We here at The Watercraft Journal spend a lot of time focused on what goes on once you’re on the water. Whether it’s detailed reviews of the PWCs, tips and tutorials on ski upkeep or performance enhancements, ideas on places to take your next ride, race reviews or riding technique instruction and PWC feature explanations, WCJ has you covered.

Less often looked at is what goes on before and after your race or ride, so today, we’ll visit with two industry leaders to learn some tricks and tips for getting your ski in and out of the water.

First, we catch up with Jet Tech as they go over some handy tips on How to Beach Launch Your Jet Ski In Surf Conditions. Not only can tried and true methods make this endeavor easier, it also impacts safety for the start of your ride. From dealing with the hard sand and tidal movement to use of equipment such as straps and shackles and transom straps, to timing your launch with surges and swells.

Next up is a tutorial from Brisbane Kawasaki on how to Ride Your Ski Onto Your Trailer – and equally important, reasons Not to ride your ski onto your trailer.

And as a bonus, here’s another few tips from Mike at Jet Tech, this time for mid-ride breaks and some instructions on how to Anchor Your PWC Inshore.

And last, but not least, we have a few pointers from PWCTVSHOW on rollover recovery, some Deep Water Reboarding tips from the Watersports Training channel, and safety instructions on how to reboard your PWC from in the water, from Sea-Doo.

Halloween is over, and although November is dedicated to Veterans and Thanksgiving Turkeys, that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to start thinking about gift-giving season, and it’s never too early to grab great deals on even better gift ideas – and Cycle Springs PowerSports is here to help out with exactly that.

Kicking off on Nov. 1, the Cycle Springs Gift the Outdoors sales event will last through Dec. 31, offering $50 off on any $250+ purchase of Polaris gear, including parts, accessories and apparel, and $150 off any $750+ purchase in the same departments. In addition, you can slash up to $3,000 off the price on select Polaris off road vehicles, or choose financing as low as 1.99% APR for 36 months, with more savings on youth RZR models when you drop by in person at 29703 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater.

Plus, Linemen and First Responders can still take advantage of special savings of up to $1,000 in purchase discounts just for you by contacting the store. Visit online to learn more!

And while you’re on the website, be sure to check out the season’s deals on all three PWC lines, including the Yamaha End of Season sales event with 5.99 APR for 36 months and $750 in customer bonuses, no payments for 6 months on all Sea-Doo 2024 model PWCs,  and savings of up to $1,000 on select model Kawasaki PWCs.

When you’re done saving money at Cycle Springs, load up and head to the Dunedin Excursion Winter Ride, launching this Sunday from the Dunedin Causeway. See event details below and check out the video from this year’s Cycle Springs Dunedin Excursion Summer Ride.

9th Annual Dunedin Excursion Winter Ride Details

Saturday Nov 09th – Meet & Greet location TBD
Sunday Nov 10th – Dunedin Excursion

Dunedin Excursion EVENT DETAILS
Sunday November 10th
you will hear the air horns before each launch

Launching from Dunedin Causeway Sunday morning November 10th between 10:00 & 10:30am we will launch and make our way around and under the draw bridge and start the ride out to Anclote North Sandbar riding through some of the islands on the way. We will stop and enjoy the North Sandbar for roughly 45 minutes. The water is amazing here bring your goggles. You will hear the air horn when it’s time to launch for next location.

We will then launch and ride on the eastern side of Anclote island and back out to the gulf for our second stop at Three Rookers island for roughly 45min,

We will then make our way along side honeymoon island and stop at the northern tip of Caledesi island, Caladesi hang out time roughly 45 minutes. Wait to hear airhorn before launching for next location.

( Optional Stop ) We will then launch headed south towards clearwater turning left at the Clearwater inlet just past the Clearwater pier and stopping at Cabanas Coastal & Beachside Grill ( This is an optional stop ) After lunch at Cabanas Coastal & Beachside Grill we will launch and head towards the clearwater bridges and back north towards Dunedin Causeway.

We will have a lead boat as well as dedicated lead riders guiding us through the routes. Please follow and obey all posted water signs and ride safe. Ride at your own risk we are not responsible for bodily injuries or property damage of any kind. Ride Safe!!

Saturday Nov 9th – 7pm – Meet & Greet
Sunday Nov 10th – Dunedin Excursion

Companies, like FuelTech, that provide excellence across the board – great products, amazing innovation, technological excellence, great customer service – all the bells and whistles you could want in a resource for getting the most from your PWC – are rare enough to find.

When you combine all of that, with a company that also puts itself in the forefront of meaningful actions with little or no concrete benefit to themselves, you cull down the club even more. But once again, FuelTech shows that there’s more to a great company than great sales and happy customers as they take the month of November to recognize and honor US Military Veterans and their families, and putting skin in the game by donating a portion of the proceeds from each sale of our FuelTech U.S. Military T-Shirt and Hoodie to the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) in Atlanta, Georgia. Read the full press release below.

As we begin National Veterans and Military Families Month this November, FuelTech proudly recognizes the courage, resilience, and sacrifices made by U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. FuelTech is committed to supporting those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. This year, we’re taking steps to make a difference by donating a portion of the proceeds from each sale of our FuelTech U.S. Military T-Shirt and Hoodie to the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) in Atlanta, GA.

Honoring Service with a Purpose
At FuelTech, we believe that honoring veterans goes beyond words—it requires action. That’s why we’ve chosen VEO, an organization that has been instrumental in providing essential resources to veterans transitioning back to civilian life. With each purchase of our FuelTech U.S. Military T-Shirt and Hoodie, a portion of proceeds will go directly to VEO to assist veterans with housing, job training, mental health support, and career placement.

About Veterans Empowerment Organization
Since its founding, the Veterans Empowerment Organization has served as a lifeline for veterans who face challenges like homelessness, joblessness, and mental health issues. Based in Atlanta, GA, VEO offers comprehensive services to help veterans overcome obstacles, reintegrate into society, and achieve self-sufficiency. VEO’s impact spans numerous programs, including providing safe housing, skill-building workshops, therapy services, and financial counseling. For over a decade, VEO has been instrumental in helping thousands of veterans find stability and purpose.

FuelTech’s Limited Edition Military Apparel
Our FuelTech U.S. Military T-Shirts and Hoodies show gratitude and solidarity with our servicemen and women. Designed in military inspired colors with FuelTech USA branding on the front, each piece carries a special tribute on the back: “To Those Who Serve The United States of America” and an American flag graphic. These exclusive items are not only a way to wear patriotism proudly but also an avenue to make a meaningful contribution to the veteran community.

Join Us in Making a Difference
National Veterans and Military Families Month is a time to recognize the sacrifices of those who serve and their families. By purchasing FuelTech’s U.S. Military T-Shirt and Hoodie, you’re directly supporting VEO’s mission to provide veterans with the tools and support they need to build fulfilling lives after service. Together, we can make a powerful impact.

This November, let’s wear our support, celebrate our veterans, and make a real difference in the lives of those who served!

The Kawasaki STX 160 is a popular jet ski, known for its performance and reliability. However, some owners have noticed recurring issues with the fuel system that can make for a frustrating experience on the water. If you’ve ever experienced unexpected power loss, surging, or trouble getting over half-throttle, you’re not alone. The good news is that these issues aren’t just random—they often trace back to the fuel pump and breather setup, and they’re fixable with a few tweaks.

Kawi Performance recently shared a helpful video breaking down these fuel system quirks and offering some straightforward fixes to get your STX 160 back to its full potential. The root of the problem is usually the small fuel pump Kawasaki uses, which can struggle under higher demands. This can lead to a few annoying symptoms, like stiffening when you hit full throttle, surging in the mid-range, or capping out around 50% throttle.

They also dive into a common issue with the breather system. If the breather isn’t properly aligned, it can create vacuum pressure in the fuel tank, which restricts fuel flow. The video guides you through checking the breather direction and removing the access door to ensure the breather hose isn’t kinked or twisted.

One simple fix they recommend is turning the breather port backward to help prevent water clogging, which can also interfere with the fuel pump.

So, if your STX 160’s performance has been a bit off, Kawi Performance’s video is worth a watch—it might just help you get the smooth, powerful ride you’re looking for!

Fans of winter racing may be familiar with the London Recreational Racing Team, and if so, you might spot a familiar face from the PWC racing season as winter rolls around. Noah Dahli, a PWC racer for JetX Power-Sports, is competing this season with the London Rec Team, and we’re thrilled to see him in action! He’s been racing snowmobiles for six years and watercraft for the past two years, consistently landing on the podium each season. In fact, we did a write-up on him and his teammates earlier this year!

As the season approaches, enthusiasts and racers alike might be eager to get their hands on a snocross sled—JetX has an impressive line of high-quality vehicles for winter racing. However, PWC enthusiasts won’t miss out on great offerings this winter. JetX is providing solid deals on PWC winterization and storage for those in Ontario. With temperatures dropping, taking the right steps to winterize can mean the difference between a smooth start next season and costly repairs.

JetX Power-Sports offers winterization services to protect your jet ski during the off-season. Their Basic Winterization package covers essential prep like fuel stabilization, antifreeze application, engine fogging, and a general inspection to keep your jet ski’s primary systems protected.

For full peace of mind, JetX’s Complete Winterization package adds an oil change, filter replacement, and detailed inspections of engine and propulsion systems. This extra care helps identify and address potential issues before storage, keeping your watercraft in prime condition through winter.

JetX also offers shrink-wrapping and secure winter storage to protect your jet ski from Ontario’s harsh winter weather. Their combined winterization and storage package is available for $900, providing a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.

As we all get excited for the winter powersports season, don’t forget to make sure your jet ski is ready to hit the water when spring arrives. For winterization services, call JetX Power-Sports at 647-280-7850 and prepare your watercraft for a trouble-free winter.

For many PWC riders, the shopping list is endless…whether you need regular maintenance items, high-performance parts, or any of a thousand items you can use to level up your PWC, one subset of equipment often forgotten is trailering essentials. 

Whether you’re taking a quick jaunt to the local lake for a lazy afternoon ride, or transporting you skis across country for a race, it is important to spend the time and money to make sure your equipment is safely secured and properly protected for the ride.

And once again, Unlimited PWC Products has go you covered. With two tie-down pad styles, and both tie down straps and belts, Unlimited helps you make sure your ski arrives at your destination. 

First up, black tie down pads to protect your boat’s hull from ratchet and belt scratches. This large type can easily handle large reinforced type ratchets. The material is the same as a wet suit, so it is soft and stretchy to fit and cover the hull. It is convenient because it can be worn after the belt is set on the cargo. Compared to the type that passes through the belt in advance, it is much easier to use and recommended. In black chloroprene with the Unlimited logo, for $16.

The quality crafted tie down pads also come in an easier-to-use model in white with a bold Unlimited logo graphic. Protect your boat’s hull from ratchet and belt scratches. The large type can easily handle a large reinforced ratchet. The material is the same as a wet suit, so it is soft and stretchy to fit and cover the hull. It is convenient because it can be worn after the belt is set on the cargo. Compared to the type that passes through the belt in advance, it is much easier to use and recommended.  Available for $21. 

Next you have the Tie-down Straps with a Stainless Stopper for $44, with extended length from the hook to the ratchet so that he ratchet part will not interfere with the hull or sponsons , and a stainless steel, rust and salt water-resistant S-type hook integrated into the stopper to prevent the hook from falling, plus a safety clip on the hook to prevent connection failures. 

The belt length 4.5m x width 25mm, and the belt length from hook to ratchet is approximately 50cm.

And finally, the Tie-down Belt with a Stainless Stopper for $35, – a lower-priced option with many of the same benefits of the tie-down straps. 

Check out the Unlimited PWC website and social media pages for more great deals and handy products.

Active Jet Sport is certainly well known for their impressive collection of superchargers and other aftermarket parts to upgrade your PWC, but one thing you might not be familiar with is the educational materials they provide via their YouTube channel. The demos and tutorials they provide offer practical solutions to those of us in need of a nice upgrade for our PWC, or just looking to learn a little bit more about the wide array of possibilities you can find when it comes to PWC modifications. 

That’s definitely the case when it comes to their two video series on HP Tuners, a super useful set of videos which are sure to clear up some doubts you may have when it comes to working through some of the more technical sides of your watercraft’s software. If you’re new to tuning, you’ll surely appreciate the series of tutorial videos that break down the process in a straightforward way.

One of the videos to check out is all about the Sea-Doo 300. In the “Sea-Doo 300 – Limiter Removal” tutorial, you’ll see how to remove speed, RPM, and torque limiters. This is a great way to push your Sea-Doo 300 to its limits without having to invest in additional parts. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance performance while keeping things reliable.

Another handy resource is the “VT1100 Fuel Injector Setup” video. This one shows you how to set up HP Tuners for the Bosch VT1100 fuel injectors, which are key if you’re planning to upgrade to a larger supercharger. The stock injectors just won’t cut it when it comes to supplying enough fuel for that extra power.

These tutorials make tuning more accessible, so be sure to check out their YouTube channel to dive into these tutorials and start unlocking your watercraft’s full potential!

There’s something electric about Black Friday—the thrill of grabbing a long-awaited item on sale, the excitement of finding unbeatable deals, and the rush of checking off wish lists for everything from performance gear to tech upgrades. But what if you didn’t have to wait for just one day? Fuel Tech USA is making that excitement last all month long with their Black November sale, starting on November 1. This means an entire month of savings on some of the best high-performance equipment available!

Fuel Tech is best known for its advanced Engine Control Units (ECUs), a must-have for serious racers and high-performance enthusiasts. These ECUs offer precise control over fuel injection, ignition timing, boost, and other engine parameters, delivering a competitive edge for those in PWC racing, as well as drag racing, circuit racing, off-roading and more. But Fuel Tech’s offerings go far beyond ECUs; they have a full range of aftermarket parts, including fuel systems, ignition controllers, digital dashboards, and a variety of sensors—everything you need to take your build to the next level.

The Black November sale is the perfect time to explore Fuel Tech’s extensive product lineup, with deals you usually only see around Black Friday. And for those wanting an extra advantage, early access is available through a special link. Sign up here to see the deals before they’re available to everyone else, and get ready to find exactly what your ride needs at incredible prices all month long. And while you’re waiting for Nov. 1, check out the Clearance Selection for 50% or more off FuelTech gear like hats, hoodies, T-shirts and sweatpants. 

Summer may be coming to a close, but the deals are not done at Broward Motorsports!

One of the most respected outfits in the PWC World, whether you’re talking racing or retail, Broward Motorsports undoubtedly has what it takes to put riders on the water – either by way of a new (or used) ski, top-of-the-line technology, high-quality service, or all the parts, accessories and apparel you need. And they have seven ways to get it to you – namely, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Jupiter/Tequesta,  Treasure Coast/Hobe Sound, Miami, and the World Wide Web. 

While the renowned BMS reputation for quality and customer service links all the company’s operations, each site has their own focus and identity, and their own specials and sales, and it’s time, once again, for The Watercraft Journal to do the legwork for you, and run a speed round through each store and highlight their specials, sales, promotions and events. 

Starting out our quick lap around the BMS stores with the Flagship Fort Lauderdale Store, where they’re getting ready for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which will run from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. But if you can’t make it to the show in person, you can get Boat Show pricing and specials in-store at 2100 W Sunrise Blvd Suite 161. And you can still get online deals like the 2023 Yamaha GP1800®R SVHO® with Audio for $15,999 or a 2023 Yamaha SuperJet® for $9,499. 

Next up is the Hollywood store, where they are getting ready for a free Rider Party on Nov. 2. Everyone is welcome to the family friendly event and enjoy free food, kids activities, and prize drawings while they work to clear out the warehouse and showroom with blowout pricing on in-stock gear, apparel and accessories, with discounts of up to 75% off top brands and a minimum 15% savings on all items in this category, Plus savings on Side x Sides, ATVs, Sea-Doo, Boats & Pontoons with 0% Loan Rates & $4,000 Rebates (subject to mfg. guidelines, o.a.c)  The store has EZ Qualify Payment Options and Same Day Deliveries. Register online for free food, drinks, and snacks, which are available while the supply lasts. You must be present to win Prizes or receive Giveaways. 

In West Palm Beach, they’re also gearing up for the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, with Boat Show pricing and specials in-store at 2300 Okeechobee Blvd. Also at the West Palm Beach Store, they’re giving back through a partnership with Cooper City High School for this year’s Harvest Drive and will be collecting non-perishable food items and donations to support families in need within Broward County Public Schools this Thanksgiving season. If able, please bring your donations to Broward Motorsports of Hollywood – 4101 Davie Road Extension – through the end of November. 

Next is the Jupiter/Tequesta store, where you have a couple more days to take advantage of the Fall Special, with 20% off service, all made easy with their online service booking feature. You can also take advantage of Manager’s Special deals on a  2024 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO for $16,777 – a savings of more than $3,000, as well as a 2024 Yamaha VX® Limited for $12,277 or a 2023 Sea-Doo FishPro™ Scout 130 for $12,488. 

Moving on to Treasure Coast/Hobe Sound, we find a number of pre-owned models with slashed prices, such as a 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO-white/black for $8,659 or a 2018 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO for $8,659. 

And for those who can’t make it to the Florida stores, be sure to browse the websites for each of the stores to find great prices on parts, service, new and used inventory, and more.