Whether you’re planning ahead to extend your riding season into the cooler months, or just want to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way, the new Arctic Spray has you covered.
Touted as the ultimate winter coat and designed for extreme conditions, the Arctic Spray jacket is crafted from a unique blend of winter-specific fabrics, keeping you stay dry and warm, even in the coldest temperatures. These premium, durable materials, unlike neoprene commonly used elsewhere, provide superior insulation without absorbing water over a period of time. The Arctic Spray jacket also functions as a complete windbreaker, allowing you to endure the elements for hours without any moisture seeping in.
The new Arctic Spray comes in three sizes – medium, large and x-large, and is designed with a relaxed fit to allow for a lifejacket to be worn underneath the Arctic Spray.
Additional features includeInsulated Neo Lining With Brushed Internal Collar, DWR Coating, Fully Sealed Seams, a Packable Scuba Hood, Adjustable Cuffs & Hem, a Full Front YKK Zipper With Storm Flap, Front Concealed YKK Zippered Pockets, Multi-Hit Reflective Screen Prints For Visibility, Adjustable Hood Cords, 2 x D Rings At Hem, External Hanging Loop at Back Yoke and Custom Trims.
Priced at $150, the Arctic Spray can be ordered online for delivery.
Be sure to check out the promo video for the Arctic Spray below, and visit the JetTech website for details and more deals.
The title of this article pretty much says it all. If you’re an avid fan of personal watercraft racing or just top tier performance, and you find yourself watching videos on YouTube and you’re not already subscribed to the Farthing Racing YouTube channel… there’s something seriously wrong with you.
We at The Watercraft Journal had the pleasure of interviewing Dustin several months ago (at the time of this writing) and detailed his efforts to bring to light the excitement and energy that goes into a world class PWC racing team. Representing Factory Yamaha WaveRunners and Monster Energy, the Farthing Racing Team is no lightweight, bootstraps-level organization. It’s as professional as it gets.
Helmed by 30-plus world champion Dustin Farthing and his two sons (with a couple more stellar athletes on the roster year-by-year), the Farthing Racing YouTube channel documents Dustin and his boys’ exploits, the technical acumen necessary to build world champion-winning watercraft, the physical training, skill and raw talent needed to contend at this level and the fun had between heats.
Even if you’re not likely to ever attempt professional racing, even if you’ve never attended a single PWC race before, the Farthing Racing YouTube channel puts you in the middle of the action like you’ve never experienced before. This isn’t some vlog filmed with an old iPhone6 and a pair of GoPros, this is true ESPN-level production stuff. Don’t believe it? Go see for yourself HERE.
Following up on our SeaDoo Safety Tips from earlier this week, Sea-Doo is also getting riders ready for a fun, and safe, summer, with the annual runthrough of essential summer safety gear.
Besides complying with state boating regulations, having the proper safety gear onboard can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major on-water emergency. Responsible boaters never leave the dock without the equipment to ensure they get home safe every time they hit the water. Here are three must-have’s for every ride.
Sea-Doo Safety Kit – This kit includes four critical safety items in an easy-to-stow container. Fifty feet of buoyant heaving line, a bailer, whistle, and watertight flashlight augment legally mandated equipment to ensure you have the right tools to deal with an emergency on the water.
Sea-Doo PFDs– Perhaps the single most important piece of safety gear on any vessel, a personal flotation device, or lifevest, is the key to preventing drowning and increasing the chance of being rescued alive if separated from your vessel. Sea-Doo has an extensive selection of comfortable water sports PFDs for any size, style, and budget.
LinQ Fuel Caddy – While a slightly less obvious safety item, a fuel caddy can make the difference between getting back to the dock under your own power or needing assistance from others. Utilizing BRP’s versatile LinQ mounting system, the 3.8 Gal fuel caddy ensures you have extra fuel to help yourself or a fellow boater if you get caught up in the fun and lose track of your fuel status.
With yet another decade under their belt, and countless more satisfied customers in the ranks of WaveRunner, Yamaha is celebrating the come company’s 69th birthday.
While yesterday, July 1, was technically Yamaha Motor Company’s birthday, the fun didn’t stop there, and Yamaha is inviting customers and fans to join in on the celebration.
Below is the official Yamaha announcement, expressing gratitude to customers, and introducing the theme of this year’s #YamahaDay: “Let’s Take Kando Actions.”
On 1 July each year, we celebrate the foundation of Yamaha Motor Company in 1955. It’s a moment for the global Yamaha family to celebrate the legacy of Genichi Kawakami, founder of Yamaha Motor Company, who’s spirit of innovation and challenge lives on today.
Just a few days after its foundation, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 Red Dragonfly (Aka-Tombo 赤トンボ) in the two major race events in Japan: the Mount Fuji Ascent Race and the Asama Highlands Race. The new motorcycles achieved third and first place, respectively, and also claimed first place in the 125cc class for both events.
The annual Yamaha Day celebrations are a global event encompassing all products – including music; a day when Yamaha globally celebrates its shared values of innovation, excitement, confidence, emotion, and ties. Injecting these values into everything we do meets the expectations of our customers and gives us the energy to strive for greater goals. The theme for Yamaha Day 2024 is Let’s Take Kando Actions, the theme invites everyone in the global Yamaha Motor family to think about the *Kando experiences they have enjoyed with Yamaha products, and share them with others. What Kando means to each person will differ based on lifestyle, culture, age, and even the Yamaha products they own.
To commemorate Yamaha Day 2024, Yamaha Motor Australia has launched its Let’s Take Kando Actions web page to showcase the essence of Yamaha’s brand structure and to share stories of #Kando from members of the Yamaha family. The page promotes Yamaha’s unique styles and provides a forum for sharing thoughts about what taking Kando actions means to each of us. Over the next few months we will seek out stories of Kando from Yamaha staff, dealers, ambassadors, and customers to be posted on this page via video and editorial content. We look forward to sharing the first of these with you soon.
Celebrate this 69th milestone with us by sharing what #RevsYourHeart by tagging us and including the hashtags #YamahaDay #YamahaDay2024.
To our amazing Yamaha WaveRunner customers, thank you for your unwavering passion for recreational boating! Your love for the water and adventure truly “Revs Our Heart.” Join us in celebrating this milestone as we continue to make waves and run the water!
With Independence Day and Canada Day being celebrated this week, the North American summer PWC season is here, and more people than ever will be enjoying the water on vessels of all kinds, leading to some of the busiest days of the year on our oceans, lakes, and rivers. This year, the National Marine Manufacturers Association estimates that 100 million people will go boating, which means a lot of vessels —and fun — on lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways.
With that in mind, Sea-Doo is promoting safe riding for new and veteran users alike and reminding all riders to prioritize safety this summer. Sea-Doo takes safety on the water very seriously and is committed to promoting BRP’s Responsible Rider Program to help PWC riders be present when they ride and always consider safety, riding etiquette and the environment regardless of whether they are on the ocean, a lake or a river.
“As a leader in the personal watercraft industry, we have a responsibility to grow the community of responsible riders, educate our community on preserving our water playgrounds and generate positive experiences. Every action and initiative we take at Sea-Doo is to ensure our sport flourishes today and for future generations of riders,” said Jérémi Doyon-Roch, Global Marketing Director, Marine at BRP. “Holidays are a great time to be out on the water with your friends and family and it is our responsibility to help ensure riders know how to safely enjoy the water and, most importantly, return to the dock or shore to do it all over again the following day.”
Here are Sea-Doo’s top five safety tips to the likelihood of preventable incidents on the water.
Wear proper-fitting safety gear for PWC use: Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket designed specifically for PWC use, and make sure it is properly sized and fits correctly, meaning nice and snug. PWC specific life jackets are designed to be stronger to endure higher speed water impacts and produced to maintain higher buoyancy when a rider enters the water at higher speeds. If you end up in the water, a properly fitting life jacket that is fully zipped up or buckled helps ensure you’re properly buoyant.
When it comes to watercraft gear, neoprene shorts are a must. Neoprene’s form-fitting protection prevents injuries to the lower body when striking the water during a fall backward. It also acts as a cushion between your body and the saddle while limiting exposure to the jet pump thrust.
Attach safety lanyard before starting the engine: In the event you fall off, the safety lanyard will detach from the engine cut-off switch and automatically shut down the engine, allowing you to safely reboard the watercraft with the engine off and continue riding. Ensure the lanyard is securely attached to your life jacket. And make it a habit to attach the safety lanyard to your life jacket or wrist with a wrist strap before attaching it to the Watercraft.
Maintain a safe distance at all times: PWCs are generally faster, nimbler, and less visible than conventional boats. Before you throttle up, be sure that you have a clear and obstruction-free path ahead of you. Always be respectful of other vessels and anything else that may be in the water, including swimmers.
Observe posted speed regulations: Always follow the rules of the road – or water – and slowdown in restricted speed areas, including slow speed and no-wake areas. ‘Slow Speed’ is usually 7 mph or less and ‘No Wake’ is just that, slow enough to not create a wake. In addition to being illegal, speeding in these areas increases the likelihood of collisions with other vessels or underwater obstacles.
Familiarize yourself with your watercraft’s braking system: While PWCs of the past had no braking capabilities, most PWCs now offer some type of braking or slowing system for making quick, emergency stops from speed. Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse system allows riders to come to a complete stop by simply squeezing the left handlebar lever, allowing a watercraft traveling at 50mph to stop 100 ft sooner than a model without the braking feature.
It’s almost impossible to overstate the importance of a quality steering system for jet ski racing. The steering system is the aftermarket upgrade that most directly affects control and precision for a rider, and the upgraded handling is crucial when navigating tight turns, racing courses, or even rough water conditions. Additionally, an upgraded system boosts the rider’s confidence; with increased sensitivity, the rider is guaranteed a higher level of assurance in their ability to dominate any task before them. Knowing this, we feel confident promoting RIVA Racing’s well-established offering of top-of-the-line PWC Steering Systems and Controls!
RIVA Racing’s upgraded steering systems are all crafted in the United States from premium quality materials, and they promise to offer “superior handling, awesome styling, and easy installation!”
Take, for example, the RIVA Sea-Doo 2018 RXT/GTX & 2021+ RXT/GTX Steering System Bundle, which replaces the stock plastic steering unit with aircraft-grade anodized aluminum tubing to enhance durability and prevent corrosion. This kit not only strengthens your build but also implements quick-turn settings to give you greater control.
Then there’s the RIVA Yamaha 2015-21 FX Pro-Series Steering System, which boasts a lighter and stronger steering structure, ensuring your safety on rough water or while pushing your PWC to the max.
What’s more, they’re currently offering free shipping within the continental United States on all orders over $150, so be sure to check out their extensive offerings on the RIVA Racing website now!
Typically, we don’t blend the content generated on The Watercraft Journal’s YouTube channel and what we publish here on the digital magazine – particularly when it comes to the live weekly podcast The Watercraft Journal IRL – but in this instance, we found the subject matter so pertinent to the swelling audience of first-time buyers of PWC that we felt obligated to share it here.
First some context: The Watercraft Journal IRL is a live podcast hosted on our YouTube channel (meaning it’s free; there’s no passwords or downloads), and is filmed in the standard long form discussion format, often with host Kevin Shaw interviewing guests or discussing topics with others. When he “flies solo” is usually when Shaw focuses on a technical topic.
For this most recently aired episode, Shaw went over the basic characteristics of each of the three OEM’s full-sized 3-seater runabouts; namely, the Kawasaki Ultra JetSki, the Sea-Doo ST3 hull, and Yamaha’s FX platform. While remaining general in regards to performance, storage and ergonomics, Shaw focused on how each hull behaves in smooth-to-rough water.
In doing so, Shaw is trying to arm neophyte buyers with some third-party knowledge on what to expect from each offering. He listed both attributes good and bad of each machine; what one might expect when it comes to repairing each hull; and what each platform offers in regards to wear-and-tear, longevity and overall riding comfort.
Arguably, no other company has been more dedicated to developing and producing top tier performance products for the Kawasaki JetSki line of watercraft than Brisbane Kawasaki’s Kspeed division. With the advent of the redesigned Ultras for 2022, Kspeed has been hurriedly wrenching on handling components and adapting its already vibrant catalog of go-fast parts to the new platform.
With changes to the new Ultras in the form of the KSDR braking-and-reverse system, Kspeed needed to amend its existing ride plate. With that, Kspeed also has been re-configuring its pump wedge and plate package to eke out the utmost speed while maintaining the JetSki’s handling and drivability – and all with great success. The combo helps push the 310 past its limited 67mph to 70.
The video attached below is another example of Kspeed’s dedication to its customers: a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to properly install both the pump wedge and KS3 performance ride plate on an Ultra 310LX. Kspeed’s Jamie Eade couldn’t be more thorough in this guide, and even throws in a few tips and tricks used by the best shops, dealerships and race teams.
UIM - ABP Aquabike Class Pro Circuit World Championship Regione Sardegna - Grand Prix of Italy Olbia June 20 - 23 - 2024 Photo Simon Palfrader
UIM – ABP Aquabike Class Pro Circuit World Championship Regione Sardegna – Grand Prix of Italy Olbia June 20 – 23 – 2024 Photo Simon Palfrader –
Last week, The Watercraft Journal began a recap of early-season race results with a look at Pacific Northwest Watercross, East Coast Watercross and Great Lakes Watercross results from the first weeks of the 2024 race season.
As promised, we will continue with our run-through of US race action, but first, with news from the Aquabike World Championship series flooding social media over the past 2 days, we are taking a quick detour and heading to Olbia in the region of Sardinia to get the results of the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy
The opening round of the 2024 UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship was held at Quy Nhon in the province of Bình Đinh in central Vietnam on March 22-24, setting up many key matches for the coming season, and in Round 2, announced by the one-and-only Dawn Dawson, the weekend of high-octane racing featured many names familiar throughout the race community, regardless of nationality, as well as many regional favorites.
More than 166 riders from 30 countries were cited as pre-registered across the various classes, and additional riders were added to the lineups through the start of racing.
UIM-ABP AQUABIKE Class PRO Circuit World Championship – REGIONE SARDEGNA, GRAND PRIX of Italy – Olbia, Italy, 20 – 23rd June 2024, Photo: Arek Rejs –
As reported on the Aquabike website, defending World Champion Jessica Chavanne, Belgian Quinten Bossche, Estonian Mattias Siimann and Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashid Al-Mulla secured Grand Prix victories in the Ski Ladies GP1, Ski Division GP1, Runabout GP1 and Freestyle categories in difficult conditions at the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy in Olbia, while Belgian Yoni Hamelin, Estonian racers Mattias Reinass and Karl Keskula, French girl Cyrielle Bramm and Mattias Siimann of Estonia earned World Championship and Grand Prix victories in their respective Ski GP3, Ski GP4, Runabout GP4, Runabout GP4 Ladies and Runabout GP2 categories in blustery conditions at the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy on Sunday afternoon. Reinass also claimed the Ski GP2 title.
UIM – ABP Aquabike Class Pro Circuit World Championship Regione Sardegna – Grand Prix of Italy Olbia June 20 – 23 – 2024 Photo Simon Palfrader
Complete results and Aquabike recaps of the races are available here and here.
The Maptuner NANO is already a first-choice go-to for instant plug-in horsepower.
But last week, things went next-level when it was announced on social media that an update to the newly-released version 37 Firmware for the Maptuner Nano NB3 provides removal of the restrictive GPS speed control function on US and Canadian Sea-Doo 2018~24 300 hp models and all 325hp models.
According to the post, the Speed Control Override delivers significant increases in top speed with the stock ECU.
It is noted that “Touring Mode” can be manually selected after start-up.
Additionally, no Tuning License is required to utilize important features, and best of all, the firmware update is completely free for those who have purchased the associated Maptuner Nano (BRP).
Within hours of the post going live on social media, posted by Maptun Powersports and shared by several online sources, including GreenHulk PWC Performance Store, The Watercraft Journal noticed a number of comments and posts by experienced racers industry gurus about the potential this update would make available in the impacted PWC models. However, WCJ also, within those first hours, received several inquiries from less experienced racers and new riders, asking, essentially, “what does this mean, and is it something I need.”
To answer those questions, and more, WCJ turned directly to the experts, and spoke with RIVA Racing Operations Director Mike Hodges.
WCJ: I’m sure a lot of our readers are very familiar with the Maptuner Nano, and aware with what this firmware update offers, but for those who may not be as conversant in the benefits, can you tell us exactly what it is this Firmware update accomplishes?
MH:
Hodges explained the reasoning behind manufacturers installing the limiters, which is mandated by US government regulations
MH:
He added that the practice of a private owner overriding the limiter, appears, from review of the statutes, to be permitted, especially for competitive riders, which this product is mostly geared toward.
Hodges stressed that the firmware update is a simple process that requires no mechanical knowledge, and he pointed out that the Maptuner Nano App is compatible with both Android and IOS.
In addition to being a simple process, the update comes directly from Maptuner and the update is free of charge.
He explained that this particular Firmware update, to version 37, was specifically aimed at the SCOM functionality, but mentioned that an inconsistency with the use of a feature allowing the system to start in “Sport Mode” has been rectified.
Stepping back from discussion about the upgrade, Hodges said a lot of customers overlook the ability of the Maptuner Nano NB3 to offer live monitoring, and to read and clear fault codes.
Hodges explained the relationship between RIVA and Maptun.
What’s more, this update is now automatically included when purchasing the Maptuner Nano, either directly from RIVA Racing, or through the GreenHulk PWC Performance Parts store, and the Maptuner Nana NB3A, which was out of stock for a short time, is expected to be back in stock this week.
Following is the data released by Maptun Powersports on the firmware update to version 37 Firmware:
NB3 only: Added SCOM (Speed Control Override Module) to all Sea-Doo 325 watercrafts (all regions, not only US/CA. This is a plug-and-play feature that removes the speed limiter on the watercraft when the Maptuner Nano NB3 is connected. You don’t need to reflash the ECU but your Maptuner Nano NB3 needs to run this firmware version (37) or newer for this feature to work.
Both NB3 and NX3: Fault Codes Manager, Monitoring and Start in Sport Mode is now available for Sea-Doo 325 with any Maptuner Nano running the latest firmware (does not require a tuning license).
For more technical data and information, the MapTuner Support page offers a wide variety of informational modules, including guides, instructions, comparisons and more.
A similar post from GreenHulks touted the same firmware update. You can see the full post below:
Maptuner posted a firmware update Monday night that enables the Nano BRP (01-NB3A) to function as a SCOM on U.S. & Canadian 325hp Sea-Doo RXT & RXP models. All U.S. & Canadian customers that received a Nano BRP module prior to today only need to synchronize their Nano with the MyMaptuner app on their mobile device to activate the SCOM functionality. After today, all Nano BRP modules we receive and ship will include the SCOM functionality for U.S. & Canadian models.
We also updated our Sea-Doo 325 Stage 1 Kits, consolidating them into one page for each model that utilizes the Maptuner Nano BRP and as a SCOM module. We will continue to offer the 325 ECU Speed Control Override Service separately for customers that wish to go that route, but it is no longer included as part of either of our Sea-Doo 325 Stage 1 Kits. If you have any questions please let us know. Thanks!
Following up on our SeaDoo Safety Tips from earlier this week, Sea-Doo is also getting riders ready for a fun, and safe, summer, with the annual runthrough of essential summer safety gear. 
“As a leader in the personal watercraft industry, we have a responsibility to grow the community of 
Wear proper-fitting safety gear for PWC use: 
Then there’s the RIVA Yamaha 2015-21 FX Pro-Series Steering System, which boasts a lighter and stronger steering structure, ensuring your safety on rough water or while pushing your PWC to the max. 
