As if we don’t enough to worry about, the USCG warns against filling boats with E15 fuel from gas stations. The USCG released a statement on its US Coast Guard Sector Detroit Facebook page Friday warning boaters that the new fuel standards regarding the sale of E15 gas could be dangerous to boaters.
The gas contains 15% ethanol, and is something could easily be overlooked at the gas station due poor labeling. The fuel may not be clearly marked with warnings or labeled as unsafe for marine usage. It may be marked as “regular unleaded” or “regular 88”.
It is not unusual for the government to authorize its use in the summer months to help with fuel economy and cost of gas. As far as marine applications go, E15 can cause engine damage and will void your warranty. It also causes engines to run hotter, increasing the chances of your boat catching on fire.
The bottom line is to pay attention at the pump when you roll in with your boat or PWC on your trailer. The lower price will certainly get your attention, as will the high cost of replacing your engine. Good luck out there and be safe on the waterways. Here’s the original post in its entirety:
Boaters beware!! A recent authorization allowing the summer sale of gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15) at roadside gas stations presents a problem for boaters. This type of fuel is federally prohibited for recreational vessel use, causes marine engine damage, and will void marine engine warranty. Additionally, E15 fuel has been shown to make engines run hotter, increasing the potential of a catastrophic boat fire. Signs or warning labels may not be obvious at the pump as it may simply be marked as “regular 88” or “regular unleaded”. The convenience of filling a tow vehicle and boat at the same time may cause boaters to overlook this potentially dangerous detail. Please ensure the fuel you are dispensing into your boat contains no more than 10% ethanol (E10).
Freshen your summer riding look with some new apparel from Sea-Doo. They have some great new riding gear for those warm days and chilly mornings. Take the edge off from the wind with a new rashguard. The new styles and colorways will have you looking sharp and keep the wind and sun at bay.
They have them in short sleeve and long sleeve for men and women. Men’s and women’s short sleeved rashguards start at $35.69 for a basic solid shirt. If you want to add a little flair, pick up the Exotic Short Sleeve. For added protection of your arms, grab a long sleeved rashguard for $45.89. All the new rashguards offer UV protection and some protection from wind.
If you need a more protection and warmth for those cooler mornings, Sea-Doo has shorties and riding pants and jackets on offer. The Women’s 3/2 MM Exotic Shorty Wetsuit would be great for a crisp spring morning. The men’s and women’s 3 MM Montego Jackets offer extra protection from the elements. They have a front zip and easy wrist opening for easy on and off. The flatlock stitching prevents chafing, which we really appreciate.
Add the fitted 3/2MM Montego pants to complete the set. Sea-Doo’s Men’s Neoprene Riding Jacket offers the most protection and features. It has front zippered pockets and an adjustable hood. They also have the Element Riding Jacket for women. It offers light protection from the wind and has a couple of exterior hand pockets and an interior pocket.
Check out the site for all the new gear including riding boots, gloves, and neoprene riding shorts. Grab some new gear so you can make the most of your time on the water!
Did you know that you could make upwards to $1,000 a month writing for The Watercraft Journal all by putting in an extra hour or two a day worth of work? Seriously, it’s that easy. Because The Watercraft Journal continues its aggressive industry-leading daily (Monday-through-Friday) publishing schedule, we need as much help as we can get to continue to entertain and inform our ever-growing readership. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re hiring!
Right now, The Watercraft Journal needs to fill a very important position: a Standup/Freestyle/Freeride Editor! That’s right, we’re looking for self-motivated, dedicated PWC enthusiasts looking to work with the single most popular PWC magazine in the world to help provide a focused spotlight on our sport’s best freeride/freestyle riders, clubs and events! Here are the details below:
Standup/Freeride/Freestyle Editor Shaw Group Media, the publisher of The Watercraft Journal (watercraftjournal.com) is looking a self-motivated, energetic person to hire as Standup/Freestyle/Freeride Editor. The SFF Editor must have strong ties to this segment of the personal watercraft (PWC) industry, be familiar with proper terminology, technology and persons/companies therein. The F/F Editor should be the “expert” in this subject, and be able to field questions as they come in.
The SFF Editor doesn’t necessarily need to attend each and every event, but personal attendance is strongly encouraged. Likewise, the SFF Editor should be personally responsible for providing most SFF-specific news and coverage, but doesn’t need to be the sole contributor to The Watercraft Journal’s SFF coverage. The SFF Editor will work closely with the rest of the Editorial and Sales teams to develop new feature content and welcome in SFF-specific potential advertisers.
Riding ability, photographic talent or writing experience is appreciated and encouraged, but not necessarily mandatory.
The Standup/Freeride/Freestyle Editor position is a 1099 subcontractor position and will be paid twice a month per a predetermined scale for each written article. There will be a 90-day trial period for every applicant to evaluate work ethic, determination and commitment to providing superior, reliable standup/freeride/freestyle PWC content for The Watercraft Journal audience.
All serious inquires are to email introductory “cover letter” and resume to [email protected].
Our friends at Unlimited PWC have some spicy new handle grips in stock. The Lock Grips Logo handle grips are available in black, green, orange, white, and red. They are 130 x 29 mm, and the locking feature is aluminum, which prevents the grip from falling off. These are super grippy, giving you the confidence, you need when riding hard and fast, even in rough conditions. You can mix and match different colored lock rings and end caps to color coordinate with your ski.
The aluminum locking end caps can be purchased separately. They are available in black, green, orange, red, and silver and look very stylish. The Lock Rings for the grips are also aluminum. They will give your handlebar set up a nice pop and come in black, blue, green, orange, and red. These cost $8 and the end caps are another $12. The Lock Grips Logo are $23. The complete set is less than $50.
If those grips don’t do it for you, check out the Splash, Honeycomb, or Ergo styles. The Splash grips have tear drop style notches to provide extra grip and less slip. The Honeycomb grips come in a honeycomb pattern with a well cushioned grip that gives your hands a little more comfort when riding. The top-of-the-line Ergo grips have a wide design that eases the pressure on your palms, thereby reducing the strain on your arms and hands.
Check out all the grips, lock rings, and end caps on Unlimited PWC. Unlimited PWC continues to be one of the only watercraft parts suppliers with a nearly fully stocked warehouse throughout the pandemic and supply chain issues.
After a one year hiatus, the 3rd annual RPM/Jet Jam Huntington Beach MotoSurf and FreeRide Exhibition returned for the first time since the pandemic, and it returned with a vengeance this past May 7th and 8th. With an average 4-to-6 foot surf report and a mighty strong rip current, the conditions were ripe for a weekend packed with excitement. As part of the Hot Products & Anderson Powersports “Best of the West” Series Presented by Hydro-Turf, this round was particularly anticipated.
The infamous Huntington Beach Pier served as a stunning backdrop for the event as tourists and locals packed onto it to get a better view of the racing and freestyle action. Many riders know that racing in the surf is no walk in the park. The ocean’s raw and uncontrollable power is something that many forget to think about until they are face-to-face with that curling waves.
Timing is everything, along with being able to read and navigate the incoming sets. It didn’t take long for the rumored injuries, both mild and severe, to make their way through the pits. Broken legs and wrists, bruised or busted knees, dislocated fingers, and chipped teeth were common ailments the entire weekend. Ron Kerkes wrote, “Gnarly conditions – tons of carnage. [I] wish all that suffered injuries a speedy recovery. [I’m] glad to come out of this one in one piece!”
Wyland Reden wrote, “Huntington was one heck of a race, multiple sunken skis, and rough racing. [The] surf on Saturday was about 5-to-7 foot with stormy-like conditions; [it] made it very interesting for a lot of people. I was able to take 1st in the Novice Ski Stock class. Hopefully we’ll be back there next year!”
Havasu local Casey Quinn (23x) brought the spectators to their feet when he launched his borrowed Sea-Doo RXP-X off a wave, landing mere inches from the pier pylons. “All of a sudden this massive wave was in front of me, and I knew if I let off the throttle or turned a different direction it was only going to get worse, so I had no choice and went for it and did a full send towards the pier!” Casey managed to finish 2nd with his team mate David “The Leo King” Palmer (23) in 1st in the Runabout Stock class.
Another notable win is Hawthorne, CA native Andrew Cecere (#476) who swept the field in a stunning 1-1 moto win in both 550 Open and X2 Open. Owner and ski builder of Ace Performance, Andrew and his long-time girlfriend Rachel Cummings (#95) are no strangers to the surf, and they seemed right at home while they navigated the waves. Andrew even managed to pull off a barrel roll on his X2 in between motos. He wrote, “Epic racing in Huntington beach this weekend! [I] had a blast in the big swell! Big shout out to all the people that contributed!”
Overall feelings from the crowd were astonishment and awe. Many tourists had never seen or heard of jet ski racing before. The locals were delighted to see the event come back after the pandemic, and having it right in their backyard was something to behold. Local restaurant and shop owners were elated to have the event return, their establishments flooding with visitors drawn to the sights and sounds of the skis.
Dawn Carey of RPM Racing Enterprises who worked tirelessly to make the event happen, wrote, “Thank you to everyone: racers, families, friends, staff, etc for all your hard work with getting to and from the beach site this weekend. This event will go down in history as a tough one for everyone!” By all accounts, the weekend was an absolute success. Surf racing has officially returned to the West Coast!
You wouldn’t leave a car dealership without locking in an auto policy on your new car, so why leave your powersports dealer without a PWC policy? Prices on new watercraft are continuing to rise, and it’s not uncommon to spend $20,000 or more on today’s fully loaded skis. As ridership spikes, so do opportunities for accidents and thefts. Knowing that they are insured from financial liability gives riders peace of mind to focus on enjoying their new watercraft.
Although PWC insurance is not required in most states, Arkansas and Utah are the only two that require it for publicly registered vessels. Just like auto insurance, PWC insurance provides financial protection against injury or damage as the result of a collision and provides reimbursement or replacement if your ski is stolen. A PWC policy can also cover salvage and fuel-spill mitigation if your PWC sinks or is involved in an accident.
All riders are encouraged by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) to “dock it, lock it” and take other basic precautions like removing all valuables and registration paperwork when leaving their watercraft unattended. When it comes to thefts in the United States, Yamaha Wave Runners were the most sought-after ski, accounting for 32% of PWC thefts in 2019. Florida was a hot spot with 942 total PWC thefts- a majority of which occurred in Broward, Hillsborough, and Miami-Dade Counties.
According to the NICB’s latest available ForeCAST Report, on average, there were approximately 12 watercraft thefts per day, 82 per week, or 353 per month across the entire United States. Out of the 539 Yamaha Wave Runners that were stolen in the United States, only 22% or 177 were ultimately recovered. Owners of newer Yamaha models should always lock their skis by entering their PIN within the Connext system. For Sea-Doo, Kawasaki, and older Yamaha owners, remember to remove your key fob, DESS, or immobilizer key from the ski when it is not in use.
When it comes to trailers, many PWC insurance policies provide extended trailer coverage at no additional cost. This means that if a rider’s trailer is stolen from the boat ramp or a storage yard- replacement or reimbursement costs will be covered. Also, if a trailer somehow becomes detached from a tow vehicle and causes a major accident, having trailer coverage will go a long way in insulating owners from financial liability.
After launching, riders should look for a trailer parking spot that is free from visual obstructions. Locking both the trailer hitch receiver and coupler goes a long way in thwarting theft. Thieves love a soft target, don’t become one! Riders who have two skis on a double trailer (and plan on leaving one of their skis unattended while they ride the other) can deter theft by using a steel cable and lock to secure the unattended ski to the trailer. Riders who are docking or mooring their ski ought to secure it to a fixed structure (through the front bow eye) with a coated stainless-steel cable and lock.
According to the 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics report released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard, 5,265 boating accidents were recorded in 2020, causing 3,191 injuries and more than $62 million in property damage. Personal Watercraft were in involved in 22% of all accidents that occurred. Operator inattention and inexperience were the top contributing factors to accidents, while improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure were ranked in the top-five by the U.S. Coast Guard.
An astounding 77% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Riders should ensure to take a state specific USCG and NASBLA approved boating safety course before hitting the water. Insurance companies typically offer discounts and incentives to customers who have completed an official safety course. Many U.S. States require riders keep a valid boaters safety card on their person when operating a PWC. Visit HERE for more details.
If you own a newer ski that’s financed, carrying top-shelf comprehensive coverage will ensure that you are protected from a variety of hazards on and off the water. If you own an older ski and are not concerned about the value of the ski itself, you may consider carrying only collision coverage. Other available coverages include on and off water towing and emergency fuel replenishment.
Many insurers will allow owners to drop parts of their coverage when watercraft are being stored for the winter, since the skis are not being used. Remember that other riders- including friends and family- are not always covered by your insurance policy. Insist that all operators have a boaters safety card and insurance coverage before allowing them to operate a PWC.
It’s important to realize that if a rider’s ski sinks or becomes a total loss due to a manufacturers defect, maintenance failure, or modifications that violate the U.S. Coast Guard’s laws (e.g., removal of flame arrestor or emission control systems) an insurance company has the discretion to deny your claim. Personal PWC insurance often does not provide coverage for racing or the commercial use of a personal watercraft.
Riders should consult a professional insurance agent to discuss coverage options and policy specifics. Geico and Progressive offer a variety of policies to suit most riders. If declining insurance coverage, riders should be prepared to accept full financial liability for any injury or damage their personal watercraft or trailer may cause to others.
We first met Brett Barley years ago at a Red Bull Project Swell event on the Outer Banks. He came to hang out and surf with us during our stay. Brett is a cool down to earth guy living his best life. It’s awesome to see him as a Sea-Doo Ambassador now.
In the April newsletter, he talks about when and why he got into riding PWC. He started using PWC to make it easier to reach the huge waves on the outside during heavy OBX swells. It was better than getting worked while fighting the current and trying to paddle out.
Then in 2014, Brett got into jet ski fishing during the summer months. His favorite time to ride is when the water is sheet glass, and the Cobia are hitting. Barley also enjoys taking his family out for fun on the water and getting stoked on his kids enjoying tubing and riding around.
Otherwise, Barley rides solo and likes to head out to the Gulf Stream. His current ski is the Sea-Doo GTI SE, and he doesn’t often leave home without his versatile LinQ 51L cooler. He carries food/water or sometimes only ice for stowing his fresh catch. It also works as a dry box for his camera gear.
The one thing he’d like for Sea-Doo to add to its list of innovations is a deployable trolling motor, which sounds good to us too. For more on Sea-Doo Ambassador Brett Barley, check out the full article and his socials at Instagram and YouTube. He puts out some great YouTube content. You won’t be disappointed.
Yamaha and Sea-Doo have taken radically different approaches to the flourishing PWC fishing market, but the results are the same: Both brands listened to their customers and responded with a variety of feature-filled offerings guaranteed to get any sport fisher excited about hitting the water.
The 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy ($17,799) is the brand’s flagship fishing machine based on Sea-Doo’s GTX 170 platform and ST3 hull. The 2022 FishPro Trophy holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, measures in at 12.2’ long (146.8’), 4.1’ wide (49.4”), and 3.8’ high (45.3”) with a dry weight of 858lbs.
Sea-Doo’s ST3 hull is molded using BRP’s proprietary CM-Tech process which combines layers of acrylic and ABS plastic sheets with chopped fiberglass matting. The benefit of the CM-Tech process is a hull that is lighter and does not require painting. The ST3 hull promises a stable ride at rest and confidence in a multitude of conditions due to a low center of gravity.
The 2022 Yamaha FX HO JetFish is based on Yamaha’s flagship FX platform. To make the 2022 FX HO ($14,299) directly comparable to the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy, the following genuine Yamaha accessories must be added: the Yamaha JetFish Premium ($1,199.99) package and a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 6” Fish Finder/GPS ($913.89).
That means a comparably equipped 2022 Yamaha FX HO JetFish will have a base price around $16,747. With a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, the FX HO measures in at 11.7’ (140.9”) long, 4.2’ (50.0”) wide, and 4’ (48.4”) high, with a dry weight of 840lbs.
Yamaha made headlines for 2022 by announcing a switch from NanoXcel back to traditional heavy-duty SMC fiberglass hulls. A heavier SMC hull translates to better durability and handling in rough conditions due to the material’s higher density and rigidity. Despite a return to a traditional SMC hull, the 2022 Yamaha FX HO JetFish still has a top deck molded from NanoXcel, and both the hull and deck are still painted.
The 2022 Yamaha FX HO WaveRunners also feature self-draining footwells that prevent water from pooling while underway or out of the water. Other changes for 2022 include a revised ride plate that reduces drag and increases bow lift, and improved sponson positioning that improves tracking through turns.
Powered by Yamaha’s four-cylinder 1812cc High Output marine engine, the 2022 FX HO produces an estimated 180 horsepower. Yamaha’s marine engine features an open loop cooling system that relies on raw water to cool the engine and exhaust. All Yamaha skis include Yamaha’s RiDE – Reverse with Intuitive Deceleration Electronics, which is operated by a secondary trigger on the left (port) handlebar. Only one hand is needed to engage and increase reversing thrust. Other standard features include no-wake mode, cruise control, and trim.
For 2022, the Yamaha FX HO comes standard with a 5” glare-resistant full-color glass touchscreen with Bluetooth & smartphone connectivity, Yamaha’s Drive Control functions, and true GPS mapping (map card is $199) with geo-fencing capability. Operators can now make and receive phone calls through a waterproof microphone array mounted adjacent to the handlebars. For 2022, the FX HO is available with a factory-installed audio system featuring twin 4.5” 50-watt marine speakers and a low-voltage regulator to protect the WaveRunner’s battery.
Comparatively, the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy is powered by BRP’s three-cylinder Rotax 1630cc ACE 170 marine engine producing 170 horsepower. The Rotax 1630 ACE features Sea-Doo’s closed-loop cooling system (CLCS) reducing potential engine corrosion resulting from use in salt water.
All Sea-Doo skis include iBR (Intelligent Brake and Reverse). iBR is activated by a secondary trigger on the left (port) handlebar, but the operator must use the normal throttle trigger on the right (starboard) handlebar to increase reversing thrust, meaning two hands are required for controlled reverse operation. The 2022 FishPro Trophy also includes Sea-Doo’s proprietary iDF (Intelligent Debris Free) pump system. This new system allows operators to clear a blocked jet pump with the push of a button.
The Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy comes standard with a 7.6” digital display with an orange backlight. When equipped with the factory-installed 50-watt audio system, however, buyers can opt for Sea-Doo’s Panoramic 7.8” LCD full color display which includes audio integration, smartphone connectivity, and advanced fuel and speed monitoring.
Both displays include the ability to switch between Sea-Doo’s signature drive modes, including Sport, Eco, and trolling modes as well as various trim and speed-limiting functions. Finally, the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy includes a dual battery setup with a 650-watt alternator.
With a total storage capacity of 39.6 gallons, the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy has ample storage for all your fishing and riding gear. The innovative 25.3 gallon water-resistant front compartment opens by raising the handlebar assembly, giving riders direct access to their gear and stowed items. There is also an easily accessible 0.8 gallon glove box with waterproof phone storage and built-in charging ports. The 2022 FishPro Trophy also includes a 13.5-gallon LinQ cooler with convertible livewell.
On the other hand, the stock 2022 Yamaha FX HO offers 44.5 gallons of total storage capacity, not including the additional 12-gallons of storage provided with the Engel 45 cooler included in the JetFish package. That’s a total of 56.5 gallons of total capacity for a 2022 Yamaha FX HO JetFish WaveRunner.
Yamaha’s large 2.3 gallon illuminated water-tight glove box features a USB charging port as well as a 12v outlet, while Yamaha provides a water-tight modular storage compartment under the rear seat. The large front compartment has a storage capacity of about 35-gallons, while an additional compartment at the rear has room for dock lines and small accessories.
The 2022 Yamaha FX HO was not designed from the hull up as a fishing machine, but rather as a long-distance luxury cruiser. The transformation of a stock FX HO into a fishing machine requires the addition of Yamaha’s FX RecDeck and JetFish packages. The FX RecDeck is a 6-square-foot platform covered in two-tone CNC-cut MarineMat carpeting.
The deck includes integrated tracks and four built-in fold-down cleats that are designed to accommodate a wide range of accessory configurations. The RecDeck also features a stainless-steel retractable boarding ladder. The standard JetFish package includes the aforementioned Engel 45 JetFish branded cooler, two track-mounted rod holders, two RAM cupholders, two fishing rod retention straps, and four track eyelet mounts.
The JetFish Premium package include the same cooler, as well as Yamaha’s multi-use rack, two track-mounted rod holders, two RAM cupholders, four fishing rod retention straps, and two track eyelet mounts. Neither JetFish package includes a Garmin fish finder, although multiple accessory options are available from Yamaha, including the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 6” Fish Finder and GPS ($913.89) or the 2.9” Garmin Striker 4 ($279.95). Both Garmin fish finders include a hardware and installation kit with externally mounted transducers.
The Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy comes standard with a Garmin 7” touchscreen Fish Finder and GPS with a factory installed in-hull transducer (Sea-Doo includes a token for free upgraded regional maps from Garmin). The Ergolock modular two-piece seat transforms into a bona fide pedestal seat with a swivel base and backrest, while specially-angled gunwale footrests provide improved ergonomics.
A grapnel anchor, complete with line and a built-in storage compartment is conveniently located on the left (port) side of the watercraft within arm’s reach. The FishPro Trophy comes standard with a 13.5-gallon LinQ Fishing Cooler that doubles as a livewell. The LinQ cooler is outfitted with a built-in cutting board and five rod holders that mount along the sides. A factory-installed pump (with continuous and intermittent functions) allows you to keep your bait or catch alive, while also doubling as a washdown pump to clean-up your ski.
Sea-Doo offers the convenience of the plug-and-play Sea-Doo FishPro lineup with many innovations not found anywhere else on the market. By offering the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro in three different trims – the Scout ($13,899) the Sport ($15,899) and their flagship ski, the FishPro Trophy ($17,799) Sea-Doo is effectively catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes. If you intend to use your new watercraft only for fishing, the Sea-Doo FishPro line provides the “reel deal,” complete with all the creature-comforts you would expect on a much larger fishing boat.
Yamaha, on the other hand, chose to offer the JetFish package as an optional accessory for their flagship FX line of skis rather than release a purpose-dedicated fishing WaveRunner. Since the RecDeck and JetFish packages are sold separately, this allows owners of 2019+ FX HO and SVHO skis to add accessories to their rides ad-hoc.
Serious fishermen will find the lack of a livewell or fishing seat disappointing, although Yamaha’s switch back to SMC hulls will likely drive offshore anglers to the FX HO JetFish platform. Those who want more power and speed can easily equip their new or existing FX SVHO supercharged WaveRunners with the RecDeck and JetFish packages.
By the numbers, the comparison is tight: Yamaha’s offering comes in just under $1,052 less with 10-more horsepower and extraordinary fuel mileage; nearly 20-pounds less in total weight; 17-more gallons of total storage (including the rear cooler tanks); just a few inches more desk space and identical fuel capacity. Yet, the Sea-Doo Trophy comes back swinging with a king’s ransom of accessories, features and technologies:
The larger 7.6″ dashboard bests the Yamaha’s 5″ touchscreen; the 60-watt BRP Premium Sound system outperforms the FX’s 50-watts; a 1-inch larger Garmin touchscreen with an in-hull transducer versus externally mounted; a fixed grapnel anchor with 100-feet of line; a heavy-duty wiring harness and second battery; a functional live well and deck hose; a collapsible swivel seat; and true reverse-thrust jet pump-clearing system all far surpass the price difference.
While Yamaha’s first entry into the PWC fishing market is certainly a strong one, it’s hard for us at The Watercraft Journal to ignore the sheer avalanche of features and innovations included in the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy that clearly indicates Sea-Doo’s thoughtfulness in hearing and meeting enthusiasts’ wants and desires.
The SBT P1 AquaX Kissimmee/St. Cloud Grand Prix at the weekend, the opening event of the P1 AquaX USA race season, saw Eric “The Eagle” Francis makes an impressive comeback by taking victory in the Pro Endurance class.
When asked what happened to reignite his fire, Eric replied: “After coming off a year of not racing when Covid hit, I was not up to par mentally or physically last year and it took 2021 to get my head back in the game and back in racing mode.”
Young Tory Snyder performed consistently over the two days to take second place ahead of Brian Baldwin.
Proving that age is only a number as he celebrated his 59th birthday, Enrique Chia was victorious in the Amateur 300 class. Joe Johnson suffered some mechanical issues but finished high enough in his first two races to finish second, followed by Todd Czarcinski.
Sam Nehme dominated the Am 200 racing on both days. Isiah Washington was able to fend off Melvin Canals to finish in second place.
The Jr Enduro class made its debut on East Lake Toho with Colombian rider Mariana Perdomo finishing on top of the podium. She was unable to catch Gavin Russo in the opening race but came back in style by winning the next two races. Aged 14-15, the riders competed for 20 minutes in each race on a modified AquaX course.
Sea-Doo was excited to announce a partnership with Australian Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo last week as Ricciardo was in Miami for the 2022 Formula One Grand Prix. While there, he and Sea-Doo filmed a video (attached below) featuring a uniquely-equipped new RXP-X 300.
The unit itself is very clearly a slightly modified 2022 model in Sea-Doo’s premium Triple Black livery with unique touches, including metallic aqua fairings, carbon fiber inlays on the hood, and two-tone mats and seats. Raised “Sea-Doo” emblems adorn the hood as well.
In a piece by Joshua Dowling, WatercraftZone extrapolates that the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 featured in the video is actually a 2023 unit, citing little evidence than the yellow and green accents on the side mirrors and handlebars.
Sea-Doo itself added to the speculation with social media posts stating, “The next level of high performance arrives this August” as brand ambassadors left coy posts on their feeds stoking the flames.
While we at The Watercraft Journal don’t know anything concrete about this watercraft except what can be observed, it’s worth noting that no physical differences from the current RXP-X available today – including the “300” call out on the console and the one-piece sponsons – are visible.
Sea-Doo’s description at the bottom of their YouTube video doesn’t give anything away either:
“We’ve partnered with F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo to bring a fresh Sea-Doo perspective on the world of high-performance watercraft. Bold, unique, with an attitude that commands the water – just like the people who squeeze the throttle. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s coming next! Stay tuned!”
A grinning Ricciardo had this to say at the end of his speedy test ride, “This thing is sooo good.” And that’s pretty much all we’re going to get. It does bear noting that Sea-Doo has a pattern of providing notable celebrities with customized watercraft – in 2019, BRP gifted chicken wing enthusiast DJ Khaled with a tropical-themed GTX with similar fanfare.
As if we don’t enough to worry about, the USCG warns against filling boats with E15 fuel from gas stations. The USCG released a statement on its US Coast Guard Sector Detroit Facebook page Friday warning boaters that the new fuel standards regarding the sale of E15 gas could be dangerous to boaters.
In a 
