Go Faster in 2024 with Greenhulk Performance Kits – Now On Sale

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January 11, 2024

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.

Go To Cycle Springs Powersports for Your Official Sea-Doo Riding Gear & Apparel

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January 10, 2024

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.

RIVA Racing Rolls Out Sea-Doo Spark 3up Rear Exhaust Kit for Extended Decks

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January 9, 2024

For nine years, Sea-Doo’s Spark has been easily one of the most industry-impacting, market-changing personal watercraft to ever hit the market since maybe the original JS400 JetSki. The Spark brought enthusiasts back to a time when PWC were small, loose, playful and just a ton of fun – and with 2024 marking the first redesign since the runabout’s launch in 2014, there are plenty of existing Sparks in the used market to be had.

That being said, RIVA Racing just released its newest addition of performance parts for the venerable Rec-Lite runabout – Sea-Doo 2014~23 Spark 3-up Rear Exhaust Kit. Priced at $509.91, the Rear Exhaust Kit comes complete with everything you’ll need to convert your three-seater Spark’s exhaust to a through-hull, rear exit including a mandrel bent aluminum exhaust tube, large billet exhaust outlet, OEM exhaust outlet block-off and high-temp silicone couplers.

And just like all RIVA exhaust kits, all of the natural metal parts are powder coated black to stave off corrosion and come with all of with all necessary mounting hardware & installation instructions so you can do it at home. Remove that restrictive sound suppression system (located between the waterbox and hull exit) and radically improve your Spark’s engine performance by reducing back pressure and restriction. Seems like a no-brainer, right?

And YES! You can do this yourself. RIVA’s detailed instructions show you each step necessary to make this upgrade. And if somehow you get stuck, RIVA Racing’s customer service hotline will provide you with a trained technician who’ll help troubleshoot and get you back up and running over the phone. Don’t let drilling holes into your hull deter you from unlocking your Sea-Doo Spark’s potential with a new Rear Exhaust Kit from RIVA Racing.

Impros Puts a Good Spin on Impeller Repair with 20% Off

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January 8, 2024

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.

FuelTech’s Lineup of Performance Parts for Sea-Doo 300’s and 325’s

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January 5, 2024

If you’re only now waking up to the realization that 2024 will be a helluva year when it comes to top end performance PWC, you’ve been sleeping for a while. Both Sea-Doo and Yamaha rolled out new engines for this year, and some of the fastest tuners in the world are already making huge gains. Leading the pack is FuelTech USA, breaking huge ground with its standalone ECUs, harnesses and tuning software.

While FuelTech’s CEO Anderson Dick perfects his 1,400-horsepower compound turbo Yamaha, his company has rolled out a catalog of parts and components that will unlock the potential in Sea-Doo’s 325-horsepower RXT-X and RXP-X. FuelTech was first to develop a true “plug and play” adapter harnesses to easily integrate its FT450, FT550, FT600 full-color touch screen dash display, ECUs or FT550LITE ECU.

Per FuelTech, “Our PowerFT line of ECUs are IP67 rated for use in marine applications […] to take your [Sea-Doo] to the next level.” Applicable for all 300 and 325-horsepower Sea-Doo models, FuelTech’s performance parts – such as the SparkPRO-3 (Nautical/Off-Road) high power inductive ignition module, high impedance fuel injectors, pressure sensors, and more – allow for maximum engine management and tuneability!

Unlimited PWC Reveals Finalized Fixed Steering Kit for ’21-up Yamaha SuperJet

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January 4, 2024

It was roughly a year after Kawasaki’s introduction of the SX-R 1500 (now christened the SX-R 160) back in late 2017 that Unlimited PWC had its fixed steering hood and steering system ready for international sales. The fixed steering system and hood was offered as a “made to order” package, but quickly drew attention from around the world for converting the new 4-stroke JetSki into a X2 derivative.

Only recently did Unlimited PWC capture lightning in a bottle a second time by revealing it’s fixed steering system and hood for the 2021-and-newer Yamaha SuperJet. Although not currently listed on Unlimited’s website, Unlimited PWC Fixed Steering Hood Kit for the Yamaha SuperJet is available for purchase and is expected to be featured on both the website store as well as the digital catalog soon enough.

Until that time, it’s best to forward all sales inquiries to [email protected]. In addition to developing an incredible array of go-fast parts for Sea-Doo, Kawasaki and Yamaha watercraft, Unlimited PWC has been actively developing a full swathe of wetsuit johns, lifevests (PFDs), gloves and other necessary riding equipment and apparel to keep you protected and comfortable. All of that is to say that they’ve certainly got their hands full.

The SuperJet kit – similar to the Kawasaki SX-R 160 kit – includes the hand-laid fiberglass hood replacement, billet steering neck, hinges, plates, grommet for the harness, mounting hardware and rubberized seal. When installed, Unlimited PWC claims a total reduced weight of nearly 50% over the factory hood and handlepole. The handlebars, chin pad and replacement grips are all available as accessories and add-ons through Unlimited PWC’s catalog.

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Yamaha’s Serious Side: Education, Innovation and Employment

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January 3, 2024

When you think “Yamaha,” it would stand to reason that your mind turns to power, speed, precision, and all sorts of fun.

But Yamaha, in 2023, showed Georgia, as well as Pennsylvania and New York, that Yamaha is serious business, serious innovation – and a serious route to security and success.

On Dec. 6, Yamaha announced that the Yamaha Marine Technical School Partnership program added three new schools to its list of participants, bringing the total number to 120 nationwide.

According to the release, the program was developed in 2015 to develop a stronger marine technician workforce through a certified curriculum, Yamaha system access and product donations used in the classroom for hands-on training.

The three newest partners in the program are Hart County High School in Hartwell, Georgia, the Monroe Career & Technical Institute in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, and Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York.

The two-part curriculum includes “Introduction to Outboard Systems,” for students who wish to start a career as a marine industry technician. Students who successfully complete the course receive Yamaha Marine’s Introduction to Outboard Systems Certification, which is a prerequisite for Yamaha’s new Maintenance Certification Program (MCP), which is based on the 20, 100-, 300-, 500- and 1,000-hour maintenance procedures for Yamaha Outboards. MCP students will leave the Yamaha Technical School Partner with certified maintenance competencies that prepare them to be immediately profitable in Yamaha dealership service departments.

“We understand the importance of providing exciting educational opportunities for students by offering programs such as marine technician training,” said Kenyon Ward, Senior Marine Training Coordinator, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Yamaha’s hands-on training curriculum gives students real-world experiences and further broadens the education opportunities schools can bring to the table.”

And speaking of the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, earlier this year, the facility, which is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, opened the new Yamaha Marine Innovation Center, also in Kennesaw.

Governor Brian Kemp and Kennesaw mayor Derek Easterling attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 75,280 square foot facility, which now houses the Yamaha Marine Connected Division as well as Yamaha U.S. Marine Development, Yamaha Marine Product Management and Yamaha Marine Technical Marketing.

“We believe Georgia is an exceptional location for business growth and development. The Marine Innovation Center represents the fourth major Yamaha facility in the state, joining Yamaha’s Marine headquarters in Kennesaw, the Yamaha Motorsports and Intelligent Machinery Group headquarters in Marietta, and the Yamaha Motor Corporation manufacturing facility in Newnan,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.

Yamaha career opportunities within Marine Connected Division include business planning, user experience, IoT/Cloud Infrastructure, product planning, data analysis, sales and marketing positions. Positions within the Yamaha U.S. Marine Development, Product Management and Marine Technical Marketing Division include control engineers, perception engineers, product development engineers, project managers, hydrodynamics engineers and various software engineers.

“According to the Outdoor Industry Association, recreational businesses bring over $27 billion to Georgia’s economy every year and employ around 238,000 people,” said Kemp.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and sells marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 450 horsepower. It also markets and sells fiberglass, jet-drive sport boats ranging from 19 to 27 feet, and personal watercraft.

For more information about the Yamaha Technical School Partnership program or to find a Yamaha TSP school partner near you, contact [email protected].

You can read the full press release on the Technical School Partnership program here and the company’s announcement regarding the Marine Innovation Center here.

Rev Up Acceleration, Top Speed with Active Jetsport’s Sea-Doo Billet Race Camshaft

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January 2, 2024

Looking to improve acceleration and increase your top speed? If the answer is yes (and when wouldn’t it be?) then you need to add horsepower and torque – and that’s where Active Jetsport steps in.

With their Sea-Doo 4-Tec 1503 and ACE 1630 Billet Race Camshaft, you’ll get improved performance throughout the RPM band, with less weight than the stock Sea-Doo camshaft.

Unlike with “re-grind” deals, you won’t have to send in your stock camshaft, and you will be getting a brand new race camshaft machined from aerospace grade billet steel alloy that won’t break rocker arms or cause iBR issues like other cams on the market.

Cam fits all 215 / 230 / 255 / 260 / 300 Sea-Doo models, but like with all performance camshaft, custom fuel tuning is required.

Active Jetsport even provides a video clip of how a ski sounds with the Sea-Doo 4-Tec 1503 and ACE 1630 Billet Race Camshaft installed, and rear exhaust.

To top it off, not only does the race camshaft receive top reviews on the Active Jetsport website and the company’s Ebay page, but customer service from the company gets top reviews, also.

“I honestly believe one of the better cam out there, Very professional customer service,” said one customer, with another adding, “Super fast shipping and great camshaft. Installed this camshaft in my GPRXP running just a X-Charger, tons of mid range power and 3 mile an hour speed gain. Awesome deal will be buying again.”

When purchased through the Active Jetsport Ebay Site, where they have a 100% positive rating, this race cam is $479.00, but on the company’s website, the price drops to $449.99 with same-day shipping.

IJSBA addresses Kings Cup incident, rulings on sponson issue

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December 29, 2023