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Jet Ski Riding Officer Rescues Man and Dogs Amid Texas Floods

By
Chris Carringer
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In the wake of the tragic flooding and severe storms in Texas, stories of heroic rescues have flooded the internet. One that caught our eye was shared by the Houston Police Department on Monday, showing a truly heartwarming rescue. The bodycam footage shows an officer mounted on a Jet Ski, cruising through the murky floodwaters to save a man and three dogs stranded at an almost completely submerged house. The floodwaters had risen up to 10 feet, and you can see the relief on the faces of all four during the rescue.

These rescues take place against the backdrop of the severe storms and flooding that have plagued Texas this week. As of Sunday, 224 people had been rescued from the deluge and winds affecting Harris County, along with 153 dogs. Despite these inspiring numbers, the death of at least one child has already been reported. Furthermore, county officials have reported that the stranded livestock and damage to homes will have a significant negative impact on people’s livelihoods, as well as the area’s infrastructure, well past the end of these rains.

Communities are bracing for further rain and damaging weather conditions, rallying together to prepare for whatever problems this string of severe weather may continue to bring. Through the struggle, it’s inspiring to see the resilience of Texans shining through amidst the adversity, finding ways to defend their community through whatever means they can.

The full video is available from BBC.

FuelTech New Headquarters Flooded, Employees Lost Homes in South Brazil Floods

By
Jessica Waters
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Following up on The Watercraft Journal’s article on Monday about flooding in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which borders Uruguay and Argentina, WCJ has learned that FuelTech’s, well-known in PWC circles as a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance vehicle control units, has suffered severe damages from the recent storms and flooding in the Southern Brazil region. 

FuelTech new company headquarters, located in the city of Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul, is partially underwater after last weekend’s torrential rains, and company CEO Anderson Dick has posted on social media, saying that many of the company’s employees lost their homes. 

In a post on Facebook on Monday, he stated, “The South of Brazil is under the worst natural disaster ever, over 300 cities under the water, flood (levels) never seen before, even 3ft higher than the historic 1941 flood. FuelTech new headquarters are flooded about 3 feet and we don’t know yet how bad it is. We did some actions to protect what we could. It will take a few days for the water to go down to actually see, but we will go through it.

But hundreds of thousands of people lost everything, at least 15 of our 200 employees lost their houses. Everyone is safe but we want to help them rebuild their houses. If anyone would like to donate something to help, it will be very (appreciated). 

He provided a link to the fundraising site for those who would like to make donations.

Floods in the city of Canoas, Brazil, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul State. More than 1 million people has been affected so far, in the State, out of which 41,000 are refugees or persons in need of international protection (UN Refugee Agency)

In a recorded reel posted to his page some time prior, for which WCJ is relying on Google for translation, he stated, “It is in times of difficulty that you discover who is on your side! The employee who has lost everything and has no hope of recovering what took decades with his salary to buy, but with the solidarity of people who are able to donate a little so that he can rebuild his life.

This is perhaps the biggest investment the company can do at this moment, because the only way for the company to recover will be with the dedication of this employee and the entire team who, even though they didn’t lose anything, even donated to those in need and feel the same pride of being in a company that cares about everyone , which has the purpose of doing good for both those who run the company and its customers.

As bad as we feel now, I’m proud to say, even with my company under water, that with the strength of the union of the people who work at FuelTech and MANY customers, friends and suppliers, we will come out of this stronger, I’m absolutely sure!

The state of Rio Grande do Sul is on its knees, we need help in countless ways, thank you to everyone who is superheroes these days in different ways! We are collecting donations for those who want to help directly to the families of FuelTech employees who lost everything, this helps us more than directly as they are the force that we need to keep strong now… And for those who can help in another way, buy a FuelTech product on our website, it may be the excuse you needed, but it will help to rebuild this company that we care so much about!”

Per the the official Rio Grande do Sul social media accounts and information from the Rio Grande do Sul Governor’s Office and social media accounts, there is a confirmed avenue for donations, with US Donations being directed to Standard Chartered Bank in New York, Account Number 3544032986001, Swift SCBLUS33. Instructions say to include the following information with the donation to make sure it is directed to the Rio Grande do Sul disaster relief funds:

IBAN Code: BR5392702067001000645423206C1
Name: Associacao dos Bancos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
CNPJ: 92.958.800/0001-38

According to a post by the Governor’s office, “The resources will be fully donated to humanitarian aid to flood victims and to reconstruction of urban infrastructure. The SOS Rio Grande do Sul account is an official and secure donation channel.

In an updated Reuters report from yesterday, May 8, at approximately 6 p.m. EST, resumed rain, lightning, hail and heavy winds interrupted rescue efforts in southern Brazil, and the death toll from the flooding, landslides, washed out roads and collapsed bridges has risen to more than 100 now, with 130 still listed as missing.

At 10 p.m. EST last night, AP reported that more than 230,000 residents have been displaced and are seeking shelter. Heavy rains are expected to continue through the coming weekend. A report by the National Confederation of Municipalities estimates damages at 4.6 billion reais ($930 million) in nearly 80% of Rio Grande do Sul’s municipalities.

Only two of Capital city Porto Alegre’s six water treatment plants were functioning, making drinking water a priority, according to a report from the mayor’s office, which also stated that water for hospitals and shelters were being supplied by tankers.According to the Reuters report, “Army soldiers used amphibious armored cars to rescue people from flooding in Canoas, just north of the city, where the waters have reached a depth of some three meters (10 ft) and the streets can only be navigated by boat.” Canoas is the hometown of PWC racers Tiago and Ismael Geitens, who have been assisting with rescue efforts on PWCs.

Prepping Jet Skis for Big Wave Surfing: Mark Healey’s Safety Protocols

By
Chris Carringer
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When it comes to water safety, few people understand the urgency like big wave surfers. The intensity of the sport demands a level of knowledge and preparation that few others have, making them some of the most well-trained watermen out there. That’s why, for a big wave surfer like Mark Healey, controlling the protocols and preparation needed to prep a jet ski for big wave surfing is a crucial part of protecting his own safety.

While Jet Skis can be some of the most useful tools in many of these hardcore watersports, it’s important to know that a stock ski from the dealership will need some upgrades before it’s ready for extreme usage.

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Healey, a Hawaiian surfer and spearfisherman, walks us through the steps he takes to ensure his personal watercraft is ready to tackle some of the world’s most challenging surf, whether for big wave surfing, rescue, spearfishing, or any other hardcore usage.

Of the modifications that Healey covers in the video, some of the most important are the hatch and seat strap kits. These work to hold down parts of the ski which could potentially pop off in a crash, preventing the hull from filling up with water and sinking.

He also emphasizes the importance of many smaller modifications – a tow-point on the front of the ski, handles on the sides of the hull for rescue, a backup key in case a different drive needs to mount – which can make all the difference in a rescue situation. Even gunwale kits designed to add traction can be the key to a successful save. The video details a variety of other important modifications that allow for effective towing as well.

If you’re looking to prep a ski for heavy surf, or even if you’re just interested in learning more about the process, check out Healey’s video on his YouTube channel for a full run-through, along with some super useful visuals!

Kickstart Your Summer With Great Sea-Doo Deals From Cycle Springs

By
Jessica Waters
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Bombardier Recreational Products

While the official start of summer is still more than a month away, many PWC racers and rec riders are getting a jump on the official calendar and are more than ready for Summer 2024 to start.

For many, that may mean an on-the-water upgrade – and Cycle Springs Powersports and Sea-Doo are making that upgrade just a bit easier with some Kickstart Your Summer sales prices on 2023 model year PWCs, and even some great deals on 2023 Switch Pontoons. 

Just how good of a deal, you ask?  Try $1,000 off PWCs, and $3,000 off the Switch. That means, for a limited time, you can get a  2023 Sea-Doo Spark® Trixx, with a Rotax® 900 ACE™ engine with Sport Mode and Sea-Doo’s exclusive extended range Variable Trim System for $7,090, more than $1,100 off regular price. Not only that, but during the sale, you can snag financing starting at 0.99% on select Sea-Doo personal watercraft models. 

The Trixx not your bag?  How about a 2023 Sea-Doo FishPro™ Scout 130, with cooler, fish finder, rod holders and 9 pre-set trolling modes  more, for $12,690 – more than $1,600 off the regular price.

And if high performance is your thing, Cycle Spring’s got the 2023 Sea-Doo RXP®-X® 300 iBR, with a supercharged 300-HP engine and race-inspired handling and styling, for $14,099 – a whopping $2,400 savings. 

Looking to go all-out?  How about a  2023 Sea-Doo RXP®-X® Apex 300, the most exclusive high-performance personal watercraft ever created by Sea-Doo, with a carbon fiber hood and race-ready hydraulic steering, for a $2,700 savings at only $18,290.

And if you’re looking for a ski with a little bit of experience, check out Cycle Spring’s pre-owned inventory, with a lineup of deals like  nearly $1,000 off a 2018 Sea-Doo WAKE™ 155, on sale for $8,495.

And just to make life easier, don’t forget Cycle Spring’s Trade-In tool, where you can jump on the Cycle Spring website and get a trade-in value for your old ski

Video: PWC Brothers Part of Rescue Operations in Flooded Brazil Hometown

By
Jessica Waters
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0

In the Brazilian state of  Rio Grande do Sul, PWC racers Tiago and Ismael Geitens, along with many other residents-turned-rescuers – many on PWCs – are even now desperately attempting to retrieve survivors from rooftops and rivers as this southernmost state in Brazil reels under the torrential rains and flooding of the past days.

According to reports from local authorities, as told to me by social media sources and confirmed by national media outlets, massive floods in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state killed at least 75 people and at least 100 more still missing.  The rains and resulting floods, landslides, washed out roads and collapsed bridges injured another 155+ people and forced more than 88,000 people from their homes. 

Tiago, who posted on Instagram about the rescue efforts, including those being made by jet ski, told The Watercraft Journal,  “We are facing the worst ever climate disaster of our state. Rio Grande do Sul are with much water, so much rain! People are sinking, more than 5 meters of water in their houses, we are putting the boats for take them out. Our City Canoas is needing help!”

It is reported that electricity and communications are sporadic, and more than 800,000 people are without a clean water supply, according to the civil defense agency, which cited figures from water company Corsan.

According to a Reuters report, “Flooding from storms in the past few days has affected about two thirds of the nearly 500 towns and cities in the state, which borders Uruguay and Argentina, leaving more than 88,000 displaced.”

While we have not been able to communicate with Geitens again, WCJ did find, through research into the official Rio Grande do Sul social media accounts and information from the Rio Grande do Sul Governor’s Office and social media accounts, there is a confirmed avenue for donations, as shown in the below graphic, with US Donations being directed to Standard Chartered Bank in New York, Account Number 3544032986001, Swift SCBLUS33. Instructions say to include the following information with the donation to make sure it is directed to the Rio Grande do Sul disaster relief funds:

IBAN Code: BR5392702067001000645423206C1
Name: Associacao dos Bancos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
CNPJ: 92.958.800/0001-38

According to a post by the Governor’s office, “The resources will be fully donated to humanitarian aid to flood victims and to reconstruction of urban infrastructure. The SOS Rio Grande do Sul account is an official and secure donation channel.”

The Watercraft Journal will continue to monitor conditions in Canoas and Rio Grande do Sul, and provide updates as they become available, including efforts by FuelTech, whose founder and owner, Anderson Dick, is from Rio Grande do Sul.

CA State Waterway Safety Grants Can Go Toward Purchase of PWCs For Patrol, S&R

By
Chris Carringer
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California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways
California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways

California’s waterways are vital recreational and environmental assets, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world and all walks of life. In order to bolster safety measures and protect against abandoned and unwanted vessels in the waterways, the California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has announced an increase in grant program funding, with a total of $4.25 million available for this cycle.

The program works by offering funding to local public entities across California for boats, equipment, and personal watercraft, which can be used to enhance safety protocols and preserve the natural beauty of the state’s waterways. 

Ramona Fernandez, Deputy Director of DBW, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Enhancing safety on California’s waterways and protecting our shared environment can create healthy and memorable outdoor experiences for experienced and new recreational boaters.”

In 2023, DBW distributed grants totaling $1.57 million under the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment program and $2.75 million under the Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange program. This year, DBW has increased the total grant funding to $4.25 million, reflecting the critical need for ongoing support in these areas. The application window for the two competitive grant programs closed for the current cycle on Tuesday, April 30.

Here’s a breakdown of the grant programs and the funding available:

Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment (BSEE) Grant Program
Under this program, up to $1.5 million is earmarked for local government agencies statewide. These funds will support the acquisition of patrol boats, replacement engines, personal watercraft, search and rescue equipment, and patrol gear necessary for conducting recreational boating safety and enforcement activities. It’s important to note that these grants are intended to complement existing local resources rather than fully funding boating safety and enforcement units. Funding for the BSEE program is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety Program.

Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Grant Program
The SAVE program allocates up to $2.75 million to local public agencies statewide. These funds will facilitate the surrender of recreational vessels and the removal and disposal of derelict recreational vessels from coastal and inland public, navigable waterways. Grant funding for the SAVE program is sourced from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund.

By offering these grants, California State Parks aims to strengthen waterway safety measures and preserve the pristine beauty of the state’s aquatic landscapes. Local entities are encouraged to seize this opportunity to enhance their capabilities and contribute to a safer, more enjoyable boating environment for all.

New Rotax Engine Brings Sea-Doo Awards at the Miami Boat Show

By
Chris Carringer
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0

If you’ve been paying attention to what’s new in the world of personal watercraft, you’ve surely heard about Sea-Doo’s RXP-X 325, the newest advancement in jet ski technology with its state-of-the-art engine. We’ve certainly written our share of articles about it! 

Well, the world’s most powerful stock PWC continued to draw even more attention earlier this year at the Miami International Boat Show, where it received the Innovation Award for its 325hp Rotax ACE engine.

The prize was awarded by the NMA and Boating Writers International at the Miami Boat Show, for unlocking paths to high-speed racing with a stock ski that truly pushes boundaries. In order to do this, the engineers at Sea-Doo and Rotax fully reimagined the air intake system, removing previous limitations and allowing an uninhibited air path. They also implemented an advanced supercharger reaching speeds of up to 100,000 rpm, allowing ample cool air to reach the engine to account for the extra output.

Other features that the RXP-X 325 boasts include the planetary gearbox, which has a spring-loaded cam clutch drive for low-maintenance, durable performance, and upgrades to the piston package, crankshaft, valve train, lube oil circuit, and the electronics package. Combined, these improvements allow the engine to reach up to 8250 rpm, allowing for an incredible adrenaline rush as you go from 0-60 mph in only 3.4 seconds.

With all of this, it’s not surprising that this top-of-the-line watercraft keeps raking in new awards. If you’re looking to get a taste of the action, check out the RXP-X 325 on Sea-Doo’s website, or at a Sea-Doo dealer near you!

Video: 5th Annual Huntington Beach Moto-Surf & Freeride May 4-5

By
Jessica Waters
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In what seems to be becoming a Watercraft Journal trend, we interrupt your early May routine with some last-minute hype for the Huntington Beach Moto-Surf & Freeride.

Although we’re a few days ahead of our 2-day advance we blasted out for 4th Annual event last year, we’re still cutting it close, with the 5th Annual Huntington Beach Moto-Surf & Freeride taking place this weekend, May 4 – 5.

And just like last year, the spectator admission for the Huntington Beach Pier event is free. 

Jumping over to the RPM Racing Enterprises website, we found some key information about the 5th Annual Hot Products Huntington Beach Moto-Surf and Rickter Freeride Presented by Jettrim, Impros & Bomber Eyewear.

First, Registration closed on Sunday, April 28th.  However, you can still register on-site on Friday, May 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. Email Dawn Carey at [email protected] with any questions. 

Second: This event will feature 2 days of IJSBA-sanctioned watercraft racing and the Rickter Freeride Exhibition. And is a double points race for the Best of the West Series Championship.

Location: Huntington Beach Pier (southside)

Lodging: There are no host hotels for this event. Please check local listings or VRBO or Airbnb. Dry camping in the pits are 1st come, 1st serve. All teams camping with Motorhomes/RV’s/Toy Haulers must register upon arrival at the main gate.  You will be charged for each parking spot used. Camping fee is $40/space/night. You will be charged for each space used per the City of Huntington Beach. This lot will accommodate all race teams, enclosed trailers & motorhomes (dry camping only, no hook ups).  All parking is 1st come, 1st serve.   

Pits: The pits will be open on Friday morning at 8:00 am. This does not mean Wednesday or Thursday per the City of Huntington Beach.  All vehicles: ie: Motorhomes/RV’s/long haulers, vehicles with and without trailers will park in the designated Huntington Street & PCH lot parking dry camping only, 1st come, 1st serve. No reservation needed. Again, parking is $40/space/night for dry camping. Everyone will need a parking pass and credentials to come & go through the gate once you have gone through registration (Friday) and on race days (Sat. & Sun). All race pits take priority over non essential vehicles/motorhomes/RV’s.  Please do NOT spread out. Take only enough for your pit as you will be charged for each space taken and please be good neighbors to your fellow racers. Do not set up until cleared by the pit manager!!  

Beach Area:  Absolutely NO motorized vehicle traffic on the beach.  Motorized vehicles, ie: Side by Sides, UTVS, RZR’s, etc.  NO cars or trucks on the beach. Motorized vehicles can be used only at specific times to move into and out of the beach pit area.  Absolutely NO one without a valid driver’s license will be allowed to drive any motorized vehicle from the pit parking lot to the beach pit area. Hand carting in and out and  motorized launch must use the designated launch/pick up area on the beach. No extra pit vehicles will be permitted on the beach per Huntington Beach Fire/Lifeguards.  Each entry and or boat will pay for and receive ONE (1) pit pass for their vehicle. All vehicles must display the proper parking pass (to be received at check-in/late registration). Parking of additional vehicles is in the asphalt pit parking lot for $40/day/space.

Fuel: All fuel must be stowed properly. You will be allowed to bring only enough fuel each day to the beach pit area.  5 gallons for stand ups & 10 gallons for runabouts.  All fuel barrel’s and or fuel containers (ie: VP 5 gallon cans) must be removed by the owner at the end of the race weekend. All race teams must a tarp or drip tray for the beach pit area.  All race teams must have a current fire extinguisher.  Min.  10 BC to present at inspection and must be taken to the beach pit area. 

Rider Check In: ALL racers/families/crew members must check-in on Friday starting at 10:00 am until 6:00 p.m. and or on Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. If you’ve pre-registered you still must check-in, sign the waivers and receive your credentials & pay for parking. If you haven’t  you  do so during the days/times stated. Please do not wait until registration is closing to either get registered or clear registration and get your credentials.

Prize Money: Pro Classes with 6 or more riders at a minimum there will be 50% payback.   

Smoking & Alcohol: There is NO smoking or alcohol in the pits. Violation will result in immediate dq and exit of race site.  

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, May 3 

8:00 am – Pits open to all teams.

Note: Pits are 1st come, 1st serve. All Motorhomes, & RV’s & Toy Haulers, vehicles with trailers & vehicles without trailers must park in lot at Huntington Street & Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).  Parking spots are $40/night per the City of Huntington Beach. 

10:00 am – 6:00 pm Racer Check-in, Registration at Hot Products Best ofthe West Tent in pit parking lot. 

Safety inspection in pit area.

2:30 – 2:45 pm – Rider’s meeting for beach pits move in. 

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Beach pit move in. 

Note: Only licensed individuals may drive on sand. Only UTV’s, SidebySides, RZR’s, etc. are allowed on the beach.  No excess beach traffic will be allowed per City Of Huntington Beach.

 

Saturday May 4th 

6:30 am – 7:45 am Registration/check in – Pit Parking Lot

7:50 am – 8:30 am – All teams move from Pit Parking Lot to beach pits. (Southside of the Pier) 

8:30 am Mandatory Riders Meeting (all riders must attend!!) – Beach Pit Area at Lifeguard Tower.

9:00 am – 10:00 am Closed Course Practice

10:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed Course Racing & Rickter Freeride

 

Sunday May 5th 

7:00 am – 7:45 am Registration/Technical Inspection Pit Parking Lot

7:50 am – 8:30 am – All teams move from Pit Parking Lot to beach pits (Southside of the Pier) 

8:30 am –  Mandatory Riders Meeting (all riders must attend!!) – Beach Pit Area at Lifeguard Tower.

9:00 am – 9:30 am Closed Course Last Chance Practice

9:30 am – 3:30 pm Closed Course Racing, Rickter Freeride  & Closed Course Finals

4:00 pm – Awards Ceremony on Beach

Check out this video of last year’s excitement from Fast Powersports/Dustin Motzouris

For even more Huntington Beach fun from 2023, check out Mark Gomez’s video from the event:

As of April 25, the following are registered:

Interview: Farthing Weighs in On Wins, Family, Growing the Sport and More

By
Jessica Waters
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Building a career in the world of watercross racing – or any extreme sport, for that matter – is not an easy task. Talent is the bare minimum: skill, dedication, commitment, effort, enthusiasm, a bit of recklessness combined with wisdom… all of these play a part, and that’s not even mentioning time and money. 

Building a legacy is even more of an undertaking, not only committing to and mastering all of the above, but nurturing a passion for the sport, passing on the skill and wisdom of the sport, balancing mentorship and a competitive nature – its no easy task, one can be sure. 

It’s been many years since there was any doubt that multi-time world champion Dustin Farthing nailed the “building a career” part of that equation. As pointed out in The Watercraft Journal IRL Podcast last October, Farthing expanded his roster of national and world titles in 2023 with the P1 AquaX national series Champion title.

It is also now becoming fairly evident that Dustin Farthing is also well on his way to building a legacy. Last weekend, with the opening of the 2024 P1 AquaX race season at Daytona, not only was the Farthing name in triplicate on the Pro Enduro race lineup, with Dustin and sons Deven and Talan all racing in the Pro class this year.

But it was a one-two weekend, with Dustin taking the top podium spot, and Deven claiming second; with Talan finishing a respectable 20th in a roster that included names such as Tory Snyder, Brian Baldwin, Chris MacClugage and Camden Powell. 

Dustin took a few moments this week to chat with The Watercraft Journal, not only touching on the experience of racing alongside both of his sons, but talking about the Farthing Race Team’s 2024 plans, the excitement over the AquaX Celebrity Challenge that premiered at Daytona, and comments on PWC racing as a sport overall. 

WCJ:  Tell us how Daytona went for Farthing Racing this year.

WCJ: Talk about what it’s like to be out there racing with your sons.

WCJ: How often do you end up behind them, now? 

WCJ: When you are racing against them, are you more competitive than you are with other racers?

WCJ: You told me years ago that you didn’t pressure them into the PWC world; is it a good feeling that they both made the choice to follow in your footsteps?

WCJ: You said something earlier about them racing after you’re done; you’re not planning your retirement are you?

WCJ: Talk about your part in getting the Celebrity Challenge initiated this year at Daytona.

WCJ: It sounds like the competitors had fun; how about the spectators? Did the audience and other racers enjoy the Challenge? 

WCJ: What about your plans for this season? Is it just P1 for you, or are you looking at other races?

WCJ: So quite a few international races. Talk about the difference between International races and US races.

WCJ: Do you see PWC racing getting back to that level in the US?

WCJ: I noticed you posting a while back on social media that Farthing Racing would have skis available for other racers this year. Talk a little about that effort.

Closing out the interview, Farthing confirmed that Farthing Racing would be at Havasu and at Kings Cup in Thailand in in 2024, and thanked his sponsors and team crew.

Be sure to check out the P1 AquaX website for the full results from Daytona, and to keep track of the US standings as well as all the information on the next AquaX race, which will be in Michigan City on July 12-14.

Video: Pressure Testing a 2-Stroke Jet Ski Engine

By
Chris Carringer
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0

If you’ve ever built an engine, taken apart an old jet ski for parts, or had to troubleshoot an engine for any reason, there’s a good chance you know the importance of pressure testing. However, if it’s your first time around, you’re in luck! The good people over at Erickson Machine and Performance have produced a detailed guide to this essential aspect of engine maintenance. Their video details the ins and outs of pressure testing a 2-stroke engine, using the custom-built ET 967 as an example.

In the video, Mark stresses the importance of pressure testing in a variety of scenarios. First and foremost, he emphasizes that it is imperative whenever one is assembling a new engine, so as to avoid significant issues in the PWC’s performance. Furthermore, it is an important step in diagnosing an older engine, especially if it is being used in a new build or if it seems to be running lean.

Before beginning the test, Mark highlights a few crucial preparatory steps. For Yamaha skis, it’s important to pull the starter or pop the front cover. For Kawasaki, you need to open up the inspection port. Both of these steps prevent pressure from being trapped due to leaking front seals, which could result in a buildup of oil over time, along with other potential issues.

In the video, Mark also goes through the necessary tools, including homemade options and available-to-purchase kits, to perform the pressure test. These include block off plates, rubber valves, and the air-regulating tool (the video goes into detail about how to build these from pieces you may already have).

The testing procedure itself involves gradually increasing the pressure to 8psi, then leaving it for 2-3 minutes to see if there is any leakage measured by the air regulator. If there is none, you should be good to go!

Check out the full video to see the detailed procedure, and check out the Erickson Machine and Performance channel for a wide variety of technical walkthroughs and resources.

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