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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!

Greenhulk.net Announces 2024 Event Calendar Dates

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Greg Gaddis, host of “Greenhulk Garage” on YouTube, the most repeated guest at The Watercraft Journal IRL podcast, and the head salesman over at the Greenhulk Performance PWC Store, just let loose the dates for each of the three Mudbug PWC Nationals events for 2024.

Over the last few years, the annual Mudbug Nationals held in Morgan City, LA has branched further from its once-a-year, the second-weekend in June format. Many attendees found October to be far, far more enjoyable in regards to temperatures, boat traffic and the native bug population.

Equally, others preferred running down to Morgan City in April for similar reasons. This time around, Gaddis made the schedule official – April 11-13; June 6-8; September 26-28 – and tossed in some new details: a consistent meeting location and time (previous years were far, far less rigid) and an official buoy course and speed run session on Saturday.

Over a decade ago, the Mudbug was strictly a performance-bred event, overtaking selected strips of isolated bayou for heads-up drag racing and radar runs. Over the years, racing took a backseat to long distance rec rides, and Gaddis seeks to return to “the old ways”, which we support. Look for further news and support The Watercraft Journal as the dates near.

Video: Kurtis Chong Kee on the RIVA Gear He Uses to Save Lives

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In a recent video uploaded to the RIVA Racing official Instagram page (@rivaracing), Kurtis Chong Kee shows off the gear he uses on his RIVA-equipped Sea-Doo to save surfers in Maui, Hawaii. 

Kee is the Head of Water Safety at Jaws, a legendary big wave surfing break on the northern shore of the island of Maui. As Kee is in charge of safety for one of the most extreme surfing spots in the world, he’s been able to save countless lives using his RXT-X 300.

Kee begins by showing off his RIVA Catch Can. He uses this product to help prevent oil from getting into the intercooler on his supercharged skis. Kee says the RIVA  Catch Can helps keep his personal watercraft cleaner and prevents issues.

He also highlights the RIVA Sponsons which can help adjust steering sensitivity and features five different positions to choose between.

His video is aimed at sharing the critical equipment that allows him to operate under acute pressure in his immensely demanding role at Jaws.

Kee goes on to show off his RIVA Solas impeller, which gives his ski better traction on the water. He calls this product a “must” because it “bites through the craziest foam, which you normally would cavitate in.”

The fourteen-vein RIVA Jet Pump he calls a “badass” product, and he goes on to promote their seat covers and exhausts

Kee says this gear from RIVA has made a “big difference” in what he does in water safety, and that it can be useful for cavitation and turning issues, among other things. He also thanks them for their help testing equipment and supporting him since he started with his Sea-Doo.

If you’re interested in Kee or these RIVA products, you can check out the full video on his instagram and view RIVA’s full website catalog: https://rivaracing.com.

 

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RIVA Reveals New Billet Driveline Coupler Kit for All Yamaha 1.8/1.9L

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The downside to building something that likes to go fast is that you also discover the weakest links in the proverbial chain. For those guys pushing their high performance 1.8-liter and now 1.9-liter Yamaha WaveRunners to the next level, they know all too well that driveline vibration is a killer.

That’s why RIVA Racing just dropped a genius innovation to help keep your big horsepower powerplants together – a Billet Driveline Coupler. Each coupler is precision-machined and powder coated here in the USA, then exactingly balanced to reduce driveline vibration all by employing the OEM Kawasaki damper which, according to RIVA Racing, “has proven much more reliable for high-performance applications.”

By using the rubberized Kawasaki damper, the coupler absorbs excessive driveline vibrations that wreak havoc on sensitive bearings and machined components with tight tolerances – particularly for those racing highly modified watercraft in offshore conditions, just like the official RIVA Racing Team did all last season.

With improved reliability stemming from its CNC-machined 6061 billet aluminum construction, RIVA’s Billet Driveline Coupler comes anodized against corrosion, and includes an O-ring sealed crankshaft cap and OEM Kawasaki Dampener (part# 92161-3797). Don’t risk premature wear and tear on your hot rodded Yamaha this year. Grab your Billet Driveline Coupler ($399.95) at RIVA Racing today.

Keeping it Clean, With a Little Help from Brisbane Kawasaki

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Nothin’ wrong with a little dirty fun – as long as you clean up nice!

Hey now, we’re talking skis here! 

It might seem counter-intuitive – after all, PWC is a water-based activity – one would think that it would be a self-cleaning sport. But anyone that has ever trailered their ski to the nearest lake, much less a race four states away, knows the amount of dirt and grime that can accumulate in just a few short miles, not to mention the oils and who knows what else splashed up from truck and trailer tires on dirty asphalt and the smudgey fingerprints from that kid at the last gas station (there’s always one).

Add in being strafed by a passing flock of seagulls (not the ones that ran so far away), the soda you spilled as you were locking down the ratchet straps before the trip, and  the tree sap from the last boat ramp parking spot you lingered at, and you’ve got a mess to deal with. And that’s before you even peek in the engine bay where oils, fuel, grease, additives and more collect.

And of course, if you’re a surf rider, you’re also dealing with salt, and its damaging effects, both externally and internally.  Even flatwater riders know that the water they’re motoring through is often anything but crystal clear. 

Right about here is where Brisbane Kawasaki comes to the rescue with decades of hands-on experience in countering the grime, grunge and detritus of PWC sports and recreation, they have come up with two top-of-the-line products to help you keep your fun, clean!

First, the Foaming Shampoo & Salt Remover with the efficient and effective Foaming Gun takes care of your ski’s outside and engine bay quickly, effortlessly and safely for both ski and environment. Then the Foaming Flush & Salt Remover with Mixer adapter removes salt and calcium deposits, descales the engine cooling system, and breaks down built up deposits.

Available separately for $24 each, or as a package for $109 that includes the mixing adapter and foaming gun, the price is well worth it, and the Ultimate package is a steal of a deal, with two bottles of Foaming Shampoo & Salt Remover and two bottles of Foaming Flush and Salt Remover, plus the Foaming Gun and the Mixer adapter, all for $157, including tax.

Read more about the products and process in the full press release below, and be sure to check out all the other great PWC products on the Brisbane Kawasaki website.

Foaming Shampoo & Salt Remover + Foaming Gun

Foaming Flush & Salt Remover + Mixer adapter

We’ve been washing jetski’s for over 30 years.

In that time, we’ve tested every product out there that you can think of.

Finally, it clicked, let’s make one that simply works and does what is says on the label.

-100% Biodegradable

-PH Neutral & Phosphate free

-Safe for use on all surfaces

-Corrosion Protection

-Plant derived ingredients

Simply mix 40ml of Jet Ski Wash with 950ml of water in the foaming gun.

Spray on and let it sit for 45 secs. Heavily soiled ski’s may require repeat application or light agitation with a sponge.

Hose off & Chamois dry.

Can be sprayed in engine bays for far more effective cleaning also.

Foaming gun separates and allows you to rinse the ski without changing all the connections. Simply slide the unlock switch, twist and remove.

Foaming Flush & Salt Remover was developed specifically for use by us when servicing jetski’s. Since we were making a wash, we decided to also offer it for retail sale.

This is a commercial grade flush that works like it is supposed to.

No slogans, No fancy names. JET SKI FLUSH, it does what it says on the bottle.

-100% Biodegradable

-PH Neutral & Phosphate free

-Safe on all gaskets & Rubbers

-Removes Salt & Calcium deposits

-Descales the engine cooling system & breaks down built up deposits.

Simply add 40ml into the mixer, plug it into your ski, connect the hose and follow the owner’s manual like normal.

 

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Joins Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA)

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True to The Watercraft Journal’s reporting back in June of last year, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA pushes forward on its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. As outlined in the company’s 2050 Environmental Plan, Yamaha marches forward toward radically re-imagining its marine offerings – this time by joining the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) as well as announcing the development of a hydrogen outboard motor.

Now before you think, “Hydrogen? You gotta be kidding me!” understand that many of the world’s biggest automakers – General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and several others – have all invested tens of millions into countering the highly politicized EV market by developing hydrogen-powered engines. Yamaha’s involvement in such an effort is squarely on par with manufacturers looking for clean alternatives to electric-only vehicles.

It was revealed earlier that Yamaha’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact would include removing a quart of oil used in all 1.9-liter High Output Marine engines, ironically exasperating the very issue plaguing the current HO and SVHO engines – oil starvation due to an inferior oil pickup and oil pan cage/trap design (as revealed during an episode of The Watercraft Journal IRL podcast in late 2023). The prototype hydrogen-powered outboard is set to debut at the Miami International Boat Show this coming February 14-18, 2024.

Read the whole press release below:
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. joined the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) alongside hydrogen producers, infrastructure providers, engineering firms, and other off-takers as part of its pursuit of multiple technology solutions to achieve carbon neutrality.

The company recently announced the development of a prototype hydrogen outboard motor that will be on display at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show.

“Yamaha plans to work diligently with FCHEA to advance hydrogen energy and fuel cell policies,” said Martin Peters, Director of Yamaha Marine External Affairs, who will serve on the organization’s board of directors. “There is much to be done to prepare the future of decarbonizing the recreational boating and outdoor space, technically and in legislation and policy. We look forward to working as a team with FCHEA and its member companies. We hope others in our industry will join us.”

“We are very excited to welcome Yamaha to the association,” said Frank Wolak, FCHEA President and CEO. “Having an innovative company with a strong foundation in multiple mobility sectors focus on hydrogen is a tremendous asset for FCHEA and the hydrogen industry at large.”

A recent, first-of-its-kind study commissioned by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) entitled The Pathways to Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry, validates Yamaha’s approach to carbon neutrality, revealing a multi-plan approach is the best way to continue the decarbonization of recreational boating.

Through the study, a leading global engineering consulting firm, Ricardo plc, investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft to compare the impact of lifetime global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range, and infrastructure implications.

Due to the unique water environment of boats, the study found there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, and instead recommends a portfolio of technologies to continue the reduction of carbon emissions within the recreational boating industry including a combination of electric, hybrid, sustainable fuel and internal combustion applications.

In the last two decades, the U.S. recreational marine industry alone has decreased marine engine emissions by more than 90 percent and increased fuel efficiency by more than 40 percent.

Video: Doctor Makes House Calls On A Jet Ski

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The phrase “house calls” could easily be called an archaic term in the medical profession; in 2024, it is unlikely that the vast majority of people in the United States have ever experienced a doctor visiting their home to provide treatment.

Even in international terms, physicians who pack their goods into the iconic black snap-shut doctor’s satchel and bring healthcare to their patients where they live, is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

But in rural locations throughout the world, and especially in remote locations that make a doctor’s appointment more akin to a journey as opposed to a quick trip to town, local doctors like Dr. Keigo Yasukawa still makes house calls. Yasukawa just does it with a twist, or actually a squeeze … of the throttle, that is.

Yasukawa, a native of Japan’s Miyakojima island – about 200 miles due east of the northern tip of Taiwan – now operates the Dr. GON clinic on Miyakojima. But many of his patients, quite a few of whom are elderly, live on even more remote parts of the island or even reside on nearby islands.

So several times a week, Yasukawa packs up the tools of his trade, loops a lanyard around his wrist, hits the start button on his PWC, and navigates the swells of the Pacific Ocean to make house calls.

Not content with even that level of dedication to his patients and his community, Yzsukawa began hiring other doctors, who also visit the remote neighboring islands to provide essential medical services.

You can read more about Yasukawa and the Dr. GON Clinic here and here, and learn more about the Jet Ski Doctor here

Pro Watercross Announces 2024 Season Schedule

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Running for another year under Title Sponsor LIQUI-MOLY, and with the support of presenting sponsor JetTrim, Pro Watercross recently announced the schedule for the 2024 Season.

Tagged the ‘Triple Crown’ tour, Pro Watercross’ 2024 season has been culled to three tour stops – down from the more common roster of 5 – 7 stops that Pro Watercross frontman AJ Handler typically packs into a schedule. The lineup also deviates from the tour’s typical mix of surf and lake stops – this year, the competition is fully flat-water, with no surf races scheduled.

First up on the Pro Watercross 2024 season is a stop at Sebring Florida on May 4-5. With a typically technical course required by the shallow waters and the load-in ramp in the middle of the course, the Sebring race has given racers some new twists and some great races since it’s first appearance on the Pro Watercross schedule in 2021

Pro Watercross’ second stop in their trimmed-down season is a June 15-16 race weekend at Lake Geneva in Keystone Heights, Florida – the site’s second year on the PWC Tour. 

For the final regular-season stop on the 2024 schedule, Pro Watercross returns to Lake Hartwell.  A long-time favorite stop for racers, and a popular event for locals, the Lake Hartwell race was dropped from last year’s tour, but returns this year – although significantly later than the usual June slot. This year, Pro Watercross will pull into the Mega Ramp at Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell in Georgia for an August 3-4 race. As this race is just minutes from this editor’s doorstep, I’m hoping to see good turnout, despite what appears to be some scheduling conflicts among tours!

Although there is no mention of Arizona in the season schedule press release, the Pro Watercross Website does list the Pro Watercross International Cup in Lake Havasu City, AZ as “TBA.”

See the full press release below, and be sure to keep up with all the 2024 PWX race season news at prowatercross.org.

Pro Watercross Unleashes a Wave of Excitement in its 29th Anniversary Season with the Thrilling LIQUI-MOLY Triple Crown presented by JetTrim.!

Pro Watercross, the unrivaled force in personal watercraft racing, is celebrating its 29th race season with a return to its roots, we proudly present the LIQUI-MOLY Pro Watercross Triple Crown presented by JetTrim. The Pro Watercross Triple Crown, a symbol of excellence and excitement was first held in 2004, as it redefined the limits in the world of watercraft racing. The LIQUI-MOLY Pro Watercross Triple Crown series is not just a set of races; it’s a celebration of the most prestigious races in personal watercraft history, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike!

The 2024 season is poised to be nothing short of extraordinary, featuring three events at iconic locations that will leave you breathless:

May 4-5, 2024 | Sebring, Florida

June 15-16, 2024 | Keystone, Florida

August 3-4, 2024 | Hartwell, Georgia

Witness the speed, and unwavering determination of the top personal watercraft racers, transforming each event into an absolute must-attend event for fans and enthusiasts alike.

Pro Watercross invites everyone to join the festivities of its 29th anniversary season. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the LIQUI-MOLY Pro Watercross Triple Crown presented by JetTrim, where the Tour showcases top pro classes while also providing entry-level classes for beginners or those eager to enhance their competitive skills.

Stay in the loop with the latest updates by following the Tour and your favorite athletes on social media. Simply search Pro Watercross or visit www.Prowatercross.org. Get ready for a sizzling summer filled with heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping action on the water!

See you at the Beach!

 

Check out Unlimited PWC’s Deckmat Simulator

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If you’re in the market for a new deckmat, check out Unlimited PWC’s Deckmat Simulator to perfectly visualize your new purchase before placing the order.

These days, just about everyone knows the difficulties of online shopping. After hours of browsing through options, you eventually pick out the product you like, wait a few days for it to arrive at your door, and when you finally open up the box… disappointment. All too often, the product doesn’t fit like you had imagined or doesn’t even appear like the image you had seen online, so you return it and have to wait even longer.

Well, when it comes to shopping with Unlimited PWC, you’ll no longer have to face these struggles. Using their deckmat simulator, you can envision how a new deckmat will look on your jet ski before even making the purchase!

The simulator lets you choose between a variety of Kawasaki and Sea-Doo models on which you can visualize your deckmat. You then proceed to select between a wide selection of patterns, top layer colors, and bottom layer colors so you can find what combination would work best for your watercraft. The on-screen visualizer updates in real-time, so there is absolutely no hassle while you browse the options available to you.

After using this great tool to pick out the style you prefer, you can go on to purchase one of Unlimited PWC’s high-quality Traction Mats, knowing that the product you see is the product you’ll receive! Check out the Unlimited Deckmat Simulator now.

IJSBA Adds Sea-Doo, Yamaha Models To ‘Eligible for Competition’ List

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On Monday, IJSBA announced that ten Sea-Doo models will now be eligible for competition for the IJSBA 2024 season, nationally and internationally.

According to a press release by IJSBA Executive Director Scott Frazier, “Bombardier Recreational Products has provided sufficient documentation to homologate the following 2024 Sea-Doo units for competition in the 2024 series: Spark, Spark Trix, GTI, GTI SE, GTX, GTX Limited, GTR, GTR-X, RXP-X, and RXT-X.”

On the same day, IJSBA announced that all 2024 Yamaha models are eligible in all IJSBA sanctioned competitions.

Frazier noted that “Competitors are reminded to carefully review IJSBA guidelines, especially HOM.1.6.”

Specifically, HOM.1.6 states “For four-stroke watercraft to be homologated for competition in the Runabout division, the watercraft must not exceed 1800cc as furnished by the  manufacturer. If a Runabout, as furnished by the manufacturer, exceeds 1800cc then the maximum displacement shall be the OEM displacement plus 1mm overbore on all cylinders. The maximum displacement that may be achieved by any Runabout PWC is 2000cc.”

Frazier specified that the 2024 Yamaha VX Limited HO is furnished with an engine exceeding 1800cc, making this rule applicable to this specific model.  

Models identified in the announcements are immediately eligible for competition worldwide. 

Regarding Kawasaki models, in a comment on September 25 of 2023, Frazier noted that  “2024 model year Personal Watercraft are generally not allowed homologation until the day after World Finals and after IJSBA has determined that 500 units have been built and are available for purchase. There is an exception where a 2024 model year unit is an exact reproduction of a previously homologated unit with allowances made for colors and aesthetic features.  At this time, the only units meeting that criteria is the 2024 Yamaha SVHO and all Kawaski units that have been shipped to date. IJSBA will post any updates as we learn them in order to keep competitors fully informed.  

A scroll through IJSBA’s official news releases showed no announcement of Homologated models prior to the 2023 race season; prior to the September 25 note reference above, the last official IJSBA announcement of new eligible models was posted on February 24, 2022, when IJSBA posted the following notification: 

IJSBA is announcing the first update regarding homologation of 2022 models.  Due to supply chain issues, IJSBA is taking a measured approach to homologation of units for competition.  This update covers all models of all OEM units and is effective immediately.

Supply chain issues continue to cause severe disruption to the production and delivery of new OEM Personal Watercraft.  IJSBA has been making concessions to the competition community to allow for flexibility in the repair and modification of OEM units for use in competition.  These concessions will remain for the 2022 competition season.  As part of balancing the needs of the community along with the obligations for ensuring uniformity, IJSBA can tentatively homologate new 2022 units and the parts and repair manuals as follows:

Kawasaki: All Kawasaki units for 2022 are either the same or substantially the same as all previously homologated models with the exception of the Ultra 310 line.  Therefore, aside from the Ultra 310, all 2022 Kawasaki models are now homologated for both US and international competition and the contents of the parts catalogs and repair manuals are now included in the homologation.  The Ultra 310 line, having met the minimum production numbers at the factory but having the product count diverted globally is eligible for only provisional homologation at this time.  Therefore, the Ultra 310 is eligible for Open Class competition only and may not be used in any Stock Class or Limited Class categories until such time as sufficient distribution has taken place at both US and international dealerships.  IJSBA will continue to monitor dealer deliveries and will provide news of complete eligibility for all categories at the appropriate time.

Sea-Doo: All Sea-Doo models for 2022 are either the same or substantially the same as earlier homologated models.  Therefore, all Sea-Doo models and their corresponding parts catalogs and repair manuals are homologated for both US and international competition.

Yamaha: All Yamaha models for 2022 are either the same or substantially the same as earlier homologated models.  Therefore, all Yamaha models and their corresponding parts catalogs and repair manuals are homologated for both US and international competition.

Anyone with questions about the IJSBA homologation process is asked to email [email protected].