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BRP’s Uncharted Society Up To 300+ Adventure Packages Just Waiting For You – Vehicle Included

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Long long ago, in a land far far away … well, OK, July 21, 2020 wasn’t THAT Long ago, but the places The Watercraft Journal featured on that day were – at least for many of us – far far away. 

Because July 2020 was when BRP launched their brand new Uncharted Society

Created specifically for the adventurous at heart – those who dream of exploring exotic destinations (aboard a Sea-Doo, of course), those who daydream of carving through Rocky Mountain snowy terrain (on a brand new Ski-Doo snowmobile) and those who yearned for a meandering trip through a a desolate western landscape (you guessed it – on a Can-Am) – Uncharted Society was the solution for the adventurer with, perhaps, dreams bigger than their pocketbook. 

Kicked off as a test project, the idea behind Uncharted Society was to eliminate a hefty portion of the cost barrier to embarking on those dreamed-of adventures. 

At the July 2020 launch, the program offered more than 40 expertly curated experiences using powersports vehicles in the United States. From the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, the Gulf of Mexico, the Rockies, Joshua Tree, and more, BRP said the adventures were created to “encourage more outdoor enthusiasts to experience the thrill of powersports and for new audiences to live awesome adventures.  This will in turn increase awareness of and access to BRP vehicles, and introduce them to a new generation that might not have had traditionally been exposed to the thrill of powersports. For each of our adventures, we are collaborating with the best certified local outfitters to ensure we provide the best, most memorable experience possible. Wilderness Collective offers a wide variety of adventures on various terrain types using different BRP product lines. “Our collaboration with Uncharted Society and BRP goes so much further than offering the best machines to our customers; we align on a passion for adventure, a deep understanding of our customers and a bold vision for the future of powersports adventures.” Steve Dubbeldam, CEO of the Wilderness Collective.”

“Over the past few months, we have been working with some of the best outfitters out there to reimagine powersports adventures and what they can offer to guests. Uncharted Society is our first step in making experiencing our products more accessible by bringing to the market a curated premium collection of adventures for all,” Simon Cazelais, Director, Content Strategy & BRP-X Innovation Lab, said at the launch. 

So that was a little more than 4 years ago, and WCJ was curious to see if the program made it past its fledgling stage…

After visiting the Uncharted Society website, all we can say is, our Editor is currently packing her bags! (OK, (I WISH I was packing my bags!) 

Unlike many creative and innovative ideas that flounder and die after the first blush wears off, Uncharted Society seems to be cruising right along at top speed – and their website is well designed to grab the attention of the adventurer-at-heart. 

Although we have followed along on a few adventures with individuals, friends, couples and families that were arranged through the Uncharted Society in the past four years, WCJ has not yet given a tour around this well-laid out website, nor detailed exactly what BRP crafted to cater to its adventure-seeking audience. 

From the original 30 adventure packages, Uncharted Society has now created more than 300 unique opportunities to fit just about any outdoor adventure aspiration – and while there are a plethora of stateside aventures just waiting for your next 3-day weekend or quick jaunt – for those with eyes set beyond America’s borders, there are international opportunities galore, including chilly Sea-Doo cruises in Alaska and warmer ones in Spain, ATVs in Iceland, a 5 day, 6 night guided Ski-Doo adventure in New Brunswick, Canada, Can-Am Maverick trips in the sand dunes of Dubai, and Ski-Doos in Chile. 

With the arrangement of the website, you can find your perfect adventure a number of ways; by destination, by vehicle, by ride type (rental or guided), and by duration (Half day or less, Full-day, Multi-day, Multi-hour) – and there does seem to be a little something for everyone. 

And if you’re not sure about jumping into the adventure – take a browse through the Uncharted Society Blog, and you may find just the right fit.

So, whether you have a specific adventure or expedition you’ve been dreaming about, or are just looking for inspiration, Uncharted Society is definitely a place to start planning when you’re ready to turn dreams into reality.

 

Protect Your PWC: GreenHulk’s Top-Quality Watercraft Covers for Yamaha, Sea-Doo, Kawasaki

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Sometimes, the most game-changing pieces of gear are the least glamorous: from the simple headlamp that makes night fishing a thousand times easier, to dry bags that give you the peace of mind to hit top speeds. It’s the little things that can make all the difference. Such is the case with GreenHulk PWC’s offering of watercraft covers, a critical product for keeping your watercraft in peak condition.

The GreenHulk PWC website offers a wide selection of original factory watercraft covers for Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki PWCs, all designed to offer maximum protection for your investment, shielding it from environmental damage and wear.

Yamaha covers are particularly noted for their high-quality materials, providing long-lasting protection against UV rays, mildew, and weather damage. They are designed with zippered openings for easy access to tie-down cleats, making them ideal for trailering.

Similarly, Sea-Doo offers factory covers with durable engineering and a snug fit to ensure solid protection during storage and transport. Kawasaki’s watercraft covers feature vacuum-vented trailering systems and are made of Sur Last® solution-dyed polyester, a water, mildew, and UV-ray resistant material.

While these covers are a small price to pay to ensure your PWC is protected for years to come, GreenHulk PWC also offers a two-year warranty on many models, ensuring your investment pays off.
Check out the GreenHulk catalog now to grab one of these essential pieces of equipment or explore their extensive line of PWC products!

Fuel Tech’s ‘Base Tune’ Seminar: Elevate Your Expertise in ECU Tuning

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Oftentimes, the thing that separates a well-intentioned enthusiast from a true professional is the knowledge and technical understanding they bring to a sector. While anyone can go out and purchase high-quality equipment, it’s another thing altogether to be able to truly make the most of those tools. That’s why, aside from offering some of the top OEM products and upgrades on the market, Fuel Tech takes the time to offer regular courses to educate those who really want to take their expertise to another level.

Take, for example, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). A quality ECU can be the necessary instrument to level up just about any vehicle to its maximum potential, whether it’s a racing car or a personal watercraft. They allow for precision control when it comes to things like fuel injection, ignition timing, boost control, and many other engine parameters, making them essential for professionals and enthusiasts in everything from drag racing to watercraft sports. However, simply plugging one in and reading a quick-start manual will never be enough for someone who wants to truly maximize speed and precision. That’s where Fuel Tech’s training course comes in.

The “Base Tune: 3-Day Training” seminar is coming up at the end of this month (September 25-27) and promises to provide advanced technical training to those wanting to take full advantage of their ECUs. The in person seminar features topics such as “Proper ECU & Component Selection,” “FT Manager Software Feature Introduction,” “Tuning Principles,” and “Base Map Creation,” among many others. It takes place in an intimate class of a maximum of 25 students led by experienced technicians and includes an FT Education Certificate, as well as training handbooks and promotional kits as bonuses. Classes run from 9 AM to 5 PM, include breakfast and lunch, and take place at their site in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Apart from this course, Fuel Tech is also offering another Base Tune training session at the end of the year for Spanish speakers, and they regularly run wiring and electrical courses for those looking to get more into the hardware aspects of the work. Those can be found on the Fuel Tech Education home page.

There’s no deadline to apply, but they’ve recently announced that there are limited seats remaining, so be sure to check out everything the “Base Tune” course has to offer before it’s too late!

Video: PreOrders Now Available for Kawi Performance’s Ultra 310 Fuel Pump Mod Kit

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Few companies have proven their mettle when it comes to troubleshooting, problem solving and offering proven positive results for Kawasaki JetSki owners than Kawi Performance.

And a new Kawi Performance video released at the end of August adds one more checkmark in that column.

Plenty of positives have been said of the Ultra 310. On the flip side, fuel issues have been one frequently-heard snag – but Kawi Performance now has the solution with the announcement that preorders for the Ultra 310 2022+ Fuel Pump Mod Kit are now available.

Our kit will once and for all fix all those fuel issues, and upgrade your pump to higher flow and a well tested and used fuel pump in the Kawasaki world. Also fits STX 160 and 2023+ Ultra 160 LX – or as Steve Ciervo says, “anything with a plastic pump besties an SXR – all those fuel pump problems will disappear with this kit.”

In a video that focuses on the installation, while bypassing what Ciervo admits is the “time consuming and pain in the *** process of removing the stock pump – Ciervo takes you step by step through the process of installing the kit, which requires no permanent modifications.

Starting with a Ultra 310 fuel pump assembly, Ciervo walks through the disassembly process to install the mod kit. As usual, Ciervo not only gives the basic instructions, but provides a thoroughly detailed, step-by-step guide including tips for making it through tough, tricky or error-prone steps in the process. Then he walks through the process of retrofitting the mod kit, and walks through the steps to re-install the fuel pump assembly in the fuel tank.

The mod kit comes in either a standard mod kit, or a Mod Kit With Coarse Bag (Requires External Fuel Filter) and gives a selection for standard flow ($499.99) or high flow ($549.99). The comprehensive kit ensures improved fuel delivery and reliability, crafted from initial 3D design to final prototyping.

 

IJSBA Announces 2024 Young Guns Youth Jet Ski Racing Development Day in Honor of Nedra Atwood

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There can be little doubt that watercross – as a mode of recreation, but especially as a sport – is reliant on bringing young riders and racers into the PWC family. 

And this, without question, has been a key factor of the IJSBA World Finals in Havasu, with the Junior Stars and Day With The Pros youth programs a highlight at the beginning of each year’s event. Although the World Finals suffered a devastating blow with the loss of one of the biggest youth racer advocates imaginable with the passing of Nedra Atwood in 2020, IJSBA has again made it clear that organization will continue to advocate for and support youth riders. 

In a press release issued on Sept. 5, IJSBA’s Scott Frazier confirmed that the 2024  Short Block  Technologies  WGP-1  World  Finals will, once again, devote the time, effort and energy to support the sport’s youngest riders. With a blend of training and motivation, fun and work, the 2024 Young Guns Youth Jet Ski Racing Development Day on Sunday, October 6, will remember and honor Atwood. 

The training and coaching day is designed to promote youth PWC racing and will serve as a formal warm up to the IJSBA World Finals courses.

“This day will be packed with ‘on the track’ practice events, Prizes, Guest Appearances, Celebrity Coaches and strategic preparation for the 2024 IJSBA World Finals,” Frazier stated. 

For more information, including a schedule of events, read the full press release below:

IJSBA is very excited for the 2024  Youth  Program at  the 2024  Short  Block  Technologies  WGP-1  World  Finals.  Please  see  the  following  news  from  the   program  organizers:

2024 IJSBA World Finals Press Release
Young Guns – Youth Jetski Racing Development Day
Sunday October 6, 2024

 The IJSBA Promoters Council that consists of RPM Racing, Great Lakes Watercross, East Coast Watercross and Nauti Water Racing, together with the IJSBA, are hosting the 2024 World Finals Young Guns Youth Racing Development Day.  We are pleased to announce the proposed scheduled agenda for this unique youth jetski racing opportunity at the 2024 World Finals.  In honor of Nedra Attwood, the #1 Fan, this training and coaching day is designed to promote youth jetski racing and serve as formal warm up to the IJSBA World Finals courses.  This day will be packed with ‘on the track’ practice events, Prizes, Guest Appearances, Celebrity Coaches and strategic preparation for the 2024 IJSBA World Finals. 

Please register for the event @iraceready.com for the 2024 World Finals Young Guns Sunday.

https://app.iraceready.com/event/finalsyoung24

We look forward to seeing all the Youth racers ages 8-17 that are competing in IJSBA World Finals. 

Ski Lites, Ski Stock, Ski 4 Stroke Lites, Ski GP, Ski Mod 1100, Vintage Ski, X2, Sport Spec, Rec Lites

Sunday October 6

Check in for Registration starts @5:30am– Crazy Horse Campground Entrance
Access only granted to Pits, Tech, and Training Sites with all credentials verified
6:00am- Pre Tech-Inspection Opens in Pits for all Youth Racers clearing Registration
Rich Boell, Head tech inspector for IJSBA, will be on site doing tech.
7:45am- DJ Kicks it off!  Music to get the World Finals party started

LIVESTREAM STARTS with Charles Guinchard

Action Photography with Ronny MacHenry, Ken Gallager, Adrian Fisk, and Pro Rider Magazine on Scene

INTERVIEWS begin with World Famous Announcers
Interviews will be going on throughout the day and it is our goal to have an on camera/ livestream interview with every racer
Dawn Dawson, Jason “Psycho” Ward and Ryan Grant

8:00am- World Finals Starting Line Bleachers
Riders Meeting-  World Finals Racers Meeting

9:00-10:30 am- Racers Break Out Sessions
Ages 10-13   Slalom Course Training
Instructions by Top Pro World Champions
Multiple Runs, Strategy and Clocked Run Times for every racer

Ages 14-17   Closed Course Training
Course Marshal led instruction and track parade
Multiples of Race Starts!!  Using the Light and Horn
Group Practice on the World Finals course
Individual Coaching and Training by Top Pros

10:30- 11:00- Switch of Racer Break out Sessions
Water, Gatorade and Snack Break

11:00- 12:30
Ages 14- 17  Slalom Course Training and Coaching
Ages 10-13   Closed Course Training and Coaching 

1:00  IJBSA World Finals Starting Line Bleachers
Sponsor Appreciation Recognition
PRIZES for the Young Guns World Finals Racers

 3:00-6:00pm-  KOKOMOS POOL PARTY
Hot wheels Racing
Pool Games and Prizes
Pizza and Beverages provided for all families, racers and siblings

Broward Motorsports Carries Full Range of Yamaha RecDecs & Add-Ons

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We’ve all heard the term “all decked out;” even Merrium Webster has approved the idiom, which means “dressed or decorated in a fancy way.”

Well, Yamaha has their own definition, and unless you jump on your PWC to do nothing but travel efficiently from point A to point B (or travel very rapidly from start line to finish line) then you might just be interested in Yamah’s definition, and Broward Motorsports is just the place to help you get all Dec’d out with their line of accessories for Yamaha’s RecDec.

As with any good building project, you have to start with a good base – and in this case, that is the Yamaha RecDeck – a platform that extends the usable space on the stern and pairs with a multi-use rack and related lifestyle accessories.

The RecDec expands the versatility of the FX and VX line, with the FX RecDec ($1,120.99) that fits the FX Cruiser HO 2019-2023, FX Cruiser SVHO 2019-2023, FX Cruiser HO Audio 2023, FX Cruiser SVHO Audio 2023, FX HO 2019-2023, FX HO Audio 2023, FX Limited SVHO 2019-2023, FX SVHO 2019-2023 and FX SVHO Audio 2022-23 models, and the VX RecDec ($1,199.95) that integrates with the swim platform and reboarding ladder and fits 2021 and newer VX/GP Waverunners (note that LTD VX Models will have rear cleats blocked when RecDeck is installed).

Once you’re set with your RecDec, BMS has you covered, literally, with the RecDec Mat Kit ($151.99) that gives you that all-important added traction – as well as stylin’ looks. The Mat Kit fits both the FX and VX RecDec and comes in your choice of three colors – black/blue, black/cyan and black/gray, to match your ski’s factory-installed footwell mats.

BMS carries three packages of carefully curated RecDec accessories geared toward your needs, hobbies and pursuits.

The FX Premium Jetfish Package ($1,345.95) is the ultimate fishing accessory package and includes the Multi-Use Rack, the Engel® 45 JetFish branded cooler, two Rack-Mounted Rod Holders, two RAM Cup holders, four Tie-Down Straps and two Track Eyelet Mounts.

The Yamaha FX Jetfish Package ($559.95) still outfits you for an outstanding fishing trip, but with a little less impact on the wallet. The Jetfish Package includes an Engel® 45 JetFish branded cooler, two Track-Mounted Rod Holders, two RAM Cupholders, two Tie-Down Straps and four Track Eyelet Mounts.

The Yamaha FX RecDeck Lounge Package ($659.95) is all about relaxation, featuring a 25″ Wide Folding Chair and two Yamaha Cooler Saddlebags.

You can also purchase items individually, including the Yamaha VX Stern Mount Storage ($499.95), Yamaha RecDeck Rack Cooler Saddle Bags ($117.95), Track-Mounted Rod Holder ($46.84), and Yamaha FX RecDeck Multi-Use Rack ($672.95).

Plus, you can use the BMS10 code at checkout to be first to find out about Broward Motorsports specials and new products, and receive 10% off your order.

You can also check out Yamaha’s RecDec video for more information and use ideas.

 

 

RIVA Motorsports & Marine Launches End of Summer Watercraft Blowout Sale

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Even though Labor Day is over, and the end of summer is rapidly drawing near, there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of major promotions from one of the best PWC dealers in Florida. RIVA Motorsports & Marine of the Keys is already well into their “End of Summer Watercraft Blowout Sale,” offering significant savings and special financing on top-tier watercraft.

Among the most eye-catching offers in the blowout sale is the 2023 Sea-Doo FishPro Scout 130, with a $1,311 discount and APR as low as 0%. They’re also offering the 2024 Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited HO for as little as a $2,000 down payment, followed by $321 per month. If you’re looking for something a little more nimble, they have a 2022 Sea-Doo Spark® Trixx™ 3-up Rotax® 900 H.O. ACE™ iBR with Audio more than $2,000 of regular price, on sale for only $6,988.

With offers of $0 down payment, 0% APR, and major discounts on some of the best PWCs available on the market, RIVA Motorsports & Marine is making it easy for anyone to get their hands on a superb watercraft before the summer ends.

Be sure to check out their website to explore the full line of offerings, and read the full announcement from RIVA Motorsports & Marine below.

Take Advantage of The Best Deals of The Summer on Personal Watercraft!

Hit the water before summer ends and make every splash unforgettable with unbeatable deals on personal watercraft from RIVA Motorsports & Marine of The Keys!

Explore the thrill of the season with incredible offers on the latest 2023 & 2024 models from Yamaha® and Sea-Doo®. Whether you’re carving through the waves or cruising along the coast, we have the perfect PWC for your adventures.

Special Summer Savings: Buy Now for as Low as $1,000 Down!

Don’t miss your chance to ride in style and save big. Visit us today at RIVA Motorsports & Marine of The Keys and let the journey begin!

STX-310LX: Brisbane Kawasaki Putting 80 MPH, One-of-a-Kind Prototype Jetski Up For Sale

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Big things come in small packages

Especially if you’re really, really innovative.

And innovative happens to be Jamie Eade’s middle name.

Eade, who has two decades of experience as a fuel injection specialist and dyno tuner, working in motorsports, operates one of Australia’s biggest Kawasaki dealerships, Brisbane Kawasaki, and is also the man behind Kspeed, bought a brand-new Kawasaki STX 160LX and an Ultra 310 crate engine out of the US – minus the supercharger. He then took a brand new supercharger from Kawasaki Australia, sprinkled in some blood, sweat, tears and magic – And came up with the 2020 STX-310LX (PROTOTYPE).

Joshua Dowling tested out the 80-mile per hour Ultra-powered STX310LX for The Watercraft Journal in September 2020, concluding that “With 310 horsepower on hand, however, (the Ultra-powered STX310LX) commands respect and elicits a healthy dose of fear. Macho-types in the jet ski community might be dismissive of so much grunt in such a small package, but we’re here to testify that this thing demands your full attention. So it bears the question: is 310 horsepower too much for the STX? In a novice’s hands? Yeah, probably. But in experienced hands, it feels like the sky’s the limit with this machine.”

A short while later, WCJ promoted a video of the STX310LX featuring a walkthrough by Eade himself, and in June of 2021, WCJ took a second look at the ski through the eyes of Greg Gaddis, who noted “Kspeed’s STX310LX is a fully functioning watercraft with electric trim, stereo system, and a display from a 2019 Ultra 310. Surprisingly enough, this conversion was built with almost all original Kawasaki manufactured parts. With only modifications needing to be made to the pump shoe, airbox bracket, and intake hoses, this is otherwise a bolt-on installation when utilizing original parts dating back to the Ultra 250. The result is a lightweight, nimble, and 80mph-capable watercraft out of the box.”

And yesterday, Brisbane Kawasaki announced, “The time has come to move this very special ski on, so we can make way for a new project”

Which means, this powerhouse can be yours for $18,189, or $19,728 for the ski and trailer package (not including shipping).

For more details, see the full listing from Brisbane Kawasaki below.

In March 2020 when the world was at it’s knee’s and everybody was closing their doors, staying home and trying to make it big on TikTok, We decided to stay open (as an essential mechanical service) and do something with our time.

Now a few years prior we built a Frankenstein STX15F with a 250X motor shoehorned into it. It was a ski that looked terrible but when you pulled the throttle it stood up and launched into the air giving the rider the feeling of a wheelstanding superbike.

We mothballed it as we knew we physically couldn’t fit a 310 motor into this hull, but the idea never left our minds.

October 2019, Jamie was in the USA for the launch of the all new STX-160. He took his tape measure with him and when no one was looking stuck his head and phone in there and took some very important measurements. (It was going to fit)

Our STX’s arrived in Australia Early 2020, just prior to Covid becoming a big deal. By March it was here and the shutdowns began. We stayed open and used this downtime to finally make this happen.

We studied the service manuals of both the 2019 Ultra 310LX and the 2020 STX-160X outlaid the wiring plans to make sure we weren’t going to miss anything.

First things first, we uncrated a brand spanking new 2020 STX-160LX, removed the seats and yanked that motor, dashboard, exhaust system, running gear & jetpump out of there.

We were left with a bare hull, keeping just the fuel tank, and handlebar controls.

Next we pulled apart our 2019 Demo Kawasaki Ultra 310LX, and fitted those parts directly into the stx hull. We needed only a few minor parts to be custom made (pump shoe, air filter mounts and some silicone pipes), we used a ultra 300 exhaust system. The dash cluster bolted straight in and then we changed the connector over to retain the fly by wire throttle (which we later scraped in favour of the ultra 310 cable unit that wasn’t so touchy)

We bolted it all together, wired it up (and yep we even got the OEM stereo to work).

We all drove down to the local creek and took turns running it in on the SLO key eager to see what this could do. After 2hrs of being extremely nice to it, Jamie jumped on and did his very first WOT pass. 128kph…. Wowsers. Stock everything with only a delimiter in the ECU. Insert Tune. 131kph (80mph baby)

We did it, a STX310 that easily touches the high 70’s and in the perfect conditions goes over the magic 80. We gave it the Kspeed treatement. Kspeed ride plate, Kspeed intake grate, Kspeed sponsons, Kspeed cool air intake. Kspeed 108mm pulley, Now it handled like it was on rails and hooked up far better. Acceleration from 20-30kph was insane but getting it off the mark proved a little trouble some, so we took the pulley back off and that made it more pleasant to ride.

Jamie has entered this ski in a few QPWC closed course events and it’s held it’s own.

We have left Jamie’s 888 racing numbers on the side for now as he really doesn’t want to part with it, but for the right money you can own this one of a kind Prototype Jetski thats been seen by people all over the world and featured in The Watercraft Journal.

Kevin Shaw: The Kids Aren’t Alright

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Admittedly, it’s been years since my last editorial. I guess I haven’t had much to say. Well, at least anything of any import that would necessitate me typing out my thoughts in a somewhat cogent manner…until today. I’ll preface this screed by saying, if you aren’t a subscriber to our YouTube channel, you might not have know that I host a podcast that airs live (most every) Monday night.

The Watercraft Journal IRL (In Real Life) podcast typically welcomes guests from all facets of the industry to discuss topics in a loose, freeform conversational format – apart from the occasional video of me just running my mouth for an hour. It’s the basic kind of podcast format we’ve come accustomed to, but solely focused on personal watercraft, racing and the industry itself.

And while I typically don’t ever review our own show, I must say that last night’s conversation with Classic Jetski’s Joe Hill was easily one of my favorites in a very long time. Through his YouTube channel, Joe has been advocating the return of lightweight, nimble watercraft that require some athleticism to master for a while now.

Although 15 years his senior, I have come to the same conclusion – albeit ashamed of my role in pushing the bloating of today’s machines over the past seventeen years. He and I are of one mind that the current trajectory of the PWC industry is racing toward a dead end, although Joe may differ on how we’ve reached our current situation. Let me elaborate:

I’ve observed that for the last several years, OE’s have targeted cash flush baby boomers while ignoring youth buyers. [Note that I said youth not entry level buyers. -Ed.] While this short term model solves the need for immediate revenue (and option-loaded, full-sized runabouts offer the greatest yield per sale) it succeeds at the cost of building up a future generation of enthusiasts.

The product advertised and sold today has little appeal to 18-to-25 year old males, who as we know, have been the core driver of powersports development for the past 40 years. Youthful riders aren’t asking for windshields and rearward-facing cameras. Sexagenarians are. Moreover, few can afford a $22K RXP-X 325 or GP1800R SVHO, nor have the means to tow or store one.

More often than not, if you see a 22-year-old on one, it’s registered to his father or grandparent. Even within Sea-Doo they acknowledge that, “The one who buys the ski isn’t the one whose riding it.” What does that mean? It means that as dealers report the average age of a buyer is 54-years-old, that isn’t always the one who finances the purchase.

And again, these high performance machines only constitute 10 percent of total product sales. Yamaha’s bread-and-butter is the VX Cruiser. Sea-Doo is split between the GTI 130 and the Spark. Although I applaud both Yamaha and Sea-Doo for offering a catalog of vehicles that allows for a low-end entry point, these fail to attract energetic, thrill-seeking young men.

The Trixx constitutes nearly 70-percent of all Spark sales, leading one to believe that I’m wrong in my assessment. In fact, demand by Yamaha loyalists forced the manufacturer to scrap the EXR and create the Jet Blaster four years ago. Moreover, the newest Jet Blaster series includes a 2- and 3-passenger Pro model that better emulates the Trixx than ever before.

Conversely, I posit that the Trixx is evidence that the demand for a small, nimble and athletic 1- or 2-seater with more power is feverish; and that the audience is so desperate that even a middling “freestyle” entry will be accepted (for now). The Jet Blaster Pro and Trixx are an evolutionary step in the right direction but not the final destination.

But again, who’s cutting the check for these skis? Grandparents, that’s who. Often the purchase of a Rec Lite unit is seen as a cheap, disposable watercraft meant for the grandkids to ride when visiting the grandparents at the lake house. After all, the kids running an all plastic Spark into the dock hurts a lot less than granddad’s brand new GTX Limited 325.

By focusing on cash flush baby boomers (those born between 1946 to 1964 who comprise the overwhelming majority of the buying market, and thereby steer the development of future product), the OE’s are willfully ignoring how quickly this demographic is “aging out” of the hobby. It cannot be said more plainly, there’s little product aimed at youth buyers.

Yamaha’s new Jet Blaster and Sea-Doo’s Spark needs the slightest nudge to open up a whole new generation of PWC riders – and the OE’s know this. It’s not a matter of ability but will. Neither company appears willing to risk investing in building a new generation of enthusiasts, when it’s safer to give boomers whatever bell or whistle they clamor for.

I was cautioned by a dealer owner, “Sea-Doo makes as much on the sale of a single RXT-X 325 as it does three Trixx sales,” making big dollar, full-sized ski sales “low hanging fruit.” Yet, the sale of a single RXT-X goes to one individual while the latter results in three times as many future customers.

The manufacturers’ focus on the high end customer has slowly strangled key auxiliaries that built this hobby: there are very few sportsman level youth racers. There is no unified national tour. Professional racing is all but vanished, with little means for athletes to even cover their costs not to mention make a career from this endeavor.

The absence of an organized racing body gives youthful athletes no venue to compete, thereby pushing them to seek competition in other sports. With no wellspring of new riders and racers, you have no rising generation to push product, inspire sales and in my case, promote and advocate this product to the masses.

I came from this world and it’s all but completely erased. Somehow Kawasaki, Yamaha and Sea-Doo blindly (and foolishly) think they can survive in five or even ten years’ time without new and youthful enthusiasts – and bloated, overweight $25,000 runabouts or beige, milquetoast Rec Lites with barely enough oomph to hop a wave isn’t the way forward.

As Joe emphasized in last night, these brands need to embrace their legacy fully; splash their skis in bold colors, strip off all of the frills and lace, and turn up the wick. Both Yamaha and Sea-Doo are poised to execute the greatest resurgence of youth interest in jet skiing since 1995. While some factors cannot perfectly replicate that pinnacle year, the recipe requires little change:

Simply shed any semblance of political correctness and target 18-to-25 year old men. Both the Spark and ‘Blaster can reach the 60mph threshold with little coaxing. Both manufacturers can eke out 130-horsepower from tuning the TR-1 and swapping the 900 ACE out for 1630 ACE; and 61mph on a Spark is a helluva lot more fun than 68mph on a GTX.

Post script: Undoubtedly, this editorial will incur the wrath of many who will see it necessary to angrily peck out strongly worded replies in the comment section. While you’re entirely welcome to do so, know that I will not be swayed on this topic. I’ve witnessed the slow strangulation of the sport I loved because of this shortsighted sales strategy, and I am choosing to die on this hill.

Manufacturers must focus on small, loose and fast Rec Lite skis aimed at young men or wither and die like the sport they ignored.

Go Get Wet,
Kevin

Exploring the Great Lakes: Mark Forrest’s PWC Adventures on YouTube

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When we think about enjoying a great day on the water with our personal watercraft, a few specific things come to mind: the thrill of accelerating to high speeds, the wind and spray in your hair as you jet across the water, and the adrenaline and joy of feeling almost like you’re flying. While these sensations are powerful and enjoyable, a growing number of people are using their PWCs for new experiences, pushing the boundaries of what one might typically use a simple JetSki for.

Recently, we’ve explored long-distance trips around Pacific islands and fishing trips that cross the Caribbean from Florida to the Bahamas. If you’re a follower of Mark Forrest Adventures on YouTube, you’ll know that exploration is one of the biggest advantages of using a PWC.

Mark Forrest has long been an advocate for using PWCs as a means of exploration. In his long-running, nearly 200-episode YouTube series titled “Sea Doo Adventures,” he has taken followers along to explore the beauty of the Great Lakes. We featured him back in 2020, highlighting his innovative use of PWCs, but we wanted to revisit his channel to highlight some of his recent explorations.

One specific video that caught our eye is July’s “Exploring Islands, Lighthouses & A Shipwreck,” where he traverses the southern Georgian Bay and its islands. Along the way, he stops at Beckwith, Hope, and Christian islands to experience the beautiful nature that characterizes the area, as well as some wonderful traces of human achievement and adventure.

While you’ll have to check out the full video to see the incredible discoveries Mark makes, we’re thrilled to see him continuing this wonderful tradition and highlighting such a beautiful part of the world.

You can find the video and his YouTube channel linked here.