Each year, The Watercraft Journal rounds up the best PWC-related products and compiles them in the annual “Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Jet Skiers.”
This year is no different – except that this year, we are quite possibly a little bit later than we even normally are. But as they say, it’s best to save the best for last – or at least late!
In going back through the past 12 months of WCJ articles, searching for the best gifts for this year’s list, there were a few groundbreaking performance parts that were a no-brainer, but we wanted to make sure to cover Christmas-morning-joy for all our readers and listeners, not just the mechanically inclined and the “more power” “feel the need for speed” PWC rider amongst us, so we tried to find a variety of gift suggestions that would appeal to the full spectrum of WCJ family members.
This year’s list still includes the best in performance parts, as well as top-of-the-line gear and accessories that you expect from our Best Christmas Gift list, but we also have included a few unexpected, non-giftwrapable items that might prove to be the perfect gift for the PWCer on your gift list, whether they are old pros or neophytes, and whether they are racers, rec riders or weekend warriors in search of adventure, travel and/or great fishing – or even if they’re you!
So without further ado, and in no particular order, here is this year’s WCJ 2024 Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Jet Skiers:
Impros SXR 1500 Competition Pump – $2,350
Built for riders who demand reliability, durability, and maximum power on the water, the custom-made Impros SXR 1500 Competition Pump is engineered for seamless integration with the Kawasaki SXR 1500 Stand-up ski and is a perfect addition to competitive racing setups or anyone looking to optimize their ride.
The pump features a 14-vane setback setup for 148/75 and 148/83 configurations, specifically built to enhance water flow and thrust. One of its standout features is the dual cooling system, which provides optimal temperature regulation. As purchased, the pump includes bearings, seals, bushing, pump shaft, and tail cone.
To sweeten the deal, Impros offers options including Race Finish (+$90.00), Cut Back (+$55.00), Thin Blade (+$110.00), High Elevation (+$110.00), and Custom Pitch (+$75.00). Also, although an impeller is not included in the purchase price of $2,350, Impros does offer an optional Hooker impeller and extended driveshaft to enhance your performance boost.
RIVA Exhaust Upgrades – Prices Vary
Whether you’re looking for that extra oomph in performance, or if it’s the elusive throaty roar that stock systems just can’t match that you seek, RIVA’s line of exhaust upgrades can provide game-changing improvements with a wide selection of made-in-the-USA performance exhaust upgrades for Yamaha, Sea-Doo and Kawasaki.
Divvied up between 2-stroke and 4-stroke exhaust offerings, RIVA has this back side of PWC performance covered. Increased engine performance, added torque and horsepower, better fuel economy – this one upgrade can provide them all by upgrading your exhaust system can do it all by providing better airflow, and thus increasing engine output.
On the 4-stroke side of things, RIVA carries a number of exhaust product sectors, including exhaust system upgrades, waterboxes, exhaust couplers and outlets, and O2 sensors, and a range of free-flow exhaust kits and rear exhaust kits that deliver performance as well as cutting-edge style.
Jumping over to the 2-stroke side, RIVA carries waterboxes, exhaust outlets, flow control valves, exhaust couplers and outlets and exhaust systems in addition to free flow exhaust kits.
Kawi Performance 316 Stainless Steel Engine Cover Knobs for All Ultra JetSkis – $69.87 for 4
While it may seem a minor upgrade, and an inconsequential purchase barely worth placement in a Christmas stocking, much less earn ranking as one of the best gifts of the year, these little corrosion and rust-resistant engine cover knobs are proof that the little things matter, and good things come in small packages.
Honestly, these bright little flanged knobs caught my attention because more than 1,100 of our readers took the time to visit the article earlier this year when JD Brussels reviewed the acorn nut replacements – I figured that much interest had to hold meaning.
According to the review, all Kawasaki JetSkis include an onboard tool kit with the necessary tools to remove the cover, having to grab the tools to remove this cover (especially while on the water) creates a major inconvenience. Adding a set of Kawi Performance 316 Stainless Steel Engine Cover Knobs gives riders the convenience of being able to quickly and easily remove their engine covers for a quick inspection of hoses and components while on the water, and makes post-ride care a breeze.
Made from premium marine-grade polished 316 stainless steel. With blind threads to reduce salt-water intrusion, and laser engraved with a custom heritage Kawasaki “K” these knobs give any Kawasaki Ultra JetSki a high-end custom look.
Pizazz and Style from Unlimited PWC – Various Prices
Ok, so maybe you can’t actually give someone pizazz and style, but you can take advantage of Unlimited PWC’s dedication to all that is bright and colorful, especially when it comes adorning top-quality gear, accessories and even performance parts. Case in point, Unlimited’s touch-screen friendly X-Light Gloves 4.0, available in neon-bright pink, fluorescent lime green, royal purple and midnight black, matching the eye-opening colors of Unlimited’s life vests, wetsuits, boots and more. Unlimited didn’t stop their color overload with clothing, though. Check out the dazzling accessories like flush fittings, bypass nozzles and handlebar mount switches as well as more integral engine and steering parts like valve covers, oil caps and throttle levers – all with a sufficient bling-quotient to keep you in style.
JetX Off-Season winterization and service packages – Various Prices
If you, or your giftee, are fortunate enough to live within reasonable distance of Woodbridge, Ontario, taking advantage of the top-tier talent at JetX is sure to be on the top of anyone’s list of favorite gifts of the year. The crew at JetX boasts more than 25 years of experience, combined with the knowledge and skills gained from hands-on work and extensive training, to take care of your machine, regardless of which brand logo is stamped on the side – Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Polaris – JetX can get the job done. And don’t fret if you’ve already got your ski tucked away and winterized, JetX also has a slate of Springtime packages to get just about any ski ready for the first ride of the season.
Fuel Tech’s ‘Base Tune’ Seminar – $1,299
If your giftee is more of a do-it-yourselfer, gift them the gift of knowledge, with one of Fuel Tech’s training courses, such as the Base Tune seminar. Offered only a few times a year, the three-day training provides advanced technical training to those wanting to take full advantage of their ECUs. The in person seminar features topics such as “Proper ECU & Component Selection,” “FT Manager Software Feature Introduction,” “Tuning Principles,” and “Base Map Creation,” among many others. It takes place in an intimate class of a maximum of 25 students led by experienced technicians and includes an FT Education Certificate, as well as training handbooks and promotional kits as bonuses. Classes run from 9 AM to 5 PM, include breakfast and lunch, and take place at their site in Ball Ground, Georgia. Fuel Tech also offers wiring and electrical courses for those looking to get more into the hardware aspects of the work. Those can be found on the Fuel Tech Education home page.
Active Jetsport’s SCOM-X – $249.99
Delivering unprecedented velocity for 2024+ Sea-Doo 325 watercraft, the SCOM-X removes the GPS speed limiter from 2024+ Sea-Doo 325 watercraft, allowing the 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 and 2024 Sea-Doo RXT-X 325 to achieve their full speed potential while staying within the original RPM limiter to preserve warranty. With installation, a Sea-Doo 325 will be capable of reaching 80+ mph, or 129 kph+, on cluster and even 81 – 82 mph on low fuel and good water conditions. In addition, a built-in feature enables Sport Mode upon startup.
BRP Uncharted Society Adventure Package – Various Prices
You just might want to save this gift for those who have been Very good this year – or reward yourself! With more than 300 unique opportunities to fit just about any outdoor adventure aspiration, Uncharted Society’s Adventure Packages are the action and adrenaline version of an all-inclusive resort vacation. With the arrangement of the website, you can find your perfect adventure a number of ways; by destination, by vehicle, by ride type (rental or guided), and by duration (Half day or less, Full-day, Multi-day, Multi-hour) – and there does seem to be a little something for everyone. There are a plethora of stateside aventures perfect for a 3- day weekend or quick jaunt – and for those with eyes set beyond America’s borders, there are international opportunities galore, including chilly Sea-Doo cruises in Alaska and warmer ones in Spain, ATVs in Iceland, a 5 day, 6 night guided Ski-Doo adventure in New Brunswick, Canada, Can-Am Maverick trips in the sand dunes of Dubai, and Ski-Doos in Chile – and the package not only includes travel, but use of the appropriate BRP equipment, from PWCs to snowmobiles and more.
Yamaha RecDecs and Add-Ons from Broward Motorsports – $1,199.95 for the RecDeck, Plus Various Prices For Add-Ons
Speaking of adventure – be sure to outfit your giftee’s Yamaha (or your own) with a RecDeck – a platform that extends the usable space on the stern and pairs with a multi-use rack and related lifestyle accessories, as well as some of the add-ons like the RecDec Mat Kit ($151.99), The FX Premium Jetfish Package ($1,345.95), The Yamaha FX Jetfish Package ($559.95) or the The Yamaha FX RecDeck Lounge Package ($659.95). Available individually are the Yamaha VX Stern Mount Storage ($499.95), Yamaha RecDeck Rack Cooler Saddle Bags ($117.95), Track-Mounted Rod Holder ($46.84), and Yamaha FX RecDeck Multi-Use Rack ($672.95).
Brisbane Kawasaki Gift Card – $6.67
And last, but definitely not least, if you just can’t find the perfect gift, Brisbane Kawasaki has the perfect answer – the Brisbane Kawasaki Gift Card. For a charge of just $6.67, you can select a $10, $25, $50, $100, $200, $220, $400, $450, $500, $630, $750, $1,000, $1,500, OR $1,745 – meaning that the opportunities for the gift card recipient to find something perfect for them is nearly endless, with everything from KSpeed Performance parts, Accessories, wearables, towables and more.
