Whether you’re looking to embark on a long haul cruise for the day (or several days), or a day’s worth of peaceful fishing on your local lake, our friends at Kool PWC Stuff offer a wide variety of non-invasive, easy-to-install storage racks. Designed and fabricated by a father-and-son team from Fort Myers, Florida, all of Kool PWC Stuff’s storage racks are engineered to fit virtually any personal watercraft runabout available today (besides Sea-Doo’s suspension-equipped 2009-up units).
Requiring about a minute or so to install and zero drilling or cutting, the Kool PWC Stuff rack is just another portion of the company’s assortment of PWC accessories and tools, including rod holders, gas can holders, lightweight saddle bag-style Rotopax 3, 2, and 1.75-gallon jerry cans, and much more. But it’s their formed and powdercoated racks that are really the big deal, as the image above shows: be it extra fuel, a cooler full of drinks and snacks, or gearing up for a day of fishing, they have you covered.
All of Kool PWC Stuff’s racks feature individually adjusted legs provide a flat, secure surface for their rack to rest. Also, new to their menu of goods is a Flyboard rack. As the popularity of Flyboards has increased, Kool PWC Stuff responded to those using full-sized personal watercraft as the powersource for a Flyboard.
Oh, and in case you were doubtful whether these racks can stay secure (and not move) after aggressive riding, we suggest you take a look at this video:
All of us at The Watercraft Journal are very excited to have a moment with 2014 multiple National Champion and IJSBA World Champion Bibi Carmouche, possibly one of the fastest young women on the water today. We also bring in one of her sponsors, IPD Graphics into the conversation to help shine some light on what’s expected from team riders and being a professional, both on and off the water.
The Watercraft Journal: Thanks for meeting with us, Bibi! To start, can you tell us how you first get into jet skiing and then into racing?
Bibi Carmouche: I got introduced to standup jet skis by some friends of mine in high school and ended up getting my own 750 in 2011. With Folsom Lake being only a couple minutes from my parents’ house, I knew quite a few people with skis and got to ride a ton. One weekend I heard there was a race out at Camp Far West Lake so I decided to stop by and check it out. Immediately, I fell in love and found myself an SX-R about two weeks later. With only a couple weekends of buoy practice under my belt I raced in my first race ever, which happen to be part of the IJSBA National Tour. I walked away with a second and third place finish that weekend and have been hooked ever since!
WCJ: You had a pretty whirlwind year of racing. How did 2014 go for you, Ms. National Champion?
BC: Yes, thank you! Last year was extremely fun because I was racing almost every weekend of the summer! I was lucky enough to be able to do the entire National Tour and a ton of the local and West Coast races; I was extremely busy but it was well worth it. I always try to race as many classes as I can so that I get a ton of track time and experience before World Finals.
This last year we decided to build a triple so that I could start racing a faster ski in the hopes that it would make my Limited [class] ski feel like nothing. There is still some work to be done on making my triple just right for me but so far it has helped a ton with my overall strength on my Limited. I was able to win a National Title in both Women’s Ski Limited and Amateur Ski Limited, with a second place in Amateur Ski Open. I also won three overall tour points championships in each of those classes. I didn’t really get the results that I was hoping for at this year’s World Finals but I had a ton of fun and finished with a 7th place overall in both the Pro-Am Women’s Limited class and the Classic Two-Stroke Limited class.
WCJ: Of course, just being able to compete at the World Finals is pretty awesome, but that wasn’t your first time. Can you tell us about your experience racing at your first IJSBA World Finals?
BC: I raced my first World Finals in 2012 after only racing a jet ski for two months before that. Going into it I really didn’t expect much because I had so little experience and was racing a stock SX-R in the Novice Women’s Limited class. I remember being extremely nervous when I saw how many fast girls were there from all over the world, but I tried to just focus on what little I did know and ride my race. I ended up taking a 5th and a 4th place finish in my motos, but a rookie mistake lead me to miss a buoy after getting caught up with a lapped rider and docked me a lap in my second moto. Overall, I finished with a 7th place and was pretty happy with it despite the big mistake I had made. After the racing was done, I was so ready to come back and redeem myself, which is what drove me to win the World Title the next year.
WCJ: We also chatted up Casey Mauldin of IPD Graphics, who is one of your sponsors. How did Bibi come to be a sponsored IPD Graphics racer?
Casey Mauldin: She came to us, but we are stoked that she did!
WCJ: Casey, how is Bibi at representing your brand – particularly as a sponsor?
CM: Bibi is very good at making frequent posts and tagging us. Instead of just recycling other peoples pics like most other riders do, she’s very good at stopping to take a minute to snap a pic at an event or award ceremony and tagging us.
WCJ: Casey, how does Bibi’s social media efforts compare to others out there?
CM: Honestly, the bar is set so low in this industry, that as long as she posts the results on her social media with a picture at the event so we [at IPD Graphics] can re-post, then we are happy, because it’s hard to get other riders to do this.
WCJ: Between racing seasons, you seem to be pretty active. What kind of training do you do when you’re not on the water?
BC: During the off-season I’m always trying new and exciting sports, it keeps me busy and in shape without having to go to the gym everyday. In the winter you will definitely find me snow skiing as often as possible, it is one of my biggest passions aside from jet skiing. This year I haven’t had a chance to do any of the small rail jams or competitions, but I’m hoping to get a chance do more of those soon. I recently got a new dirt bike, which I have fallen in love with! I’m still a little slow on the track but I’m getting there! Year ’round I am able to ride my mountain bike for training as well, and love to do Cross Fit workouts whenever I can squeeze it into my schedule.
WCJ: What are your plans for 2015? What races do you plan on attending?
BC: I’ll start the 2015 season with the Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 in February, where I will be teaming up with Kody Copenhaver in the Ski class. My plan for the rest of the season is to race the RPM West Coast tour, some of the Pro Watercross National Tour, the Northern California DJSA racing series, and the IJSBA World Finals. As far as classes go, I will definitely be doing the Pro-am Women’s Limited class, the Amateur Limited class and more than likely will be racing Amateur Ski Open.
WCJ: Casey, can you tell us how Bibi is staking up against the rest of your sponsored racers?
CM: Based on our ranking parameters, Bibi is currently ranked as the second best sponsored athlete relationship that we have ever had, and we’ve had a lot of contracted athletes and teams.
WCJ: What longterm goals do you have for your jet ski racing career? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
BC: My long-term goals would be to win a World Title in Pro-Am Women’s Limited and try to compete in the Pro Open Ski class with the men like Tera Laho. I also would love to get more girls interested in jet skiing and all the other extreme sports. In the next 5 years, I hope to be graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and be working towards becoming a Flight Nurse.
WCJ: Outstanding! OK, here’s your chance to make some gratuitous shout-outs; who would you like to thank for helping you get this far?
BC: I’d like to thank my dad for helping me out more then I could ever ask for and always being there for me to hold and cheer me on at every race. I’d also like to thank the rest of my family and all of these great sponsors, without their support I couldn’t continue to do what I love; Liquid Militia, Ultimate Watercraft Performance, Lucas Oil, Hot Products, IPD Graphics, Jet Pilot, Jettrim, Ryno Power, Skat-Track, TBM, Roseville Kawasaki, DASA and Bullett.
When you ask people, most will prefer the smaller “mom-and-pop” store, restaurant or shop over the big, obtuse and detached feel of a corporate chain. But, that’s not to say that they don’t enjoy the access and convenience offer by the big multimillion dollar chains. It’s a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situation. That’s why WMF Watercraft has managed so much success. The Millsboro, Delaware dealership balances the tightrope of providing its clients with both a small, intimate shopping and service experience, while simultaneously being fast and convenient, with the pricing and repairs worthy of a big, corporate dealer.
The commitment to walking this thin line goes a lot deeper. Whether you’re in the market for a pre-owned personal watercraft that has undergone a scrutinizing certification with a fine-tooth comb, a brand-new, uncrated modern 4-stroke runabout for some long summer days on the water, or a lake-boiling, top speed performer that has been custom-tuned with a hot rod supercharger, easily making you the fastest ski on the water, the skilled technicians and mindful salesmen at WMF make that happen. Their sales and service departments offer an endless array of options, be it for your beer budget or champagne dreams.
In fact, The Watercraft Journal has shown you several examples of WMF’s service department’s custom handiwork that customers have asked for, that is, in addition to them moving quality pre-owned jet skis in need of a new home. If you call the Eastern Seaboard home, and you’re looking for a dealer to call your own, WMF Watercraft is waiting for you.
Last week, the sixth annual Racetech Yamaha Jet Ski Fishing Classic took place once again in the sleepy town of Ponta do Ouro, Southern Mozambique, just north of the South African border. Attracting 132 anglers last year, and dozens more this year, it is “the biggest event of its kind in the world,” according to a report by East Coast Radio.
As per the article, “last year’s winner, Pieter Steenkamp, as well as inaugural champ and consistent top finisher, Clive Murphy, [were] notably absent this year due to work and other commitments. However, the field [was] still extremely strong with many other top jet ski anglers attending.”
The sport of jet ski fishing (ie. “jetangling”) has reached new heights outside of the United States, with dedicated websites, forums, YouTube channels, semi-annual contests (such as the Racetech Yamaha Jet Ski Fishing Classic), and even its own TV show in New Zealand. Applying the ease of use and mobility of a personal watercraft in competitive sport fishing has given the purchase of a PWC a whole new angle.
For last week’s Classic, the event was a catch, photo and release event, meaning that the impact on the fish species was very minimal. The points were evaluated by identifying the species and a weight multiplier system. Final results will be posted soon enough at both the Racetech Yamaha and Go Fish Facebook pages. Until then, enjoy this cool video from last year’s event below:
On the 7th February 2015 over 30 of South Africa’s finest riders descended on the small town of Oranjeville in the Free State, to battle it out for Round 1 of the SAJSBA Nationals. With a fantastic line-up of 10 classes and three grueling motos, the racing was expected to be thrilling.
The day started off with all the riders practicing on the challenging race track designed by 2013 Pro Runabout Open World Champion Jared Moore. The racing began with the Novice Ski Limited Class which featured some promising novice riders. Moto 1 had a surprising start with a newcomer, Estiaan Steenkamp, taking the holeshot on his #48 Yamaha SuperJet. Steenkamp has been racing in the South African off-road Motorcross Nationals for the past 13 years and has since decided to try watercraft racing.
Marcel De Ponte slotted in to second position on his #777 Kawasaki SX-R with our youngest Novice rider Dwane Hayes, who is 16 years old, hot on his heels on his #259 Kawasaki SX-R. On Lap 2, Hayes managed to move up in to second position, and on Lap 4 he took first position away from Steenkamp. Hayes held on to first all the way to the checkered flag, with Steenkamp and De Ponte taking second and third respectively.
In Moto 2 of the Novice Ski Limited class, Dwane Hayes took the holeshot but couldn’t hold off Estiaan Steenkamp as he took the lead on Lap 2. Hayes did not give up and managed to take the lead back on Lap 4 causing the Moto 2 results to mimic Moto 1. It was late in the afternoon when Moto 3 of the Novice Ski Limited class was ready to line up, a storm was rolling in and the wind had picked up causing rough water conditions.
Steenkamp took the holeshot and led the race from start to finish, Hayes crossed the finish line in a close second, and rounding out the Top 3 was Jake Fenenga. The Novice Ski Limited podium finishers were Marcel De Ponte in third, Estiaan Steenkamp in second and Dwane Hayes took the win.
Next up was the Veterans Runabout class with some exhilarating racing. The podium was as follows: first Peter Britz on his #153 Sea-Doo Centre Sea-Doo RXP-X, second was Christo Malan on his #5 Sea-Doo RXP-X and in third place was Johann Bukes on his #72 Sea-Doo RXT-X.
The Novice Runabout Stock class has put some promising riders in the spotlight including Darius Bukes who is the younger brother of 2013 Women’s Runabout World Champion, Shante Bukes. After three challenging motos, the podium was rounded out by Yamaha rider Welcome Radebe in third, Darius Bukes took second place and Dylan Moolman in first position.
This is the first year that SAJSBA has re-introduced the Pro-Am Sport Lites and Pro-Am Sport Open classes and they were extremely successful with 9 riders on the line. Tyron Sterne managed to take first position in the Pro-Am Sport Lites class, with Wade Peterson in second and Nick Behr in third. Sean Valsecchi took first overall in the Pro-Am Sport Open class, and Peter Britz took second.
The Pro Runabout Stock and Open classes were the most eventful of the day, with Yamaha-sponsored riders Jared Moore and Shante Bukes racing their 2015 Yamaha FZRs for the first time. In Moto 1, Jared Moore got the holeshot on his #8 Yamaha FZR; close on his heels was Shante Bukes on her #72 Yamaha FZR. Moore managed to maintain a decent lead on Bukes and took the win in Moto 1, Bukes in second and Kobus Malan took third on his #5 Sea-Doo RXP-X.
Moto 2 had the same result as Moto 1 with Moore getting the holeshot and taking the checkered flag. Shante Bukes was involved in a collision in Moto 2 with Kobus Malan, but she managed to finish the moto albeit with an injured knee and ankle. She was unable to compete in Moto 3 of the Pro Runabout Stock and Open classes.
In Moto 3, Moore got the holeshot once again and led from start to finish, Kobus Malan took second and Peter Britz rounded up the Top 3. Moore took the overall win for the day in the Pro Runabout Stock class, with Kobus Malan in second and Peter Britz taking the third position.
The Pro Runabout Open Moto 1 saw Elardus Larney take the holeshot on his #7 Sea-Doo RXP-X, with Shante Bukes in a close second on her #72 Yamaha FZR, and Cecil Larney in third on his #13 Sea-Doo RXP-X. Moto 2 saw Elardus Larney take the holeshot and win again, with Cecil Larney in second and Jared Moore in third.
Moore managed to get an impressive start in Moto 3 and lead the race from start to finish, Elardus Larney came in close behind and Cecil Larney rounded out the Top 3 in third position. Final results in the Pro Runabout Open class were Cecil Larney in third, Jared Moore in second, and Elardus Larney in first.
The Pro Ski Lites class was introduced to the SAJSBA Nationals three years ago. Basically, it is a stock class with some minor modifications allowed to improve the handling; these include ride plate, scoop grate, sponsons, aftermarket pole and handlebars. Certain engine compartment modifications which are permitted are an aftermarket head, aftermarket exhaust and aftermarket flame arrestors. This class has proven to be popular with nine riders on the line at the first National of 2015.
Moto 1 of the Pro Ski Lites class got off to an interesting start with former runabout World Champion Nick Thompson taking the holeshot on his #0 Kawasaki SXR. Thompson lead the race until the second last lap when Sean Valsecchi managed to get past and take the checkered flag on his Kawasaki SX-R. Tyron Motzouris came in second on his #2 Yamaha SuperJet, and John De Ponte in third on his #201 Yamaha SuperJet.
Moto 2 of the Pro Ski Lites class went a little differently with Tyron Motzouris taking the holeshot and leading the race all the way to the checkered flag. Nick Thompson was involved in a collision with fellow rider Sean Valsecchi but he managed to hang on to finish Moto 2 in forth place but could not go on to race in Moto 3. Devin Beatie took second position and John De Ponte in a close third.
Once again, Tyron Motzouris took the holeshot in Moto 3 and went on to win; Devin Beatie took second again and John De Ponte took third. Tyron Motzouris took first overall in the Pro Ski Lites class, Devin Beatie took second and John De Ponte took third.
The Pro Ski Open was also full of exciting competition. In Moto 1, Sean Valsecchi took the lead from Nick Thompson on the second last lap to take the win, John De Ponte took second from Nick Thompson on the last lap, and Nick took the checkered flag in third position. John De Ponte managed to win both Moto 2 and 3 to claim first overall in the Pro Ski Open class, Sean Valsecchi got 2nd overall and Nick Thompson got third.
A fairly recent addition to the SAJSBA Nationals is the Booster Cup. The Booster Cup is a series in South Africa which has been running for 3 years. A very generous sponsor, LPS, purchased six brand new Kawasaki STX-15F’s to be offered as a “hire and ride” concept. This series is for riders who are interested in racing but would like to try their hand at it before committing to purchasing a watercraft of their own.
It has been very successful with SAJSBA, offering five classes for the Booster Cup which include Juniors, Novice, Veterans, Ladies and the ever popular Pro class. The Pro Class allows experienced riders to level the playing field by racing watercraft which have identical top speeds and handling capabilities. Thus the best riders shine in this class. The Booster Cup is offered at all inland SAJSBA Nationals, and prizes are given at the end of each season.
The next SAJSBA National will be held on 28th February, 2015 in Vrede, Freestate. This event will be a combined effort between SAJSBA and the Jet Fighters series. The Jet Fighters series is also an extra series on offer by SAJSBA and is run and organized by one of our most experience riders, Sean Valsecchi. The concept of the Jet Fighters series is short quick moto’s of all ski and sport classes, no runabouts.
The SAJSBA National Round 1 was a fantastically well-organized event filled with thrilling racing, entertaining company and foresight of a promising season.
If you were wondering where Kawasaki’s loyalties lie, you can rest assured that the Big K is standing its ground, especially when it comes to their 310-horsepower supercharged Ultras. Recently, P1 AquaX USA announced the addition of Kawasaki Motors Corp. as the newest supporting sponsor for the 2015 racing season. Offering both financial support for the series, and a few boxes full of awesome swag for participants, Kawasaki is stepping into the world of AquaX racing in a big way.
With all three major personal watercraft manufacturers now fully backing the US P1 AquaX Series, there’s very little doubt that this season is one to watch. Obviously, the series’ highest tier of competition, the 300 Class is tailor-made for the 310X Ultra JetSkis, and Monster Kawasaki’s Eric Francis’ dominance of this class only solidifies it. But again, it’s not all about the big dollar, professional racers.
“I like it because it encourages ‘regular Joes’ to try their hand at racing, Kawasaki USA’s Jon Rall told The Watercraft Journal. “Anybody can come and try it out. That’s what really spoke to [Kawasaki].” To his point, the AquaX has excelled at establishing an environment, course, and class structure targeted at precisely that, welcoming novice PWC enthusiasts with a taste for fun, safe and exciting competition.
Here’s the original press release:
Kawasaki revolutionized the watercraft industry with its first jet ski back in 1973. The Jet Ski was an instant success and rapidly grew in popularity. Kawasaki Motors Corp has continued to develop and improve on its watercraft over the years and has established itself as one of the leaders in the industry.
“Kawasaki is thrilled to be part of this Florida-based enthusiast racing series which gives personal watercraft competitors the chance to open up the throttle on their Jet Ski® Ultra® 310R on challenging open-water courses and enjoy the full performance of their craft in a safe and controlled environment. It is a perfect format for amateur PWC racing and with some weekends combined with P1 Superstock powerboats, AquaX is sure to be an exciting, supercharged championship!,” Kevin Allen, Manager of PR and Brand Experience for Kawasaki.
“Kawasaki has excelled in both P1 AquaX USA and UK. Having Kawasaki on board and supporting P1 is a true testament to the series. Having an endorsement from manufacturers only helps strengthen our position as a global race series and we are very happy that Kawasaki Motors Corp. has joined us.” Said Azam Rangoonwala, P1 Director USA.
“I could not be happier to add green to our color scheme,” said Michelle Petro USA Championship manager “Kawasaki is huge in the Motorsport world and it is encouraging to have them support our series.”
Improving your personal watercraft’s ability to convert combustion into motion and into thrust is the equation that has propelled the whole of the aftermarket. Increasing engine efficiency by maximizing intake and exhaust flow, increasing internal quench and burn efficacy and magnifying the engine’s ability to convert that reciprocal process into useable torque and applicable horsepower is essential to PWC performance.
Equally weighted in this endeavor is the jet pump. Reducing reciprocal drag and heat via friction is only the beginning. Prop and pump hydrodynamics are imperative to the pump’s overall ability to convert engine power into applied thrust. Although modern personal watercraft benefit from a quarter century of manufacturer experience, there is always room for improvement, and the aftermarket has been all too happily to step in.
High performance pump and prop manufacturer Solas has established a great name for itself in its near 30 years of business. Providing customers with a durable and affordable product that dramatically wakens previously unearthed power from their craft, Solas has propelled dozens of racers to championships since their beginnings in 1986. Of course, recreational riders have come to trust Solas for their props and pumps too.
If you like this “after” picture, wait until you see what it started as.
But time has a manner of wearing down even stone, and Solas’ pumps are not immune to the toils of use and age. That is why John Zigler of Rock County Jet Ski and Watcon.com, has been handily refurbishing Solas pumps for years. Whether repairing walk-in customers’ pumps, or offering ready-to-install refurbished pumps, RCJS/www.watcon.com sell Solas pumps turned on a lathe and ready to build right out of the box.
Likewise, RCJS/www.watcon.com offers their jet pump building services for people requiring their old pump or shaft rebuilt. “We also have new shafts in stock,” Zigler told The Watercraft Journal. “We also have bearing kits, Skat-Trak, Solas, and Impros Hooker Impellers. We would be happy to help.” Surely, RCJS/www.watcon.com has been instrumental in getting recreational and professional riders out on the water both locally and nationwide.
This day, Ziegler walked us through how RCJS resurrects a Solas pump, from a discolored and potentially locked-up state to as-new (if not better than new) condition. It takes Zigler a few hours to get the job done right, and he won’t allow anything less to leave his workbench.
Step One: “The old pump assembly is usually always sealed too tight to hand-crank anything loose, therefore its almost always necessary to heat up to remove the old shaft assembly. After heating bearings, and removing them from the shaft, discard all of the old seals and bearings. It’s important to never reuse the old parts. Trying to save a few dollars here could result in catastrophic failure later.”
Step 2: “Here at RCJS/Watcon.com, we mount and turn every pump in the lathe. There’s no better way to true up the bearing area, open it up, and reduce ‘press’,” Zigler explained.
Step 3: “After being cleaned, prepped and turned on the lathe, each pump is cleaned again of any machining debris and measured to make sure it is now within our spec.”Step 4: “Next, clean and inspect shaft. Prior to installation, we literally freeze the shaft. It makes the next steps significantly easier.”
Step 5 & 6: “Once you wash the new bearings with an acetone detergent like brake cleaner, to get off any oil. Next, heat the bearings evenly, installing warm bearings on the cold shaft by hand. Under no circumstances should you press or hammer on the bearings.”
Step 7 & 8: “Pack both bearings with grease. I use waterproof marine grade wheel bearing grease. Next, pack and fill the area between bearings with grease. Once properly filled and coated, freeze the whole assembly.”
Step 9: “Now, using a hammer and a piece of tube (or a large socket, as shown), install the front seals. Once done, again fill with grease.”
Step 10: “You need to heat pump housing evenly, front and back, being careful around seals. This will help expand the pump housing itself for the installation of the shaft and bearing assembly.”
Step 11: Now you can install the cold shaft and bearing assembly into warm pump (again, by hand). Do not force, use a press or hammer. If it does not go in easily, start again by cooling the shaft and re-heat housing. It’s time consuming but is the right way to do it.”Step 12: “With the shaft and bearing assembly installed in the pump, pack the rear cone with grease and install.”Step 13: “Finally, we install the impeller. Now, install the assembly into your ski, using caution to check pump, drive, and mid-shaft alignment,” Zigler instructed. “You are now done, go out and ride!”
The world’s biggest supplier of aftermarket performance parts has just made your life a whole lot better. RIVA Racing, the single-biggest manufacturer of top level handling, engine and pump performance products has recently relaunched an entirely-new website and store that not only allows for dramatically improved navigation, searching functions and easy shopping, but also provides all-new resources like suggested products to accompany your purchase, riding tips from RIVA’s own team riders, technical instructions, installation videos, and industry news.
“Under the same family ownership structure since 1979, RIVA Motorsports has grown from a “mom & pop shop” to a 6 building Powersports Superstore recognized internationally as the premier source for personal watercraft performance parts and accessories,” RIVA’s story begins. RIVA Racing’s PWC performance products and accessories, provide the serious enthusiast and racer the very best in modified watercraft performance. Their legacy of track and dyno-tested performance products has propelled decades’ worth of racers – be them members of the official RIVA Racing Team as well as many others – to “capture numerous National & World Titles as well as a World Water Speed Record.”
The new website is regularly updated with featured videos, product reviews, technical updates, riding tips and racer profiles. RIVA’s own Dave Bamdas explained the new regularly-updated format, “Our Video Library is constantly updated with the latest product reviews and technical updates. Our experts [will] walk you through the features and benefits of performance products and popular accessories [and the] RIVA Technical Team issues frequent technical videos that keep you informed and up to date. Professional watercraft racers explain the secrets of their success on the water. Whether you are a recreational performance enthusiast or serious competitor, theses tips are a valuable resource.”
“We’ve been working on this new site for a couple years now,” Dave told The Watercraft Journal. “We tried to think of every possible thing a buyer would want, and how to improve the shopping experience.” And it clearly shows. Whether you’re in the market for a new personal watercraft or looking to squeeze more horsepower from your existing machine, RIVA Racing has now made it easier and faster to do so. Make sure to check into the new RIVA Racing website today.
People typically don’t care much for salesmen. For most, it’s the process of being “sold” that is so off-putting. So when a dealership can provide service that goes above and beyond the expectations of its customers, the buying process is all the more enjoyable. Likewise, when a dealership can actually build a long-lasting relationship with is customers, that is a rare instance indeed.
That is what we at JetSkiShop.com strive every day to do, and we’ve been pretty successful, especially through our monthly adventure rides. Not only do we speak “jet ski” better than most, offering new and pre-owned personal watercraft from all the major manufacturers, but also invite our customers to join us for some awesome riding to some of the most picturesque locations!
One of our most popular rides is always our Tangalooma Adventure ride. This year, we had an impressive 39 skis join us as we journeyed from the Sea World boat ramp (located on the Gold Coast, Australia) bright and early at 6:30am, traveled 250kms (155 miles) during the day to Peel island, where we toured through the mangroves, visited the iconic Tangalooma ship wrecks, and just lived the good life of personal watercraft.
All in all, the trip took an impressive 12 hours, which was impressive riding given that 50-percent of the riders we newbies to the long ride. Our group was very eclectic, with eight 2015 Yamaha WaveRunners (one being a 2000 2-stroke GP1200R, another had a battery problem that needed solving), a few Hondas (one of which overheated), a few Sea-Doos (one had an oil problem, another also had battery problem), and one rider ran out of gas, requiring a tow.
Wakeboarding and skating behind personal watercraft is a load of fun. Besides the ease of getting around on a watercraft, popping up behind a PWC is typically just as easy. Vehicle’s like Sea-Doo’s Wake 155 and 215 almost improve the experience by including a collapsible wake tower on the transom and a gunwale-mounted rack for your board. So how could boarding behind a PWC be any better? How about you get rid of the driver?
Wait. What?
That’s right. San Diego local Justin Merrill developed an automated system that lets the wakeboarder also be the pilot of the PWC. By integrating some motorcycle-style throttle controls, a pair of pulleys and some pretty standard kitesurfing equipment, Merrill was able to transform his Sea-Doo Spark into a do-it-all-yourself wakeboarding package, the RC Ski (formally the “Wake Solo”). The finished product will be ready for purchase in June and will retail for “about $800.”
Here’s the original press release:
Wake Solo’s president Justin Merrill is proud to announce that San Diego Wake Solo Inc, has filed a patent for its product that allows one to Wakeboard behind a Jet Ski (Personal Water Craft or PWC) without a driver.
Towed Water, Sports such as wake boarding, water skiing, knee-boarding, wake skating, hydro-foil skiing and tubing, are very popular using Jet Ski’s, Sea Doo’s and Wave Runners.
The problem though is that one is not able to go out and enjoy tow sports by themselves solo.
Wake Solo’s product solves that problem without the need for a physical “driver” of the PWC giving one the ability to control the boat from the tow rope itself.
“This product is a lot of fun and can be used with any of the major PWC brands,” said Justin Merrill, President of Wake Solo, Inc.
“I invented the product so I could get more time on the water wakeboarding when I couldn’t round up friends to drive and spot me from the boat. I saw a market for the product when I realized that everyone that I talked to about it wanted to know how they could get one.”
The product is being marketed under the trade name “Wake Solo” for about $1,000 suggested retail price. The closest product to Wake Solo is between $7500 and $17,000 and requires an expensive separate boat rather than one’s own PWC.
The Personal Watercraft industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. The major PWC brands include Jet Ski, Wave Runner and Sea-Doo and are sold all over the world.
The Company is currently testing its second-generation prototype system, and the product is now ready to move into manufacturing and can be pre-ordered starting now.
One can learn more and register to win one of the first off the manufacturing line by visiting HERE.
