Gallery: Introducing The 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner Lineup

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August 19, 2014

From the keel up to the handlebars, the VX Series WaveRunner is completely redesigned, a compliment of new features, and a more aggressive ride.

There is a major push coming out of Yamaha’s Kennesaw, Georgia facility that hasn’t been seen in a long, long time. Yamaha is going for blood, and frankly, it’s pretty cool.

Many thought that last year’s introduction of the Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) powertrain package was a major game changer for the brand. And to a degree, they were right. But it’s what Yamaha did with the SVHO – namely charging the Pro Watercross National Tour with a complete roster of top level racers, many of whom publicly defected from Sea-Doo’s X-Team – that first chummed the waters. It’s what’s happening for 2015 that will ignite the air raid sirens.

This weekend was awash with Yamaha Blue on the podium, with Factory Yamaha racers sweeping National Titles in Pro Runabout Open, Limited and Stock, Runabout Naturally-Aspirated, Amateur Runabout Stock, and Expert Runabout Stock. Additionally, SVHO-powered Yamaha bested the offshore favorite Kawasaki Ultra to grab world championships in both the KaruJet and Russki Jetracer offshore enduros.

Central to the redesign of the VX hull was the VXR. Unique to the rest of the VX series, the naturally-aspirated 1.8L HO-powered craft. Sharp masculine lines compliment a longer (131.5-inches) and wider (48-inches) hull.

Beneath the new split two-part bench seat on the VXR an VX Cruiser is the same watertight screw-top storage bin previously only found in the larger FX and FZ series.

Emboldened with this unparalleled lead in top end performance, Yamaha is now turning its sights on safety and convenience for 2015, but with a huge splash of improved performance too boot. It’s hard not to just shout out what’s new without mentioning how Yamaha has come to this point:

As the whole PWC industry has improved in overall sales by 25-percent in the last year, Yamaha accounts for 15-percent of that increase. This number makes even more sense when you learn that 80-percent of all Yamaha WaveRunners produced are sold in the US. As sales increase, so does Yamaha’s confidence, and thereby allots us, the enthusiasts, to reap the rewards. What rewards, you ask? Hang on tight:

Replacing Yamaha’s right-hand reverse lever is RiDE, an intuitive “dual throttle control system,” which deploys the reverse bucket in a gradual motion, overriding the throttle progressively. When both throttles are released, the reverse bucket is shifted into a neutral position, letting the runabout idle in place. Controlled by Yamaha’s new Boat Control Unit (BCU), each RiDE unit is specifically tuned to the model to factor for weight and power.

In addition to the RiDE reverse throttle, Yamaha has also provided electronic trim control. No more trying to twist the handle while under power!

The new FZ series – although brandishing some new innovation of its own – is only one of the few units in Yamha’s 2015 lineup to not include the new RiDE system.

Although Yamaha would really like not to compare it to Sea-Doo’s iBR (Intelligent Brake & Reverse) system, it’s almost impossible not to. Heck, they even have the same little “i” in the name. But, in comparing the two is where Yamaha’s RiDE shines, so we’re gonna do it anyways. Unlike iBR, whose left lever acts as a gear shift, RiDE allows you to reverse freely without the right throttle, as Yamaha’s left-hand trigger is a throttle.

And although not intended for its design, the progressive nature of the reverse bucket does allow for limited full-throttle braking prior to hitting a hard turn. Finding an unsuspecting channel marker to act as our buoy, we continually put Yamaha’s SVHO-powered, RiDE-equipped FX Cruiser through the paces, with the RiDE pulling us back slightly before loading in hot into the turn.

While docking, RiDE pours on the thrust a tad harder than what someone accustomed to iBR might be prepared for. Again, it’s intuitive and requires only the lightest of squeezing to respond. Admittedly, it took a little time to get used to, but it works great. Just don’t let that Yamaha rooster tail spray others on the dock.

YAMAHA1 — Yamaha ramps up the performance of the SVHO-equipped Yamahas (be it FZ or FX series) with the use of its new NanoXcel 2, which is an amazing 18-percent lighter than the current NanoXcel.

To compete with Sea-Doo’s Spark, Yamaha has repackaged its VX and VX Sport as the new V1 and V1 Sport, as well as dropped the price. Other than name, colors and pricing, the V1 remains otherwise untouched.

Mechanically, the RiDE system uses very similar hardware found on late-model Yamahas, permitting the use of aftermarket ride plates currently available today. Likewise, the reverse bucket retains much of its existing design, including the side exits that funnel thrust to either side (rather than up and down, which tends to nose plow on iBR-equipped skis). And, an electric motor inside the hull manipulates the bucket through a rod, similar to cable-operated reverse buckets today.

And unlike iBR, not all Yamahas are equipped with RiDE, particularly the FZ series skis, as many “hardcore” performance lovers would rather go without the added 14-pounds the system adds, as well as the new V1…wait, what?

That’s right, Yamaha is introducing two new skis to their lineup: the V1 and V1 Sport. OK, when we say “all new” we’re kinda fudging the truth a little. The V1 and V1 Sport is simply the current VX and VX Sport but repackaged and repriced to compete with Sea-Doo’s Spark. Banking that most Sparks sold included add-ons like 3-up seating, front storage and reverse (or iBR), pushing the price closer to $7,000, Yamaha is lowering their two most successful units into this exact price range.

From an entry-level V1 to the top-of-the-line FX SVHO Cruiser, Yamaha WaveRunner’s lineup covers all possible corners of the market.

As before, the VXR and VXS are the only two within the VX family to wield the mighty 1.8-liter naturally aspirated High Output motor. The rest retain the 1,052cc plant.

But, wait. That’s not all. Yamaha is unleashing a whole new VX lineup, and we mean from the keel up. Each VX, VXS VXR, VX Deluxe and VX Cruiser features the new RiDE systems, as others feature electronic trim, Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode – y’know, features previously restrained to the larger FX machines. This helps elevate the VX series to a whole new tier of performance, comfort and luxury.

Improving upon the VX was a difficult task, as the series has been not only Yamaha’s, but the industry’s most successful personal watercraft ever sold. The deck of the new VX draws heavily on family DNA pulled down from the FX and FZ units. Likewise, the VX series shed their “cheap” feel with better fit-and-finish, nicer colors, chrome accents and the aforementioned features.

Beneath the bondline though, is where the new VX runabouts really stand out. Scott Watkins explained to The Watercraft Journal, “The goal was to design a hull that if the industry really tanked, it would be able to be ‘everything to everyone.’ We’ve tested it with every engine configuration. We’re really happy with it.”

The SVHO-equipped FZ and FX runabouts get some love too with Yamaha’s all-new NanoXcel 2 deck, liner and hull, shaving off 35 and 46-pounds respectively.

Unfortunately, no. That’s not real carbon fiber, but it sure looks good none the less. The 2015 FZR also features a crosshatch material on the seats to mirror the faux carbon highlights.

We spent plenty of time on the VX Cruiser and VXR, and can promise you, these are not the VX series you’re used to. “We had to sacrifice a little bit on the top end to give us the handling characteristics we were looking for,” Scott continued. “It feels quicker, but its how it handles that people will feel the difference.”

And if you think that’s it for 2015, you’d be wrong. Yamaha gave a big nod to the performance-loving PWC enthusiasts by radically improving the SVHO-equipped FZ and FX WaveRunners’ power-to-weight ratio. While the current proprietary NanoXcel material reduces the weight of conventional SMC fiberglass runabouts by upwards of 37-percent, a major revision to Yamaha’s process has found a way to shave another 18-percent over the standard NanoXcel!

Using the new special resin made from “nano” clay and glass micro bubbles that helps to use less material, NanaXcel 2 is used in the development of new stronger, more rigid and lighter decks, liners and hulls. These weight savings add up in a big way: an impressive 35-pounds off of the FZR and FZS and a staggering 46-pounds off of the FX SVHO and FX SVHO Cruiser.

The new VX series also feature a new, widescreen gauge panel with a “gear indicator” as well as fuel and electronic trim readouts.

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Video: Prilosec’s New Larry The Cable Guy Commercial Will Give You Heartburn

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 19, 2014

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Even as today’s personal watercraft feature some of the most advanced safety and accident-preventative technology, not to mention high tech engine management systems, GPS tracking and bells and whistles, PWC are still held in a pretty low regard. All it takes is somebody posting that worn and weary image of Kenny Powers on his purple and leopard runabout to be reminded of this.

The latest in “PWC-in-media-as-a-punchline” is the very groan-worthy commercial featuring an equally worn and weary funnyman, Larry The Cable Guy talking on behalf of Prilosec OTC heartburn medication. Featuring the corpulent comedian at a typical lakeside BBQ, he quickly jumps aboard a garishly-wrapped Yamaha VX. Very obviously doubled with a slimmer stunt double, Larry proceeds to rips around the lake before jumping (and extinguishing) a flaming hoop.

Thankfully, Larry is seen wearing a life vest (albeit camouflage), which is better than most depictions of jet skiers in media. No doubt the heartburn-relief ad spot will spark memories of other advertisements using watercraft, such as the hilarious Terry Crews Old Spice ad spots from early last year, as well as many others.

http://youtu.be/yGNewO4V1Vk

Let RIVA Racing Rev Up Your Sea-Doo Spark

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 18, 2014

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It’s kinda funny how people are nearly sprinting at full speed to supe up their Sea-Doo Sparks. The little-runabout-that-could was never intended for full-throttle, hardcore performance action, but that hasn’t stopped nearly grown adult with an itchy trigger finger to take a long look at squeezing out some extra ponies from the 900cc-powered Spark.

At the forefront of this list is RIVA Racing. The stalwart performance parts manufacturer has spared little time (and expense) to be first to the market with some serious go-fast goods for the Spark. On your right is just a taste of RIVA’s offerings, as this is an old spy shot from their R&D mule.

The real deal is a choice of RIVA’s Free Flow Exhaust Kit or Rear Exhaust Kit, Aluminum Water Box; RIVA’s 7-way adjustable Pro-Series Sponsons, which Greenhulk’s own Jerry Gaddis recently tested; and the RIVA/Solas Concord SK-CD-12/17 impeller. And if you’re worried about pulling the deck off one too many times, they even offer the RIVA Spark Deck Hardware Upgrade Kit.

As reported last week, there are still plenty of Sparks to be had before the end of the 2014 riding season, the aftermarket is just warming up. Sure, there’s turbo kits and ECU tunes to press out over 100-horsepower with no problem, but not everybody is looking to push their Spark to the limit. Rather, most are happy to cut a tight turn or leap out of the hole a little harder, and that’s where RIVA Racing comes in.

America’s Motor Sports Still Stocking Sea-Doo Sparks

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 15, 2014

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Say what you will about the Sea-Doo Spark, it’s a stinkin’ popular ski. Many dealerships have plain just ran out of the lightweight Rec Lite runabouts, while others have so much demand for the few they have left that their budget-friendly pricing as suddenly gone up. Even with a limited second production run a few months back, available Sparks are simply hard to find.

That’s why we’re excited to announce that not only does middle Tennessee’s America’s Motor Sports have brand new Sparks – in a variety of colors and trim levels – but even some pre-owned units! This particular ’14 Spark features the 2-up short seat configuration with the added 90hp HO tune and came equipped with Sea-Doo’s innovative IBR!

If you’re thinking this bad boy will set you back, you’re mistaken. Right now, this loaded Spark can be yours for $4,893 (trailer not included). Simply call Alex at (615) 767-6835, and tell him, “I saw your Spark on The Watercraft Journal,” and the rest they say, is history!

With nearly different configurations, Sea-Doo’s Spark can be as unique as you are. There are seemingly endless options for color, accessory and equipment available, and America’s Motor Sports is happy to make your Spark truly yours.

Happy August 15th, International Day of the Jet Ski

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 14, 2014

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Sometimes, there’s just very little that can be added. When we came across this post on Australian PWC forum jetskiclub.com.au in celebration of the official release of the first Kawasaki JetSki in 1973, we knew there was very little we could say or add to forum member Nigel’s words.

That being said, we wish you all a very Happy International Day of The Jet Ski and hope you can make your way out to the water tomorrow. We might just do the same.

Kawasaki introduced Jet Skis WSAA and WSAB in 1973, the first ever stand-up watercrafts which were limited in production before the company from Akashi decided to bring them in to mass production in 1976.

There are not many out there in the international personal watercraft scene or jet skiing as it used to be in past that know many things about the history of this sport. Actually, many people including enthusiasts of the sport or even Kawasaki CEO’s in many countries who believe that Kawasaki invented the Stand-Up watercraft. Well, they are wrong since there is only one guy in the world who had this vision and drew it on paper and patent it before actually signing an agreement with Kawasaki to produce the first Stand-Up. It was Clayton Jacobson II, an ex banker from Arizona who started working on this project –the project of personal watercraft- in 1960.

On August 15, 1971, Clayton Jacobson’s agreement with Bombardier had expired and it was that very day that Kawasaki signed an agreement to license Jacobson’s invention. By this time, Jacobson had already built his seventh prototype stand-up personal watercraft, using a 372ccRotax water-cooled engine that was in the 1969 model Sea-Doo. However according to Jacobson, Kawasaki was much more receptive and gave him everything he wanted, including corrosion-resistant materials and a 40hp, 400cc, water-cooled engine. The original engine Kawasaki gave Jacobson was a prototype snowmobile engine and it ended up becoming the foundation for 440cc Jet Ski engine.

When Kawasaki manufactured the very first production stand-up personal watercraft, the term or logo of Jet Ski was not yet in use. Originally it was referred as a “Water Jet” on service manuals and later on as “Power Skis” in the owner’s manual.

Jacobson and Kawasaki created six-to-seven different prototypes in 1972, before bringing two models to the market in 1973, the WSAA and the WSAB. The two original models were made of hand-laid fiberglass and included the 1973 WSAA Jet Ski 400, and the WSAB Jet Ski 400. The WSAA featured a flat bottom design that stayed with the JS hull until 1994. The WSAB featured a V-hull that enhanced turning, but was less stable and harder to ride. Approximately 550 of these, WSAA and WSAB, Jet Skies were ever produced, a third of them with the V hull and the other two-thirds with the flatter WSAA hull.

Fred Tunstall, a long time Kawasaki employee had mentioned in the past that they worked on a half-dozen different prototypes in 1972 before eventually deciding on the two models that would hit the market a year later (1973), the WSAA and WSAB. WSAA featured a hull similar to the one installed later on the JS400 and JS550 models. On the other hand WSAB used an aggressive, deeper-V hull. Kawasaki had worked on a lot of different things back in those days but there are probably about six prototypes they were actually testing. The crafts were fairly similar to each other, though Kawasaki were trying different strake patterns or add sponsons, and other things in order to find out how they respond. There was a lot of trial and error involved in to testing back in 1972.

Why the two hull design?
According to Tunstall, Kawasaki went with the two hulls because they were uncertain about who the customer was going to be. The flat hull was much more stable and easy to use; however there was some thought that the V-hull would attract riders interested in competition. Kawasaki never quite knew what they are going to do, especially in rough water. “Man, that thing could curve. The first ride on it, it is worse than a wild horse, but after you spent some time getting used to it, it turned into a lot of fun.”

Apart from the hull design, the two models were the same. In fact, they share the same dimensions, 6-feet, 10 inches long, 24 inches wide and 26 inches high, with a dry weight of 220 lbs and a draft of 4 inches. Those crafts were only slightly shorter approximately by 2.5 inches and lighter about 25 lbs than the long lived Jet Ski 400. The 1973 models had a real prototype look, with the wooden bulkhead braces and hand-machined hardware and sand cast aluminum parts.

The handlepole was also made of fiberglass, but in two parts which were then riveted together. The first prototypes used –one-piece aluminum tubes but Kawasaki switched to the fiberglass on those first models, which worked pretty well. When Kawasaki moved the Jet Ski production line to Lincoln Nebraska, it switched to SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) and then had a few issues with the handlepoles braking therefore, they pretty much shut down production for almost a year until they solved the problem. The aluminum bars when 30? bend and featured a trigger throttle lever.

The first engine
WSAA and WSAB featured the same two-stroke, twin-cylinder water-cooled engine which was actually a Kawasaki snowmobile engine. Engine displacement was 398cc with a bore and stroke of 65 x 60 mm and a compression ratio of 5.8:1. On the inlet side there was 2-1 intake manifold topped with a Mikuni, 38mm diaphragm type carburetor with a piston-port intake system. On the exhaust side, a water-jacketed head pipe was fit with a stainless steel expansion chamber.

Horsepower was translated in to thrust via a single stage axial flow aluminum jet pump of 121.7mm. The pump intake was fitted with a cast-in bar scoop which design was based on the same theory of latter’s top-loader intake grates. The pump featured initially an aluminum two-blade impeller (only a handful of those prototype skis had two-blade props) which was later replaced with a three-blade one.

Both WSAA and WSAB came standard with a trigger throttle lever like many of today’s personal watercrafts. However the start/stop buttons and the manual choke were situated on the dashboard along with the stainless steel hood latch. The reason behind the awkward position of the start/stop buttons was that at the moment this was the safest way to keep the electric box dry. This was actually one the most important aspects that puzzled Kawasaki engineers back in 1972. Many people assumed it was because so many people started out riding on their knees.

Back in 1973 Kawasaki WSAA and WSAB cost $1995 and both craft were the pioneers of Jet Ski that Kawasaki launched in mass production in 1976 with the JS400.

Specifications
Kawasaki WS-AA and WS-AB
Model:T1C91

Engine
Type: 2T, vertical twin,180? firing piston valve, water-cooled
Displacement (c c ): 398cc
Bore x stroke (mm): 65 x 60
Power (hp/rpm): 26/6.000
Torque (Ft.Lb/rpm): 24/5.000
Compression ratio: 5.8 :1
Fuel induction system: 1 x Mikuni BN38 diaphragm type
Exhaust system: Cast exhaust wet pipe with a 2-1 header
Cooling system: Engine-Exhaust-Open loop system
Fuel consumption (L/h):5.7 @32kph (1.5gal/hr 20mph)

Hull
Type: Modified V, double concave (model WSAA-Flat hull); Deep V, Double concave (model WSAB).
Hull material: Hand laid fiberglass, with gellcoat finish and wood bulkhead bracing.
Deck Material: Fiberglass reinforced SMC
Overall length (mm): 2.140 (84in)
Overall width (mm): 610 (24 in)
Overall height (mm): 640 (26 in)
Weight (kg): 110 (243 lbs)
Pump and drive line
Pump: Axial flow, single stage, 6-vane stator.
Pump diameter (mm): 121.7 (4.8in)
Reduction nozzle diameter (mm): 70
Steering nozzle diameter (mm): 84
Impeller: Aluminum, two blade

The Kawasaki Jet Ski stand-up dream started in 1973 and was sadly ended in 2011 with the last model of the stand up jet ski, the SX-R 800. From 1973 to 1976 the JS 400 was the only model ski to cruise the waterways. then in 1977 the JS 440 came about with not too much more power but it was a change. 1982-86 the JS 550 and JS 300 made the scene. the 550 for adults and 300 for the children. once 1987 hit, it was just a steam rolling of new types of jet ski’s year after year. Below are the dates and skis that came out within that time period:

1973-1977: JS 400, JS 440; 1982-1989: JS 550, JS 300, 650 X-2, 300 SX, 650 SX, JB 650 (jetmate), JF 650 TS; 1990-1995: 550 SX, 650 SX, 750 SX, 750 SXi; 1996-2000: 550 SX, 750 SXi Pro; 2001-2011: SX-R 800, X-2 800

Gallery: Krash Nationals USA Tour Kicks Off With Grayland Open 2014

By

Nick Barton

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August 14, 2014

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The Krash Nationals USA held its opening round of the 2014 freeride season at the Grayland Open in Grayland, Washington this past weekend. With a field of 40-plus strong competitors across the five classes: Rookies, Amateur, Pro, Masters, Runabout and a Pro Jam, everyone knew it had the ingredients for a weekend full of spectacular riding.

The conditions for the duration of the weekend were challenging with a small inconsistent swell for the most part but the event was blessed with clear sunny conditions and moderate winds.

The contest was judged on a similar format to the one used at the IFWA and Krash Nationals Australia, which consists of 50-percent surf riding and 50-percent aerial tricks (apart from the Rookie class which was only judged on surf riding and nose stabs).

The score card shows numerous boxes for aerial tricks, each box has a category for height, difficulty, execution, body extension and number of limbs off the craft. Surf riding on the other consists of open face riding being the lowest all the way through to trick re-entries and tube riding being the highest, and at the end of each criteria a calculator to work out the overall scores.

The Pro field consisted of riders like Jake Montandon, the reigning world champion who made the trip from South Africa to familiarize himself with his new Blowsion-built Krash Predator and get in some vital training leading up to Surf Slam next month in Oregon.

Tanner Thomas made the trip down from Ketchikan, Alaska after a long winter to get back in the surf and begin his assault on the US freeride scene over the coming months.

Abraham Ho all the way from Cancun, Mexico also made the trip out for this year’s National Tour also a stand out in the Pro class with big corked out can can flips and a solid surf riding.

The Bright brothers didn’t disappoint with some of their signature moves on display, Jake absolutely sending it in the Pro Jam with one of the biggest corked-out underflips that any of the judges have ever seen, followed by a wicked flex roll to take it out; and Zack doing a clean barrel roll re-entry on one of the larger sets of the weekend to put him in a close second in the Pro Jam and third overall in the Pro Class.

Pete McAfee was a true inspiration in the Pro class over the weekend, throwing can-can flips throughout the opening heats, proving himself to be a real contender in this year’s championship.

The Lawlor brothers were there after taking out the Grayland Open in 2013 and were pretty keen to take it to the Pro class and put their skills on display. Randy unfortunately, just dipped out in the opening heats by the slimmest of margins but definitely showed he will be a force to be reckoned within years to come.

Brandon – after taking out the UK National Round in June – was quick to stamp his authority on the Pro class with an array of difficult aerial maneuvers combined with some fluid surf riding, putting him in the finals on Sunday and in contention for some valid points.

Our weekend announcer, Mr. Mark “Hollywood” Gomez also graced the scene as someone that has obviously been doing some serious training leading up to this year’s season. Mark not only took out the “Best Trick” of the contest with a double can-can flip but also won a closely-contested final with Brandon Lawlor. Both riders took to the water for their 8 minute final in tricky 2-3 foot conditions with intent to be crowned the Round 1 winner.

Brandon opened up strong with some very clean Madonna flips and one-foot, one-handed rolls while Mark opted to get some strong electric surf riding on the board. As the heat reached the 6 minute mark and both riders looking tied for points, Mark launched a big and perfectly executed scarecrow barrel roll, soon after that, Hollywood was spotted kneeling in his tray and setting his flip bars up, as the judges looked on in anticipation to see whether he could pull something miraculous out of the bag to tip the scales in this closely contested class.

He didn’t disappoint. With a minute to spare, Mark did the seemingly impossible in the tough conditions and not only did one but two double can-can flips to seal himself on the top of the box. Big congrats go out to Mark Gomez full pulling down the Pro class win at the first round of the Krash Nationals tour.

The Amateur class had one of the largest fields and some great up and coming talent. Danielle Lawlor lived up to the Lawlor name and charged her way through the opening heats, but found herself stepping off of her Rickter in two of the most spectacular bails we saw all weekend and earning herself the Gnarliest Wipeout award.

The finals between Dane Dials and Jerry Cox was another hotly contested round with both riders going straight at it after the sound of the horn, racking up valuable surf riding points with Dane opting to go for some flips at the half way point to secure his win in the class and earn himself our other top prize of $500 to be spent at DASA. Jerry with some flips also but it wasn’t quite enough to take the top spot.

In the Rookies class we had Curtis Marker, Donovan Issac, Demian Morgan and Ky Hyytinen making up the Top 4 and really showed great surf riding for being in the beginner class. The two young guns, Demian and Donovan prevailed and put on a great exhibition in the finals. Young Donovan opened every wave he could find on his dad’s borrowed ski but it wasn’t quite enough to topple Demian who showed fantastic skill as a surf rider. Displaying her ability to do nose stabs in both directions, she earned the top spot by the slimmest of margins.

The Grayland Open, by design, is geared toward the young and beginning riders. As the winner of the Rookie class, Demian was awarded the top prize for the weekend which was donated by Xscream. She was given a complete adjustable handle pole, steering, bars and mount set up. She was super stoked but very humble to receive such an awesome prize at her first competition. She showed great character along with solid riding ability all weekend and is for sure a future star in this sport.

The Masters displayed true superiority in the ocean with their years of experience. Jay who rode in three classes and took out the top spot, Rick Pearce a former Canadian Freestyle Champion both barrel rolling and back flipping his way through the heats and taking out third, Chris Batten of Idaho who up until the weekend hadn’t performed a backflip but dug deep in the semis to complete two and go on to finish second.

We also saw the return of the runabout class with Jason Lindstrom grabbing some huge air and variety of aerial tricks to take out first, Crescent City freerider Roy Rook on his X2 wasn’t to be out done and with some of the most intense surf riding ever seen in the run about class, took out second followed by Eric Wilson showing some quick surf maneuvers and airs on his Sea-Doo XP.

All in all, it was a fantastic turnout for the 2014 Grayland Open and the first round of the Krash Nationals USA some new faces and some old. Extremely well organized by Dan Lingren and Chris Farell. A huge thanks to Chris and Maria Tiffany at the Cranberry Road winery for his exceptional sound system, breakfast burritos, pizza and winery for hosting us every night and feeding us every day.

A big thanks goes out to all the sponsors for supporting the Krash National Tour and the Grayland Open: Krash Industries, Liquid Militia, Tyler Rental, Cranberry Rd. Winery, Bennet’s restaurant, Blowsion, Hydro-turf, DASA, TC Freeride, Pape Rents, Westport Inn, Xtreem Throttle, Grays Harbor Tourism, House Brothers Const., 105.7 The Jet, Westcoast Surf Riders, Pro Rider Magazine, Wetracer Magazine and The Watercraft Journal.

Photography courtesy of Denise Knudson and Mark Fischer.

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Video: Hydro-Turf Used In Monumental SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 13, 2014

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We’ve had quite a bit of news coming in from our friends at Hydro-Turf lately. Although this latest bit of info isn’t exactly focused on personal watercraft, it’s just too cool not to share: Because of the high durability against the harsh marine environment and applied pressures, Hydro-Turf matting (and quite a bit of it) was used to line the recovery cradle for the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Not sure what we’re talking about? That’s OK, many still are. After the current American presidential administration effectively reduced the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) into a redundant surveillance outlet for data gathering, the task of exploring the outer reaches of our universe was unceremoniously handed over to the private sector.

Former PayPal creator and Tesla Automotive chairman Elon Musk sought to do what was only possible by seemingly limitless-funded government agencies: put a man in orbit. On May 25, 2012, SpaceX made history when its Dragon spacecraft became the first privately developed spacecraft in history to successfully attach to the International Space Station.

It took four days, from May 22 to May 26, for the Dragon to be launched via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, to orbit the Earth as it traveled toward the International Space Station, and eventually berthed to the International Space Station. After spending six days attached to the ISS, the Dragon returned to Earth, carrying a load of cargo for NASA.

In the video below, you’ll notice the Hydro-Turf matting lining the cradle during recovery of the spacecraft at 2:10. Enjoy:

Gallery: Kicking Off The Coquina Beach Freeride

By

Pavlina Williams

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August 13, 2014

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This past weekend was the first annual Coquina Beach Freeride. Coquina Beach is a beautiful spot located on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island near Tampa Bay, Florida. It was the first freeride on the west coast of Florida and was hosted and organized by Cody Taylor.

The event was held at Coquina Beach park in Manatee County. There is a boat ramp for launching larger skis and a beach launch as well. From the launch there was riding on the protected bayside waters.

From there it is a short ride out the pass between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key for riding in the Gulf of Mexico. There are shoals on each side of the pass that offer surf riding when the conditions are right.

It was a great turn out for the first year with over 50 skis on Saturday. The weather was postcard perfect and water was super clear.

Riders came from all over Florida including a group of east coast surf riders from the Daytona Beach (including Nick Foederer of the Daytona Freeride with Carter Brackett, Ken Cupo), and a group from southeast Florida from Thrust Innovations (with Joju Frankel and Edward Dale Graham) as well as lots of local area riders.

The lineup of skis was as diverse as their riders, which included Sea-Doo Sparks, WaveBlasters, Kawasaki SX-Rs, SuperJets, FX-1, and many aftermarket hulls including Superfreaks, Rickters, Backie Chan, and others.

Event sponsors included Riva Racing, JetManiac, Thrust Innovations, ESI powersports, Westside Powersports, Blowsion, Liquid Militia, Extreme throttle, and Carter B designs.

The event raffle was held Saturday evening poolside at the event hotel Tortuga Inn and Beach Resort. Sponsors donated some great freeride parts and swag. Nearly a thousand dollars was raised and donated to the charity Cancer Foundation: Angels for Lila Ruiz; a little girl who suffers from megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, a condition that has Lila going back and forth to the hospital to see specialists, racking up significant medical costs.

The host hotel was located within easy walking distance to some great beachside restaurants and bars for after riding unwinding and partying. This event was a good time and offers a new summer freeride for the west coast of Florida.

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Quick Tech: Customizing Your Ski With IPD Graphics and Hydro-Turf

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 12, 2014

3

We went with Hydro-Turf’s pink-and-black two-tone mats as well as a custom silver-and-pink Cruiser seat cover. Because of HT’s high volume, turnaround between our initial order to arrival was about a week.

Despite a price tag dancing around $11,000-$13,000, Yamaha’s FX High Output Cruiser is one of the most popular full-sized naturally-aspirated runabouts on the water today. Equipped with cruise control, manual trim control, a No Wake mode and plenty of other comforts, the Cruiser manages to be both sporty and economical, while being just a lot of fun.

The problem is that with only two available color combinations (double that of similarly-equipped competitors), the Yamahas tend to be a little conservative in their styling cues. That’s why many are turning to find new ways to personalize their newest toys. While there’s no shortage of performance goodies to eke out some much desired miles per hour from their machine, giving your ski a unique look to match your personal taste is still a rare art form.

To give this ’14 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser a bit of personal flair, we reached out to IPD Graphics and Hydro-Turf. Many will recognize IPD as a major vinyl graphics sponsor for a collection of top notch PWC racers around the globe, including Jimmy Wilson, Tommy Bonacci and Bibi Carmouche.

The ease of removal of the factory traction mats depends on age and weathering. Because our ski was so new, the adhesive-backed factory mats peeled off effortlessly.

Prior to gluing the mats in place, first clean the surface of any residual adhesive. Then place the mats in the desired area and mark your corners.

Hydro-Turf makes installing their mat kits incredibly easy with their adhesive-backed mats. It’s as easy as peel-and-stick.

Likewise, the gunwale mats are just as easy to install. Just make sure to place them on straight the first time.

Of course, Hydro-Turf needs little to no introduction, but as the title sponsor for the Pro Watercross Tour, major traction mat supplier for Kawasaki, Yamaha and BRP as well as boat builders around the globe, they’re no stranger to providing unique and durable materials.

Ordering from both companies was as easy as a couple of emails. Both IPD and Hydro-Turf provide high resolution color swatches to compare to your desired combination. Because we wanted a little retro action, we opted for a hot pink, silver and black combination. With only a new graphics kit, seat covers and traction mats, we were surprised at how dramatic the change was – and we think you will too.

Here we’ll show you a complete step-by-step process how we transformed this “plain Jane” FX HO into a cool, customized ski that grabs everyone’s eye – and how quickly you too can do this. (Altogether, it took us about four hours of work.)

We suggest applying some weight (although it’s not mandatory) to get the mats to adhere evenly across the surface.

Next, we went about removing the factory graphics. We left the adhesive-backed chrome “Yamaha” emblems as we thought they provided a nice touch, but opted to replace all the vinyl decals.

Because the IPD Graphics kit we chose wasn’t covering a lot of space, we didn’t have to chase bubbles and wrinkles as much as kit that cover larger surfaces.

The IPD Graphics kit is not cut at the seams for the hood or other fairing panels. You will have to do this yourself. This is why it is best to apply your vinyl decals wet (using a spray bottle filled with water is best), so you can slide them around.

Admittedly, applying new graphics to a personal watercraft can be tricky (just refer to our previous article on custom graphics kits). Thankfully, the IPD Graphics kit for the FX HO was nowhere as complicated, nor required much effort to contour over complex corners and convex curves.

Rather, we opted for a rather simple kit that merely highlighted the angular lines of the Yamaha’s fairings. Many kits cover a large amount of surface area, and thereby require a lot of bubble and wrinkle chasing. The hardest part of our IPD kit was knowing where to place every stripe, and doing so in straight, equally spaced lines.

Also, pay close attention not to accidentally discard your instruction card. IPD includes a glossy instruction card that forwards you to a web address. This website will show you how to instal your kit, where to place your stripes and how to trim around edges and splits in panels.

Although we would’ve preferred a regular printed-out instruction sheet, rather than running back and forth to our computer, the online format did provide a lot of good information.

We found the most difficult part being simply getting the individual stripes parallel to one another. Be patient and don’t rush the installation or you’ll find mistakes that are all but impossible to fix.

With the decals still a little wet but tacky, we slowly ran a putty scraper over what few bubbles and wrinkles we could find. Don’t press down too hard or you’ll “burn” the vinyl or stretch out the decal.

Disassembling the Yamaha’s Cruiser seat is very easy when you’re not modifying the seat foam. Simply remove all of the factory-applied staples from underneath the seat. We let the foam air out for a few hours as we installed the graphics kit, and then went about installing the new Hydro-Turf seat cover.

The only tools needed are a decent upholstery staple gun. We also suggest using a spray adhesive to shoot on the foam around the tighter corners of the Cruiser seat.

With only a few hours’ worth of effort, we turned this bone-stock ’14 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser into a cool customized machine that is both unique and eye-catching.

Video: Freerider Couple Ride Along With Pod of Dolphins

By

Kevin Shaw

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August 12, 2014

1

A couple handholds in a lightweight hood. A Hydro-Turf chin pad. A custom air brushed paint job. Yup. All signs of a cool freeride ski. But what was unexpected for this couple taking their skis out to the surf was the company they would share. Leaving out of the breakwater in San Diego, the two freeriders – equipped with helmet-mounted GoPros – were joined by a pod of dolphins including a couple babies.

As reported by San Diego-affiliate CBS 8, “A San Diego couple out to jet ski in the bay Sunday got the surprise of a lifetime. The pair came across a large pod of dolphins who traveled and played in the jet ski’s wake. In the video, you can see the dolphins swimming directly below the jet ski and the couple tells us one of the more playful baby dolphins even jumped out of the water.”

San Diego, California News Station – KFMB Channel 8 – cbs8.com