You’ve probably seen them before; the fiberglass motorized swan-shaped boats that starry-eyed lovers rent to meander around the lake. Well, one of the iconic swans from the former Rainbow Valley has traded in its leisurely ways for some higher horsepower action in New London Bay, on the Canadian island’s northern shore.
Previously powered by an electric trolling motor, the swan boats operated via an on-off button and topped out at about half a kilometer an hour. Clearly that wasn’t enough for Ellen Clarke and Steve Smith who contacted Clark Waite to build something a little more aggressive for his friends. The end result is a Swan boat with a complete Sea-Doo hull and Rotax motor capable of reaching speeds as high as 37 miles per hour (with seating for four).
Named “Birdie,” the concept came to Ellen’s brother Pierce Clarke last year. The couple joked that they needed a boat to go with a cottage they had just finished. The joke soon evolved into them needing a swan boat. Taking the joke to heart, Waite found a swan boat that was being sold by a man who purchased it from Rainbow Valley, and went to work.
The transformation took about 10 months and more than $10,000, as the boat’s structure had to be re-fiberglassed, as it was cut into five pieces and remolded back together.
“They’re all laughing and yelling. Especially all the people we see out on the boats. And even people when we go under the bridge are stopping on the bridge and looking over the bridge and everybody’s got their phones,” Clark said in an interview with CBC News.
When I normally report to The Watercraft Journal you can pretty much bet it’s a few words and pictures or video produced from a day spent on the water. This is going to be different. Sure, a ride was involved, but what I report today is not about the ride. This time, the ski presented our group the ability to make a report for the local news; read on…
It was the second ride in as many days, with today’s ride taking place on the lower Mermentau River and Lake Arthur in south-central Louisiana. With the skis off the trailer we headed due south down the beautiful Mermentau and eventually into Lake Arthur. It was while we were having lunch that an afternoon thunderstorm blew across the lake. Nastier than average, the storm unleashed torrents of rain and a dazzling array of lightning bolts to match.
Yep – something has definitely gone wrong on the other side of Lake Arthur.
As the storm moved on and the skies cleared a large plume of smoke was billowing from the far west bank. Then came what sounded like fireworks. We waited for the final few drops of rain to clear out and we mounted the bikes to check out the scene.
As it turns out, an unmanned oil well site took a direct hit of lightning. Everyone knows oil and water don’t mix. As it turns out, oil (and gas, under pressure) and lightning don’t do so well together, either. The pops we had heard earlier were 25′ tall holding tanks exploding.
On location and feeling the heat.
Not long after the fire started, the local authorities had evacuated community residents within a one mile cautionary zone – which obviously didn’t apply to us. Near the bank and taking pictures, we could feel the heat from 400 yards away. Despite the distance, it was too far for some of us: Shawn took a side trip via a local boathouse and pier and had soon closed the distance to half in order to record a few seconds of live video.
From 200 yards away, gas and oil belch and flare as high as 75 feet into the air. For all the damage to the site, it was later reported by the local news that no loss occurred to residential property nor were there any reports of injuries. In other words, all-in-all, it was a good ride.
Heading for home beneath the Hwy 14 bridge, the fire still rages from just over a mile away.
We’re getting inundated with promotions these days. Whether its racers preparing for the inaugural Pro Watercross World Championships or the IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu, Arizona, enthusiasts looking to crank out a little more speed from their on-going project before the season closes up, or those racing to the last round of the HydroDrag racing, there’s some sweet deals happening and it’s hard to keep track.
One such offer comes from the aftermarket industry leader RIVA Racing. You can always expect the best in promised performance gains, ease of fitment and reliable customer support from RIVA, but now you can save some cash with their offer of free shipping with the purchase of a new RIVA Rear Exhaust kit with code: FREE. That’s right, buy a new Rear Exhaust kit and type in the word “FREE” and add save some money while adding performance to your Yamaha or Sea-Doo watercraft.
Sounds pretty easy, right? That’s kinda the point. RIVA wants to get you Sea-Doo and Yamaha riders enjoying the most possible from your PWC, and by offering a simple coupon, you can save enough to pump a little more gas in the tank, or even pick up another go-fast part you’ve always been wanting from RIVA Racing. Make sure to check out their newly-redesigned online store for all your performance needs. But it’s important to act now because this deal ends this week (Friday, August 28th, 2015).
Jet Renu has set the bar high for PWC cleaning products. They have grown rapidly over the last few years especially and show no signs of slowing down. Recently, Jet Renu decided to expand their product line to include not only PWC, but all motorsports.
After broadening their focus to all motorsports, they re-engineered a few of their products, including their best selling product, Pink+. They have revised it to better withstand intense heat. They have also improved their Anti-fog products to sustain heavy perspiration.
Aside from the research and development that has been going on at the Jet Renu facility, they have also been hard at work in the marketing department. They have released “Jet Paks,” which will allow customers to buy their favorite Jet Renu products in bundle packs. Each kit will include three products along with two microfiber towels as well as an applicator.
Jet Renu released four of these Jet Paks designed with watercraft athletes in mind; they include an Essential Pak, Cleaner Pak, Restoration Kit Pak, and a Moto Pak. The Essential Pak, as the name implies, is a must have if you want your watercraft to look as good as possible. It includes Purple marine wax, Pink+ shine, and a protective agent. The Cleaner Pak has everything you will need to keep your craft looking nice and clean. It includes Green cleaner, Yellow degreaser, and Purple marine wax.
The Restoration Kit Pak is what you will want if you’re trying to make your ski look like it just came off the showroom floor again. It includes C1, C2, and C3 restoration products. And last but certainly not least is the Moto Pak. It includes everything you will want to keep plastic, vinyl, and even rubber surfaces from fading and cracking, and is ideal for PWC, dirtbikes, ATVs, and many more! The kit includes Dry Wash, Protector, and Renu Shield.
And as an added bonus, Jet Renu will raffle off one of these $200 valued kits after each exhibitor day during World Finals! So make sure to be there and enter to win!
The Watercraft Journal is very excited to announce our first ever T-shirt design contest! North America’s most popular personal watercraft magazine wants to invite all of you to use your creativity to create our first T-shirt design. Not only are we asking for you, our readers, to submit a T-shirt design, buy you’ll be picking the winning design too!
That’s right! All submissions will be posted on The Watercraft Journal‘s official Facebook page where you can vote for the winner! And we’ll have the winner announce just in time for this year’s IJSBA World Finals! To the winner not only goes all the bragging rights of having their design on The Watercraft Journal‘s special edition shirt for 2016, but we’re hooking you up with a $150 worth of sweet prizes!
While you don’t have to use our official logo (but is downloadable HERE), and there’s no tagline or phrase that needs to be included as part of the design, we encourage entries to keep your designs family friendly, and don’t use any copyrighted images, logos or phrases. (If photos or original artwork is involved, please keep in mind that we will need written permission by the image owner to reproduce the design for the purposes of resale.)
All design submissions will be accepted between today, Monday, August 24th, through Sunday, September 20th. From there, all designs will be published on The Watercraft Journal‘s official Facebook page for public voting between Monday, September 21st through Sunday, October 4th. The winner will be announced Monday, October 5th, with the massive Grand Prize (more on the prize to be revealed shortly) being sent out that same day, with the winning T-shirt will immediately go on sale that day. We’re excited to see what you will create!
Email all submissions and inquires regarding the contest to [email protected]
For complete contest details and rules, please see below.
Contest Guidelines All entrants must submit designs that adhere to the following:
No copyrighted images may be used. If photos or original artwork is involved, The Watercraft Journal will need written permission by the image owner to reproduce the design for the purposes of resale.
The winning design will become the sole property of The Watercraft Journal to be used in all media in perpetuity, at The Watercraft Journal’s discretion.
Designs should be submitted at high resolution (300 DPI for a 10’’ x 10’’ space on the T-shirt front) as either an EPS or PNG file. Designs can be either CMYK or RGB.
Artwork is being accepted for the front of the T-shirt only.
Please limit all designs to (3) colors maximum. Please specify if designs are to be placed on a white or black shirt. Color options include, black, red, Kelly green, navy blue, royal blue, heathered blue, purple, gray, heather gray, heathered charcoal, forest green. Please make sure your design complements your choice of shirt color. Minor adjustments may be made to designs in order to accommodate design guidelines for printing on a dark shirt.
Direct all submissions and inquires regarding the contest e-mailed to [email protected]
The Fine Print
Each entrant consents to allowing The Watercraft Journal to publicize his or her name as part of participant recognition. Winning designs become the sole property of The Watercraft Journal, and The Watercraft Journal reserves the exclusive right to sell apparel featuring designs royalty-free. By entering submissions, entrants certify that their design does not violate copyright, trademark or other rights held by third-parties.
The 2016 model year marks three consecutive years where the Yamaha Motor Corporation has dramatically raised the bar. In 2014, Yamaha’s Super High Output (SHO) engine was heavily reworked with improved boost volumes, increased oiling capacity and superior internal components giving us the Super Vortex High Output (SVHO). Last year, 2015 introduced us to Yamaha’s innovative RiDE dual throttle system. Other technological advances included the introduction of NanoXcel2, an even lighter, yet equally durable hull and deck material effectively shaving upwards to 40-pounds from Yamaha’s top-of-the-line runabouts, and over 30-pounds from its sportier FZ series’ craft.
For 2016, the Yamaha Motor Corporation is doubling-down on its mantra of “power-to-weight ratio is key” by not only shaving more weight from its incredibly popular VX and V1 series craft, but increasing horsepower to boot. How? Gone is the old MR-1 4-cylinder, 4-stroke 1100 motor, replaced by an all-new lighter and more powerful plant.
After a decade-plus of faithful service, the 1.1-liter is being replaced with the TR-1. The dual-overhead-camshaft, four-valve-per-three-cylinder, 4-stroke is 40-percent smaller, 20-percent lighter, and 13-percent more powerful than the outgoing engine.
And what does that mean in practical numbers? Try 125-horsepower from a 1-liter (1049cc) naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder, weighing 160-pounds when fully loaded and ready to run (exhaust, wiring, air intake baffling, etc.). The TR-1 promises to be a serious feather in Yamaha’s cap, as throttle response is immediate, acceleration is harder, top speeds are increased, and fuel economy improved for all as-equipped VX models using the new engine. We’ve ridden it, and the claims are true.
Above left: The TR-1 is the rightful younger sibling of the current Super Vortex High Output (SVHO), delivering immediate throttle response that one might expect from its larger displacement bigger brother. During our testing, we were pleased to find a strong torque curve (without lulls or “flat spots”) that carried upward in a linear band. Above right: Don’t be fooled by it’s demure 1 liter package, the TR1 packs all the punch of the outgoing 4-cylinder and more. Nearly 20-percent more, to be exact. Weighing nearly 40-pounds less and producing an unofficial 125-horsepower, this new 3-cylinder power plant not only improves the overall performance of the so-equipped VX models, but rightly cements Yamaha’s place as an engine manufacturer first, and a boat builder a close second.
Now, before you standup riders start frothing at the mouth, it is important to note that until a baffling system can be devised to keep water from being ingested into the 4-stroke’s sensitive internals (ie. hydrolocking), we can’t expect to see a TR-1 equipped SuperJet. But that doesn’t mean the 2016 SJ has been forgotten. For the first time in years, the SuperJet ($8,499) has changed deck colors and comes with an option of two graphic packages.
Those models equipped with the new TR-1 receive quite a bit of added excitement, including Yamaha’s Spark-fighting V1 and V1 Sport ($7,899 and $8,699, respectively), which still rides on the brand’s previous VX platform. The new VX models – VX ($9,499), Deluxe ($10,199) and Cruiser ($10,499) – also welcome two new models to the lineup: the VX Limited and VX Cruiser HO, bumping Yamaha’s total lineup to a staggering 17 models.
Similar to the National Championship-winning VXR ($11,899) and VXS ($11,599) both fitted with the larger 1.8L High Output engine, the VX Cruiser HO ($11,099) answers the request for a “more luxurious VXR/S” with Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode, not to mention the VX Cruiser’s scalloped seating. The other addition – the VX Limited – is truly something to be excited about, as it is what we at The Watercraft Journal dubbed, “The Family Summer Starter Package.”
Not only does the new VX Limited ($10,899) come in retina-scorching fire engine red metallic with black and white highlights, equipped with Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode, and Yamaha’s RiDE system, but comes with a color-matched inflatable towable (tube) and rope, it’s own tube inflator and holder, a rope bag that attaches to the back of the Limited’s deck, a reinforced ski tow eye, dry bag, chrome 3D Yamaha emblems, and four pull-up cleats. Oh yeah, and a custom ski cover with a trickle-charging solar panel. Yeah, seriously.
But there’s one more – and frankly our personal favorite – feature that we expect (and what consumers should demand) for all future PWC: a 12-volt plug in the glove box. Not only does this allow riders to inflate the raft while on the water (with its included pump), but allows for recharging a cell phone, GPS or a live bait tank’s re-circulation pump for those PWC fishing. It’s a brilliant touch of usefulness that we can see on all watercraft regardless of brand.
Leaving the VX lineup, the National Championship-dominating FZ series WaveRunners – FZR and FZS (both $14,799) – get what Yamaha boasts “some of the best looking colors and graphics […] produced in years.” White was a surprise hit in recent years, so Yamaha slathered most of their 17 units in the blank stuff, with both FZ units wearing white decks.
Only the R-models get the eye-catching red hull treatment, while the S-models sport a choice of iridescent green hoods, graphics and fairings, or a fetching all-blue livery. And no, there is no RiDE-equipped FZS, as many had hoped or rumored to be imminent.
Stepping up to the flagship FX series, color options ranging from both mature and jubilant depend on preference. Again, while Yamaha excels at offering color options when others don’t, white is almost dominating the entire FX line, with brightly hued graphics being the highlighting feature, from the top-of-the-line FX SVHO Cruiser ($15,899) to the entry FX HO ($13,099).
The FX SVHO ($15,199) is a noteworthy standalone as color options offer either a Kawasaki-challenging green-and-black livery, or a stunning blue-and-gold package. A noted absence from Yamaha’s lineup is the SHO-equipped FX, leaving the FX Cruiser the lone SHO-powered runabout choice ($14,999).
Yamaha explained that with the SVHO and the popular HO models, the lone SHO-equipped WaveRunner exists only to meet certain production requirements so that the full-sized boats can use the SHO plant. Were it not for the boats, the engine would be eventually phased out.
It’s difficult to imagine what Yamaha could wow us with next year, as we’re getting a little too accustomed to seeing year-after-year of technological innovations, improved performance, economy and power. Yet, as new unit sales continue to climb, and more and more people are returning to the water, there’s no reason why the brand with the tuning forks in their logo should ever let off the throttle. Alas, 2016 promises to be a great year and we’re excited to see what the future holds!
Normally, we don’t tease our own content. Normally, we don’t publish on Saturday or Sunday. Normally, we don’t publish in the evening either. But all of that is going to change this Saturday. As the 2016 Yamaha WaveRunners are finally revealed to the dealers and vendors, we’ve been sitting on our hands and biting our tongue not to spill the beans. Yes, we know what Yamaha has been cooking up for a while now, and soon so will you.
There’s been lots of buzz about some pretty exciting leaked information. Much of it is true. Some of it isn’t. What we will spill is the introduction of more than one new WaveRunners. We’ll also leak that there’s a pretty big first for the SuperJet in a long, long time. What we can’t wait to reveal will have to wait until tomorrow – and the subsequent ride reviews we conducted exclusively before any other PWC magazine.
That’s right, The Watercraft Journal was cordially invited to come down to Yamaha’s favorite test lake just north of Kennesaw, Georgia, and take a pair of new 2016 WaveRunners out for a day. It was awesome, and we hope you feel the same. So, let’s recap: we’ve got a couple of firsts happening here, so we’ll just get straight to the point: The Watercraft Journal will have ALL of the information, big glossy images and technical data you’ve been waiting for from Yamaha this Saturday at 7pm (EST) – or a minute or two before just because we’re rebels like that.
Do not miss it, because we’ll be posting the complete article here and sharing the links on our Twitter account and Facebook page. If you’re wondering how Yamaha is going to take on Sea-Doo in 2016, you best buckle up, kiddos.
As I sit here anxiously stalking Facebook for the release of next season’s race dates, I have started thinking about how we spend our time in the “off seasons.” Many would be upgrading and modifying skis from lessons learned, others will be hanging out with friends and riding recreationally, whilst some will be glad to just chill out for a while.
I don’t think we truly appreciate, that for our committee members there is no off season. You see, while I’m constantly clicking on the refresh button hoping that this time the dates will magically appear in (click) front (click) of (click) me (click), our dedicated committee members are busy not just “picking a date” but submitting approvals, seeking sponsors, recruiting new volunteers, ensuring equipment is ready, attending monthly meetings, and trying to keep everyone happy by offering a diverse round of racing that keeps the veterans challenged yet encourages new comers. The list is exhausting to say the least and I haven’t even mentioned the actual race day with race directors, marshals, lap scorers and the set up crew.
We all express our appreciation to both committee members and volunteers on the day, but sometimes it’s all too easy to just show up and race. I appreciate that we can’t all help with the committee side of things and attend the regular meetings (myself included – tried and failed), I think that we can all really show our support to those who sacrifice their time and support us just by helping out on the day when needed.
With all that said, it seems that my magical button has worked, because the next race dates have been announced and QPWC will be hosting the Queensland Titles as a three-round series for 2015, being 13th September, 18th October and 15th November (pending final approval).
With our sincerest thanks to all of our dedicated QPWC members and volunteers – we will see you at Redcliffe; not only ready to race but to lend a hand where needed.
One of the best parts of one of the best events – the Moto Surf racing held at the annual Blowsion Surf Slam – is in trouble, folks. Due to the cost, stress and trouble required to not only set up a challenging course, to keep the pounding surf from carrying the buoys away, and to staff it with course marshals and safety crews, Blowsion is asking that all those interested in participating please sign up by August 28th.
Very few promoters these days continue the tradition of hosting Moto Surf racing because of the many variables needed to police (as listed above). Although some of the most exciting racing to ever be seen, and the stuff “Throwback Thursdays” are made of, there just aren’t many racers bold enough to test their mettle in the brutal waves of Pacific City, Oregon. At least, we hope we’re wrong.
So again, just to offset their costs, a minimum of 20 entries are required (be them Pro, Amateur, etc.). Blowsion always ponies up for some stellar awards and even the staff at Liquid Militia will pony up some nice cash for the winners. Are you a racer living on the Pacific Coast? Good. You need to be there. Are you a freerider already planning on attending? Pull up your big boy pants and join the fun.
Important Note: We will be cancelling Moto Surf Racing this year if we do not have 20 registered racers by August 28th so please pre-register. Entry fee is $135.00. This entry fee will not be billed at the time of registering. You will need a valid credit card to register, however we will not be processing any charges. On this September 1st, 2015 we will confirm and announce if we have met the minimum rider registration to hold full closed course Moto Surf Races.
The Moto Surf competition is open to all interested entrants. Amateur and Pro racers are welcome to register and enter the qualifying and competition. Show us your stuff! Please use this link to enter and pay for your registration for competing in the IJSBA Moto Surf Racing Invitational. There are three classes available (Pro Ski, Amateur Ski and Pro Am Runabout). Pre-registration must be received before 5pm August 28th to be eligible. Their is onsite registration available for an additional fee,
If Surf Slam Moto Surf racing is confirmed at that time (see above note), your registration fee will be processed and you will receive an email with a PDF copy that you must print and retain. This is your proof of entry certificate for the competition so please bring with you to the event.
To race at the Blowsion Surf Slam Moto Surf Invitational you must be an IJSBA member (IJSBA Membership Link). The fee for this is $45.00 (available to purchase below during checkout). You must present your IJSBA membership card at the event before being allowed to compete. This membership card is good for one year and will allow you event access at any IJSBA sanctioned competitions.
For those riders and racers wanting to test the water and see what Moto Surf riding and racing is all about before jumping in to a full race moto we will again be offering monitored practice and training sessions on the left and right turn buoy race course. For more information and registration details please visit HERE.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about registering for the competition. And don’t forget to enter your shirt size below so we can arrange delivery of your event competitor shirt at no charge. Thank you!
If statistics are something to be trust (the politicians would sure like to hope so), chances are that you’ve got a runabout that’s about 5-to-10 years old sitting either on a trailer beside your house or on a cart in your garage. And if you ride half as often as you’d like to, your decade-old PWC might be looking a little weathered. Factory foam traction mats have a way of bleaching in the sun, rub rails tend to get rubbed a little too often, and your seat might not be looking as showroom fresh as you’d like.
But just because she’s looking a little rough doesn’t mean it’s not as enjoyable to ride as the day you brought her home. That’s why the Watercraft Superstore and BlackTip Jetsports have produced this incredibly-easy-to-follow do-it-yourself (DIY) video showing how to install a set of BlackTip Jetsports Elite Traction Mats on your ski with WCSS’ own PWC tech pro, Jose. Following this set of step-by-step series of instructions, anyone can quickly replace their faded, cracked and even flaking apart traction mats with WCSS’ die-cut two-tone mats in a matter of hours.
Additionally, as Jose demonstrates, the new Elite mats look great when paired with a color-matched set of BlackTip decals and custom seat cover. In the space of a Saturday morning, you can – like the Watercraft Superstore has here – radically dial back the clock on a 10-year-old runabout. For more information and a selection of packages for your application, make sure to check out the Watercraft Superstore today.
