increases corporate participation; marketing creates the awareness and demand factors; advertising makes your prospective sponsor/commercial participant take that step toward the buying decision; and in this context the buying decision is “buying in” or making the sponsorship investment.

You and your team’s M&P person must follow a logical, step-by-step, approach in making your marketing effort pay off in maximum profitability. You must consider all available industry data, including trade publication surveys and national trade show profiles. This research is your only way to determine the targeted markets’ moods, actions, and emotional hot buttons.

You must maintain constant awareness of your competition off-water as well as on-water; follow their marketing and commercial participant solicitations; make on-site pit visits as well as in-shop visits and when the opportunity arises, use their events and promotions, as well as your own, as directional factors. In this way you will further develop your ability to attract sponsors and produce team income through commercial participation and promotion.

It is imperative that your race team be clearly positioned as the best available in the minds of your audience and your targeted market. This demands properly focused and consistent communication; an image that is positive and memorable, and performance on and off the water that delivers!

Any age-old misconceptions about PWC racing must be dealt with and dispelled. Fortunately, through the effort and continuing success of race organizers AquaX Series and subject-specific publications such as The Watercraft Journal, plus the never-ending support of manufacturers such as Yamaha, Kawasaki, Sea-Doo and high-end tuners RIVA MotorSports, there are few remaining negative misconceptions; however, never lose site of the fact that the developing new image and the real potential for commercial benefits in PWC racing are still unknown by most of your out-of-industry targeted markets.

Your overall presentation must be sophisticated, tasteful and in keeping with the desired image; your success will be achieved by impacting the key purchasing influences; namely the prospective sponsor’s perception, executive’s opinions, and the marketing team’s recommendation. Do not forget that the buying decision, in your targeted market, is based primarily on self-gathered data and the information you presented. If budgets restrict you to only one informational piece be sure to include a section designed as a guide to PWC racing. Keep in mind that the typical corporate marketing person’s experience with PWC racing is limited to the scant coverage on TV or what very little is in the local sports pages.

Position your race team clearly as the ultimate in the market, try a thematic approach; youthful, well spoken, the ultimate product or corporate representative; the finest PWC racing team in the sport today and you are totally committed to racing for “podium-finishes” in the best racing series. Capitalize on existing mystique through an image-oriented campaign in the appropriate media; create your rider’s celebrity, or perhaps you are owned by a South Pacific Coconut Plantation or your Crew Chief breeds porcupines in the off-season. Establish and maintain share-of-mind. Create and capitalize on all PR opportunities whenever possible, particularly with regards to your participation in the racing series and its related special events. Clearly communicate the advantages and benefits of an association with your team and the series.

Produce highly informative social media content in such a way that all key advantages are depicted, tell the story and effectively position your team in the minds of commercial interests and out of industry sponsor prospects.

It is vitally important that your team be organized in a business-like manner and is structured in such a way to properly receive and justify sponsorship income. You must stay focused on the commercial objectives of the sponsor/investor as well as your race team. And at all times consider your combined liability exposure and limit your risks as much as possible and continue the building and development of your team management, staffing and race equipment development.

To consider doing it any other way will lead to a very short, albeit exciting, venture into PWC racing lasting only as long as your financial resources or your willingness to keep writing checks. If you feel that you need help in any of the areas above, seek professional advice. It may make the difference that allows you to realize your goals in this wet and exciting segment of power sports racing.

The 2025 Boat Show season officially kicked off yesterday, Jan. 8, with the opening of both the Chicago and New England Boat Shows starting their five-day run that will end on Jan. 12. The Atlanta and Charlotte County Boat Shows crank up today and will also run through Jan 12, with the Oklahoma and Daytona Shows rounding out the week with two-day schedules on Jan. 10-12.

With more than 35 high-profile shows listed on major event calendars, plus regional and dealer boat shows scattered across the country and, indeed, throughout the world, the coming weeks offer ample opportunity for PWC riders – whether newbies or pros, racers or recreational riders, or anything in between – to check out the 2025 PWC models, accessories, marine electronics and equipment.

Taking advantage of your nearest boat show means being able to compare models, brands and features all in one location, often side-by-side, while having the opportunity to talk directly with experts, manufacturers, dealers and other PWCers who are happy to share their ideas, recommendations and options (sometimes rock-solid, sometimes best taken with a pinch of salt). Not to mention some of the deep price cuts offered by dealers and manufacturers to convince you to walk out of the boat show with the Christmas gift Santa forgot to leave under your tree. Many events offer activities and hands-on experiences – and many, if not all, are promoted as being 100% family friendly

Yamaha, who recently hyped the upcoming Boat show season on their social media accounts, also linked from their main WaveRunner website event page to the boat show-dedicated site, where they posted the following information:

Come see our 2025 lineup of Yamaha Boats and WaveRunners up close and take advantage of exclusive boat show deals you won’t find anywhere else! Special offers, expert advice, and more! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, we’ve got something for everyone. Tag your boating crew and tell us which show you’ll attend!

Yamaha WaveRunners and Boats are always a top draw at boat shows around the world, known for their cutting-edge designs and unmatched reliability. As boat enthusiasts look forward to discovering new boats at boat shows in 2025, Yamaha doesn’t disappoint. One of the key highlights is the all-new JetBlaster WaveRunner Series, which combines high-energy performance with affordability. In addition, Yamaha is enhancing the on-water experience with the introduction of the Yamaha Audio System, now available on the FX Series, VX Series, and GP Series WaveRunners. This innovative feature brings high-quality sound to the water, further solidifying Yamaha’s reputation for excellence.

Attending a boat show offers an unbeatable experience for boating enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike. If you’ve ever considered purchasing a boat or simply want to explore the latest innovations in marine technology, a boat show is the place to be. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out:

First and foremost, boat shows provide a unique opportunity to see a vast selection of boats, from sleek personal watercraft to luxurious yachts, all in one place. You can compare different models, brands, and features side by side, giving you a clear picture of what suits your needs and lifestyle. Plus, many boat dealers offer exclusive boat show pricing, making it the perfect time to buy.

One of the biggest advantages of attending a boat show is the chance to talk directly with experts. Manufacturers, dealers, and seasoned boaters are on hand to answer your questions, offer advice, and provide in-depth insights into boat ownership. You’ll leave with more knowledge and confidence, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced boater.

In addition to exploring boats, most shows feature accessories, marine electronics, and equipment exhibitors. You can discover the latest boating technology, from GPS systems to fish finders, and even secure boat show deals on must-have gear.

Boat shows also provide fun and inspiration for the whole family. Many events offer activities such as boat rides, fishing seminars, and hands-on experiences that let you enjoy the boating lifestyle firsthand.

Attending a local boat show is a fantastic way to get inspired, enjoy a day by the water, and find your perfect boat. Whether you’re browsing or buying, a boat show is an essential event for anyone passionate about boating.

On the Sea-Doo side of things, they kept it short and simple for the 2025 Boat Show Season promotions, stating: Each city has its own charter season and as we get ready for the most exciting period of the year we want to learn more about everything that can make our adventure more enjoyable and safe in the water. Join Sea-Doo as we meet and connect with our passionate riders and boaters on an exclusive tour around the United States!

Our team, ambassadors and dealers will be waiting for you and be sure, we´ll have surprises that you won´t want to miss!

Exclusive boat show deal: Get up to $2,500 OFF or 4 years of coverage on select 2024 PWCs or up to $5,000 OFF on select 2024 Switch!

Don’t forget to take advantage of the information, deals and other opportunities offered by retailers and dealerships at your local boat show outside of the major manufacturers, too!

Be sure to post up on social media if you attend a boat show to check out some of the great new 2025 models or grab spectacular deals on older models, accessories and gear, and tag WCJ in your posts!

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].