Videos: Keep Your Yamaha Cooler And Making More Power With RIVA Cooling Kits

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April 29, 2015

Anybody who knows anything about performance will attest that it’s all about power-to-weight ratios. While the Kawasaki Ultra 310X is cranking out some serious ponies, it’s heft brings the big JetSki’s horsepower-per-pound to 0.29 HP per pound. Meanwhile, although the sleek Yamaha SVHO only spits out a little less than 260 horsepower, the use of its NanoXcel2 lightweight hull and deck material radically increases its ratio to 0.33 HP per pound.

While that difference of 4 horsepower might sound miniscule, were the Kawi and Yamaha to weigh the same – say a nice round number like 1,000 pounds, that’d be a difference of 40 horsepower in the SVHO’s favor. So what would happen if the SVHO spat out a whole heck of a lot more grunt? Well, you’d have a rocket on your hands, wouldn’t you? And conventional wisdom has shown that there’s a lot of untapped potential within the big 1,812cc supercharged 4-cylinder.

Central to making power – and keeping the engine together – is managing internal engine temperatures. That’s where RIVA Racing comes to the rescue once again. Whether its dropping the engine coolant temperature or cooling and condensing the intake charge’s temp, RIVA’s one-two punch of cooling upgrades is a sure-fire way to increase performance and longevity on your high performance WaveRunner.

Below we’ve included two videos from RIVA’s studios as well as their own words describing these two great products:

RIVA Racing Yamaha SVHO Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit
Our Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit delivers dramatically improved cooling efficiency to engine and oil cooler for increased performance and reliability. Greatly enhances water flow & pressure by replacing restrictive OEM pump strainer & water fittings with high-flow billet components and superior routing. Features special billet fitting that injects water into “hot spot” of your engine block where OEM zinc anode is located. Allows addition of aftermarket ECU’s, high-boost compressor wheels and other performance modifications that can increase heat & detonation. Includes all necessary waterlines, hardware, fittings and detailed installation instructions.

RIVA Racing Yamaha FX/FZ SHO GEN-2 Power Cooler Kit
The RIVA ‘GEN-2’ Power Cooler intercooler system features a new high-capacity cooler element that is rated for up to 500hp! Huge cooler core resists heat soak under the most demanding high boost/high temperature applications. Delivers an increase of 20 peak horsepower over OEM intercooler providing arm-wrenching results on the water. Quality manufacturing of cooler core delivers minimal pressure drops and excellent thermal efficiency. The cooling element is dramatically more efficient than the stock unit with exit temperatures averaging 60°F cooler than stock. This delivers cooler, denser air for increased performance throughout the RPM range. Innovative design allows easy disassembly of cooler element & ducting for maintenance and cleaning. Features integrated blow-off valve mount that will accept RIVA/HKS Blow-Off Valve kit (sold separately) for improved supercharger reliability and performance. Power Cooler installs securely with shock absorbing rubber mounting system and stainless steel hardware. Kit contains all necessary hardware and detailed installation instructions.

Video: UIM Recaps The 2015 Karujet World Championship

By

Kevin Shaw

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April 29, 2015

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A field of 48 riders – both professional and amateur – flocked to the 18th annual, world famous Karujet in Guadeloupe. The event, described by those competitors who’ve raced it as the toughest in offshore race in the sport, has a penchant for breaking things, both man and machine. Started in 1998 as a challenge between two friends racing around the Caribbean island nation has evolved into one of the most iconic and legendary events in all of jet ski racing, and as stated by Aquabike, was “in 2006 recognized by the UIM affording it World Championship status.”

For 2015, four of the seven previous World Champions to have claimed the title since 2006, Ugo Fidelin, two-time winner Davy Vaitilingdon, Teddy Pons and Marc Forbin were amid the throng who faced seven grueling stages of racing held over four days, each of which “setting out each day from the event base on the beach at Viard.”

At the end of the four-day crucible, it was Jean-Baptise Botti whose overall score that earned the Frenchman the coveted title of World Champion. “After winning stage 5 and seeing that Alex had a problem I just took it easy the whole way,” Botti told the UIM in an interview, “I knew I just needed to finish the final stage with a decent time, so I didn’t risk any trouble out there. Happy, very happy.”

Below is the incredibly thorough, complete recap from the near-week-long event produced by UIM Aquabike. Their videos are always top notch, so take a half an hour and soak in what possibly is the toughest offshore race on the planet.

Video: Rickter RRP Riders Begin World Tour in Australia

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Kevin Shaw

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April 28, 2015

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As we announced last month, Rick Roy and his Rickter RRP team will be documenting their “World Tour,” showcasing some of the world’s best freeriders from across the globe, namely Mark Gomez, Pierre Maixent, Brandon Lawlor, Taylor Curtis, Brodie Copp and Abraham Hochstrasser, who are embarking on a world tour of sorts, competing in the IFWA Freeride World Tour; from Australia, Portugal, France, England and USA.

These phenomenal freeriders – employing a full compliment of Rickter RRP equipment – will be acting as “ambassadors for the sport of freeride,” to promote the “sport’s true hard core freeriding and wave competitions.” As The Watercraft Journal famously reported in our AJSP OZ Surf Slam coverage from late March of this year, the Rick Roy team swept the floor with the competition nearly dominating every heat.

In the first of many videos from their IFWA Tour, Rickter has provided a great recap of the the Rickter RRP team while visiting Australia and taking part of the IFWA world tour organized by SCJSC. As Rick Roy stated, “Congratulations to all our riders who performed extremely well taking from first to fourth place! Thanks to all the people involved in the tour and this event, a huge thanks to Craig from Ajsp for helping make this possible for the team!”

Gallery: AquaX USA Round 1 Daytona Beach, FL

By

Kurt NgSaye

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April 28, 2015

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The 2015 P1 AquaX season got their third season underway on April 25th in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a record number of riders of 90 compared to seven riders in its inaugural season, this one was a season opener to go down in history. Riders came from as far as Great Britain, Canada, Indonesia, and Peru to do battle with the riders from the USA.

This year also included the addition of the Sport class to go along with the Ski class, which was introduced last year. The classes and format stayed the same as the previous two years for the runabouts; the 300, 250, and 200 classes running 30 minutes plus one lap to determine the winner and climb up the leader board to determine this year’s AquaX champs.

Saturday, the beach in front of the Plaza Resort and Spa was abuzz with movement of skis and the sounds of racing in the air. P1 AquaX is known for it’s racing in the surf and Daytona this day and Mother Nature didn’t disappoint. There was plenty of waves just the way many riders like it and it would prove to be a challenge, as Daytona is known to be a brutal venue for racing.

The races officially started with the 300 class. Last year’s 300 and world champion Eric Francis had a target on his back by many of the other racers looking to take his crown. With a rough and bumpy start, the race was on. Team Yamaha had the Aswar brothers Aero and Aqsa along with teammate Troy Snyder were looking to get the win for their team.

There was a lot of spills making a lot of the riders go for a swim, while several others suffered injuries, including plenty of twists and sprangs, one broken kneecap and even a hard knock on the head for Mike Klippenstien and Claude Clayton breaking his ankle.

Next came the 250 and 200 class racing together. Last year’s champion Eric Lagopoulos was looking to continue his winning ways as he had won his class in both the previous years at Daytona. He too also had a target on his back. David Gorie looked to dethrone the King of Daytona.

The Ski class, which was introduced last season, was going to be a battle by Johnny Smith, Broc Harris, Kirk Britto and Jeremy Schandelmayer who have all raced each other many times in closed course racing. They too felt right at home in the Daytona surf.

The Sport Spec class, which was introduced for the first time this year brought closed course racers Glen Jung, Ray Quintana, and Ken Waddle amongst others to see how they would fair racing Aqua X style. Due to time restraints and the broadcasting schedule for Fox Sports on Sunday, the organizers decided to run only the 300 class one more time before calling it a first day.

Sunday, the second and final day of racing had the racers returning to the beach after trying to recuperate their bodies from the pounding they took the day before. Their spirits were high and they were ready to get the show going. The day started off where it left off the day before with the ski class racing first and then was followed by the Sport Spec class. Glen Jung cruised and he made it look like there was no difference between closed course racing and AquaX, proving him as one of the best racers around.

The 300 class was ready to race in front of all the spectators on hand as well as many viewers who were on hand, thanks to Fox Sports. It was the first time that AquaX was being broadcast live to millions of viewers. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not going to cooperate as the race had to be postponed due to incoming lightning. Finally after the severe weather passed we were given the all clear and racing resumed with an unbelievably fast Asqa Aswar lapping even 4th place Craig Warner for the win, closing out the 300 class for the weekend.

The 250 and 200 classes were up next. David Gorie was awarded the win as Brian Baldwin was disqualified after taking the checkered flag in the 250 class, thereby dethroning the reigning King of Daytona, Eric Lagopoulos. Travis Zielasko took first in the 200 class. Glen Jung dominated the Sport Spec class and showed that the class fits right into the P1 AquaX series of racing. Finally Johnny Smith closed out the weekend winning the Ski class.

The event was closed out with the award podiums where the winners of first second and third received their trophies. All the racers and spectators couldn’t have had a better race weekend. P1 AquaX once again proved that it is one of the premier racing events in the world.

For all of the results from this past weekend’s AquaX Series in Daytona Beach, click the hyperlinks for the 300 class, 250 class and 200 classes. The Ski class and Sport Spec class are also available by clicking the respective hyperlinks.

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Video: Body Glove Celebrates 28 Years With Rob Flores

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Kevin Shaw

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April 27, 2015

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Some successes come overnight. Others come after decades of dedication, hard work and perseverance. Ever present among the names of Harry Goatcher, Victor Sheldon, Nicolas Rius and Chris MacClugage has been Rob Flores. For the past 28 years, Flores has been in the fight, leg-dragging his way into jet ski history.

The Las Vegas, Nevada native jumped into the fray in 1988 aboard a Kawasaki JS440 before moving into Expert class and eventually Pro. Since those early days, Flores has represented many companies throughout his career, but two have remained more constant than others: Yamaha and Body Glove.

Rumors were flying by early December that Flores had been hand-picked by Yamaha’s own Scott Watkins to assist in the development of an all-new SuperJet hull. Because of the legality of introducing a new SuperJet hull, this would imply the impending release of a 4-stroke powered standup from Yamaha. This, of course is contrary to everything we’ve been told from Yamaha.

Addressing the new SuperJet rumors, The Watercraft Journal talked up Flores who diplomatically sidestepped the question: “I can’t speak for Yamaha. I’m […] developing hulls for my race program and to sell. Now if Yamaha ends up using what I come up with, that [remains] to be seen, but I am not contracted to do hulls strictly for them.”

The new redesigned SuperJet features a broader tray, elongated pump inlet duct and significantly improved strakes to the original hull design. Intended for competition in the 2015 Pro Watercross Tour, Flores debuted his new Raceski.com Yamaha SuperJet in an exclusive video for his longtime riding gear partner, Body Glove International. Joined with Judge Motorsports, MotoTec and Optima Racing, Flores is proud of his long career and looking forward to the 2015 season.

Case of The Mondays: Ultimate Redneck Outboard-on-a-PWC

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Kevin Shaw

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April 27, 2015

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We gotta admit. This one had us fooled for a good ten seconds. AS you can see, this hilarious Craigslist ad is a joke, at least we sure hope to heaven it is (we’re pretty sure it is). Beginning with this erroneously naming of the watercraft in question as an ’84 X2 and the assurance that “the hoes will flock,” this laughable post is best if left for you to enjoy.

Oh, and lest us not forget the fantastic “made in America” hand-made trolling motor that comes included in the purchase (as shown). Below we’ve decided to leave side-splitting spelling, punctuation and syntax “as is,” so don’t come after us for its questionable legibility. Although we did edit some rather unsavory language that you can read on the original listing HERE. Rather, just enjoy the comedy on this Monday morning:

“1984 Kawasaki X2 with a 18 horse outboard johnson. Sumbeech will fly. Nicknamed the honey hauler for a good reason. Float up to the beach on this bad boy and the hoes will flock. Happens to me every year. Every summer it’s the same old thing, give me a ride they say.. “I’ll take my bikini top off” they say, but it doesn’t end there. Will this 1984 saki powered by a 18hp two stroke johnson you’ll feel like breaking bad mixing the oil and gasoline. Plus that extra seat and power means you can load this baby up with all the biggest beach whales without lag… (Trust me, I know.)

“This wave slammer hauls!! If the girl doesn’t take her top off, that’s okay ’cause the wind will blow it off for sure. 40 year old virgin? Girlfriend of wife cut you off at home? No problem. This is the ship for you, mate. Built in 1984 the engineers had [REDACTED] magnet clearly spec’d on the buildsheet. This ain’t no fishin’ boat but it’s been hauling [REDACTED] for years. This is a bachelors dream right here and you wont find a better price for this mini-yacht – one easy (reduced) payment of $350. I hate to see her go but it’s time to let some other guy take this gem down to [REDACTED] town.

“[REDACTED]”

“2014 ‘drill-kota’ included – hand crafted by yours truly. (Made in America)”

Video: Get Educated On How a Turbonetics Turbocharger is Made

By

Kevin Shaw

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April 24, 2015

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Parasitic loss. That’s a term most gearheads know all too well. In relationship to engines and powersports, parasitic loss is when power is pulled or drained from the engine with little or zero beneficial gains. In an automotive application, these “parasites” can take the form anything driven off of the accessory belts such as an alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, or even a supercharger.

Now, now hold on. We know what you’re going to say, “A supercharger adds power, how can it be a parasite?” And you’d be right…to a degree. Superchargers are driven from the crank, either via a belt/pulley system or geardrive, and that pull can pull on an engine’s ability to produce precious horsepower. This reason is why so many personal watercraft tuners and top-end racers prefer the use of an aftermarket turbo system.

Rather than drawing its power from the front crankdrive, the turbo is spooled by exiting exhaust flow, the turbine therein spins a driveshaft that spins a second turbine producing positive boost pressure that is ultimately, plumbed into the throttle body. The process of developing and manufacturing a turbo is actually a very interesting one. So much so, that we thought we’d drop a little knowledge on ya this Friday and offer up this interesting segment from “How It’s Made” giving us a little behind-the-scenes look at how Turbonetics produces their high performance turbochargers. Enjoy!

Real Review: Airhead Dry Pak Camera Case

By

Kevin Shaw

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April 23, 2015

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Yes, this would mark the second “Real Review” specifically focused on cell phone/electronics waterproofing, but for good reason. In talking with many of our tens of thousands of monthly readers, we find that almost all runabout riders regularly bring their cell phones/smartphones along with them while venturing out on rides (in addition to car keys, ID and their wallet and/or method of payment). Considering how today’s smartphones best digital cameras of only a decade or so ago, it’s a fair assessment that many are using their phones for much more than just making a call or two.

That is why we at [i]The Watercraft Journal[/i] felt it important to get our hands on one of Airhead’s Dry Pak Camera Cases. Although Dry Pak does offer a waterproof case specifically for smartphones, we opted for the larger (6-inches wide x 5 inches long x 2 inches deep) case as so many would like to keep their electronic key fob and wallet dry as well. Many will recognize Airhead as a major manufacturer of inflatable rafts, towables and other waterborne toys, but the brand has a very extensive boating and powersports catalog that is well worth researching.

In fact, Dry Pak offers a wide selection of waterproof cases, be them for cell phones, tablet and mp3 cases, dry bags, duffel bags and a whole lot more, all to ensure that your gear won’t get soaked. While ideal for personal watercraft use, the Dry Pak is also optimal for days at the beach, pool, boating, or even at the water park with the kids. All Dry Paks come with either an adjustable camera strap or wrist lanyard (for smaller cases), and features a beefy sealing clip in bright yellow for high visibility. With the larger bag, we crammed in our iPhone5S, keys and wallet with no hassle as the Dry Pak can handle a maximum 11-inch circumference.

The clear TPU bag is thick, tactile and durable, and best of all, allows for full navigation through the rubbery dermis. We could open and close apps and even check email through the bag’s skin, and surprisingly enough, even clearly listen to music and make a phone call while sealed inside. Dry Pak’s dedicated smartphone cases feature a padded and lined blue TPU backing to keep the phone from slipping while under operation, but we never encountered any troubles using the larger Camera Case without it.

Prior to using the Dry Pak, we always kept our phone, keys and valuables in a secured miniature Pelican Case. While equally watertight, the case features a thick padding that keeps the phone from strong impact or even minor jostling. In a padded glove box, the Dry Pak is an effective resource, but it is worth noting that if left in a large, open front storage bin, the Dry Pak doesn’t offer much in the way of impact protection.

Yet, aside from this single circumstantial critique, we were exceptionally pleased with the Dry Pak, its very affordable ($19.99) price and recommend it for those looking for added security while bringing your smartphone or camera along for the ride!

Sign Up To Become a Jobe Béta Trooper!

By

Kevin Shaw

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April 23, 2015

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There’s two things that people just love: first, free stuff; and second, getting stuff before anybody else. Well, now is your chance to score some seriously cool Jobe Sports International gear for literally nothing and well before anybody else. How? Jobe is giving consumers a chance to have a voice in the production process of our new and top-secret products by becoming one of The Jobe Béta Troopers!

Jobe is inviting its customers to sign up and become a Jobe Béta Trooper. “As a trooper, you will be invited to test the latest and greatest top-secret products we are developing on the water,” explained Robin Mazurel, Creative Marketeer for Jobe. “By giving us feedback during these testing days the consumer has the chance to influence what our final products will look like!”

Below is Jobe’s original release:

Sign up and become a Jobe Béta Trooper!

Do you want to be the first to try out Béta versions of Jobe products? Sign up and become a Jobe Béta Trooper!

Béta Troopers is a test panel consisting of water sports consumers all over the world. The people that sign up for Béta Troopers can be used to test all kinds of prototype products. This means you’re the first one that may test the Jobe products! How cool is that?!

The troopers that participate give feedback about these products to Jobe. This way Jobe can improve the quality of their products and show the world that the products are approved and tested by you!

Don’t waste your time anymore and sign up to become a Jobe Béta Trooper!
http://www.jobesports.com/beta-troopers

Video: Are You Ready For Daytona Beach’s Round 1 of AquaX?

By

Kevin Shaw

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April 22, 2015

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This weekend kicks off the single-most anticipated races of 2015: the P1 USA AquaX series. Yup, we mean it. There has been more word-of-mouth, more gossip and major manufacturer interested focused on what some would erroneously dismiss as a regional series, the AquaX than all of the chitchat swirling around about the Pro Watercross and semi-national IJSBA National Tour combined.

Why? Because AquaX is on the move. Two years ago, the single-digit attendance numbers of the American AquaX series left many questioning whether the Yankees were ready for this transplanted program, but in the past couple of years, participation and sponsor interest has swelled faster than any other competitive outlet in personal watercraft racing – and rightly so.

Take this weekend’s kickoff round in Daytona Beach, Florida for example. According to AquaX, “This Sunday (April 26) viewers of Fox Sports regional networks can enjoy live coverage of the opening round of the P1 USA AquaX race series in Daytona.” Live television coverage? The last time PWC racing had exposure of this magnitude was during the heyday Bud Tour years, right?

Likewise, those international enthusiasts can tune into the live coverage live coverage on Fox Sports International channels or catch a live stream on the P1 AquaX YouTube channel. And let us not forget the venues. AquaX prides itself on securing venues that racers want to flock to. Daytona Beach is a prime example, as the city regularly welcomes millions of tourists a year for the several events the Volusia County beach town hosts – not to mention its legendary shores.

Ever since the early days of old Daytona Beach Road Course, Daytona has hosted races for over 50 years, and this April 26th and 27th, AquaX will be returning to the same beach where the American series started just two years prior. Between motos, there will be plenty to see and do with stunts and a freestyle displays all hosted near the Plaza Beach Resort.

https://youtu.be/jwX0GWjzjYM