BRP, the parent company to brands like Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, and Can-Am, has just announced their engine manufacturing division Rotax is celebrating a groundbreaking ceremony for the new EV research and development building in Austria.
As quoted by the BRP official Facebook page “Our colleagues at BRP-Rotax recently celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for our new EV R&D building in Austria where our electric drive components will be developed and extensively tested. This is a key milestone in our electric vehicle strategy! We are looking forward to offering electric models in each of our existing product lines by the end of 2026. #BRPelectric”
With the previous announcements of the E-GTI concept Sea-Doo – based upon the existing GTI 3-seater runabout platform introduced for the 2020 model line – it rides on a Polytech 2.0 hull (meaning a proprietary-blend of polypropylene and infused fiberglass stringers for added support) with an injection-molded CM-Tech deck. Details pertaining to the E-GTI’s electric powertrain and the charging system have remained sealed from the public for the time being.
BRP also announced, they are bringing back the Can-Am motorcycle with an electric lineup. As stated by BRP in a press release below, “With the motorcycle industry shifting to electric we saw an opportunity to reclaim our motorcycle heritage and to re-enter the market. This new product category is extremely important to us and we are thrilled that Can-Am motorcycles are the first EV models in the BRP electric lineup to be confirmed to consumers.”
This comes after BRP invested 300 million in electrifying across all product lines. As said by BRP, “BRP announced its five-year plan where it will offer electric models in each of its product lines by the end of 2026. To achieve this, BRP plans to invest $300M over five years in product development, specialized equipment, infrastructure, production tooling and facilities”.
RIVA Racing is known for some of the best performance parts on the market for Yamaha and Sea-Doo applications. RIVA has always had their special edition builds, featuring custom one-off anodized components.
Steering stems, handlebars, and so on. As much as everyone wants to get one of these custom-built RIVA machines, they only build so many every year. But they sell countless performance parts for you to re-create the same build!
Now RIVA is starting to offer a large selection of their catalogs in these anodize colors such as the traditional black and now they have added red and blue to the lineup. They have almost everything you can want from throttle levers, high flow fuel rails, steering stems for Sea-Doo and Yamaha applications along with their rear exit exhaust kits and so much more.
With these new color offerings, you cannot only have your built performance watercraft with the best parts that the industry has to offer but it can be uniquely styled to your personality or the theme of your watercraft. To see the custom-colored performance parts along with the rest of the catalog head to RIVA’s website.
Yamaha introduced Run the Water, a collection of videos geared toward inspiring people to discover a different side of the water and to experience new things. The first chapter is titled Above and Below. It features Peter Correale, a professional spear fishing guide, and professional angler Natalie Dillon. They like to chase big fish! Dillon feared saltwater as a child, and it was curiosity that got her deep into the blue sea.
She says, “fishing is about being one with nature and the more you see, the more you know.” Correale is a hard-core free diver and enjoys feeding himself and others with his catch. They ventured out in a 2022 Yamaha FSH Series boat for this video. It is a versatile center console, meaning you can easily go from a fishing trip to wakeboarding with this boat.
The second chapter features Gádor Munta, Marine Scientist, and Rafael Fernandez, Underwater Photographer. Gador started snorkeling at 3 years old and hasn’t looked back. She got her open water dive certification when she was 16 and has since dedicated her life to the ocean. Rafaeal documents the ocean for both educational and scientific purposes. He does this to create awareness and understanding of the importance protecting the sea.
They each drive a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO, which boasts 44 gallons of storage, so the watercraft can easily hold all the dive equipment and camera gear necessary for a day on the water. The FX Cruiser is equipped with plenty with power to get the couple to and from their explorations in the waters off Baja, CA. Check out these inspirational videos and get more information on the featured watercraft on the Yamaha website.
One thing that we have always been sticklers on is protecting our ski from the sun. There are different ways to do that, but one of the more difficult decisions to make is how to protect the seat. Riders want to protect their seat from the sun and other elements, but don’t want to slide off every time they make a turn, hit the throttle or run into a small wake.
We have tested many products before, but wanted to try the Lucas Slick Mist Fast & Easy Interior Detailer. We grabbed a new 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX and gave it a whirl. We also decided to use a Lucas Oil Microfiber Towel, just to keep things uniform.
At the first squeeze of the trigger, we noticed a nice aroma, separate from other products. This actually caught us off guard, but is irrelevant for our experiment. We sprayed the seat liberally, wiped it down and took a step back to view the appearance. It looked clean; very clean. It looked a little shiny but not oily. Overall, we were impressed with the initial observation. But the true test was yet to come.
We took it straight to the water (fresh water) and launched the ski. We had to go through about 3 minutes of “No Wake” and during that time was moving our rump back and forth, forward and back to see if the seat felt oily. So far, so good. Once we passed the “No Wake” area, we grabbed that throttle and pinned it to see if we would slide back – still nothing.
Then it was time for the S-curves. We took this Kawasaki immediately into some aggressive S-turns, intentionally getting the seat and us wet for about 5 or 10 minutes. There was still no sliding around on the seat any more than the first time we jumped on it before applying anything.
In a press release dated August 7,2022, we find that BRP continues to innovate their products and are entering the hydrofoil sector of watersports with their new electric hydrofoil called the Rise. The Rise will allow all skill levels the opportunity to get out there and enjoy the sport of hydrofoiling.
BRP designed the Rise to give more people access to the thrill of watersports. It is easy to use and a great way for the whole family to discover the excitement of learning a new sport together! Full specs coming in August 2023 and look for the Rise to be available for purchase in the summer of 2024.
Read the full press release below: BRP Inc. is taking fun on the water to another level with the launch of the Sea-Doo Rise, an all-new electric hydrofoil board. For over 50 years, Sea-Doo has been revolutionizing the personal watercraft industry, and more recently, the pontoon category. Today, the iconic brand sets out to democratize hydrofoiling. Offering different experiences and providing a variety of surfing positions for all skill levels, this new electric hydrofoil board is perfect for the entire family and for those seeking to rise above the water and enjoy a more athletic Sea-Doo Life. The product is expected to be available in summer 2024.
“With the launch of the Sea-Doo Rise, we saw an opportunity to be the key actor in growing and democratizing the hydrofoiling watersport industry,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. Since we exist to create new ways to move people, we designed our new electric hydrofoil board the BRP way – accessible and easy to use. We are very proud to offer new surfing experiences worthy of the Sea-Doo signature and to add this all-electric product line to our portfolio. The Sea-Doo Rise enables us to address an untapped market category, further positioning the company for future growth.”
The Sea-Doo Rise is one of its kind, cleverly designed with innovative and dynamic features that transform the board as riders gain experience over time. Those who are new to hydrofoiling can choose to ride on the water without foiling, or to partially or fully deploy the wing when they are ready to foil above the water.
Very accessible, simple to use and easy to charge, the all-electric Sea-Doo Rise will provide peace of mind by minimizing worries and maximizing fun on the water!
Full specs are expected to be revealed in August 2023. To stay informed on Sea-Doo Rise news, visit the Sea-Doo website.
Marine slides also known as bunk slides can be a great improvement to a personal watercraft trailer, or any marine trailer. The purpose of bunk slides is to not only protect the hull of the vessel but also aid in removing the ski from the trailer no matter if unloading in the water or sliding your PWC off the trailer and onto a shop cart. These slides make unloading and loading a PWC easier.
Installing bunk slides is straightforward. Depending on the length of your bunks will determine the size you need. For example, as shown, this is a single personal watercraft trailer with 6-foot bunks covered in marine carpet. Although this works fine for most people removing the vessel from the trailer onto a shop cart can be somewhat difficult as the marine carpet has a decent amount of traction.
Since this trailer has 6-foot-long bunks by 3.5-inches wide. Bunk slides were purchased in a 10 pack of 15 inch long by 3 inches wide. Four bunk slides per slide fit perfectly when they are spaced out 3 inches apart from each other. Installation is simple, included with the slides are stainless steel screws that mount in the groove of the slide to protect the hall from the screws themselves.
Once aligned and measured out installation is straightforward by adding six screws per slide and repeating until you have covered the length of the bunk and then repeat on the following side. Since you are drilling into wood it is recommended that you use a pilot hole first and then install the screw.
Once you know the size of the trailer bunks and you have purchased Bunk slides. It is time to install now there are two ways to remove the personal watercraft to install the slides. The first by far is the easiest is take your slides and tools with you to your local boat ramp launch the PWC and install in the parking lot. The other is to remove the ski from the trailer by using a PWC lift sling. Since most people do not have the equipment to lift a PWC the first option is better for most people.
Now that bunk slides are installed loading and unloading your personal watercraft will be that much easier. For more information about bunk slides and PWC lift slings check out these two quick topics from the watercraft journals YouTube page
Get more out of your ride with Sea-Doo LinQ accessories. These products are innovative and will help you be prepared for any water activity. The LinQ coolers can be used to keep snacks dry and drinks cool and out of the way. The coolers also make great storage bins for first aid or camera gear.
The LinQ coolers come in a couple of different sizes and a 5.3-gallon extension can be added to the 13.5 cooler, giving you extra room. The extension also makes for a good tackle box or use it for space for your lunch. Another great accessory that can either save the day or simply let you stay out longer, is the 4-gallon LinQ Stackable Fuel Caddy.
You can stack a LinQ Dry Bag on top of the fuel caddy, but you can’t stack fuel caddies. Sea-Doo has added a couple of boxes to the lineup over the years. Now you can turn the 10L Modular Box into a cooler with the Thermal Insert. With the LinQ Cup Holders, your drinks can be secured to the 13.5-gallon cooler. Drop your beverage into the flexible fins inside and lock it in while you’re casting a line or just chilling.
The LinQ Toolbox is another nice addition to the lineup. It is a durable rigid 5-gallon box that can hold a decent number of necessary tools or other gear. The versatility that the LinQ accessories provide, gives you a ton of options for whatever the day entails. Whether you have a planned outing that involves a fishing trip and a camp out or you’re going exploring, these boxes can hold all your gear. You can be ready for anything with Sea-Doo’s LinQ add-ons.
If one is to dabble in the field of predicting the future, we’ve found it’s best to become accustomed to the taste of crow. Today is one of those humbling instances, as almost half of the predictions made by The Watercraft Journal this year – pertaining to the 2023 models – were sunk. A wholly redesigned Spark? Not yet, buddy. A multi model-sweeping X-Series? Hmm, better luck next time. And this May’s leaked green-and-carbon fiber RXP-X featuring Formula 1 pilot Daniel Ricciardo being a one-and-done custom? Not even close, kid.
Rather, in a surprising move, BRP opted to appeal to the furthermost extremes of some of the hobby’s most polarized opposites: the fuel-efficient, long-distance cruiser; and the edge-of-your-seat, hardcore buoy-cutting racing enthusiast with the new Explorer Pro 170 and RXP-X Apex 300, respectively. These two new models stand alone as the solitary additions to the family of Sea-Doo watercraft, and expands the brand’s already diverse variety of purpose-built products.
Apart from a limited number of new colorations – including the top-of-the-line GTX Limited 300, GTI and Spark models – the remainder of the watercraft lineup are direct carryovers from 2022 in both livery and equipment. This decision allows the 2023 lineup to seamlessly dovetail into last year’s production run, which is still working to complete incomplete models. To this point, BRP CEO José Boisjoli emphatically praised dealers during the 2023 product rollout.
Boisjoli thanked its dealer network for continued professionalism and patience during the last two-and-and-a-half years of production delays and the influx of unfinished products arriving at dealerships. During the invite-only presentation, Boisjoli shared a few examples of the pains taken by BRP to complete units, including booking dozens of 747 flights to bring in materials from overseas, and making over 15,000 engineering changes to streamline and ease production woes.
These efforts combined with the force of BRP’s 20,000 employees gives the company a strong positive momentum leading into the new year. And assisting that momentum are two new machines that speak specifically to two very unique interests. With the aforementioned 2023 RXP-X Apex 300 ($20,999 MSRP). Sea-Doo is offering it as an a 2023-only, limited run that are only available via pre-order with deposits ending November 30th, 2022.
The Apex comes almost exactly as shown in the leaked pictures and video featuring F1 racer Daniel Ricciardo – wrapped in Racing Green and Graphite Gray, and featuring carbon fiber on the mirrors and hood with blacked-out emblems, the Apex is living up to its name. What truly sets the Apex apart from the standard RXP-X 300 (which returns in Millennium Yellow and Premium Triple Black) is the use of a Hydraulic Steering Damper on a reinforced steering column (with three resistance settings).
The adjustable hydraulic dampening action is designed to reduce the amount of rider input necessary to track through chop – particularly at speed – and consequently, reduce rider fatigue. The exclusive Apex also includes both seating options for the RXP-X, the high-backed single seat (Ergolock-R) and the optional passenger seat. Otherwise, all other characteristics of the Apex remain identical as the standard RXP-X (sponsons, power output, weight, etc.).
For those seeking a totally different use of the water, Sea-Doo launches its new “Adventure Segment” beginning with the 2023 Explorer Pro 170 ($16,799 MSRP). This machine shares a great deal in common with the Fish Pro Sport 170, employing the full-sized ST3 platform, the same thickly-padded flat “Touring” bench seat, gunwale footrests, a modified Fish Pro extended rear deck (more on that in a second), and 7-inch Garmin GPS/Fish Finder combination navigator.
The Explorer Pro 170 includes several firsts for both Sea-Doo and the PWC industry like a full-sized removable windshield, a heavy-duty front bumper, a vertically-adjustable steering neck, a LinQ Explore Bag, a standard LinQ multi-cargo rack, and a redesigned rear platform with three-times the LinQ mounts, allowing adventurers to bring upwards of SIX LinQ accessories! The Explorer Pro 170 will appeal to those who want to venture far upriver, down the coastline, and even camp overnight near the shoreline.
For the remainder of the 2023 Sea-Doo lineup, the changes are minimal. Beginning from the Rec Lite and working our way up, the Spark returns with unchanged variations: Spark 2-up ($7,699) and 3-up ($8,899), both with or without BRP Sound), and Trixx 2-up ($8,799) and 3-up ($9,399) also both with or without BRP Sound – all Sparks optional in Manta Green or Dazzling Blue.
The GTI lineup is offered with either a 90-horsepower ACE ($10,699), SE 130 ($11,499) or SE 170 ($12,099) – and is offered in Reef Blue, Coral Blast/Eclipse Black or Ice Metal and Neo Mint, respectively.
The Touring segment consists of two tiers of GTX, the standard ST3-based GTX available either with a naturally-aspirated 170-horsepower ($15,199) or an option of a 230 ($16,199) or 300-horsepower supercharged powerplant ($17,499). All of these carryover from 2022 in the same Eclipse Black and Orange Crush livery.
For the top tier Limited 300 models ($18,800 MSRP), customers have an option of either the Premium Metallic Sage hue or the new Blue Abyss coloration. No changes to these models have been announced apart from the availability of iDF and the BRP Tech Package on the non-Limited models as options.
The Performance segment also carries over unchanged – besides the aforementioned Apex – both the RXT-X ($18,499) and RXP-X ($16,499) returning in either Triple Black or Millennium Yellow. The GTR 230 ($13,299) also continues in Millennium Yellow for 2023 as well.
Moreover, so goes the story for the Wake Pro 230 ($17,499) and Wake 170 ($12,899), both returning for 2023 in Neo Mint. And lastly, the Fish Pro family soldiers on the identical liveries as last year – the Scout and Sport in Gulf Stream Blue ($14,299 and $16,499); and the groundbreaking Trophy in Flint Grey and Orange Crush ($19,599).
The goal for 2023 is to ensure that every pending order and that every new order is fulfilled in a satisfactory time frame. This will take continued strident efforts on BRP’s behalf as well as the tens of thousands of hands who help to make every single Sea-Doo a reality. The listed price increases reflect the strains on the global supply chain and shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has been subscribed to The Watercraft Journal these last few years. We’re excited to see how these new products are received as they speak to very different audiences.
If you’re like millions of people, you like to track your outings and adventures. Whether it’s to share on social media, bragging rights, or myriad of reasons, we like to keep records. Sea-Doo has their BRP Go! app available for download in the Google Play Store and the App Store. BRP Go! adds another level of fun to your Sea-Doo experience by giving you the ability to discover new adventures. You can also find cool new places to explore and connect with friends while using the app. All these things are right at your fingertips when you download and start using the app.
Be ready for anything and never forget your experience by saving your ride stats and discovering new places. You can also customize the journey by adding your favorite stops or areas you want to return to. You can share your rides with friends and invite them on group rides. When GPS is enabled, you can plan your routes, nail down navigation, download maps if needed, and track ride stats. With a one-year subscription, you will have access to a couple of additional map layers.
Nautical Chart and SonarChart are available through in-app purchases. Nautical Charts is helpful in locating navigation aids, marine services, and more. SonarChart gives you all the bottom contours through its HD bathymetric chart. The BRP Go! app can be paired with your display screen so you can see what’s going on. You can grab the AccuWeather forecast, listen to music, and more by utilizing your Smartphone apps. Check out the BRP GO! app now!
Taiga Motors Corporation, a leading electric off-road vehicle manufacturer, today announced it initiated deliveries of its Orca personal watercraft. Taiga’s 2022 Orca marks its world’s first electric personal watercraft sale, as the company continues to ramp up production, furthering its legacy of being a pioneer in the electric powersports industry.
Taiga developed the world’s first performance-focused, commercial electric off-road powertrain pioneering cutting-edge technology to electrify the off-road segment. Taiga’s deliveries of the Orca in personal watercraft are another achievement in its ongoing mission to electrify the off-road segment, the most challenging and demanding vehicle category.
This is a significant moment for the Taiga team because not only are we kicking off summer with Orca deliveries, but we are proudly marking the milestone of the first-ever mass-produced electric watercraft available to consumers,” said Samuel Bruneau, Taiga CEO. “Years of engineering and testing of our revolutionary electric powertrain platform in snow and water has now come full circle, truly changing how people connect with the outdoors.
Mr. Bruneau, Taiga’s Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder. Co-founded Taiga in September 2015 with a vision to revolutionize the powersports industry with electric vehicles that outperform peers without sacrificing the environment. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, he is responsible for the general direction and management of Taiga and contributes to the design and development of Taiga’s products. Mr. Bruneau has valuable experience with the design, development, and manufacturing of electrical powersport vehicles and holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from McGill University.
Original Press Release
MONTREAL, July 11, 2022 – Taiga Motors Corporation (TSX: TAIG) (“Taiga” or the “Company”), a leading electric off-road vehicle manufacturer, today announced it initiated deliveries of its Orca™ personal watercraft. Taiga’s 2022 Orca marks its world’s first electric personal watercraft sale, as the Company continues to ramp up production, furthering its legacy of being a pioneer in the electric powersports industry.
“This is a significant moment for the Taiga team because not only are we kicking off summer with Orca deliveries, but we are proudly marking the milestone of the first-ever mass-produced electric watercraft available to consumers,” said Samuel Bruneau, Taiga CEO. “Years of engineering and testing of our revolutionary electric powertrain platform in snow and water has now come full circle, truly changing how people connect with the outdoors.”
Taiga developed the world’s first performance-focused, commercial electric off-road powertrain pioneering cutting-edge technology to electrify the off-road segment. First installed into its snowmobiles, then adapted and fine-tuned for the Orca personal watercraft. Orca quietly powers through water with up to 120kW and peak torque from zero RPM. Orca delivers reliable, linear power for precise performance, and ultimate thrills of gliding through the water.
Orca redefines the personal watercraft experience with silent operation, powerful efficiency, no engine maintenance and intelligent connectivity. The Orca Carbon model features a unique carbon fiber composite hull hydrodynamically engineered for dynamic handling with leading power-to-weight ratio and stunning customizable color/finish combinations.
Taiga’s deliveries of the Orca personal watercraft are another achievement in its ongoing mission to electrify the off-road segment, the most challenging and demanding vehicle category. Taiga initiated North American deliveries of its Nomad snowmobile in March, made its European debut in April, and supplied units to Québec’s Parks and Wildlife Reserve Agency, Sépaq in May. Taiga was also recently named Fast Company’s 2022 Best World Changing Idea Overall in North America.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Canada congratulates Taiga for this achievement: “Our government has always been a champion for a greener economy. This’s why, last year, we recognized the leading role Taiga is playing in the electrified powersports industry, and stepped up to support the manufacturing of their electric vehicles. I’m very pleased to see this Canadian company beginning deliveries of their first-ever electric personal watercraft. We will continue to support Canadian businesses that are on the cutting-edge of green innovation – it’s good for the economy, the environment, and Canadians.”
Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation for Quebec says: “Taiga is focusing on innovation by allowing users to practice their favourite activity without polluting with this new electric watercraft. For 100 years now, we have been innovating in Quebec by creating off-road vehicles. I am proud that we continue in this direction today with their electrification.”
