As of this writing, it’s 38-degree outside of The Watercraft Journal offices. And with a week left to Christmas, we’re still a ways away from de-winterizing our skis and venturing into the water. That is why this video from our friend James Tod at the JetSkiShop.com is so delightfully painful. We loved watching this group of adventuring jet ski enthusiasts tour Australia’s picturesque Hamilton Island, but also really, really resented those guys. Seasonal sports suck.
The JetSkiShop has made a name for themselves – in addition to being Australia’s “Number 1 jet ski shop” for Honda, Sea-Doo, Kawasaki, Yamaha WaveRunners – by conducting these monthly trips throughout the Gold Coast. Located in Ashmore, Queensland, the JetSkiShop and staff recently added new Yamaha WaveRunners to its showroom floor (as seen above).
“This was our trip last year,” James wrote us. “I can’t wait to get in the water for this [next] year’s trip!” The week-long trip to the Whitsundays in the Great Barrier Reef, took this group through some of the most pristine riding locations imaginable. “We were based on Hamilton Island for the week. Each day we made a trip around the tropical waters, which included watching migrating whales with their calves. The week’s onshore activities featured bonfire castaway night on a deserted island, some off-road touring and, of course, lots of jet skiing.
It struck us as being incredibly premature to make an announcement as to which new personal watercraft model would be the best for the year until say, the end of the year. That is why we waited until today to unveil The Watercraft Journal’s top pick (and runner-up) for the title of “Watercraft of The Year.” Of course, this decision didn’t come to us six months ago and we’ve been simply waiting things out, but comes after hours of deliberation, days of testing, and weighing all of the factors that make a vehicle stand out among the rest.
Mind you, there are several characteristics attributed to specific models that cannot be scored against another. To be fair, you can’t score a budget-friendly Yamaha VX Sport against a fully-loaded GTX iS 260 Limited, and expect the outcome to be fair. Rather, we had to evaluate each of the craft The Watercraft Journal personally laid hands on throughout its publishing year on its own merits, its impact on the industry and its overall reception by the market. Ultimately, it’s not a matter of simply being our favorite, but your favorite as well. So with that being said, here are our runner-up and 2014 Watercraft of The Year.
2014 Watercraft of The Year Runner-Up: 2014 Yamaha FZR Super Vortex High Output WaveRunner
It’s actually difficult to write this knowing how close the 2014 Yamaha FZR SVHO was to taking the coveted position as the first-ever 2014 Watercraft of The Year award. Ultimately, it was the FZR’s steeled position as a closed course turn-and-burner that fatefully bumped it from the top of the podium. But as history would show, very, very little was able to best the ’14 FZR from grabbing the top spot of any podium this year. In fact, it was this race-ready craft that dominated more motos in more races across the Pro Watercross Tour, the IJSBA World Finals and the 2014 Jet Ski World Cup than any other personal watercraft before it.
Replacing the existing Super High Output 1,812cc 4-stroke plant, the Super Vortex High Output package supplies the Yamaha with larger fuel injectors, redesigned lightweight pistons, increased oil and coolant volume, and 22-percent-more efficient intercooler, but a redesigned, larger (86mm) supercharger housing and 6-vein compressor wheel producing 60-percent more boost. The improvements coax an honest 260 (plus) horsepower from the SVHO. But the changes are not only to the engine: A performance-bred 8-vein pump and 160mm impeller pushes significantly more thrust through a new 3-degree nozzle (with cast-in diffuser veins) with a large 85mm exit diameter.
Combined with a new top-loader intake grate, a redesigned ride plate and longer, more aggressive sponsors made it very clear the SVHO’s intentions. The changes made to the FZR unveiled the brilliance in the WaveRunner’s 6-year-old hull’s soft-edged design. For those taking count, the appeal of the new SVHO spurred the defection of 11 top level racers from Sea-Doo to Yamaha. And at the conclusion of race season, the new Yamaha had three Pro Runabout National Titles in Pro Open, Limited and Stock, as well as IJSBA World Championships in Pro Stock, Limited, Expert Runabout Veteran and Women’s Runabout.
The 2014 Yamaha FZR SVHO is arguably the most aggressive, thoroughbred musclecraft that Yamaha has built since the two-stroke GP1300R. Although the GPR hull has gained new life as the darling design for HydroDrag racers, the FZR will likely affix itself as Yamaha’s most unapologetic closed-course-racer-from-the-factory that the PWC manufacturer has ever built to date. And that is why it has been one of our favorites for 2014 and the single-strongest contender for the title of 2014 Watercraft of The Year.
2014 Watercraft of The Year Winner: 2014 Sea-Doo Spark 2-up HO
You cannot argue with how popular Sea-Doo’s little-runabout-that-could is, and frankly, neither could we. Even with manufacturers spending thousands of dollars to throw some pretty nasty shade at the entry level machine, Sea-Doo dealers across the nation sold out of these things. Sure, with it’s bargain basement starting price of sub-$5,000, dealers barely made enough off of the sale of each unit to pay for the breakroom’s morning box of donuts, but that didn’t stop dealers from clawing over themselves to place orders when BRP reopened production mid-year.
According to Sea-Doo’s Tim McKercher, the Spark was “the number one reason the industry saw double digit growth last year.” Although we’ve received conflicting numbers over the past months – reporting that domestic Spark sales ranged anywhere between 8,000 to 11,000 – the sheer demand of orders placed by Sea-Doo dealers is enough to quantify the Spark’s popularity. Earning the position as the 2014 Watercraft of The Year isn’t weighed solely on total sales, although in this case it definitely helped a lot.
Rather, the Spark is also a winner because of its spirit. It’s a callback to years that many of us feared the manufacturers had forgotten, when an HX, a couple of buddies and a well-stocked cooler could provide a full-day’s worth of laughs. The two-seater (or “2-up”) Spark with the available High Output 90-horsepower tune is frankly, the only way to go, as lesser 60HP and 3-up units failed to stir the same smiles as the other. When equipped smartly, the Spark is fun, loose and playful, returning us to the days of powerslides, nosedives and other forms of aquatic mayhem.
Sure, the Spark is not without its faults, and detractors will site the polymer construction, nearly non-existent storage or its “tipsy” hull feel. But again, that’s not what the Spark is all about. It’s meant to be rowdy fun, not a long distance, pile-on-the-whole-family cruiser – there’s plenty of others that will do a better job. Even with its 48-different variations, the Spark is little more than a banana seat, a jet pump and a throttle. And that’s OK. In fact, it’s why we like it. It’s the ultimate waterborne go-cart. And it’s that spirit why Sea-Doo’s 2014 Spark 2-up HO is our winner for The Watercraft Journal’s 2014 Watercraft of The Year. Congratulations!
As you’ve might’ve noticed, there’s a whole lot of holiday specials springing up as we inch closer to Christmas. Although only 8 days away (as of this publishing), there’s still plenty of time left for your holiday shopping. And if you’re looking for a great Christmas special for the personal watercraft lover in your life (or you’re looking to treat your favorite toy), our friends at Diptech Performance have just the thing.
As an official dealer for JETSKI.XXX products, Diptech is offering a whole set of cleaning products (with a bucket and sponge) for $100. This package is usually priced at $114.75, so you’re saving nearly 15-percent off of regular price on what Diptech calls “The perfect cleaning products for your jet ski, trailer, car and riding gear.”
Besides the aforementioned bucket and sponge, the Christmas Special also includes JETSKI.XXX’s Extreme Clean Jet ski wash ($19.95), Extreme Tow wash and wax ($19.95), Extreme Condition ($24.95), Extreme Polish ($29.95) and Extreme Fresh wet suit wash ($19.95). For those of you unfamiliar with the JETSKI.XXX brand, it’s only a small part of the larger JET SKI CLUB and JET SKI TV group out of Australia. Including Financing, Insurance, Deals and nearly every other imaginable service, the JET SKI group of sites is working to improve all PWC enthusiasts’ riding experience.
Flatwater Freestyle is the basic starting point for most “average” guys, but covers a wide range of skill sets. This area of Freestyle consists of riding in a lake or river, with no available waves. Tricks can be performed on smooth water, or off of a small wake (called a setup wake) made by the rider. In the beginning, you can start off with your basic standup ski, some of which can be found as cheap as $1,500 in a ready to ride state.
As your riding improves, you will be able to learn new tricks, such as riding backwards, small wave jumping, diving under water (the submarine), and many others. From this point, if you’re hooked, (and you will be), its time for some equipment upgrades. Handling modifications usually come first, and not long after, the engine upgrades. These can go from mild to wild, and can run upwards of $40,000 for a pro level, high powered, lightweight carbon fiber hull.
Boat chasing is another common form of Freestyle jetskiing, and is similar to Flatwater, except that the riders go to areas frequented by large boats. Some serious riders build skis with this specific purpose in mind. These riders can be found in lakes, rivers, and the Oceans and bays, chasing large boats for that big air opportunity. Because of the large waves that some boats put out, riders can get great air time with a more economical powerplant. These skis run from stock to modified, but usually don’t get built to the level of the pro flatwater boats, because less power is needed, making them very economical.
Lastly, there are the surf riders (sometimes referred to as Freeriders). These guys live for the large waves that can be found in the ocean. Some have even been know to call in sick on a clean surf day. These riders can do sick things on mostly stock skis, but lately, the trend has been for these guys to build some very big and powerful skis for this type riding.
Reliability is key in the surf, and riders should never ride alone. Small issues can become very large ones in the surf. Bilge pumps, hood straps, foot holds, and handling mods are the starting points for these skis. These can also run from stock to pro level, and the prices can mimic those of the Flatwater skis, although surf skis are typically not built quite as light, and usually not with the top of the line power Flatwater requires.
The common denominator in all of these areas is the support of the fellow riders. Freestyle riders, in almost all cases, ride for the pure excitement and enjoyment of riding. There are no secrets to keep, no team loyalties (at most levels), and no money to be won (except in some pro level events).
This leads to a very helpful and supportive community. The popularity of social media has helped riders create larger groups, and stay in touch better. Internet forums are full of information on ski setup, engine tuning, what parts to buy, where to buy them, etc. There has never been a better time to enter in to the realm of Freestyle jet skiing.
Let’s face it, most of the US has packed up their skis for winter (except for you insufferably gloating jerks in Florida. Yeah, we get it. It’s like 68 degrees all the time. Great. Enjoy your love bugs). But when it comes to the off-season, it’s actually the best time to swoop in and make a killer deal or two. Why? Because people look at that big thing taking up space in their garage or sideyard (that they probably didn’t get to enjoy this summer as much as they had hoped), and wonder if they can’t drum up a few extra bucks for Christmas presents.
That’s why we liked this pair of 2005 Kawasaki STX-12F JetSkis, for sale over at WMF Watercraft. Yes, this pair of identical 3-seaters are powered by the previous 1200cc 4-stroke motor that preceded the current naturally-aspirated 1.5L. The duo have a documented 110 hours on both, and comes with PWC covers and the trailer (shown). The team of master technicians also performed full servicing and promise both skis are in excellent condition. Clothed in metallic orange and white, and including right-hand reverse and Kawasaki’s security key, these were once the flagship of Kawasaki’s JetSki lineup.
Prior to the introduction of the larger Ultra 250X in 2007, the STX platform was once the darling of the closed course, and earned Kawasaki several IJSBA World Titles. Now in its 12th year, the current STX-15F is waaay overdue for a redesign (if not just major facelift – the hull design is still pretty dang good). Until that day, these two orange-and-white STX-12Fs can be yours for $10,999 today!
As our friend Ross Champion quipped about the season, “Commerce, the true meaning of Christmas.” While the true meaning of the holiday has been buried under metric tons of tinsel and blowout sales at the mall, we’ll do our part to dilute the sanctity of the season by offering our top ten favorite items that we’ve been lucky enough to test throughout the past year’s worth of Product Reviews. And yes, there’s still plenty of time to get your orders in and have these goodies in time to have wrapped and stuffed under the tree.
1. Kool PWC Stuff Jet Ski Fishing/Cooler Rack – $390
It’s no coincidence that the top of our list is Kool PWC Stuff’s Fishing/Cooler Rack. It’s literally one of the coolest items we’ve had the pleasure of testing. Many storage/fishing racks sway heavily in quality as they do price; those on the cheap side are exactly that, usually flimsy and plastic. Then there are those that are so expensive they better be made out of space-age titanium (which they’re not). No, we found the Kool PWC Stuff rack to be pleasantly affordable, stout and accommodating.
Of course, the outstanding feature of the Jet Ski Fishing/Cooler Rack doesn’t require any cutting or drilling to your personal watercraft. Throw in that the Cooler Rack can also store a pair of really cool custom saddle tanks outside of the rack space itself, you could literally pack an additional 40 gallons of gasoline with you if you felt so inclined. Now, for you PWC fishermen, the rack touts more than a handful of rod holders and can house a cooler large enough to store plenty of life bait, or your most recent catch with no problem.
2. RIVA Racing’s Intake Manifold Upgrade Kit – $39.95
If you own a 2008-up Yamaha WaveRunner with the 1.8L 4-cylinder, be it a SHO or SVHO, this is bar none the single best performance item you can purchase. Regardless if you’re a weekend cruiser or a closed course competitor, the RIVA Intake Manifold kit – which is merely a precision-crafted billet sleeve to replace the mesh element (or “flame arrestor”) in all 1.8-liter four-stroke Yamaha engines’ intake manifolds.
The tapered collar is effectively opens up the Yamaha’s airways, allowing a greater volume of air and fuel to be ingested at a higher rate by removing the restrictive mesh element in the intake manifold and replacing it with RIVA’s Intake Manifold Upgrade Kit. It takes less than an hour to install and the gains are immediately noticeable. No changes to your ECU or engine setup are required. It’s a must have if you want to go fast with a Yamaha these days, so trust us. You want one.
3. Ride Power USA’s Android Phone Charger – $69
We first got our hands on Ride Power USA’s Android Phone Charger about this time last year. It took us a couple of months to get around to installing it, and man, were we mad we waited so long. The Ride Power USA kit is possibly the most useful tool we’ve installed on our ski…ever given how often we bring our phones with us – be it for pictures, GPS mapping or just never being able to go anywhere without our smart phones. The simple design is so straightforward that the only reason it shouldn’t take longer than the suggested hour to install it to any runabout.
4. EZ Throttle Ergonomic Throttle Trigger Extension – $19.99
The EZ Throttle Ergonomic Throttle Trigger Extension simply slips over your existing finger throttle taking it from approximately two inches to about five inches, which just about mirrors the length of your PWC hand grip. All you need is 20 minutes with minimal tools – a small socket wrench with an adapter and 1/8-inch hex driver (or Allen wrench) and a 5/64” Allen wrench – and you will have radically improved your ski’s hand grip ergonomics; allowing the rider to use four fingers instead of just one or two, using less effort to squeeze and hold the original throttle.
5. Dragon Alliance’s MDX Hydro Goggles – $49.95
If you buy these, you will wear them. In fact, you’ll find yourself wearing them more than you think that you would. Seriously. The Dragon Alliance’s MDX Hydro Goggles are that comfortable. Designed specifically for watersports (i.e. riding your personal watercraft), these beauties feature waterproof tri-layer neoprene face foam that not only is designed to survive prolonged exposure to water, but also keeps out unwanted water from entering.
The Dragon Hydros float and the 1 1/2-inch strap features a silicone bead that grips firmly to your helmet (if you’re wearing one). The frame is made from polyurethane, which keeps it lightweight and flexible. But it’s the Dragon’s lenses that shine most. The frames allow for wide, panoramic lenses opening up your range of vision and are 100-percent UV (UVA/UVB) proof and coated in a proprietary anti-fog treatment.
6. Hydro-Turf’s Hydration Roller Bag – $50
You might thinking, “A bag? Really?” Seriously, we use the Hydro-Turf’s Hydration Roller Bag all the time. Let me repeat: ALL. THE. TIME. It’s huge. It’s strong and surprisingly affordable (more on that below). Made from heavy-duty nylon, it’s tough as nails, and comes in at an impressive 29”x17”x14”. That might be more bag that you think you might need, but trust us, you’ll find a use for all that real estate.
Featuring large wheels with sealed bearings that glide smoothly, the Hydration Bag can be pulled along by its molded handle grip. Three thick nylon skids on the bottom provide added rigidity and durability not found in competitor’s bags. Lastly, heavy duty zippers seal the main area and full-width front pouch as well. If you want to score a deal, use code “CODE-TWJ” in the comment section at the end of the ordering process, you will not only get the Hydration Roller Bag for $50 (that’s a $30 savings) and also earn a 15% discount on all mats, seat covers and sheets of Hydro-Turf! Yeah, you’re welcome.
7. Cargo Wave PWC Trailer – $1599
There are certain kinds of people who will LOVE the Cargo Wave PWC Trailer, and there are those who will never see a use for it in a million years. Fatefully, the first group of people are the ones who have been waiting for a quality, durable and functional towable trailer for decades – and we’re telling you, the Cargo Wave works. Made of two specially-molded fiberglass clam shells, and bonded together in a fashion similar to your watercraft, even with a rubberized bondrail, the top deck features a flip-up hatch with steel-braided tethers, and held down with rubberized latch straps, providing a watertight seal.
A one-way vent allows air circulation without letting in water, helping to keep mold from collecting inside. Inside is 28 cubic feet of storage, with a reinforced platform with non-slip matting and railings to strap your cargo down. Each Cargo Wave comes with its own full sized Igloo cooler (tied down with a pair of crisscrossing bungee cords). Towed via a pair of heavy-duty capped and steel-braided, rubberized 3-inch diameter hoses, the trailer mounts with the tightening of two C-rings into the cables’ stout cast O-rings, and to the trailer itself with a T-handle pin (for easy removal at the end of the day). The rubberized hoses allow enough flex to allow the trailer with naturally sway through your ski’s wake.
8. Jet Renu “Purple” Wash & Wax – $9.95
A few months back, we asked Jet Renu if they had a possible wetsuit washing soap on the drawing board. Their reply was, “We already have it. Purple.” Sure enough, Jet Renu’s Purple Wash & Wax premium soap was a fantastic substitute for using harsh dish soap or expensive wetsuit cleaners. Fortified with 100-percent Brazilian Carnauba Wax, you wouldn’t think that Purple would clean neoprene as well as it penetrates deep down into the gel coat to lift away caked on dirt and grime.
Purple Wash & Wax left behind no residue and provides a protective barrier from the sun’s harmful UV rays. A bottle of Purple comes in a super concentrated formula, providing a high-foaming soap that is Ph balanced, non-toxic and biodegradable.
9. Watcon’s Battery Charger Optimate 2 – $50
Available through our friends at Watcon, the Optimate 2 “smart” battery charger-maintainer is “a cost effective solution for long term maintenance of 12v batteries.” By supplying 0.8A constant current, the Optimate 2 automatically brings the battery to full charge and then switches to a “unique battery-saving maintenance charge mode” to keep battery at 100-percent, be it ready to run or preserving the life of the battery of long periods of sitting. It’s recommended for standard (with removable caps) Sealed AGM (absorbed glass mat), and sealed gel 12V lead-acid batteries up to 50Ah. Again, it’s fully automatic, and includes safety features such as “no spark connection,” and reverse polarity protection.
10. Champion Timepieces’ Fusion – $350
Finally, the coup de grace of our Top 10 list for personal watercraft enthusiasts is this absolutely gorgeous watch from Champion Timepieces. Featured last week, the Fusion comes in a unique box with a custom engraved plaque (containing a personalized thank you note from Carl and Ross). The limited edition Fusion contains a big, bold billet aluminum 46mm case, raw carbon fiber 36mm face with brushed aluminum features, a strong and comfortable 24mm nylon and co-molded silicone rubber strap from Reactor Watches, hypoallergenic stainless steel back, 10mm screw-in crown, 2mm K Glass scratch-resistant crystal, Miyota Quartz movement, super luminescent hands and is 10 ATM water resistant.
Just so you know, “The limited edition Fusion has been created to commemorate the founding of Champion Timepieces and the forming of a partnership between the founders Ross Champion and Carl Gramberg,” according to the official release. “The Fusion is a real authentic representation of the culture that so much of our lives revolve around. We used many of the same materials and manufacturing techniques in building the Fusion that have made our world of high performance watercraft what it is today.”
There was a major milestone in the world of personal watercraft performance that has gone for the most part completely ignored: how two athletes from the United Kingdom decimated two of the biggest classes. Lee Stone and James Bushell put on such powerful performances in Pro Freestyle and Pro Runabout GP and Open, respectively, that the standing watermarks will likely remain in places for several years to come.
The win not only earned Bushell the coveted King’s Cup, but a fat sum of $33,000 for his win. His 2014 season not only bumped the champ’s count to IJSBA 11 world titles, but the first Briton to bring home a King’s Cup. The feat of course, has been hailed by fans of jet ski racing worldwide and rightfully so. But none have been more congratulatory than the crew at Aquacarts, who published a gallery of James’ world-winning Sea-Doo’s being built while rest on a set of custom one-off shop carts built specially for the World Champ!
Below we’ve included some of Aquacarts’ cool build pics as well as plenty of action of James at this year’s King’s Cup.
Many of us ride for different reasons. Like myself, who enjoys historical rides, a group of northern PWC adventurers set out to commemorate the 400 year old historic journey of [1]Samuel de Champlain, in his birch bark canoe, on the Ottawa River in Canada. Samuel de Champlain was a French Navigator, among many things, who founded both New France and Quebec City in Canada and the Ottawa River separates the Quebec and Ontario Provinces.
This group of explorers utilized the on road support of a tow vehicle and flatbed trailer to assist, not only in the transfer of fuel but also for the groups luggage, any breakdowns or mechanical issues that could have arose and for portaging the three dams along the journey. I can personally attest to the time in planning such an adventure. This group has provided a wonderful ride report, along with all the info and navigational points needed for one to do this awesome ride.
The personal watercraft industry’s longest continual race (which also might have the longest continual title), 11th Annual Hot Products IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 is now officially taking entries for its February 28th, 2015 race date. Presented by Yamaha, the “Mark Hahn 300” as it’s commonly referred, welcomes racers from across the globe to compete in a truly unique format, as competitors race down the shore of Lake Havasu City’s Crazy Horse Resort, in a “LeMans’ style” start to their skis in the water.
Climbing aboard as fast as possible, racers streak around a 10-mile lap around much of Lake Havasu, even crossing over the state line into California, before racing back for another lap. Living up to its namesake, racers will need to perform several pit stops throughout the 300-mile endurance race (or 5-hour duration, which ever comes first), removing their watercraft completely out of the water, up the beach to refuel before launching back in again. Although riders are allowed to “ironman” the event, teams of 3 persons for standup skis, and 2 persons for runabouts are permitted.
Although it might sound easily done on paper, the execution of a successful Mark Hahn 300 race depends much on the strength, training and endurance of the racer, the reliability of the ski, the execution of a successful (and spill-free) pit stop, and of course, the weather. In its 11 years, the Mark Hahn Memorial has witnessed a full array of weather, from whipping winds and stinging rain, to glassy calm waters and cloudless blue skies. It’s almost a complete toss up, and racers best be prepared to battle with either (or anything in between).
Below we’ve included two official documents, the official release announcing the return of Hot Products as a title sponsor, and the official race entry information with many of the pertinent rules necessary to be eligible to compete. Entry forms can be downloaded HERE:
11th Annual Hot Products IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Presented by YAMAHA Set for February 28, 2015 in Lake Havasu, Arizona
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA – July 22, 2014: The date for The Eleventh Annual “World’s Longest Continuous PWC Race” was announced today by the event promoter Jim Russell, DSM Events owner, and Executive producer Mike Follmer. The 2015 Hot Products IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial Presented by Yamaha Havasu 300 mile National Team Endurance Race is all set to launch on February 28, 2015 from Crazy Horse Campground in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The event will once again be sanctioned by the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA), and it is expected to draw a record number teams from around the globe as well as all of the top PWC racers from the US. The Teams will be competing against each other while trying to break the 300 mile record of 4 hours 31 minutes 24 seconds set by the 2014 Mark Hahn Memorial Overall winner Craig Warner Monster Energy Team Kawasaki.
The race is being held again in the memory of endurance racer Mark Hahn who was instrumental in providing the momentum to keep endurance racing going strong and growing across the country before his untimely death during a PWC race in 2004. The “Team” format features two riders for runabout (sit down) boat teams and up to three riders for a stand-up craft. Solo riders are also welcome to “Ironman” the race on either style of boat, a real test of endurance and stamina reserved for only the true endurance zealots. The 2011 event was the second PWC event to use transponders in the United States and it was well received and helped to increase the professionalism of this national event. Transponders will be used in the 2015 event as well.
“The race is returning to Crazy Horse Campground’s Main Beach site for this very important event”, said Jim Russell, “and the 10 mile course we have approval from the Coast Guard will pit all the teams against the wind, rough water and long runs that this event has become synonymous with.” In addition to all the weather and water conditions all the teams have to contend with, they will also be required to make fuel stops, without spilling fuel, and make rider changes several times during the race, while modifying their race strategies as the race progresses. There will be six different classes competing on the race course simultaneously, with all the racers competing for the overall title. At the conclusion of the race, each class winning team will be crowned the IJSBA National Team Endurance Champion for their respective class. A first-class awards program with sit down dinner will once again be held at the Aquatic center Rods and Recs room.
After the gigantic success and worldwide recognition received in live Internet and press of the 2014 Mark Hahn Memorial, it is expected that a record number of US and International entries will come out for the 11th annual event. Mike Follmer said, “We’re gearing up to make the 2015 event outshine what we did for the 10th annual event in 2014 by getting more giveaways and even nicer trophies for the massive awards banquet at the Aquatic center that will far surpass what we did in 2014. We have on the water still photography and internet magazine coverage to chronicle the event for the riders. The awards banquet will feature a sit down dinner for over 300 plus people and over 60 award trophies to be presented to overall and class winners with a host of special awards that will again surprise their worthy recipients.”
We are very fortunate to have Hot Products USA return as the title sponsor and our presenting sponsor Yamaha for the 2015 event as well as many other great sponsors that have helped support this exciting event. All of the pre-race attention and planning for the 2015 IJSBA Hot Products Mark Hahn Memorial Presented by Yamaha will guarantee that it will far surpass the previous years which have been heralded by many as the “Best PWC Offshore race of the year”! Get your teams together and your entry in early to make sure you don’t miss out on this great experience.
This race is an IJSBA Sanctioned event and as such, ALL riders MUST be IJSBA Racing Members and you will need to enter the class that your IJSBA card shows VERY IMPORTANT. If your card says PRO then you must run the Pro/Am class. If you are not now but want to become an IJSBA Racing Member go online at www.ijsba.com. You may also do this at registration on Friday. Please consult the event rules for more information.
The Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Team Race is a stand-alone event to honor our fallen friend Mark Hahn. It is not part of the annual point races and therefore there will be (six) classes only, as listed on the entry form. There is a transponder rental fee of $30.00 that will be paid at registration to E TimeIt. All transponders need to be returned after the race – if they are not returned you will be charged $250.00.
Get your team set and your entry in early to avoid the $50.00 late fee which will be levied if your paid entry is not received by DSM by February 15.. No entries will be accepted on race day. DSM will accept VISA, MASTERCARD or a check for the early entry fee to make payment very easy. If anyone has a problem with this entry system or wants to make special arrangements, please contact Jim Russell at DSM immediately at (928) 764-2210, in an effort to limit the confusion on race day and insure that the race gets started exactly on time.
All entrants MUST have eight inch (8”) black number(s) on a white background to be scored. Numbers will NOT be available at the race site on race day, nor may you enter on race day. Each entry includes two (2) dinner bands, which are REQUIRED to gain entrance to the awards ceremony and dinner. Additional dinner bands can be purchased on the entry form or at the door. Tech and sign in will be on Friday Feb 27 at Havasu Powersports between 1.00 and 7 PM, located at 1040 Lake Havasu Blvd phone (928) 453-1610. All times are Arizona.
Awards will be for First through Tenth in the Overall order and First through Third in each Class. The awards are really special for this event.
The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Aquatic Center. Doors will open at 6:30 PM, with the ceremony beginning at 7:30 PM. NO ONE WILL GET IN WITHOUT A DINNER BAND.
OK listen, it kinda sucks that Polaris has been out of the personal watercraft game for over a decade now, but we’ve gotta say that what they’re making these days is pretty dang exciting. It’s no secret that Polaris’ RZR is the big daddy of performance side-by-sides; in fact, dealers can hardly keep ahead of the demand. And Polaris has always been a fan-favorite for snowmobiles. But as Can-Am’s three-wheeled Spyder blurs the lines between motorcycle and Sea-Doo, Polaris has smeared the line between motorcycle and, well…indy car.
The all-new Polaris Slingshot is an impressive, and outright befuddling machine. Powered by a GM 2.4-liter, 173HP Ecotec in-line four cylinder motor and backed by an Aisin five-speed manual gearbox, the Polaris rides on a chrome-moly tube chassis that sits two passengers low in the pan, shoulder-to-shoulder. With a 77.6-inch wide front wheelbase, 149.6-inch length, and 51-inch height; the Slingshot tips the scales at nearly double that of conventional trikes at 1,743 pounds. Massive 11.8-inch disc brakes bring the big go-trike to a stop, as lots of electronic assistance helps sponge up the Slingshot SL’s tail-wagging.
So, you might be wondering, what the heck is a story about this $24,000 real life Hot Wheels toy doing in a jet ski magazine? Besides the evergreen hope that Polaris will come to their senses and come back to producing the Octane and MSX (preferably with the grenade-proof Ecotech 4-banger in tow), we spotted this impressive machine at our favorite Power 50 dealers in North America by Powersports Business, America’s Motor Sports.
If you’re struggling with the wintertime blues and you’ve got a couple dozen grand burning a hole in your pocket, then maybe the Slingshot is the toy your garage has been lacking. Otherwise, we’ll see you out on the water when it decides to melt.
