It’s always a good idea to wear some sort of eye protection whenever riding a PWC, no matter your riding style. If nothing else, you need something to keep the wind and sea spray from getting to your eyes. Some are satisfied with simple sunglasses, while others prefer other eyewear, such as goggles. If you prefer the latter, we believe we have found the product for you.
Thanks to the guys at Fly Racing, we were able to test out a pair of their Focus Adult Hi-Vis goggles. We’ve been impressed with Fly Racing’s products in the past, and their goggles certainly didn’t disappoint. The single-layer face foam provides a comfortable fit and allows the goggles to really mold to the shape of your face. This foam also creates a seal so water doesn’t get between the goggles and your eyes, keeping you comfortable while riding.
The frame is made out of very flexible-yet-durable material to ensure your pair lasts as long as you need them to. The frame doesn’t obstruct your horizontal or peripheral vision at all, which is a huge plus, especially when racing or in any other situation where being fully aware of your surroundings is key.
Fly claims that the polycarbonate clear lens is both anti-fog (ATF) and anti-scratch (ATS). To be honest, were a little skeptical of these qualities. So far in our testing, the anti-scratch claim has held true, given we haven’t put much effort into purposefully trying to scratch them.
They did fog up on us, though, but it only happened once when we were sitting still. Once we wiped them clean and got back moving, the problem didn’t reoccur. So while they aren’t guaranteed to never fog up, they do seem to fog up less often than competing goggles not designed with this technology. The lens is very easy to remove, and Fly Racing offers a variety of optional lenses, allowing you to adapt to any situation.
The Focus series goggles are equipped with an adjustable double buckle strap, allowing for quick, easy strap tension adjustment. The non-slip silicone on the inside of the strap ensures that these goggles stay secured to your helmet. We’ve found that this feature works flawlessly. We’ve seen it all too many times, racers falling off and losing their goggles in the water. You probably won’t be losing a pair of these. Even after falling off at 60-plus-mph, they stayed stuck to the helmet (don’t ask – Ed).
The Fly Racing Focus goggles come in both youth and adult sizes, as well as a variety of colors (black, white, gray, blue, green, red, yellow and pink). While you can wear these with any helmet on the market, or even with no helmet at all, we used them on the Fly Racing F2 Carbon helmet, and found they were a terrific combo. Priced at $19.95, they’re also some of the most affordable given the added features imbued in their design, making them a very solid purchase.
We’ve seen our fair share of PWC storage racks in recent years. From those cobbled-together from PVC tubing to beautifully-fabricated lightweight tubular racks, the quest to perfect the rear storage of a cooler, fishing equipment, rods, and more seems lure in a lot of entrepreneurs. And with PWC fishing (ie. “fishos”) being so popular in Australia, it comes as no surprise that Queensland, Australia’s Shoreline Yamaha created what not only looks to be a solid, brilliantly designed rack, but one that serves 101 purposes.
In a Facebook post, Shoreline Yamaha wrote: “Check out this one of a kind cage we made for a customer! He came to us with a vision and this is what we came up with.” And what they “came up with” was a laser cut, pressed, bent and TIG-welded 5005 aluminum esky frame, the design of which creates a lightweight rugged construction. Shoreline then had the frame powder coated to shield against the harsh saltwater elements where it was to be used. The rack includes rod holders and tackle box storage integrated into the design along with removable wakeboard racks.
The Achilles Heel of the design is how exactly it mounts to the rear swim step. As Shoreline Yamaha writes, there’s an “easy on/off with single ratchet strap and turn buckle to securely mount it or leave it.” Unfortunately, we’ve found ratchet straps and most 3-point mounting configurations allow for the rack to shift side to side, unlike a more invasive 4-point mount. We’re interested to see how the owner likes it and whether Shoreline Yamaha will produce more of these in the future.
Americans don’t much care for what the rest of the world is doing. The FIFA World Cup? Meh, not so much. The United Nations? Pfft. You can keep your silly blue helmets. The same can be said for most American persona watercraft enthusiasts and the UIM Aquabike series. We at The Watercraft Journal have tested the waters, so to speak, and found our readership particularly disinterested in what we consider a very impressively-ran racing organization. Maybe it’s because it’s not the IJSBA, and the IJSBA is what traditionally started it all. Maybe it’s because Aquabike doesn’t hold any races here in the States. Either way, the Americans typically don’t care.
So when the UIM announced its final points totals for the 2015 World Rankings, we questioned whether people would actually care. Personally, we hope so because the persons who earned these spots did so deservedly. After a grueling season of hardscrabble racings, breakdowns and extensive amounts of travel, each champion has rightfully earned the respect of all fans of PWC racing – domestic or foreign. In Runabout Division, France’s renowned Jeremy Perez with a decisively 600-point lead. Fellow Frenchman, Mickael Poret claimed the Ski Division championship. Jennifer Menard claimed the Women’s Division and Italy’s Roberto Mariani beat out favorites Rok and Nac Florjancic for the Freestyle Division.
According to the UIM, “Menard’s place at the top of the Ladies rankings rounds out a near perfect 2015 for the 26-year-old Paris resident who came from behind to successfully defend her world championship at the final Grand Prix of the season in Sharjah to add to the French title she won earlier in the year for the third time.
“For the second time in two years, Perez claimed the number 1 slot in Runabout GP1 by some margin, some consolation for the Frenchman after the disappointment of missing his shot at the World title in Sharjah, ending the year in third spot and as European Champion, his countrymen Didier Chabert and Christophe Agostinho taking second and third spots.
“Mickael Poret’s number one ranking in Ski GP1 highlights the return to form of the 2010 and 2013 world champion, edging out Spain’s Nacho Armillas who he beat to the European title and brother Jeremy.”
We’ve seen quite a few sound systems applied to personal watercraft over the years, from home installations, to dealer and aftermarket kits (Yamaha even quietly announced a partnership wit JL Audio over two years ago, but we haven’t seen much from it), and of course, the first factory-installed sound system with Kawasaki’s JetSounds package on the Ultra 310LX. In the case of the Kawasaki option, Jetsounds is composed of two speaker pods beneath the rear view mirrors and a head unit integrated into the handlebar pad. Sound quality is good and measured to increase with the throttle, but might leave some wanting more.
That’s where this absolutely insane custom system from LCA InCar Entertainment comes in. Located out of South Wales, Australia, LCA prides themselves in creating audio solutions custom tailored to suit one’s car, truck, and boat needs, going so far as to creating completely redesigned fiber glass speaker pods, dashboards and door panels.
As part of their package offerings, LCA sells a Deluxe Marine Audio Package for “those who love their music and boating, this package will not disappoint with crystal clear high quality audio.” Comprised of four 6-inch Marine Speakers, a 10-inch Marine Subwoofer, a 5ch Marine Micro Amp and a Marine Bluetooth Head Unit, the kit doesn’t disappoint.
But how on earth could you fit it all on a PWC, you ask? Well, that’s where this particular Yamaha WaveRunner comes in. A returning customer brought their VXR back in for a major upgrade – meaning the entire LCA Marine Audio Package – and then some! “[It was] upgraded to another two 6-inch marine speakers, a marine 10-inch subwoofer and a Clarion marine 5-channel amplifier. The custom sub box and speaker pod is a great look, [and] fits in perfectly. [It] looks right at home. The sound out of this seriously impressive!” Once you take a look at these images, we think you’ll agree.
With the cost of jet skis constantly on the rise and the depreciation factor on pleasure crafts, many seek to find good deals on used jet skis. The main concerns in buying used are what to look for as to not buy someone else problems and how to avoid buying a lemon. We asked the JJR members who gave some solid advice from personal experiences that could help someone in their used ski search. Many sell skis for different reasons like needing the cash, looking for cash to buy that newly released ski or to get rid of a project or a ski that needs some repair.
While searching online sources like dealer inventory, Craigslist PWC trader and Facebook sales/ swap groups, there are many skis to choose from, but which one is the right one? Buying and owning a jet ski comes down to 3 basic costs. You have initial cost, maintenance cost and service cost. That cheap ski may have a low initial cost, but may need some work or maintenance to bring it to proper running condition. That may make it more expensive in the long run than buying a running ski. We also know that condition is everything and previous maintenance or lack of maintenance could spell disaster in the long run, but what to look for as to avoid buying a nightmare?
Finally, a buyer must be realistic. You usually get what you pay for and if the deal is way too good to be true, chances are there’s a reason why and that may not be good for you. The group chimed in and this basic guide should help you along in your buying process:
Presale
Do your homework! Look online and find out what everyone else is riding or staying away from. Check ride groups, local riders, forums like Greenhulk.net, Google searches and even YouTube to get as much info under your belt as possible. Keep an open mind and check out brands and models. Keep an eye on the year ski as manufacturers may have changed engine configuration, features or hull design that may affect the value and performance. Have a good grip on the KBB and NADA values as to not overpay and to have a good idea on what its actually worth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions now as it may save you from problems down the line.
The Seller Private Seller
After you’ve found a ski, the seller can be just as important as the ski itself. How it was maintained, what’s the reason for the sale, maintenance records and potential issues can help or hurt the ski sale. Find a seller that is open, honest, fair, and who’s willing to work with you in the sale and the transfer of ownership. Make sure to get a proper working contact number. They should have the proper paperwork like clear title, registration, trailer registration, manuals, warranty info, service or repair records, and bill of sale on hand to complete the sale. Set a location that is public and convenient for the sale. A public boat ramp is great as lots of traffic and a place to provide the water test portion of the sale.
Dealer Pre-owned
This is a great option if you’re able to get one that has warranty or has been dealer inspected or certified. There will be tax, title and registration fees upfront, but it’s a one stop shop. Some manufacturers like Yamaha have certified pre-owned skis and you may even be able to buy a 2-year used warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer. You should still know what you’re buying and especially the KBB or NADA trade in, average and dealer retail values to know what deal you may be getting.
Inspection Check the Hull
Is it as pictured and in overall good condition for the year? Are the hull or plastic moldings badly sunfaded? Is there anything hiding damage marked under excessive dirt, WD-40 spray or large decals? Is it missing parts? Any deep scratches or gouges to the fiberglass on the hull and especially on the belly? Are there signs of recent repair? Does the display gauge work and does it show any codes, maintenance alerts or weird beeps? Does the jet pump area look pitted or corroded? Do you see heavy rust or corrosion that can give an idea on how it was maintained? Is there anything in the pump intake, chips on the impeller or excess wear/ clearance on the wear ring? Are the seats in good condition as well as the foot mats?
Check The Functions
Is the steering, throttle, choke or reverse easy to operate? Do features like trim, RiDE or IBR function properly? Does the hood strut work? If it has a bilge pump, does it work? Does the key fob properly operate the modes or are the proper function keys there for the performance modes? Does the display reflect the correct hours?
Check the Engine Bay
Are there signs of recent or undisclosed repair like greasy hand or fingerprints or is everything in overall good order? Check the engine bolts for missing or damaged paint that may be a sign of previous disassembly. Does the wiring seem in order? Are there signs of corrosion or rust on engine parts, clamps or terminals? Check the engine oil to see if it’s at the proper level and also note the color. Do you see any waste oil or water inside the hull? Do the function cables have frays or rust splits? Do you see sloppy aftermarket sealant? Do you smell gas? Do you see any loose parts? Are the hoses and cables all attached?
Water Test
It’s very important in a “AS IS, NO REFUNDS” sale. A water test can show more than just a start up or an idle/ revving on a water hose. It can reveal engine issues, cavitation issues, overheating issues, water leaks and other running problems. You should check the hull for water prior to water testing and make sure the drain plugs are in.
Does it seem to start and idle properly? Make sure cooling water is exiting the proper outlets. Does it accelerate properly or hesitate? Does it cavitate? Meaning does the engine rev up to the appropriate rpm, but the ski doesn’t have the take off or get on plane properly. Does it feel sluggish? Does it sound weird? Does it stall?
Does it hit the right top speed and the right top rpm? Download an app that gives GPS readings to be sure that you are hitting top speed. A proper top speed can mean the engine and jet pump are operating properly. Make sure that you test ride for an adequate amount of time so that the engine is at proper operating temperature and performing as expected. After the test ride, check the hull again for signs of excessive water. Water now coming out the drain plugs is a bad sign!
Paperwork
Double check the title or registration card to the HIN plate. A clear title, especially in a title state like Florida, is a deal breaker. The HIN plate should be on the hull of the ski and should not look tampered with. There should be no name in the buyer fields and the seller information should be correct and properly filled out.
Check for liens and make sure there are no correction attempts that could void the title. Make sure the Bill Of Sale reflects the information on the title as well as selling price, signatures and sale date. You usually have 30 days to transfer the ski and trailer. If a trailer is involved, make sure the trailer registration also matches the trailer registration plate, the buyer field is clear and the seller info is properly filled out.
Have your +1 count the cash and payment is made as the Bill Of Sale and the paperwork is finalized as well as the ski transferred in whatever order comfortable to everyone. Make sure to get whatever maintenance records, repair records, general ski info, warranty if applicable, registration cards possible at the time of sale as failure to do so may lead to potential delays or future expenses.
It’s a terrible idea to pay a seller and not get a proper title or paperwork. It’s best to wait or walk before losing your money on a ski or trailer that you can’t legally register. Things can happen and sellers disappear while waiting on a title, bill of sale or trailer registration. You don’t want to be stuck with a ski or trailer that you can’t transfer in your name and enjoy. A bill of sale only will not work especially in Florida. A properly filled out title is a must have.
Post Sale
Have the ski and trailer transferred/registered in your name asap. You have 30 days, but sooner the better. Make sure the ski is in proper working order prior to riding with any maintenance or repair done. A small issue can become a major problem if left unattended.
Make sure you are water legal with the proper registration numbers and decals, support gear and accessories. Tickets on the water are expensive! Find a great group of guys n gals and ride! A major reason for skis being sold is from a lack of use. Find like minded people and ride! Don’t make it a major event to get out and enjoy the water. The more you get out, the easier it becomes and the more areas you ride, the better the experiences!
Project/Non-Running Skis
Last but definitely not least is buying that non running gem. That cheap price is an eye catcher and maybe it could be a simple fix! More likely than not, it isn’t and may end up costing more to repair it than to buy one running. The key is to buy cheap expecting the worst, but hoping for the best. Find out was the worst case scenario repair cost is and make an offer from there.
Remember you are fixing two issues, what caused the failure and the results of that failure to get it back in running condition. Chances are the dead battery, bad starter or whatever other too simple to be true explanation may be a sellers ploy to get the most for a busted ski. If it was that simple, they could have probably fixed it and kept it or sold it for more. If you can’t prove it in an inspection, don’t believe it!
You’re already buying someone else’s problem to some degree. Do your homework on what repair costs and factor in labor if you aren’t comfortable doing the repairs yourself. Get the service manual that properly outlines the repair process for that ski and don’t skimp on a repair. Do what is called for as to not be doing it again in the future.
When possible, check the engine compression if it turns over. If it doesn’t, see if it’s possible to turn the driveshaft. Check the sparkplugs for signs of piston contact, excessive rust or signs of wear. Look in the sparkplug hole for signs of seizure. Check the whole ski over for missing parts and to make sure it’s as whole as possible. Skis that have been to a shop or previously torn down but not reassembled may be missing bolts and other critical parts.
Everything adds up in a project. A bad display gauge, stiff steering or reverse cables, ripped seats or mats all add up and may push that repair cost over the value of the ski. Don’t pay more to fix a ski than it’s worth! Check the pump for obstructions like rope, rocks or corrosion that could prevent the engine from turning over. Check the engine bay for metal chunks, spent oil or greasy smears. Also keep an eye for loosely replaced parts or mismatched bolts which is a sign of an engine thrown back together hastily for resale.
It was, without a doubt, the most talked-about runabout on the water at this past 2015 quakysense IJSBA World Finals. Hewn completely from high tensile-strength carbon fiber top and bottom, György Kasza, the “Haulin’ Hungarian” and his turbocharged Sea-Doo were seemingly untouchable. On the buoy course, the ski looked brutally fast, applying all 510-horsepower produced from its turbo, with nary a sign of lag between pulls of the throttle. Up close was a different matter though, as the Sea-Doo looks less than aesthetically pleasing.
Kasza’s Sea-Doo is entirely custom to fit the racer and his riding preferences. The custom-designed carbon hull and deck is capped with a high-bolstered, body-hugging carbon seat that resembles more of a saddle than the factory Ergolock seat. The hood, fairings and ride plate are also carbon as well. Gone are the factory gauge cluster and steering setup, replaced with a digital dash reading out the engine’s vitals and a rigid billet aluminum steering neck. Scaled at 360 kg (793 pounds) when loaded with added lead and a full tank of race gas (in order to be legal for Open class), Kasza’s ski can also be lightened to 275 kg (606 pounds) for use in Pro GP Runabout class.
Priced at €60,000 euro (or $65,100 USD), the machine is clearly targeted for only the hardest of the hardcore racers looking to dominate (as long as they can hang on). As for Kasza and his 2016 plans? He recently picked up a brand-new RXP-X 300 RS and a new V-Tech tuner, and is currently enjoying low-80mph speeds with nothing more than an ECU reflash. For those serious about inquiring about Kasza’s ski, need to reach him via his Facebook page.
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard about the insurance company with the cheeky gecko as its mascot – GEICO – before on The Watercraft Journal, and if this year’s AquaX series has anything to say about it, it definitely won’t be your last. This past weekend, P1 AquaX announced the partnership between it and the powersports insurance company in a press release (included below) as well as in person at the Thunder By the Bay Festival in Sarasota, Florida, P1 USA Managing Director Azam Rangoonwala came out to make the announcement.
Not only will GEICO be sponsoring a P1 SuperStock race boat and an AquaX racer in 2016 – Jason Russo, to be exact. Russo is slated to represent GEICO in the P1 AquaX Pro Enduro Championship. P1 AquaX’s Michelle Petro told The Watercraft Journal, “Yes. I can tell you that we are very excited about the partnership and having GEICO on board with the series. Miss GEICO is an iconic team in the power boat world and having them sponsor a PWC is a step in the right direction for both P1 and watercraft racing. I believe it makes a positive statement for the future of PWC racing and the AquaX platform.”
Here’s the official press release: GEICO will make a bigger splash in race waters this year when the 2016 season series begins in April. Along with its World Champion Miss GEICO racing team, GEICO will also sponsor both a P1 SuperStock race boat and an AquaX racer in 2016.
The GEICO-branded P1 Panther race boat, driven by World P1 Champion racer, Craig Wilson, will make its first appearance in Tavares, Fla., in April. Seasoned rider Jason Russo will take to the water later that month in Daytona to fly the flag for GEICO in the P1 AquaX Pro Enduro Championship.
Wilson, who launched onto the racing scene in 2002, is looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the P1 Panther. “I’ve enjoyed watching the one-design series both at events and on television and it looks to be hugely competitive. To lift the SuperStock title, the GEICO team will need to quickly get to grips with the Panther boat and perform consistently well against some impressive teams.”
Russo added, “The Miss GEICO race boat is iconic in offshore powerboat racing and I am thrilled to be part of the GEICO team for the 2016 season.” The Miss GEICO offshore race team has won eight world titles and more than 100 individual races since its inception in 2005.
“We are delighted to welcome GEICO Racing to our two race series and for P1 USA to become part of the company’s marine motorsport marketing platform,” said P1 USA director Azam Rangoonwala. “I’m very excited about the prospect of seeing the whole GEICO fleet compete in the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix over the Fourth of July weekend.”
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 13 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 22 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
They say that “opportunity only knocks once,” so you better be ready to open up when it does. In celebration of the new 2016 models coming out and in coming out of the first US boat show of the year (the Progressive Insurance Nashville Boat & Sport Show), Middle Tennessee’s leading family of sports and watercraft dealerships America’s Motor Sports – has just announced some unprecedented savings. AMS is offering the general public the same hugely discounted prices on all available “non-current” (ie. 2015 and older) models – carrying over the special boat show prices for the entire month.
AMS just provided us an entire list of their “non-current” inventory. Not only have they provided the manufacturer’s suggested price (MSRP), but the discounted rate along with a calculation of the overall savings. There’s more than a handful of Sparks in a variety of trim levels, several Wake 155 and 215 Pro models, as well as some high performance GTR, GTX and RXT-X units as well, for those looking to pick up a supercharged machine this season too. Heck, AMS even listed a bunch of discounted trailer prices if you’re needing something to haul your new Sea-Doos with. These are some serious deals on brand new watercraft. Opportunity is knocking.
Prices do not include trailers:
Single Spark • $699
Single Full Size • $799 (add $100 for galvanized)
Double Spark • $1,499 (add $200 for galvanized)
Double Full Size • $1,799 (add $200 for galvanized)
All Sea-Doos purchased qualify for the 3-year limited warranty coverage (1 year plus 2 years).
Deposit of $500 per units is required for all boat show deals
Sure, it might be a little cold outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a month or two into the future when warmer breezes and hot sand will be all the norm. With lots of races, club events and group rides scheduled to kick off earlier than normal this year, we’re excited to share the good news when it happens. Of course, Florida is a little immune to the ebbs and floes of the seasonal cycle, so those of you lucky enough to reside in the Sunshine State can take advantage all year ’round.
Recently, The Watercraft Journal was told of one such early season event that should appeal to many of you: “March 5th will be our next ride in the the Florida Keys. We will be meeting at Caribbean Club Marina in Key Largo at 10am on the water. We will ride to Alligator Reef, enjoy the day at the world famous Tiki Bar, and ending our ride by enjoying lunch/dinner at Mile Marker 88. If anyone is interested, they can like us on Facebook and confirm if they will be attending!”
For those of you unaware or unfamiliar, JetSkiDaily is one of the fastest-growing social media groups of personal watercraft enthusiasts from across the Internet. Located in the Southern Florida, JetSkiDaily is growing quickly and looking to expand its reach to everywhere PWC are loved. For any further questions contact them via Instagram @JetSkiDaily or following JetSkiDaily on Instagram @JetSkDaily #JetSkiDaily
What once started as a group of friends, grew into a gathering that was bursting at the seams. Jerry Gaddis, founder of Greenhulk.net, the industry’s single largest PWC enthusiast forum, began the Mudbug as a day of food, fun and heads up drag racing. As fate would have it, speeds increased as quickly as attendance, and the overwhelming liability of hosting an unsanctioned drag race was enough for Gaddis to wisely cancel that portion of the event.
The Mudbug continued, but not with the same fervor. Gone was the buzz from the pit area, the whisperings and rumors of “who brought what” and “how fast so-and-so was.” Instead, it continued as a fun run, a weekend of shooting the bayous and enjoying a cold drink in the shade of a low-hanging cypress tree – interspersed with some group rides through the Spanish moss at full speed for good measure.
Then, thanks to a nostalgic pic from a 2006 Mudbug posted on the GH Facebook wall by Mark Clemons, the conversation fired up again. “Could the Mudbug bring back drag racing?” The answer sadly, was no. But Gaddis jumped in and asked whether folks would be interested in a “King of Speed Alley” radar run showdown. The response was overwhelming. Gaddis then coyly wrote on the Mudbug Nationals thread: “Just heard a little rumor that someone will be on a boat holding a radar gun the Saturday morning of Mudbug. So start getting those skis prepped now to be the King of Speed Alley at Mudbug.
“Dates? Good question…. We will be paying close attention to the pending high water situation. We don’t want to plan something only to have no wake zones in effect. It’s still very early on so we have plenty of time to make solid plans. Looking forward to seeing everyone again this year!”
Although a set date hasn’t been announced, it believed that the 2016 Mudbug will return sometime in late May/early June, which might interfere with the burgeoning race schedule continuing to be rolled out. The Watercraft Journal will announce when the date is finalized. Additionally, the winner of the fastest speed recorded at the King of Speed Alley radar run showdown will be the subject of a full length feature article here at The Watercraft Journal, so stay tuned!
