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We Announce The Watercraft Journal’s 2022 Watercraft of The Year (Videos)

By
Kevin Shaw
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Typically, The Watercraft Journal issues its annual Watercraft of The Year award a little earlier in the month. Yet, this year’s results resulted in so much deliberation, debate and re-evaluation that judging spilled over an extra two weeks until a consensus could be made. And since we do not include vehicles that we at WCJ have not personally tested, there were a few contenders that simply weren’t eligible due to lack of access.

The process in determining what qualifies a particular model for the Watercraft of The Year award is rather straightforward: each model is weighed against a specific scale indicating excellence in all categories – and must be done so without imposing any personal bias. A number of our judges’ personal favorites were routinely voted out; making of each of the finalists shown below a unilaterally balanced result of intense scrutiny.

The scale from which we evaluate each entry by is called the IDEA score, an acronym standing for Innovation, Design, Execution and Affect. These categories breakdown a personal watercraft’s achievements in Innovation; overall Design aesthetic; the final Execution of the production vehicle; and finally, the model’s lasting Affect on the marketplace and/or industry. Previously, each category was worth a maximum of 10 points totaling a combined 40 possible points. We’ve doubled that.

Previous years have resulted in increasingly closer judging results, which has made our role as judges all the more difficult. Increasing the total possible points to 80, which each category valued at a maximum of 20 points each, made the winners far more salient. This change became particularly valuable in the categories of Innovation and Design, as all three of the finalists demonstrated unique features and aesthetics that were significant in their respective regard.

2022 Watercraft of The Year 2nd Runner-Up: 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX JetSki
Innovation: 18; Design: 16; Execution: 17; Affect: 15; Total: 66 points

Brandishing possibly the most polarizing redesign of any established unit in years, the top offering of the refreshed Ultra JetSki, the 310LX was not the preferred choice of two of this year’s judges. Rather, it was in spite of these judges that the 2022 310LX entered the pantheon. Kawasaki took what many believed to be a staid model and leap-frogged the competition in a variety of ways – both in innovation and creature comforts. If evaluated on this alone, the 310LX could earn top honors.

Aesthetically, the new Ultra is a bit of an acquired taste. The gold requires seeing in person under natural light. The “chunkiness” can leave many longing for the smooth lines of its predecessor. Yet, it’s when you’re seated behind the bars that it begins to feel “just right.” Ergonomically, the cockpit fits comfortably; its dual gloveboxes beneath the fairings swing up on gullwing hinges. The center jog dial scrolls effortlessly, and the new buttons are responsive and click satisfyingly.

Kawasaki’s new KSRD braking system may take some getting used to as well, particularly if you’ve been using RiDE or iBR for some time. The quad-speaker 100watt Jetsound4S is the only factory sound system that we found that could go “too loud”, and the phone interface was the least cumbersome of all three OE’s (although still not great). The 3-way adjustable seat and 5-way tilt bars allow the Ultra to fit nearly all types and sizes, and yeah, the reverse camera is pretty nifty too.

While sales are strong, the Ultra didn’t catch fire in the court of public opinion at first. Only as firsthand reports came trickling in and tuners discovered the Ultra’s new engine management allowed for greater speeds that enthusiasts began catching on. Nothing matches the sound of the Eaton TVS supercharger at full fever pitch or its gel coated, SMC fiberglass hull’s talent at tracking straight in rough; and now with a low center of gravity, the Ultra’s ability to carve a corner too.

2022 Watercraft of The Year 1st Runner-Up: 2022 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy 170
Innovation: 18; Design: 17; Execution: 17; Affect: 17; Total: 69 points

Seemingly always the bridesmaid and never the bride, the Sea-Doo Trophy has remained in The Watercraft Journal’s Watercraft of The Year podium since its introduction in 2019. So the Trophy – being the brand’s most advanced, most comprehensive offering – being included on this list was, by most all accounts, a given. The Trophy has, by nearly every paradigm, full right to this title, except for the fact that it’s sooo specifically tailored for a single group of buyers. It did it’s job too well. 

After dedicating massive resources to cater to the every imaginable whim of the PWC fisherman, the 2022 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy 170 offers tournament-level amenities never seen on a watercraft before. Sea-Doo co-opted its 13.5-gallon cooler into a functioning live well with a quick detachment for washing down the deck and cutting board. A hard-mounted anchor with a dedicated cleat is within arm’s reach. Added LinQ mounts for a cup and extra rod holders are standard too.

A larger 7-inch Garmin full-color touchscreen paired to a through-hull transducer gives fishermen a full view of the area around them and pages chocked full of mapping and waterways. A unique mount in the engine cover permits the rear passenger seat to be attached to a fixed stilt becoming a true swivel seat with a backrest. (An electric trigger in the mount alerts the ECU not to exceed 18mph when the swivel seat is assembled.) And all of it breaks down and stows neatly away.

All criticisms attributed to other ST3-based Sea-Doos diminish in this application. When this platform used outside of fishing is falters, but here it shines. The balance and stability are second to none. It’s dry ride allows the rider to don jeans and a flannel (expect your feet to be wet). In our assessment, we cannot fathom a better equipped Sea-Doo dedicated to the sport of PWC fishing. It bares all of the touchstones of something designed by enthusiasts intending to use it themselves.

2022 Watercraft of The Year: 2022 Yamaha FX SVHO Limited
Innovation: 18; Design: 18; Execution: 17; Affect: 18; Total: 71 points

Albeit highly praised, the Limited accessory package is not what earned the FX SVHO Limited the title of The Watercraft Journal’s Watercraft of The Year. Rather, this was a result of a culmination of changes, improvements and subtle tweaks made over the years resulting in what could be Yamaha’s crowning achievement in the full-sized performance runabout segment; recognizing the FX’s sportiness being impressively balanced opposite its mature, adult mannerisms was key.

For 2022, Yamaha took a studied look at its current FX platform and adjusted wisely: the aggressive GP-inspired hull retained its shape but was cast in heavier, more forgiving SMC fiberglass giving the FX more resistance to vibrations, jolts and impacts. It also muted a lot of the chatter and heavier jostles that comes with rough water riding. Yamaha elevated the planing bow by resculpting the ride plate for a dryer ride, while giving the craft better bite in hard corners by relocating the sponsons.

As all of this equated to a superior, more enjoyable ride, Yamaha equipped the FX with a wider (7-inches), more responsive Connext touchscreen offering full smartphone integration, GPS mapping, geofencing, and a GPS speedometer. Below the handlebars are audio controls with a noise-reducing microphone to allow riders to make and receive phone calls – and even call in sick for work from the water. (Although we don’t recommend it. Human Resources checks your social media posts.)

Beneath is voluminous, padded and rubberized glovebox equipped with dual charging ports, a phone holder and LED lighting topped with a spring-loaded waterproof lid – easily the best, most accessible bin offered today. Certainly, a lesser equipped FX SVHO or FX Cruiser SVHO will share the same performance attributes and creature comforts – especially a 2023 unit, as all come standard with sound and the larger dashboard – but for 2022, the FX SVHO Limited has earned our vote as the 2022 Watercraft of The Year.

Grab Your Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy on sale at Cycle Springs Powersports

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

There’s still time to score a new Sea-Doo with financing as low as 0% during the Sea-Doo promotion on all 2022 models. Make 2023 the year you get into fishing from a jet ski. Cycle Springs Powersports has all three 2022 models of the Sea-Doo FishPros in stock, so you don’t even have to wait for one to arrive. They have the FishPro Trophy 170, FishPro Sport, and the FishPro Scout in stock.

The FishPros aren’t just for fishing. They are versatile machines and equipped to carry a lot of gear with their large storage capacity. This makes them ideal for loading up gear for overnight camping trips or even weekend getaways. Throw your drinks and sandwiches into the cooler, stash your tent, and sleeping bag. Stow your other gear into one of the large compartments or lash it to the cooler, slip your rods into the holders, and head out for the weekend.

The FishPros are powerful machines and made to get you to your secret offshore fishing hole or into the grassy flats where the big bass like to hide. Cycle Springs has two packages for the 2022 FishPro Trophy 170. The tech package includes a livewell, a high-tech fish locator, trolling modes, and more. It is priced at $18,999 and the other package is $17,999. It doesn’t include all the tech Package.

Check out all the other Sea-Doos in stock. Cycle Springs has most of the 2022 models with the Sea-Doo Deal of Financing from 0-1.99% and pay no interest for 60 months. That’s a great deal in this economy! if you decide fishing is not for you, grab a killer new Sea-Doo GTX Limited and enjoy the ride in style!

IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Havasu Announces New Location and Promoter

By
JD Brussels
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Ross Wallach, president of RPM Enterprises, announced that his organization will be replacing DSM Events as the promoter for the 19th Annual IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300- known as the “toughest, longest most challenging PWC endurance in the world!” The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Lake Havasu in Arizona.

Wallach announced that the event would be moved from Crazy Horse Campground to Point Beach in the Lake Havasu State Park. The decision to move the event was based on a number of reasons, but the change will likely alter the course layout, and how pit stops and launches made.

Rising costs coupled with a drop in race attendance has “taken its toll,” and for the 19th Annual MH300 to become a reality, Wallach has conveyed that a minimum of 40 committed (paid) entries must be received by January 20th 2023. Read his statement below:

Mark Hahn Memorial race teams, DSM Events, the promoter of the MH300 for the past 18 years has asked me to take over as promoter of the 19th Annual MH300 in 2023 and beyond.

Both Mike Follmer & I would like very much to see continue as this event, as this event is especially near and dear to our hearts, but we need to get a firm commitment from the racers as waning attendance and rising costs to promote the longest PWC endurance race in the Country has taken its toll.

Ross Wallach and his team are still working on finalizing all of the event details, but team move-ins are expected to start Saturday morning at 6:30 AM. Pit spots will be organized with sponsor/advertiser teams and preferred pit parking is available for an additional fee.

RPM Enterprises is still working on an online entry form where payments can be submitted. Although this form is not yet operational, Wallach has conveyed that payment will be due by the 3rd weekend in January, 2023. The company plans to release an announcement once this new form is operational.

Wallach offered the following statement regarding new rules that have been instituted due to the location of the event being changed from Crazy Horse to Point Beach.

One note, all racers will be on their boat, lanyards out, dead motor start in the water due to new location. This will be a modified Le Man’s start (no running to the boat).

All runabout race teams will use the Windsor boat launch ramp (see attached map) to enter and exit the course/pit stops/etc. once race has started.

Still working on final decision for stand ups regarding pit stops/refueling (ramp vs. tote out) on Point Beach. Will announce when final decision is reached from AZ State Parks.

Lake Havasu State Park fee is $20/vehicle (towing a trailer or individual vehicle) with up to 4 people for the day use. Additional people are $3/adult. Fee is paid at main gate upon entrance to the park.

Note: Lake Havasu State Park Annual Passholders get in free. Camping may be available at Lake Havasu State Park at www.azstateparks.com. No noise ordinance in effect until 8:00 am Saturday morning.

NSW Enforces “Operation Ride Smart” Agenda Against PWC

By
Ocean Priselac
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New South Wales Maritime units started the summer off by giving a plethora of tickets and fines to jet ski riders during Operation Ride Smart. Hundreds of riders were checked out and lawbreakers were fined for speeding and other infractions. The crackdown by authorities in Botany Bay saw maritime officers stopping riders and checking their licenses and registrations. They were also on the water making sure everyone was riding safely and following the rules.

The officers performed over 700 checks over the weekend, handing out only 22 fines and most of those were for speeding. It sounds like the lockdown years saw an increase in the number of licensed riders. The area recorded an uptick of 24% more PWC licenses and registered jet skis. Of note, young women between the ages of 12 and 27 are the fastest growing group of riders. Most riders follow the law and ride safely as shown by the number of tickets written by maritime officers during Operation Ride Smart.

The fines are hefty though and generate a good amount revenue. It will cost $500 if you’re caught on an unregistered jet ski and $750 for speeding. If you’re busted without a license, that’s $500 for the rider and another $500 for the owner for the first offense. Those are seriously painful penalties. Check out the video for all the details and to read the comments. There are some good ones! The NSW Maritime Unit reminds us to wear our lifejackets when cruising on the waterways! We’re good with that.

Secure Your Ski with Unlimited PWC Tie Down Straps and Pads

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

Unlimited PWC Performance Products has the protection you need to keep your jet ski safe from scratches and dings that ratchets, and belts can cause during transport. Unlimited has tie down pads that are compatible with tie down straps in black embossed with red or white lettering. These quality neoprene pads are a wraparound type with a Velcro enclosure, enabling you to slip them over the straps after they’re in place.

Put them over the straps between your watercraft and tie downs and tighten up and head to the ramp ding free. The large pads are also sturdy enough to handle a large ratchet. The pads are made of super stretchy neoprene making them easy to work with. You get a lot of leeway with these too because they aren’t wrapped around a strap. This gives you versatility in placing them when tying down your PWC.

They also have this same tie down pad in red, white, and black with the all over Unlimited logo. Both pads come in at $14 for the medium and $18 for the large. If you’re in the market for a ratchet style tie down, they have that too and it’s in a nice bright red with the Unlimited logo in black accents.

The straps have stainless steel S-type hooks, and the strap is a little over 12 feet long. The same ratchet style straps also come in black with the Unlimited logo in bright white accents. Check these pads and straps out at Unlimited PWC!

Place Your Jetcast Orders Now or Wait Until 2023

By
JD Brussels
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Jetcast announced they will pause shipping for all orders between December 21st 2022 and January 2nd 2023. Customers can continue to place orders on the Jetcast webstore during this period, but most products will not ship until after January 2nd 2023.

The Jetcast signature made-to-order Sounder Covers will continue to ship during this period as they come directly from the factory. If enthusiasts want to buy any other Jetcast products for their friends or family -and have them in time for Christmas and The Holidays- now is the time to order.

Whether fishing from a Sea-doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or a boat, Jetcast has something for everyone and is sure to enhance experiences out on the water. Check them out on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, and visit their new website at www.jetcast.au.

Read the full text of the release below:
Hi all, the Jetcast webstore won’t be shipping orders from 21st December-2nd January. We can still accept orders for all products during this period, but will only re-start shipping again on the 2nd. Our made-to-order custom Sounder Covers will continue to ship direct from the factory during this period, so turnaround times for these won’t be too affected. If you need something to make your days on the water even better, or give as a gift, get your orders in soon! www.jetcast.au

I’d also like to personally thank each and every one of you that have shown your support of me and the (new) Jetcast brand this year and purchased products from our store. I really appreciate it, and hope that the products have performed as well for you as they have for me and my fishing buddies!

If we don’t speak until 2023, have an awesome holiday break, drive safely, and be very careful on the water! I hope to get some days out there too if the weather finally behaves! I feel the need to get another mega-sized Spanish Mackerel!

The Watercraft Journal’s 2022 Top 10 Christmas Gifts For Jet Skiers

By
Kevin Shaw
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Ouch! Talk about last minute holiday shopping! Normally, we like to get The Watercraft Journal’s Top 10 Christmas Gift Guide out at least a week earlier but dang have we been busy with pumping out video content recently. Of course, what that does mean is that we’re only a week away from our Watercraft of The Year Award. Either way, our Christmas Gift Guide is an annual tradition we wouldn’t miss as it helps to equip the potential customer of the superior accessories, equipment and add-ons that we’ve tested throughout the year.

While our Watercraft of The Year award is issued to the Top 3 personal watercraft that we’ve managed to ride and review for that model year, the Christmas Buyers Guide serves a similar purpose just for all of the various items we’ve reviewed in 2022. So with that we’re sharing them again with The Watercraft Journal’s big ol’ stamp of approval. So if you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself this Christmas season, definitely take these suggestions to heart.

Slippery Wetsuits’ Array Side-Entry Neo Vest – $99.95
Side-entry life vests have a nasty habit of being clunky, uncomfortable or non-compliant with USCG regulations. Even here at The Watercraft Journal, we’ve reviewed sporty side-entries that were either stitched together using coarse canvas (like what you’d expect a duffle bag to be made from), filled with thick, flat-sided slabs of heavy foam, or are just plain ugly in their design. Thankfully, the Slippery Array Side-Entry Neo Vest is none of those things. It’s comfortable, flexible, smartly molded and will keep you afloat without riding up.

Made with a variety of materials, including super-comfortable neoprene stretched over multiple EV foam panels, the Array Neo is smartly segmented, meaning you can freely double over while searching through your storage bin; has wide arm and neck holes allowing for a wide range of motion without feeling constricted; and its large 2-banded buckle-and-side zipper secures firmly without vicing you taught. It’s easily one of the most comfortable and well-made side-entries today, and why we chose it for the first of our list today.

The Watercraft Journal’s Long Sleeve Riding Jersey – $50-55
The Watercraft Journal teamed up with Windrider to custom-design what we believe is the single-best riding jersey possible. Every WCJ Long Sleeve Riding Jersey is made using Helios material proven to provide UPF 50+ protection, stellar stain resistance and most importantly, superior water wicking and breathability. Each shirt features durable mesh lining the inside length of the torso all the way down the sleeve to the elbow for maximum ventilation even while wearing a life vest!

The WCJ Long Sleeve Riding Jersey is cut slightly larger than typical shirts including a longer cut torso. This means your jersey won’t ride up your lower back while you’re riding at speed for no unsightly sunburns! Priced at $50 TO $55 USD each (depending upon size), the WCJ jersey is more affordable than other riding shirts and with a shorter turnaround. So equip yourself with the best riding jersey on the market by visiting The Watercraft Journal store HERE.

Strapinno Dual Lock Stainless Steel Retractable Ratchet Straps (pair) – $85.98
Earlier in the year The Watercraft Journal teamed up with Strapinno to see how we might like their bolt-on retractable ratchet straps that mount directly to your PWC trailer. Per our review video, they went on within a few minutes and have been one of the best additions we’ve made in years. Strapinno’s most glowing characteristic is how effortlessly they automatically unspool without tangling and retract with a depress of the rubberized paddle.

Strapinno’s retractable ratchet straps have a spring-loaded safety latch in each S-hook so they won’t bounce loose if you fail to tighten down your strap. Made from stainless steel, all it takes is a quick soapy rinse and a little WD-40 to keep these looking brand new after each dip in saltwater. That’s it! Again, these have been one of the best tools we’ve added to our boating routine and you’d be crazy to wrestle with traditional straps ever again.

The Watercraft Journal’s Premium Hoodie – $41.99
It’s chilly out there, kiddos. When we wanted a new lineup of apparel for The Watercraft Journal we specifically mentioned wanting a top quality, super-comfy hoodie in the lineup – and here it is! Made from a thick poly-cotton blend, the WCJ Premium Hoodie is a unisex design and comes in four wintertime colors (black, charcoal, navy and blue).

We kept things simple and printed the thin-white logo from The Watercraft Journal. We know you’ll enjoy this hoodie, and so will your girlfriend or wife who’ll likely steal it when you’re not looking. The big kangaroo pocket is large enough to stuff your hands into even while wearing gloves, and keeps you toasty even while wearing it out on the lake beneath your life vest.

RIVA Racing 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 ECU Reprogramming Service – $644.95
For the most part, the offshore championship-winning Ultra 310 suffered when it came to run-of-the-mill performance enthusiasts looking to eke out some extra speed on flat-to-mild conditions (particularly when compared against similar full-sized 3-seaters from Sea-Doo and Yamaha). Thankfully, RIVA Racing has made massive gains in a short amount of time with their Stage 1 ECU reprogramming for the ’22 and up Kawasaki Ultra JetSkis.

RIVA Racing published a short clip of their ’22 Ultra 310LX-S running a sustained 74mph at 8,000rpm. And that was just the Stage 1 reflash – no impeller swap or pump wedge was used. Currently, RIVA is working on a Stage 2 package, but for now, the Stage 1 reflash removes the factory speed control (capped at 67mph) and massages the timing curve a little. Currently unavailable for the MaptunerX, all ECU reflashes must be done either by a RIVA partner or the ECU being shipped into RIVA Racing itself.

The Watercraft Journal’s Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit – $695
As personal watercraft have evolved into super-comfortable, feature-laden machines, more and more enthusiasts are using their PWC to explore new places and ride further distances. To help them go further, The Watercraft Journal’s Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System Kit increases your PWC’s fuel range by upwards of 85-percent (depending on model). Engineered so that the least mechanically-savvy could install it using common hand tools, installation requires zero permanent modifications, and is 100% reversible.

This system works on all 2004-and-up 4-stroke Kawasaki and Yamaha runabouts, as well as all 2003-through-2011 Sea-Doos. (Changes made to the fuel pickup by Sea-Doo in 2012 makes use of our system impossible without major changes to the factory fuel system, which we didn’t want to require.)

The kit consists of 9 pieces: a special-designed stainless steel, powder coated rack from Kool PWC Stuff, featuring a patent-pending Z-bar adjustable base lined with Hydro-Turf padding; a stainless steel double-hooked turnbuckle; a USCG-certified 12-gallon auxiliary fuel tank featuring a ventilated locking gas cap, internal pickup and fuel level gauge; two ratchet straps; 11-feet of non-EFI 50psi-rated fuel line fitted with a brass 5/16-inch hose barb; and two zip-ties to secure the fuel line. The Long Hauler Kit is sold exclusively through The Watercraft Journal’s online store for $695.

Brisbane Kawasaki JetSki Wash & Flush Complete Kit – $160 AUD
Brisbane Kawasaki created a signature brand of jet ski was and flush. The products are 100% biodegradable, PH neutral and phosphate free. The Ultimate Flush and Wash Kit includes a foaming shampoo and salt remover and foaming flush and salt remover, a foaming gun and mixer adapter, and two bottles each of the wash and flush are included as well.

The flush is commercial grade, and it works well. It is safe for use on all gaskets, removes salt, and calcium deposits. It also descales the engine cooling system and breaks down deposits that have built up. Simply add the flush to the mixer, plug into your ski, and flush according to your owner’s manual. These products do what they’re supposed to do and that’s to clean your jet skis. Get the whole kit here.

Unlimited PWC Custom Traction Mats & Seat Covers – various
In recent years, we’ve seen quite a few big acquisitions – big conglomerates eating up lots of little shops and vendors. Thankfully, Unlimited PWC has remained strong and able to generate unique, creative and exciting traction mat designs for a huge array of different watercraft makes and models, whether its a 2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R standup, Kawasaki Ultras, STX models and the full-sized Sea-Doo GTX/RXT.

Available in half a dozen patterns and a full spectrum of colors, Unlimited has traction mats for several models and years of PWC regardless of brand. And to that, Unlimited PWC also paired up with Jettrim to design your own Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 and Wake Pro seat covers! Comprised of ballistic nylon, ultra-grade marine vinyl, and non-slip traction materials, these non-slip traction seats can be customized to match the graphics and colors of your PWC.

Sea-Doo’s Heated Grips – $229.99
Let’s just be honest – there’s not a lot of you in Florida or Arizona who are going to need these. Now, we’re certain these would move in California, but that’s only because Californians don heavy jackets and thermal underwear when the mercury dips below 58º. For the rest of us who never-say-die in the face of riding in foul weather, Sea-Doo’s Heated Grips are one of the most welcome accessories we’ve had the pleasure of testing. And no, that is not hyperbole.

Sea-Doo has done a masterful job with its wiring components, making the adding of electronically-charged accessories pretty effortless. Adding the heated hand grips did require a bit more tooling than other items we’ve installed, but once completed, the grips work masterfully (only when the engine is running). In fact, of the five heat levels, the highest (red) was often too hot to enjoy even as we sped along in sub-freezing air temperatures.

Radinn X-Sport Electric Surfboard – (starting at) $9,345
While we’re still a long ways away from lineups of electric personal watercraft, we at The Watercraft Journal have been big fans of the Radinn series of electric surfboards. Sold through major retailers like RIVA Motorsports and JetBrada Inc., the Radinn lineup offers virtually something for everyone: we like the X-Sport due to its super-durable XDL (Extremely Durable and Lightweight) hull. Made from high-impact thermoforming wrapped around a polystyrene core reinforced with fiberglass layers, it’s tougher than most PWC.

Equipped with four fins (skegs) for maximum balance, the X-Sport can be equipped with either the standard 25min. charge battery or the extended 45-minute version, as well as the standard G3 propulsion drive worthy of 27mph or the monster G3 Pro pushing you upwards of 35mph. The X-Sport is a wide, thick board offering maximum stability and floatation, which is ideal for beginners too. Whether you’re a grom or a salty veteran, the X-Sport is our pick when it comes to the future of electric-assisted jet-powered surfing.

Valo Teases Electric Hydrofoil Jet Ski Prototype

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

Oh boy, another wild prototype jet ski is set to hit the market in mid 2023 with the Valo Hyperfoil Founders Edition electric hydrofoil personal watercraft. The complete lineup is on target for 2024 delivery. Boundary Layer Technologies (BLT) created this new hyperfoil and wants it to be first in a new class of ultra-performance electric PWC. The Valo Hyperfoil is a two-seater jet ski equipped with extendable hydrofoils, that give it of rise of 2feet above the surface.

BLT claims it can go faster than any other electric or hydrofoilng craft on the market. The fact that it doesn’t have to push its hull through the water gives it the edge over other electric watercraft. The machine is powered by a five-blade electric propeller, giving it a speed of 55mph. It runs on 80 kw a full battery will get you 1.7 hours of ride time at a cruising speed of 40 mph equal to about 68 miles. It takes over 3 hours for a full charge.

Boundary Layer isn’t new to this technology. They’ve produced zero-emissions hydrofoiling designs for ferries and container transports. They believe they can quickly get the Valo Hyperfoil to market since they already technology in place. The price for watercraft will be around $59,000. With that price, the Valo Hyperfoil sounds like another toy for the superyachts to carry onboard. We aren’t super keen on this design, though it’s an interesting concept.

KSpeed Now Offers Plug and Play Stage-1 Kit with a Spare ECU & Keys

By
JD Brussels
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0

When it comes to performance parts for the 2022 and 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310 Jet Ski, look no further than KSpeed out of Brisbane, Australia.

“We are team of experts that focus purely on Kawasaki 4-stroke Jet Skis. We work, race, ride, modify, and best of all- we go to sleep at night dreaming about them.”

The team at KSpeed was the first to release a safe, high-performance tune for the 2022 and 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310 Series Jet Skis.

After logging more than 25 hours on the Kspeed Stage 1 kit, installed on a 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX-S, this author can attest to the quality and performance of the kit.

At $3,247 USD kit + shipping (price as of publication date) the kit includes a 2-degree aluminum pump wedge, a top-loading intake grate, and now includes a spare ECU complete with a set of programmed keys.

Purchasing the Stage 1 kit with a spare ECU enables riders to swap their stock factory ECU back into the ski, if necessary, while also reducing the turnaround time associated with sending their ECU into Kspeed for reflash.

Read KSpeed’s full release below:

Yes, we can tune both the 2022 and the 2023 Ultra 310 ECU’s.

We were the first to crack this new ECU and get a solid performing & safe tune out in the market and now we are the first to crack the 2023 ECU as well.

Customers are reporting increases ranging from 72mph – 76mph with our stage 1 kit in a range of uncontrolled conditions. Remember that air temp, water temp, rider weight and fuel load all have a tremendous effect on top speed.

In other news: After multiple emails and messages we now also have the option for you to buy a brand-new ECU with coded keys in the package. That means you have zero down time. You’ll receive kit, with your new ecu and keys, simply plug and play – No need to take your ski anywhere to be tuned.

Our DHL Express shipping option at checkout means we can have 99% of our deliveries to you in 3-5 business days Worldwide.

We thank you for your continued support

PWC Runs over Nazare Paddler and Breaks Board in Half

By
Ocean Priselac
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0

Nazare, Portugal has become one of the most filmed breaks in big wave surfing and has turned into a circus because of its notoriety. It shows no signs of slowing down. Surfers flock there for photo ops and to see how big they can go. During the last month the famed break has been lit up with giant mountainous swell filled with tow surfing teams with their jet skis all vying for a spot in the crowded lineup. More and more tow teams are showing up and a lot of these people are inexperienced.

The recent incident shows just how bad it has gotten out there. Last week during a huge swell all the top guys and gals were on the water towing in like they always do. By Sunday, the swell had dropped to a more manageable size, so a group of surfers who were actually going to paddle into waves headed out to have some fun. Skis were still buzzing the lineup near the surfers and a careless driver ran over a guy and his board, leaving the board in pieces. We heard he’s OK though his board cannot be saved.

This avoidable crash created an outcry from some of the regulars and one such guy even gave a stern lecture about the incident saying that if you’re on a jet ski and paddle surfers are nearby, get away from them. There are plenty of waves for all to surf safely. Coco Nogales, a well-known big wave waterman out of Mexico chimed in saying he’s glad people are speaking out about how out of control it has become at Nazare. It was only matter of time before something like this happened. Check out the complete article on Stab Magazine.

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