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Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Celebrates Stellar Mark Hahn 300 Performance by Yamaha Racers

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Last weekend was the 20th annual Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300, the world’s longest continual PWC race. Dozens of participants took to the water to race across a 10-mile loop encompassing Lake Havasu, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Among the athletes were several piloting Yamaha WaveRunners who snagged some impressive placing when the race was called shortly after the 4-hour mark.

Among those were Mike Neumann and Bill Austin brought home a victory in the Manufacturers Stock class aboard a unmodified GP1800R SVHO proving the potency of the factory-stock Yamaha. Other Yamaha wins came from Craig Kelling and Andreas Kubatzki who grabbed second in modified Runabout Vet Master Open class, and Jamal Reyes and Juan Lezcano earned second in the Runabout 1100 Stock class.

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA celebrated the turnout of top tier WaveRunner racers in a Facebook post stating the following:
In a stirring display of skill, endurance, and product reliability, Yamaha riders Mike Neumann and Bill Austin clinched victory in the prestigious Manufacturers Stock class at the 20th Anniversary Mark Hahn 300 Personal Watercraft (PWC) endurance race, held on February 24 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

In addition to the win in the Manufacturers Stock class, Yamaha riders Jamal Reyes and Juan Lezcano finished second in the Runabout 1100 Stock class, followed by Yamaha rider Arnold Martinez, who finished third.

Yamaha pro riders Tory Snyder and Christopher Landis finished third in the modified Pro/Am Four-Stroke Open class. Yamaha riders Craig Kelling and Andreas Kubatzki finished second in the modified Runabout Vet Master Open class.

The victory in the Manufacturer’s Stock class is particularly noteworthy. This class is designed to showcase the out-of-the-box performance and reliability of PWCs, directly comparing manufacturers’ products under the most demanding conditions. Unlike modified types, where extensive tweaks and enhancements are the norms, the Manufacturers Stock class requires competitors to race on watercraft as close as possible to what consumers can purchase from dealers. This means that the victory is not just a testament to the riders’ skill and determination but also the superior design, engineering, and reliability of Yamaha WaveRunners®.

“We are thrilled with Mike and Bill’s victory at the Mark Hahn 300. It’s a testament to their hard work and the unmatched performance and reliability of our WaveRunners,” said Yamaha WaveRunner Racing manager Bryce Parker. “Winning the Manufacturers Stock class is particularly meaningful to us because it reflects the real-world capabilities of our watercraft. We believe it’s essential for our customers to know they are purchasing some of the most reliable and high-performing products on the market.”

The Mark Hahn 300, known as the longest continuous PWC race in the world, challenges teams to complete 300 miles on the waters of Lake Havasu. This grueling test of endurance, strategy, and equipment draws competitors from around the globe, making it a benchmark event in the PWC racing calendar.

Unlock Your ’24 Sea-Doo 325 With RIVA’s Ship-In SCOM Service

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Since it’s release, unlocking the full potency buried within the new 325-horsepower Sea-Doo 1630 ACE engines have been the goal of tuners and racers. Due to the complex firewalls of the new Rotax software, the old ways of interrupting the satellite speed signals traveling between the dashboard and the ECU have been thwarted. This means contemporary speed control override modules (SCOM) are no longer valid on these new machines (they still work on all previous 260 and 300-horsepower models); thus focusing more hands on approaches.

RIVA Racing has recently announced its Speed Control Override Service for all 325 models (2025 RXT-X 325 and RXP-X 325) manually interrupting the “slow down” signal that forces the Sea-Doo to decelerate once the GPS-controlled speedometer reaches 70 miles-per-hour. What overriding the speed control signal does is remove any restrictions on your stock Sea-Doo’s top speeds. Equally, RIVA’s override service also allows the Sea-Doo to start in “Sport Mode” rather than having to manually toggle through the mode sequence.

Unfortunately, getting your Sea-Doo’s ECU unlocked requires mailing in your ECU and DESS post to RIVA Racing for manual reprogramming. Thankfully, RIVA’s turnaround is impressively quick, meaning you’ll have your ECU and DESS post returned to you in a matter of days instead of weeks from some other guys. Priced at $199.95, we’ve included both the orders email address, phone number as well as RIVA’s shipping address, so you’ve got everything you need to place your order.

Here’s the original press release:
The RIVA Speed Control Override Service removes the restrictive GPS speed control function on Sea-Doo 325 models delivering significant increases in top speed. Also allows system to start in “Sport Mode” for maximum performance. “Touring Mode” can be manually selected after start-up. This is a “mail-in” service requiring you ship your ECU and D.E.S.S. Post to RIVA for programming.

Upgraded Tuning Parameters:

  • Removes GPS controlled speed limiter.
  • Increases top speed utilizing stock ECU without tuning or modifications.
  • Works on all 2024 & newer 325hp Sea-Doo models.
  • Can deliver 80+mph top speed on 325hp RXP-X & RXT-X models.
  • Allows system to start in “Sport Mode”.
  • Does not affect ECU tuning or exhaust emissions.

NOTE: Stock ECU limits performance for first 10 hours of operation. Top speed increases should be measured after 10 hour break-in period.

Top speed without override service:

  • North American Models: 68 MPH
  • International Models: 72 MPH

Quick and easy service!

Step 1: After completing online purchase please print and complete this form (click here).

Step 2: Package the form, ECU and D.E.S.S. Post together. Do not send us your lanyard! Ship your ECU & D.E.S.S. Post to: RIVA Racing Attention: ECU S.C.O.S. | 3671 N. Dixie Highway | Pompano Beach, FL 33064 USA

Step 3: We will contact you when we receive your ECU & D.E.S.S. Post to confirm details.

Step 4: Free ground return shipping for continental USA customers!

Feel free to contact us with any questions:

Video: Kawi Performance Walks Through Ultra 300/310 Supercharger Maintenance

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Kawasaki’s Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) belt-driven supercharger is what The Watercraft Journal wrote, crams an “almost excessive 16.7psi at peak RPM down the Ultra 310X engine’s throat, resulting in a true 310-horsepower, producing 1,890 lbs. of thrust from its 160mm axial-flow, single stage jet pump.”

That being said, the amount of power produced by the Eaton superchargers creates a lot of wear-and-tear, meaning that maintenance is vital. So who better to guide both the expert and the novice through that upkeep than Kawi Performance (KP) owner Steve Ciervo. In the latest KP video release, that is exactly what he does, giving precise, easy to understand instructions, with his normal attention to detail and thoroughness.

Far from a quick run-through or overview, the video is an in-depth look into supercharger maintenance on the Kawasaki Ultra 300 and 310, where they guide you through the essential steps of maintaining your watercraft’s supercharger system, covering what doesn’t need replacement, what does need replacement, and when to schedule replacements and service.

 

Ciervo explains that the Eaton TVS is “not your standard, off-the-shelf Eaton Supercharger,” and describes the partnership between Kawasaki and Eaton to create the R-Series supercharger custom made for high RPM, and one where, for every engine revolution, the supercharger is sucking in fully twice the air it normally would. 

Ciervo points out that there are many aftermarket rebuild kits for the supercharger, but said they all have one thing in common: they don’t know this specific supercharger, resulting in ill-suited kits, sometimes even including things such as bearings that you shouldn’t need to replace, or are near impossible to replace.

But not to worry! Kawi Performance has rebuild kit options: a basic rebuild kit that includes bearings that most often need to be replaced; and two Full Rebuild Kits, one with Japanese bearings, and an “economy” kit with aftermarket bearings. All of which are available on the website linked HERE.

 

Broward Motorsports: Six-Store Speed Round of Savings

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One of the most respected outfits in the PWC World, whether you’re talking racing or retail, Broward Motorsports undoubtedly has what it takes to put riders on the water – either by way of a new (or used) ski, top-of-the-line technology, high-quality service, or all the parts, accessories and apparel you need. And they have seven ways to get it to you – namely, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Jupiter/TequestaTreasure Coast/Hobe Sound, Miami, and the World Wide Web

While the renowned BMS reputation for quality and customer service links all the company’s operations, each site has their own focus and identity, and their own specials and sales, and today, The Watercraft Journal is going to do the legwork for you, and run a speed round through each store and highlight their specials, sales, promotions and events. 

Starting out our quick lap around the BMS stores with the Flagship Fort Lauderdale Store, we find a great Manager’s Special deal on a black and green 2023 Yamaha JetBlaster on sale for $9,999 with a financing offer of 0-down, 199 a mo @ 10.99 A.P.R. for 84 mos (W.A.C.), as well as several PWC models in their featured inventory list. Hanging out in the store’s announcement bar is notification of the news that Liqui-Moly is now available at BMS stores, a link to the Broward Motorsports Racing Instagram Account, and steps to join the BMS Text Club and get $25 off any $125 parts or accessories purchase, just by texting BROWARD to (844) 913-3612.

Next up is the Hollywood store, where you can preorder any 2024 Sea-Doo model and get 2-year coverage and $250 off accessories through March 31, plus the Yamaha Waverunner Best of Show event with three great financing deals to choose from on new 2018-2024 Yamaha WaveRunner made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank, plus one-year Factory Warranty plus one-year complimentary Yamaha Extended Services. And to top it off, Hollywood has Red Tag savings every Saturday on new and pre-owned inventory, parts and accessories, not to mention hotdogs, burgers and kids activities from 12 – 4 p.m.

In West Palm Beach, take advantage of the BMS consignment plan and let BMS sell your old PWC for top dollar, paid off or not; or use their trade-in tool to find out what your existing PWC (or motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side)  is worth. And if you feel like veering away from the PWC line, check out the manager’s special on a sharp-looking blue 2023 Sea-Doo Switch Sport with trailer included for $37,888 – a savings of more than $3,000.

Next is the Jupiter/Tequesta store, where they are running a special on the 2023 Sea-Doo RXP®-X® 300 Tech Package in sleek Triple Black with race-ready performance. You can also take advantage of their Premier PWC and Boat Service, with same-day service (with appointment), dockside service available, and more, with a 10% discount (terms apply) available on your next service – not to mention managers specials that include a  2024 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO for $19,799

Moving on to Treasure Coast/Hobe Sound, we find a $1,000 rebate and financing starting at 2.99% on 2023 Sea-Doo RXP-X and RXT-X 300 models through 3/31, not to mention the green 2023 Sea-Doo RXP®-X® Apex 300 in featured inventory for $17,483 – more than $3,500 off the regular price, and a 2023 Yamaha SuperJet® also in featured inventory for $7,983 – more than $2,500 off the normal price.

Finishing up our tour at Miami, we find not only great deals, but information and education too, with a list of frequently-asked questions about jet skis  (and the answers) and a “How To Drive A Jet Ski For Beginners” video. 

 If you feel like breaking away from the jet ski for a bit, you can also check out the Winter Sales Event featuring 2023 and 2024 Scarabs, with up to $8,000 cash savings or APR as low as 4.99 through 3/19.

And for those who can’t make it to the Florida stores, be sure to browse the websites for each of the stores to find great prices on parts, service, new and used inventory, and more.

 

RIVA’s New Performance Ride Plate for All 2022+ Ultra JetSkis

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Since the redesign in 2022, Kawasaki Motors USA has expanded the Ultra JetSki family many times over, branching further into naturally-aspirated models – be it the family touring-friendly 160LX-S, luxurious 160LX or newly minted 160LX-S Angler – as well as supercharged entries – the rarin’-to-race 310X, tow sports-ready 310LX-S or top tier 310LX. This opens Kawasaki’s full-sized JetSki to far wider audience of would-be buyers, and thereby, aftermarket customers.

RIVA Racing has been hot to get a new batch of performance parts out to market for the revised Ultras and possibly one of the most anticipated has been its new Performance Ride Plate for 2022+ Kawasaki Ultra 310 & 2023+ Ultra 160 models ($429.95). Developed in conjunction with RIVA Team Rider Camden Powell’s efforts during the 2023 P1 AquaX Series, the RIVA Performance Ride Plate provides increased top speed (3+ mph) and improved handling in all conditions.

Wait, WHAAAT? Yes, in building off of its current design, RIVA radically increased the length and angle of the rising ramp, added a stability-increasing center skeg, and deepened the channels for maximum traction in turns and improved straight line tracking. The number of inverted chines were doubled from two to four, all of which keeps the tail planted while pulling the big Ultra to plane faster and with less bow drag – all winning features.

Unfortunately, these won’t be ready to ship until late April but as is with most things these days, supplies are gonna be tight so you’ll want to get your order in now so you can be one of the first to enjoy the increased acceleration, added top speed, reduced porpoising, and improved cornering and straight-line track at top speed. Oh yeah, and if you’re wondering if this plate is legal to use in racing applications, it’s already been approved by the IJSBA.

Video: Active Jetsport Catch Cans Prove That Quality Doesn’t Always Cost More

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The choice between low quality/low cost, and high quality/high cost is a fairly common discussion in any activity that involves technology – especially a pursuit as driven by speed, power and performance as the PWC world, and that holds true for both the race side and the recreation side of the sport.

What you rarely see discussed, is the choice between high quality/high cost, and high quality/low(er) cost  – Probably because the choice doesn’t come around that often!

Active Jetsport supplies the exception to the rule when it comes to PWC parts, providing fairly-priced, high-quality components, often a large step up from OEM quality. And this stands true for Active Jetsport’s  catch cans

For those new to the PWC world, or those not versed in PWC mechanics, a catch can prevents oil and contaminants from penetrating your intake system, improving the combustion process and keeping your engine efficient and your intake tract clean and free from buildup.

Machined from aluminum instead produced from the more commonly-used plastic, Active Jetsport’s catch cans not only offer top-notch performance, but look sharp while they’re at it, and are available in three anodized colors – none of which are age-yellowed plastic!

The design and placement of the Active Jetsport catch cans are geared toward efficiency and effectiveness – the catch cans are 100% filled with oil vapor condensing foam to pull as much oil from the passing air as possible; they are designed to allow quick and easy access to check/drain any collected fluids using the bottom mounted drain (or you can simply unscrew the lower half to fully inspect contents); and they are placed to allow easy service access at the front of the engine, with no need to remove top deck components just to access the catch can – and all for under $150!

All Active Jetsport catch cans come with everything required for installation (although they do recommend the additional use of blue thread locker on the mounting bracket bolts.)

In addition, Active Jetsport provides a step-by-step detailed installation guide on their website. 

Be sure to check out the Active Jetsport website, Facebook page and Instagram account for specifications, model compatibility charts, more.

And Active Jetsport even provides a sneak peak at their catch can installed on a 2024 Sea-Doo RXP 325. 

Video: The Basics of Kawasaki Key Programming

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While we all love finding new ways to boost our personal watercraft’s speed, performance, and agility, sometimes the most important features go overlooked. Things like basic security and theft prevention are essential to protecting your watercraft and should be the first priority for all owners.

On Kawasaki watercraft, a key must be inserted; otherwise, the ignition system, injectors, and fuel pump will not operate, and the engine will not start.

In this guide, based on Kawi Performance’s incredible video tutorial, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to program your keys for your Kawasaki watercraft. If you’re looking for new keys to program, you can buy aftermarket keys from Kawi Performance’s catalog.

To follow this guide, you’ll need a pick, a Kawasaki Key Tool (57001-1582), and its adapter for 2011+ models (57001-1746).

How to Program a Kawasaki Key

  1. Use a pick to push in the rivets around the panel and remove the cover.
  2. Remove the cap on the connector and attach the Key Programming Tool to the connector.
  3. Insert an original programmed key into the ignition of the watercraft and wait to hear two short beeps, followed by another beep. This means your key has been read.
  4. Insert a new, un-programmed key and listen for two beeps. This means your key has been programmed.
  5. Repeat for as many keys as necessary, then push in and hold until beeping stops to end the process. Remove the key when the dash turns off.

Note: With Kawi Performance Keys, you may need to pull the key slightly out while programming to ensure a proper read.

Check out the full video from Kawi Performance and be sure to check out their full catalog of parts! 

Voyaging Vlad: A Nature Enthusiast’s Journey Through the Mariana Isles

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For many of us, being close to nature means going out for a hike or enjoying a day out on the nearest body of water. Taking a break from a normal day’s work to reconnect with the nature around us is a rewarding and relaxing experience, a much-needed pause for any individual. 

For Vladislav “Vlad” Melnik, however, being close to nature means much, much more.

In a recent interview with Marianas Variety, Melnik recounts how his arrival in the Northern Mariana Islands in 2011 brought him a newfound passion for life by reconnecting to nature. Melnik reminisces about his childhood in Russia, where he spent his early years as an outdoorsman.

“I grew up in the mountains and nature. It was absolutely natural back in those days to play in the woods, go fishing, pick berries, mushrooms. You can feel it, it got deep under your skin — the knowledge, the skills,” he tells Marianas Variety.

It’s with this familiarity that he would rekindle his passion years later, arriving in the Northern Mariana Islands and making his home on the water.

After years of jet ski practice and ample preparation, Melnik decided to push himself further with two open sea voyages throughout the island territory. His first trip on August 4 from Saipan to Farallon De Medinilla totaled 60 miles or 100 kilometers of open sea travel. Eleven days later, he would complete another voyage from Saipan to Rota, a distance of around 80 miles or 130 kilometers. He made both excursions on his Sea-Doo GTX 300.

While Melnik made all the necessary preparations and was well-versed in the technical details (he maintained a steady pace of between 28-35 knots or 32-40 mph), to hear him tell it, his primary interest was the natural beauty he encountered along the way. He made special note of the importance of avoiding sea turtles, and his descriptions of the surrounding nature are filled with wonder.

He tells Marianas Variety, “You can see the beautiful formations, ridges, and holes, not from the [US Military’s] bombings, but from natural erosion. The wind and waves and everything made it a beautiful architectural work.” He paid special attention to photographing his surroundings along the way.

Check out the full article and interview by Andrew Roberto on Marianas Variety to learn more about Melnik’s journey.

Audio: Pro Freestyler Anyzeski Talks Business, Bahamas & the New Rise Gravity Hull

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Pro PWC Freestyler, entrepreneur, instructor, showman: Chris Anyzeski has all the bases covered, but even for him, the last few months have been noteworthy.

Keeping an eye on industry press releases, as well as social media activity, I knew toward the end of last year that I wanted to try and catch up with Anyzeski for an interview for The Watercraft Journal – getting in touch with him was a different matter altogether. 

The first time I tried reaching him, he was on a ritzy private island in the Bahamas; the next try, he was working the iconic Daytona Freeride.

The third time was a charm, and The Watercraft Journal had a chance to chat on the phone with the Freestyle Connection owner and longtime PWC Freestyle competitor last week. 

Anyzeski’s early-January jaunt to CoCo Cay, a private island owned by the Royal Caribbean cruise line, was more than a fun vacation.

Recommended and hired by Red Bull, Anizeski and other extreme-sport icons such as FlyBoarder Kristen Smoyer were part of the action entertainment for an all-out party and celebration, put on by Royal Caribbean for staff and crew in celebration of the Jan. 27 launching of the line’s newest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas.

The Royal Caribbean gig was not Anyzeski’s first job with Red Bull, and he said the organization is great to work with, adding that Red Bull is doing great things for the extreme sport industry. 

Anyzeski had a quick turnaround after the Bahamas trip, getting ready and setting up for the Daytona Freeride, which he has attend for a long time as a competitor, and for several years as owner of Freestyle Connection. He said the 2024 Daytona Freeride was a great time, but noted that attendance was down a bit. 

After chatting about the January events, I got Anyzeski to talk about what had prompted my interest in the interview in the first place – the launching of the RISE Gravity freestyle hull. According to the release announcement, the hull comes in two lengths 5’11 & 6’2 to suit all rider sizes.

Advanced features include single intake grate blade, deep recess for knee padding, max airflow firewall, max airflow hood, three cooling lines, splash guard, improved structural assembly over the previous model, advanced rocker, bottom rails capable of both carving and spinning, and wide front for a better hit of the wake for doubles.

Anyzeski talked about the development of the hull line, and his association with Pierre Maixent.

He said there is a need in the market right now for a new hull, and the quality of the Rise line is something he is proud to be involved in.

He added that the feedback on the hull is very positive. 

Anyzeski said his company, Freestyle Connection, and the new shop he built on his property helps keep him energized and passionate about his work and the sport.

He did say that, even with his focus on his business, he still wants to stay involved in competitions as well as shows.

Learn more about the RISE Gravity and keep up with Anyzeski and Freestyle Connection at his brand new website, freestyleconnectionusa.com, where they offer not only custom freestyle builds and a full PWC Freestyle-related shop with parts, apparel, and more, but training and show bookings, also. 

Picking Out a New Impeller is Getting Easier than Ever with Impros

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If you’ve ever installed an impeller on your personal watercraft, you already know the challenges of finding the right piece of equipment for your jetski. 

Choosing the right impeller can be the most important step between your current setup and achieving optimal performance, but with so many models on the market and an endless list of specifications, it can be a daunting task for even the biggest PWC aficionados.

That’s why Impros decided to step in and provide a complete chart of impeller recommendations for a wide range of makes and models. By going to their Solas Impeller Application Charts, you can browse through their top recommendations of Solas models for your rig. Their chart has suggestions for Yamaha, Kawasaki, Sea-Doo, Sea-Doo Jet, Honda, Tigershark, and Polaris models.

Beyond that, the chart provides all your important information in a central place, showing the Pump Diameter, Engine CC, Series, and number of Blades for each model. The utility doesn’t stop there either! Their chart offers different suggestions for Stock Engines and Limited/Modified Engines, so you can be certain they’ll have suggestions for your specific needs.

By putting all this information in one user-friendly spreadsheet, Impros ensures that you’ll be able to make your selection easily, so be sure to use this chart the next time you’re browsing their extensive catalog of impellers, pumps, and much more.

What’s more, they also offer free shipping on all orders more than $150 and a celebrated Impeller Repair Service, which boasts top-of-the-line repairs on your damaged stainless steel impellers.

Check out the Impros website for this super helpful chart and all things impeller and you’ll see firsthand the reason they call themselves The Impeller Professionals!