Get Hooked at Sea-Doo’s “Spark Some Fun” Demo Tour

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June 11, 2014

You may not know this, but the OEMs have a really tough job of 1) producing the best products their engineers can develop and 2) keep the product costs low enough that they can afford to build them in mass and sell them to the public. It’s not as easy as we presume it is, and often give the manufacturers too much grief when all they’re trying to do is keep costs down.

One such example is on the stellar SVHO and SHO Yamaha engines. Unbeknownst to most, these big inch bruiser engines (including the naturally-aspirated 1.8L HO engines) employ a plastic fuel rail that feeds the fuel injectors. It’s made of lightweight, durable plastic and does the job. But when you’re looking at increasing fuel delivery to satisfy the needs of a tuned supercharged or turbocharged engine, the plastic piece just ain’t gonna cut it.

That’s why the go-fast gurus at RIVA Racing have developed this stellar Yamaha 1.8L Billet Fuel Rail. Not only does it move more fuel quicker (especially while using RIVA’s Pro Series Fuel Injectors), but it also is a direct replacement for the factory part. Carved from 6061 billet and anodized black, this piece is as good looking as it is effective.

Here’s the original press release:

Our High Flow Fuel Rail is an essential upgrade to your fuel system to support increased horsepower from supercharger or turbo modifications. Directly replaces restrictive factory fuel rail for improved fuel delivery and enhances the appearance of your engine bay. Precision machined billet aluminum rail features a unique bracket system that adapts to a variety of injector sizes & lengths. Large body design provides increased flow capabilities to support 500+ horsepower applications. Inlet fitting accepts OEM Yamaha fuel connector for easy plug-in installation. Includes fittings for flow-through fuel routing to eliminate injector supply fluctuation and keep fuel cooler. Can also be set up with OEM dead head routing via supplied fuel pressure gauge or plug. Constructed of 6061 billet aluminum and anodized to prevent corrosion. Includes all necessary mounting hardware and complete installation instructions.

Key Features:
• High flow fuel delivery supports more power.
• Fits all Yamaha OEM injectors along with RIVA 100lb Pro-Series Fuel Injectors (part# RY12040-I-KIT-100).
• Accepts OEM Yamaha fuel connector fitting for easy installation.
• Delivers equal fuel supply to injectors with flow-through fuel routing.
• Billet aluminum construction and anodized to prevent corrosion.
• Can also be used on stock engine with stock injectors for cosmetic upgrade.

Applications: All Yamaha 1.8 liter engines (SVHO, SHO, HO).

RY12040-BFR Fuel Rail, High Flow; YAM 1.8L $259.95

Gallery: Annual Alligator Lake Ride

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Pavlina Williams

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June 11, 2014

The Thrust Innovations crew took no time airing out their skis.

This event started three years ago when Howard Simmons (aka “Blue”) of Blue Port Worx, a freestyle engine builder with JetManiac invited some friends over to ride and celebrate his birthday. Since then, the event has grown each year, and this year’s ride had over 40 skis and riders.

The ride has evolved from a small local central Florida event to a regional event drawing riders from all over Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. Chris Anyzeski and crew from Thrust Innovations made the trip up with four skis stacked in a pickup bed after leaving their trailer roadside after an axle failure.

The event is held at the lakeside engine building compound of Blue Port Worx on Alligator Lake in St. Cloud, Florida just southeast of Orlando. Alligator Lake is over 3,400 acres and the largest lake in the Kissimmee chain of five connected lakes.

What waves were provided by a wake boat when freestylists and freeriders needed additional amplitude.

Originating as a birthday bash for Blue Port Worx’s Howard “Blue” Simmons, the Alligator Lake Ride has become an annual tradition.

This ride always has a wide variety of skis and riders with a equal array of riding styles. There were surf riders from both the east and west coasts of Florida and lake riders from all over. For some of the riders that are just accustomed to riding surf, it is a big change to ride freshwater and jump and slash boat wakes. There were riders from teenagers to a local veteran rider in his 70’s still riding his SuperJet with stroker motor.

There were many types of skis including both stock and modified SuperJets and FX1’s, carbon Superfreaks from JetManiac and Blue, Backie Chans, Rickters, Xscream KDXs, Superfreak Titans from Thrust, and Superfreak Circus from Tem of Superfreak; all running engines ranging from stock 650s to monsters from DASA, PHP, and XScream.

The flatwater highlight was a freestyle expression session showdown between Chris Anyzeski on Tem of Superfreak’s Circus with a DASA 1200 and Lucas Vasconsuelos on his KDX XS1200 powered ski. It is amazing to watch these two riders dueling on two of the most capable flatwater skis ever built.

For a “non-event” this fun ride weekend welcomed riders across Florida, Georgia and even Tennessee. Everyone had a great time at this low key backyard freeride and look forward to returning next year.

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Video: Skateboarding on Water with a Sea-doo Spark

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June 10, 2014

Say what you will about the new Sea-Doo Spark, the creative types at BRP have sure had a lot of fun promoting the little-runabout-that-could. Charging head-first into an aggressive marketing campaign, Sea-Doo has placed the Spark before more eyes than any personal watercraft before it over the past decade (or more).

Sure, the weird rave party in Miami with Deadmaus was an exclusive affair chocked full of celebrities and enthusiasts of personal watercraft and glow sticks, but what’s really jumped at us are the YouTube videos. Edited with catchy pop tunes over happy, shiny people riding colorful plastic Sparks is sweet enough to give you cavities.

The latest of YouTube sensation hails from uber popular action/lifestyle videographer Deven Graham (aka Devin Supertramp). Together with the incredible wakeskate talents of the Nike/Sea-Doo Wake athletes – Nick Taylor, Ben Horan, and Jen GilanFarr – Devin successfully shows how the Spark can tow a wakeskater (with a second passenger, no less!) and upset some cattle to boot!

Of course, Sea-Doo sought out Devin for his massive Youtube following to better introduce the new entry-level craft to a whole new demographic of would-be customers, claiming “With the Sea-Doo Spark, the boating life is much more accessible to more people than ever before, and is poised to help re-spark the marine industry.”

Get The New ’13 Sea-Doo RXP-X 320 WMF Watercraft Edition

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June 10, 2014

Say, how would you like a Sea-Doo RXP-X producing not the advertised 260 horsepower, but a true 320 ponies? And how would you like it brand new, never-before beaten on or raced? And how would you like it in show-level condition and loaded to the gills with RIVA Racing gear? Oh, and just for good measure, a brand new Load Rite trailer to haul it from the showroom to the lake?

What do you think all of that would be worth? $20,000 or $25,000? Maybe even $30,000? Try again, buddy. Today is your lucky day, because WMF Watercraft is giving this amazing machine away for a paltry 16,999!

Right now, this insane project is sitting pretty in the dealer’s showroom looking for a new home. Originally a GEICO show ski that followed the boat show circuit, the RXP-X is powered by a 320-horsepower 1,499cc Rotax 4-stroke motor with ZERO hours of use. Packed with lots of upgrades, including a RIVA Pro Series Steering system, billet iControl levers, RIVA Cold Air Intake kit, RIVA intake grate, RIVA Pro Series sponsons, RIVA Billet Trim Tabs, RIVA rear mat, Solas Impeller, RIVA Free Flow Exhaust, RIVA Intake Manifold Upgrade Kit, RIVA So-Con GPS overide, an ECU reflash, and finished with custom paint and graphics.

Of course, if the colors and options are not up to your liking, WMF Watercraft will happily custom build you one to your specifications. We’ve shown how talented the technicians at the Millsboro, Delaware dealer are before, but we’ve got to say that this machine – which we have seen personally – is really impressive.

And we’re also very happy to note that since well before and carrying through Memorial Day, WMF Watercraft has been off-loading dozens of pre-owned and refurbished personal watercraft unlike any other used PWC dealer around. These guys move some serious product and it’s very likely that this race-ready show-stopper RXP-X will not last long so you better act quickly.

Ride The Jetbou Jet Ski Festival Around The Island of Ibiza

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June 9, 2014

Tired of your usual riding spots? Looking for something a little more exotic? Well, we think we might’ve found the right location for you: the gorgeous Island of Ibiza. Located in the Mediterranean Sea just off the coast of Spain, Ibiza plays host to the Jetbou, a 10-day personal watercraft festival and massive adventure ride that is literally incomparable to what most of us PWC enthusiasts have experienced.

Organized by Paul Hughes, this year’s festival is already scheduled for the third through the 13th October. Participants are entreated to full service treatment, as they take trucks full of participants’ watercraft on the 1,200 mile journey from the UK through France and Spain, then catching another ferry to the Island of Ibiza.

Riders then fly out on a 2-and-a-half hour flight from the UK to join in the festival. Hughes told The Watercraft Journal, “Last year we took 107 watercraft. It was the 10th anniversary of the Jetbou festival. This year we already have 58 skis booked.”

Sponsored by Yamaha, Icom, Brittany Ferries, Hydro Turf and Line 1, Hughes encourages those interested to visit www.jetbou.co.uk.

The official press release is below:

Do you own a Jetski? Do you want to Jetski in the Mediterranean Island of Ibiza? From £395 for Stand Ups and £725 for Sit down Jetskis we will organise return transport for your Ski to Ibiza from locations around the UK and organise security at night for your ski and safety boats for trips around the island. We launch your ski every morning and recover it every night night! We organise the hotel and nightly entertainment. All you have to do is organise your flights. Interested then look for more details on www.jetbou.co.uk or call Paul on 07879461803

Locked & Fully Loaded: 2014 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO WaveRunner

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June 9, 2014

Small details abound on the whole FX series WaveRunners, including this padded watertight storage bin for your phone, keys and wallet.

We’ve grappled with the amalgam of “luxury” and “performance.” Too often these terms get thrown around a little too loosely in our industry, and often at the hands of the OEMs themselves. What exactly makes a personal watercraft a “performance” craft is usually pretty easy to define, while a true “luxury” PWC is as difficult as nailing Jell-O to the wall. Thankfully, Yamaha Motor Corp. doesn’t pigeon-hole their various models by such limitations.

For the brand’s full-sized runabout class – the FX – there are three variations of performance; the HO, SHO and SVHO. Of course, the Super Vortex High Output package constitutes much more than Yamaha’s all-new for 2014 SVHO engine, which takes the Super High Output (SHO) engine and radically increases the overall efficiency by 110-percent.

The SHO’s cast pistons have been replaced with 8.5:1 compression forged pistons. Likewise, the SHO’s 42-pound injectors have been swapped for larger 60-pound squirters, and a larger intercooler is 22-percent more efficient over the prior unit. Lastly, a larger, 86mm HKS supercharger spools up to an impressive 60-percent more boost thanks to a new 6-vein impeller.

The 2014 FX Cruiser SVHO is the single-biggest selling luxury performance PWC on the market today, outselling both entries from Kawasaki and Sea-Doo.

Yamaha maintains the right-hand reverse lever (now featuring a mechanical Neutral gear and “N” indicator) as a safety precaution.

The SVHO package also includes a race-bred 8-vein pump housing a 160mm impeller, producing significantly more thrust. The Yamaha’s new-found power is delivered with gusto, catapulting a single rider with only a gallon or two of fuel in the 18.5 gallon tank from 0-to-30 in 1.5 seconds, and to 60mph in just over double that. Once properly broken in (a factory-suggested minimum 10 riding hours), the SVHO-powered FXs have been recorded to speed a tick or two past 70 miles per hour.

But again, the sucker punch-fast speeds of the SVHO doesn’t fully encapsulate the complete rider experience of the 2014 FX Cruiser SVHO, because although it was pretty much all we wanted to do, this particular WaveRunner isn’t defined by just hauling some serious tail around the lake.

Yamaha has taken several steps to get to this level of refinement. The current FX hull was only recently redesigned, extending the chines and massaging a few other points, hoping to inject a little more adrenaline into the three-seater segment.

Don’t let the FX Cruiser SVHO’s refined appearance fool you; this ski loves to cut a hard corner like its rowdy FX SVHO sibling.

The new SVHO engine is a staggering 110-percent more efficient thanks to a larger intercooler, fuel injectors supercharger, and higher compression pistons.

Hewn from the brand’s proprietary NanoXcel material, the deceptively lightweight FX Cruiser SVHO tips the scales at 875 pounds (dry). Likewise, hours have been poured into seemingly minor details, like a flat and contoured, pistol-style hand grips, responsive and easy to reach toggles on the handlebars, and a true mechanical neutral gear (with indicator) in throw of the reverse lever.

Tilt steering has all but become a standard feature on the FX series, as well as the twist-cap dry storage found both in the dashboard – a padded cubby for cell phones, keys and wallets – as well as a watertight bin beneath the rear seat.

Yamaha’s FX units also feature one of the broadest swim platforms in the industry with a flat-topped folding swim step.

Fore and aft are ample storage, totaling 33.5 gallons of stowage. The rear box is “wet” and therefore is best suited for tow ropes and swimming accessories as the glove box and bow storage is best for valuables, towels, bags and such.

Yamaha engineers eliminate the need to reach over your handlebars to toggle through in-dash settings by positioning the controls below the bars.

With a romp of the throttle, the FX Cruiser SVHO erupts in a fury of acceleration, catapulting you to 30mph in 1.5 seconds. Yet, the 1,812cc plant performs best throughout its mid-range, continuing to pull to its 70mph max speed.

The Cruiser package not only adds the tiered and scalloped stadium-style seating, which comfortably positions riders in stepped seating, but also provides the FX a statelier Yacht Blue Metallic livery and grey-on-black Hydro-Turf matting.

Additionally, the gauge cluster features a second LCD screen to the right of the analog speedo/tachometer providing available air/water temperatures, fuel consumption rates and fuel “countdown” meter, and a digital compass.

While the additional Cruiser package digital readout was appreciated, we wish the compass wasn’t so vague, giving actually heading coordinates rather than the generic “north” or “northeast.” Likewise, the FX gauges are a little dull compared to the eye-catching cluster on its FZ platformed siblings. While easily readable and navigated, the two square LCD screens are a tad on the boring side.

Other small quibbles include Yamaha’s pop-up cleats, which are too dainty for dockside mooring lines to use effectively. Likewise, while we enjoyed the added comfort of the Cruiser seat, the thick cushioned bolster discriminates against taller riders placing us too far forward for our preference.

Besides the ample swim platform and folding boarding step, the rear of the Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO features two-tone Hydro-Turf mats and a convenient “wet” rear storage locker.

Although Yamaha’s bow storage is the smallest of the OEM’s full-sized offerings, it does fill most rider’s needs, and is big enough to swallow a complete PWC cover and a pair of lifevests (we know, we crammed ’em all in there).

Yet, with a rap of the throttle, these small grievances go flying behind us like so much scenery. Without gushing too emphatically, the SVHO gallops to top speed in seconds, rises to plane almost immediately and responds almost intuitively with the flick of the trigger or a twitch of the steering. We found that despite its upper crust persona, the FX Cruiser SVHO revels in deep-in-the-tray, leaning out over the rail cornering – almost daring you to keep into the throttle longer than your brain’s caution sensor would recommend.

We love, love, love the FX SVHO in the corners with the manual trim set a notch or two down. Seriously. It’s a whole lot of fun. Just slide off to the side of your seat, drop your knee flat into the footwell, lean hard and nail the gas while snapping into a turn. It might be the g-forces at play, but the smile stretching across your face will last for hours.

With a full tank of go-juice in the SVHO’s belly, we clicked an impressive 69.8mph on our Garmin GPS. Correcting for the barometric pressure on Lake Allatoona, Georgia, that speed becomes a 70.3mph, and that’s pretty dang fast for a bone-stock factory-built runabout.

Impressively, the FX Cruiser SVHO is the industry’s biggest selling luxury performance runabout. These machines are in high demand and quite frankly, we understand why. Priced at $15,399, they come in thousands of dollars cheaper than fully-loaded offerings from both Kawasaki and Sea-Doo. Coming in lighter, less expensive and faster than the aforementioned competitors, it’s no wonder the FX Cruiser SVHO is pulling ahead of the rest.

[Editor’s note: Huge thanks to Yamaha’s Andrew Cullen for letting us beat on a pair of SVHO-powered FX’s for a couple of days and snapping all of our action shots in this article!]

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IFWA Tour Round 2: Montalivet, France

By

Curtis Marker

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June 6, 2014

Pierre Maixent would dominate the brackets and rise to the top of the podium for the 10th anniversary of the Montalivet event.

Last weekend the world’s best freeride jet skiers gathered in France for Round 2 of the IFWA tour. It was the 10th anniversary for the Jet Jump contest held at Montalivet beach. The entry list has continued to grow each year, with riders from all over the world. This year showcased the best standup and sit down riders competing to earn points towards the IFWA world championship title. New for 2014 is a Women’s division. It’s great to see some women participating in the sport.

Americans Zack Bright and Brandon Lawlor shipped their skis across the pond, and packed their bags for the French coast; Bright riding a Krash Industries Predator built by the team at Blowsion, and Lawlor riding his Rickter FR2 built by TC Freeride.

The TC Freeride team is so close to each other, Brandon Lawlor loaned his teammate from Mexico, Abraham Ho his purple and yellow Rickter to compete on for his heats. That really shows us the family in the Freeride world.

American Brandon Lawlor fell to Maixent before moving onto the quarter finals.

The riders head to Round 3 of the IFWA this weekend in the UK.

Zack Bright couldn’t be missed in his Burn Industries gear and his bright paint job. Although, Lawlor could be the model for Jet Pilot with his matching purple and yellow throw back colors. That really shows us the family in the Freeride world.

The waves were 1-to-3 foot with some wind chop for most of the competition and the riders always come out to display their biggest bag of trick no matter the conditions. This is what makes this sport so entertaining. Riders were throwing themselves, pushing the limits to move onto the next heat. The format was head to head competition. Up riding first was Brandon Lawlor who took down James Shield and forced Shields into the LCQ. Up next was Abraham Ho who out rode Romain Coureau forcing Romain into the LCQ. Zack Bright rode flawlessly in his heat against Theo Roman and moved onto Heat 3.

In the top 16 riders for round 3, Lawlor had a tough draw with one of the best in the world, Pierre Maxient. Lawlor wouldn’t advance as Pierre riding was too much. Abraham Ho took on Federicho Bufacchi in round 3 and Federicho came out on top. Zack Bright rode against Steven Foot in round 3 and had a strong run to move onto the quarter finals. Zack Bright got revenge for Abraham against Federico in the quarter finals to move onto the semi-finals.

Zack Bright, the only American to make is past the quarterfinals, was now riding against Australian Michael Anthony. Michael came out on top and earned an entry into the finals against Pierre Maxient. Zack Bright would go onto defeat Gil Beurnier in the consolation finals earning 3rd place and getting on the podium. Pierre Maxient would take down Michael Anthony in the finals earning the number one spot up on the podium.

*All images courtesy of Brandon Lawlor and Ludovic Mouveau at Fullgaz.

Get Your Hands on a New Yamaha SuperJet For $99 a Month!

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June 5, 2014

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There are deals, and then there are deals, and friends, we’ve got a deal for you. As of this morning, Yamaha WaveRunners is offering an exclusive package for those of us who would rather quit than sit: a smokin’ deal that gets you a brand-new 2014 Yamaha SuperJet for $99 a month. That’s right, for the first two years of ownership, you pay less than your cell phone, cable or your mandatory Obamacare bill.

This new sales incentive program is yet another that the good folks at Yamaha have pieced together in recent years to make purchasing a new or a pre-owned WaveRunner as simple and pain-free as possible.

We at The Watercraft Journal were some of the first to announce Yamaha’s a guaranteed buyback and leasing program, as well as the aforementioned certified pre-owned WaveRunner program; all of which have garner new and returning customers to the brand with the tuning forks.

As you might know, Yamaha only produces a limited run of the two-stroke 701cc SuperJet each year, typically holding to a limit of 500 units or so. SuperJets move fast, so getting your grubby little hands on one is a challenge if you’re not on the ball. Now is your chance to purchase the very last OEM-produced standups in the industry, and for cheap!

Video: Vanilla Ice, Christy Carlson and Victor Sheldon Race The Rapids

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June 5, 2014