Of all the bantering and heckling that takes place between PWC factions, the long-standing one-upmanship between stand-up and sit-down riders is probably one of the most lively in the watercross family. 

Now, that sibling rivalry can transfer from the water to the snow during the off season, as the designers at WideScape continue to advance the Widescape WS250 – a cross between a snowmobile and a snow bike that takes its design cue from the stand up jet ski to provide what at least some winter powersport aficionados call the most active, immersive and challenging fun you can have in the snow. 

While the Widescape WS250 stand up snowmobile is not technically new – it was released in February of 2022 – widespread delivery did not begin until December 2023, and it remains a bit of an oddity – regarded by some (many) traditional snowmobilers as nothing more than a toy. But despite what serious snowmobilers call weaknesses of the WS250 – lack of range, horsepower and storage, to name a few – even the most surface-level exploration through the world of Google reviews show that this snow-bound version of a stand-up PWC has a growing fan base – many of them summertime PWC riders in search of off-season fun. 

As Mountain Sledder magazine explained in their review of the machine, “The Widescape WS250 is a new concept that, from a visual standpoint at least, is surprisingly perhaps more closely related to the shape of a stand up personal watercraft (aka jet ski) than any other recreational vehicle type. To be clear: we’re not talking about the sit down things you see tourists riding the world over. We’re talking about the radical stand up type of ‘jet ski’ we associate with professional racing, freestyle riding and people who take their PWC seriously.” (see, I told you that rivalry made the transition from water to snow!)

A turning point, it appears, in the acceptance and growing popularity of the WS250 happened about the same time as a review and walkthrough video of the machine by SnowTrax TV’s Luke Lester posted last year. 

Besides a mechanical overview of the WS250 (200 pounds, 242cc 4-stroke EFI engine with liquid cooling, continuously variable transmission, Soucy scaled track), Lester covers the similarities, and differences, between a traditional snowmobile and the WS250, and talks about how the stand-up version outperformed his expectations in just about every category.

Check out the SnowTrack TV 1st-ride video and see where you stand in the winter version of the perennial PWC Debate – stand-up or sit-down?

One week ago today, our WCJ Time Machine post of the day took us back to Feb 17, 2020, when we took a look at Australia’s Lindsay Warner as he made his plans to become the first person to circumnavigate around the entire Australian continent on a solo journey aboard a Kawasaki JetSki. The 20,000 kilometer proposed trip, if he completed it, would have put him in the record books in the longest open water travel category. 

Warner, then 63, was after more than records, though – he was after attention – the purpose behind his journey was to raise awareness for Men’s health issues and raise $100,000 for the cause. 

In September, 2021, The Watercraft Journal reported the Warner had completed his journey, successfully circumnavigated Australia – an adventure of more than 9,000 miles – and a few crocodiles. 

Of course, after posting our Time Machine look back at the start of his Australian around-the-island solo trip, I couldn’t help but head to Google to find out what Warner has been up to lately.

He didn’t disappoint. 

As reported by Watercraft Zone, on Jan. 14 of last year, Warner set out to solo-circle New Zealand to set another record and earn more attention, awareness and funds for Men’s health issues – using the same 2017 Kawasaki Ultra LX that made the lap round Australia.  And at the end of February last year, Kawasaki announced that Warner had again achieved his goal, taking 9 days on the water to lap the South Island and another 12 days on the water to lap the North Island – facing not only storms, but cyclones along the way. 

Counting Warner’s earlier circumnavigation of Tasmania in 2019, Warner has now completed a true trifecta – the hattrick of solo adventuring.

And we can’t wait to see what he’s up to next.

Feel the Need For Speed?  Want to feel the adrenaline rush as you zoom past others in record-breaking time? Then get ready to revamp your ride! 

Greenhulk Performance Kits are designed exclusively for the thrill-seekers and speed enthusiasts. 

When you want to take performance levels up several notches, Greenhulk Performance Kits take the guesswork out of finding the right combination of parts to achieve your performance goals.

And to make it even better, more top speed and acceleration is a breeze, with easy installation and support from world-class technical support from Greenhulk.

Whether you are looking for a serious boost for your Yamaha, SeaDoo or Kawasaki, Greenhulk has you covered. 

The Yamaha list is topped with kits for the 2024 GP SVHO, where they’ve got Stage 1, Stage 1 Plus, Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits ready to go. 

The Stage 1 Kit for the 2024 GP SVHO, now on sale, with the price slashed from $989.80 to $890.82 takes the stock speed of 68 MPH at 7,400 RPM, and boosts you to 77 MPH at 8,000 RPM with no new parts, and the The Maptuner Nano Bundle delivering instant plug-in horsepower. 

Stage 1 plus kit, with prices slashed from a regular $1,722.60 to $1,550.34, bumps you to 82 MPH at 8,100 RPM, with simple bolt-on modifications!

With a Stage 2 kit, you’re looking at a price drop from $4,164.35 to $3,747.92, and an increase to 86 MPH at 8,600 RPM through easy to install modifications. Expect huge gains in acceleration and torque along with fantastic top speed. Requires use of fresh premium pump fuel (91~93 octane)

At the top end, the Stage 3 kit, on sale for $5,628.74 from a regular price of $6.254.15, is going to push you to 88 MPH at 8,800 RPM.

And that’s just the start. Greenhulk carries a  range of performance kits for an extensive list of Yamaha models and years, as well as a full range of Sea-Doo and Kawasaki models.

YAMAHA: GP SVHO 2024, GP1800R SVHO 2021 – 2023, GP1800R SVHO 2020, GP1800R SVHO 2019, GP1800 SVHO 2018, GP1800 SVHO 2017, GP1800R HO 2020+ & VXR/VX-HO 2019+, VXR/VX-HO 2018. VXR/VXS/VX-HO 2015 – 2017,  FX SVHO 2022+, FX SVHO 2020 – 2021, FX SVHO 2019, FX SVHO 2018, FX SVHO 2014 – 2017, FX HO 2022, FX HO 2019 – 2021, FX HO 2018, FX HO 2012 – 2017, VX (TR-1) 2020 – 2022, VX (TR-1) 2016 – 2019, JETBLASTER 2022+, EXR 2019 – 2021, EX 2017 – 2023, FZR / FZS SVHO 2014 – 2016, FZR / FZS 2012 – 2013, FZR / FZS 2009 – 2011, FX-SHO 2013 – 2016, FX-SHO 2012, FX-SHO 2011, FX-SHO 2008 – 2010, SuperJet 2021 – 2023, SuperJet 2008 – 2020, SUPERJET RPM KIT, SuperJet 1996-2007, GP1300R 2005 – 2008,  GP1300R 2003 – 2004, GP1200R 2000 – 2002, FX-HO (MR-1 Engine) 2004 – 2008, FX140 (MR-1 Engine) 2002 – 2008, FX140 2002-2007 RPM KIT, FX140 2008 RPM KIT, VX110 05-14 RPM Kit, XLT 1200 2002 – 2005.

SEA-DOO: RXP-X 300 2021 – 2023, RXP-X 300 2020, RXP-X 300 2016 – 2019, RXT-X/GTX Ltd. 300 2020 – 2023, RXT-X/GTX Ltd. 300 2018 – 2019, RXT-X 300 / GTX Ltd 300 2016 – 2017, GTX 300/GTX Limited 300 2024, SPARK 2014 – 2023, GTR 230 2020 – 2023, GTR 230/GTR-X 230 2017 – 2019, GTI 170 2020 – 2022, GTI 130 2020 – 2022, GTX/WAKE PRO 230 2020 – 2022, RXT 230/GTX 230 2018 – 2019, GTR 215 2012 – 2016, RXP-X 260 2012 – 2015, RXT-X 260 2011 – 2015 / RXT 260 2011 – 2017, RXT-X aS 260 2011 – 2016 / RXT iS 260 2011 – 2012, RXT-X 260 2010, RXP-X 255 2008 – 2011, RXP 215 2004 – 2009, RXT 215 2005 – 2009 / GTX 215 2005 – 2008, GTX-SC 2003 – 2006 185 Non-Intercooled, Sea-Doo Engine Internals Upgrade Kits.

KAWASAKI: Ultra 310 2022+, SX-R 1500 2017 – 2024, Ultra 310 2014 – 2021, Ultra 300X 2011 – 2013, Ultra 260X 2009 – 2010, Ultra 250X 2008, Ultra 250X 2007.

Aussie JetFisher Paul Hayes has been chasing down offshore trophy catches and sharing advice, tips, tricks and adventures long enough that he recently broke in his third fishing-outfitted PWC used in his podcasts and videos

In a post on the JetCast YouTube Channel in September, he discussed his choice of the 2023 Yamaha FXHO as his newest fishing platform, and discusses his reasons for the choice, the build specifics, and how he kitted out the ski to turn it into the ultimate jet ski for serious offshore fishing.

Hayes started out his fishing journey on a VX model Yamaha some seven years ago, which played a part in him choosing the Yamaha over other fishing-specific PWCs such as the Sea-Doo Fish Pro, which he calls a very popular model that many of his friends own.

His trouble-free experiences with the VX, and later with the 2019 FXHO, would have been hard to overcome when it came time to choose a new ski, and he said the FXHO series is “a great platform, its a stable platform, it’s tough, and the motor is extremely reliable.”

All of Hayes’ fishing is done offshore, and he said the inevitable bar crossings to get to offshore waters are something the FX handles well, and that he has never felt unsafe during those crossings, even in larger surf.

He said that the options of what PWC to use would be a lot wider if he did more flatwater fishing, but the FXHO, which he says is great at cutting through waves,  is his go-to choice for the environs he fishes in. 

He talks about the Australian JetFish package for the FXHO, which is essentially the same ski but includes a 6” Garmin sounder and the ability to add a rear cooler on the rear “rec deck.” 

Talking of new features of the 2023 FXHO, he said it goes beyond the new color schemes, and includes a built in sound system, the Yamaha Connect System with the new LED Dashboard and bluetooth connectivity and GPS capabilities.

Talking of his specific additions to the model, he covers mods such as a 10-gallon auxiliary fuel tank, mounted over the standard tank, to increase his range. A dual battery system with an A/B switch and a voltage-sense relay also improves safety and convenience, especially on cold winter mornings.

The addition of a tow-tap, or tow valve, blocks off water going into the engine during towing, and navigation lights are important with early morning starts for heavy fishing days in locations when operation of a PWC is legal before dawn. 

A Marine VHF radio is another addition that addresses safety, and he covers the importance of the best placement for the radio. 

Seat covers protect the PWC’s seat from hooks, knives and other sharp objects such as fish spikes, but can cause issues such as mildew problems, and Hayes said he designed a mesh option similar to what he saw on motorbikes in Asia. These mesh seat covers are available on the JetCast website. 

Hayes also added a Garmin 953xsv sounder to handle the deeper waters he sometimes fishes in, and he talks about optimal placement of the transducer. 

Front rod holders and “Tubbies” for storage and live bait tanks are included in his discussion, and he finishes off with a discussion about why he chose not to get a trolling motor, and the addition of a camera pole. 

Be sure to check out Hayes’ other videos for some great offshore fishing content. 

When you’re the world’s largest Yamaha jet propulsion dealer, you find that customers come to you for all sorts of needs. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and Cycle Springs Powersports (part of the Dimmitt Automotive Group) is well equipped to assist in all sorts of ways – whether that’s equipping you with a new (or used) personal watercraft or just outfitting you with the riding gear you need to be as protected and comfortable as possible.

In a recent Facebook post, Cycle Springs Powersports wrote: “’Tis the season to start your Sea-Doo gift shopping early and beat the holiday rush. Stop by the dealership to find the perfect present for your loved ones and make this holiday extra special.” Now a quick cruise through their website will leave you wishing for more, as their Parts & Service Department doesn’t list their inventory of life vests, riding coats and the like online.

Thankfully, a quick call to their service department at (888) 997-1881 will help you along your way. But if you’re the type who likes to peruse digitally, you’ll be happy to know that Cycle Springs Powersports lists all of their manufacturer’s specials on a dedicated webpage, allowing you to strike when the iron’s hot and save some serious cash along the way. As of this writing we’re looking at five different offerings from Sea-Doo alone, so there’s no time like the present to consider a new PWC.

Even the most passionate and upbeat PWC rider will admit that it is not a sport, or a recreational pursuit, for the lazy and inattentive. As with most powerful machines, a jet ski consists of a slew of systems and components that all must work properly, and in unison.

While items such as engines, fuel systems and steering components are on the hot-topic list for required maintenance, repairs and/or replacement, the impeller is often overlooked – with sometimes disastrous and costly consequences.

The impeller is a vital component of the propulsion system. For newer or less mechanically-inclined PWC owners,  the impeller on a jet ski is similar in appearance to a propeller on a boat, but is located inside what is known as a wear ring, and the rotation of the impeller creates a sucking force, drawing water through the PWC’s intake grate, and expelling it with force out from the steering nozzle. 

As WCJ Editor-in-Chief Kevin Shaw stresses in this clip from the Tips for More MPG & Added Engine Life podcast, the impeller is a wear item, just like brake pads and tires on your motorcycle, and checking the condition of your impeller should be a regular item on your PWC-owner to-do list. 

PWC manufacturers and mechanics alike recommend inspecting your impeller every year or every 100 hours –  checking not only the leading edges, but also the trailing edges, looking for any imperfections such as gashes, chips, dings, or bends.

A damaged prop can cause slowed acceleration, lowered engine RPM, reduced top speeds and what is called a mechanical harmonic – a vibration that can cause a lot of wear on not only the wear ring, but on the hull bearings on a Yamaha or Kawasaki, or on the carbon seal of a Sea-Doo, as well as the output shaft – all of which can be major problems leading to major repair expenditures and down-time. Damaged impellers also result in cavitation, and cavitation does NOT translate into thrust. 

So, that is the bad news.

Fortunately, we also have some good news for you.

Impros Impellers, a leader in impeller performance with 40+ years of experience, is offering 20% off all repairs sent in through January 31st with code REPAIR2024.

“Now is the time to take apart your machines and send in parts that need to be repaired,” Impros urges. “Don’t wait until 3 days before your summer trip or first race – do it now when it’s cold”

Impros Impellers offers several levels of impeller repair; the “Rocked” service, or primary service, has  stage 1 and stage 2 levels, with stage 1 including “Blade spec restoration” consisting of repairing minor leading and trailing edge damage, when no welding is required. Stage 1 Rocked impeller service is $75 (before sale discount), with an additional $30 for a “race” finish, pitch modifications for $35, and an up-charge of $20 for 4-bladed impellers. 

Stage 2 “Rocked” service “is also a “Blade spec restoration” service, but applied to impellers that require non-outside diameter welding, like damaged leading/trailing edges and gouged blades. Stage 2 Rocked impeller service is $95 (before sale discount), with an additional $30 for a “race” finish, pitch modifications for $35, and an up-charge of $20 for 4-bladed impellers.

Impros Impellers’ The Worx impeller service is a Stage 1 and 2 repair, in addition to welding and machining a worn impellers outside diameter back to size, welding damaged leading/trailing edges, blueprinting the outer blade angles to spec, balancing, and sharpening. The Worx impeller service is $125 (before sale discount), with an additional $30 for a “race” finish, pitch modifications for $35, and an up-charge of $20 for 4-bladed impellers.

And one last bit of good news.. don’t forget to use coupon code WCJ10 to save 10% off of your next Impros purchase.