pwc
PACIFIC
P E R S O N A L WAT E R C R A F T
2017 BUYERS GUIDE
MAGAZINE
KAWASAKI REINTRODUCE THEIR STAND-UP
YAMAHA WAVE RUNNER GP1800 LIGHT FASTER MORE POWER
TRIXX & TREATS
FROM SEADOO
COOL PWC ’S WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 141
DARING TO BE DIFFERENT
PACIFIC PWC 2017 ANNUAL
CONTENTS 144 147
HAPPENINGS
148
RETURN OF THE STAND-UP
154 160 166
pwc
PACIFIC
P E R S O N A L WAT E R C R A F T
PUBLISHER D&B Publishing Ltd Trading as BoatMags.com
MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL Barry Thompson, Editor DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2086 Mob: +64 (0)21 777 355 barry@boatmags.com
News and new products from the world of PWCs.
2017 BUYERS GUIDE The latest releases with all the specs from the big three Yamaha, Sea Doo & Kawasaki..
Kawasaki, the company that first introduced the stand-up has announced the return of the SX-R.
TRIXX OR TREAT
Sea Doo has invented a new way to have fun on the water.
YAMAHA BRING BACK THE GP1800 For 2017 Yamaha has added a new EX Series as well as reincarnating the legendary GP1800.
TEN COOL PWC ALTERNATIVES
Another take on Personal Water Craft, while not been PWCs as we know them, they are pretty cool.
PRODUCTION Design & Prepress: Annabelle Rose Design Mob: +64 (0)27 427 4559 design@annabellerose.co.nz Printer: PMP Limited ADVERTISING New Zealand Doug Dukeson DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2328 Mob: +64 (0)21 772 202 doug@boatmags.com
Printed in New Zealand
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All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is expressly forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.
ISSN 2382-0993 (Printed) ISSN 2382-1000 (Online)
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A S I S E E I T
BY DOUG DUKESON
PWC’S PUMPING AGAIN….. It is little wonder PWC’s are back in fashion. Such universal craft in so many ways. Gone are the days of the noisy hoons screaming up and down the beach, annoying neighbours and other beach goers. Now the average age of PWC owners has increased significantly, losing the cowboy element to a significant degree. There are many reasons more mature aged people are looking at PWCs as an option. One is the easy storage options as houses and yards get smaller, or loads of adrenaline filled fun times, easily enjoyed with the whole family at the beach towing tubes water skiers. There is also the growing PWC fishing trend, easily to clean, easy to manage on one’s own, easy to tow with most family cars, no need for a truck to tow these babies, as well as economical to run and now reasonable quiet to complete the package. In fact, I have just gone through the process of researching and choosing a PWC model to meet mine and my family’s boating needs for the coming season. With so many models, from two-seaters to three seaters, different horsepower choices, various features and options and of course, the pricing to throw into the equation, it was not an easy decision. Having purchased a Sea Doo two seasons ago (GTR 215), I decided to look into the Yamaha camp this time up (Kawasaki will obviously on my shopping list next time up ) Even looking at the Yamaha Waverunner selection had my head whirling. So I had to be sensible about this and look at what I needed - which was a unit that could tow the family on tubes and wakeboards and get me out for a quick fish, have a reasonable fuel range and storage capacity. Driving an Isuzu D-MAX, the towing weight aspect did not come into the equation and in fact, I had to ensure I had something on the trailer with some height, to ensure I remembered it was on the back. So with my budget, negotiated and set with the ‘financial controller’, it was time to go shopping. What could I get for my $$$? With eleven Yamaha models to choose from, there is a craft to suit everyone. After working it all out on a spreadsheet, I managed I came down to three on my three seater shortlist…
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EX Deluxe: Budget and sensibility pushed me towards this model, which is also light, nimble and well priced. VX Deluxe: Comfort and storage with a large fuel capacity and at a reasonable priced are features of the VX Deluxe. VXR: This is all about excitement and adrenalin, plus the bonus of great storage, fuel capacity and plenty of power, but a little more expensive than the other two. All shortlisted models came with tow hooks and Yamaha’s RIDE technology, offering reverse and traction control, which was on my must list for ease of collection of crashed wakeboarders and tubers. It then came down to bang for the buck, something I looked carefully at. The three skis could all do the job, but the petrol head in me finally pulled me across to the VXR (1812cc / 4 cylinder / 4 stroke) – the fasted naturally aspirated PWC in the world. It was not just the power that won me over, the VXR comes with a generous 70-litre fuel capacity and 93 litres of storage. To be fair so did the EX Deluxe, but the EX Deluxe and VX Deluxe are powered by Yamaha’s new TR1 engine (1049cc / 3 cylinder/ 4 stroke). A great engine, but I felt I just might need the extra torque of the larger engine when towing 3 – 4 large teenagers on a tube, and OK, I admit it, I’m a petrol head. There where a couple of other nice little features like the security of the low RPM Transmitter, to allow newer riders experience the beast without all the horsepower at their finger tips. This decision did come at a cost, being a slightly more expensive unit than the VX Deluxe ($4,000). Hmmm, a little smooshing with the financial controller required here, with much justification and smiles to get the extra spend across the line!!! The whole family seem happy with the decision and we look forward to many hours out on our beautiful waterways this season. As stated in Yamaha’s current WaveRunner advert, in NZ alone we have 14,000km of coastline, over 180,000km of rivers and 3,820 lakes. See New Zealand like never before and what better way than on a PWC. Happy adventures
N E W S
YAMAHA JETSPORTS SERVICE CENTRE OPENS IN AUCKLAND Auckland Yamaha PWC owners now have a new dedicated shop catering for all sales and service of Yamaha Waverunners. Alongside the hugely popular Family Boats, the new Yamaha Jetsports Service Centre has everything for the Waverunner owner at 7C Trugood Drive, East Tamaki. The purpose-built facility and Yamaha certified technicians offer the highest level of workmanship possible to keep your investment running and in excellent condition. They are the only specialist Yamaha WaveRunner dealer in Auckland and have a full range of genuine Yamaha WaveRunner parts. Yamaha Jetsports Service Centre, Sean Ph 274 2424, service@yamahajetsports.co.nz
ULTIMATE FISHING ACCESSORY FROM SHORELINE TUBBIES The Shoreline Tubby is the ultimate accessory for your PWC. Specifically designed for those searching for more storage and stability, the Shoreline Tubbies transform your craft into the ultimate stable fishing platform. Multiple rod holders, cutting boards and even a built in live bait tank all at your finger tips Do you need more room for the tent, BBQ and extra fuel or are you after the extra stability and confidence to take an extra passenger on board, the Shoreline Tubby drastically enhances stability and storage. They are available to fit Yamaha, Sea Doo and Kawasaki jet skis and are an easy retro fit. The tubbies aresecured with an over-centre toggle latch system and L pin locking mechanism. This means they are securely fastened but also very easy to remove when not required. The bottom surface of the Tubby’s sit only slightly lower than the craft’s bond rail, which means they only make contact with the water when stationary or at very low trawling speeds. The advantage of this design means no loss of performance and turning agility when traveling at high speeds. shorelineyamaha.com.au
RIDE FOR MELANOMA 2017 The 2017 Yamaha Melanoma New Zealand Ski-NZ ‘Max’ will be an adrenaline packed adventure on personal watercraft travelling via some of the most amazing coastline and scenery that New Zealand has to offer. If you are an adrenaline junkie or explorer then this is 2017’s must do event. (4th-18th March). Raise funds for Melanoma New Zealand and ride with the Yamaha Ski-nZ ‘Max” from Invercargill via Stewart Island to Akaroa up the East Coast then Wellington to
Auckland up the West Coast. Invercargill to Akaroa is open to allcomers. Entry on the Wellington to Auckland sector which is longer, rougher, meaner and tougher is subject to approval of event
organisers. New Zealand has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world. Help Melanoma New Zealand to support people with melanoma and raise awareness. Event Director Jeremy Burfoot, E: Burfoot@xtra.co.nz, Ph: 021 213 2056 WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 145
N E W S
KIWI WINS TWO WORLD TITLES Young Kiwi rider Tayne Lemon recently showed just how good he is with wins in the recent 2016 quakysense World Finals. Held at Lake Havasu, Tayne took out two world titles, taking top spot in both the AM Lites class and PRO/AM Lites class. Both are for stock skis, other than handling parts, with Tayne riding a 2016 Yamaha Waverunner Superjet. He has been to the world finals twice before (2013 & 2015) with his best finishers being runner up in the Lites and Open classes. The two world titles backed up a top local season with wins at the PWC Nationals in both Lites and Stock. He also took out the sought after NZ Rider of the Year award and was winner of sickest trick at the Yamaha festival of free ride. For more on Tayne you can follow him on facebook Tayne Lemon Racing or www.taynelemon.com
146 PACIFIC PWC 2017
2016 PWC BUYERS GUIDE Model
HP Engine Displ Aspiration Storage Fuel Weight Persons
Yamaha do not publish horsepower
YAMAHA GP 1800 FX Cruiser SVHO FX SVHO EX EX Deluxe VXR FX Cruiser HO FX HO VX Limited VX Deluxe Superjet
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 2-Stroke
1812 1812 1812 1049 1049 1812 1812 1812 1049 1049 701
SC SC SC NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
93.2L 125.5L 125.5L 30L 30L 93.2L 125.5L 125.5L 93.2L 93.2L NONE
70L 70L 70L 52L 52L 70L 70L 70L 70L 70L 18L
349kg 397kg 397kg 280kg 280kg 348kg 377kg 376kg 303kg 303kg 139kg
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1
SEA DOO GTX Limited 300 GTX Limited 260 RXP-X 300 RXT-X 300 GTR 215 Wake Pro 215 Wake 155 GTX 155 GTI Limited 155 GTI SE 155 GTI 130 GTS 130 Spark Trixx
300 260 300 300 215 215 155 155 155 155 130 130 60
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke
1630 1503 1630 1630 1503 1503 1503 1503 1503 1503 1503 1503 899
SC SC SC SC SC NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
162 L 63 L 116 L 162 L 116 L 162 L 116 L 116L 116L 116 L 116 L 116 L 1.6 L
60L 70L 60 L 60 L 60 L 60 L 60 L 162 L 60L 60 L 60 L 60 L 30 L
412 kg 471 kg 386 kg 415 kg 363 kg 406 kg 363 kg 399 kg 272 kg 359 kg 359 kg 355 kg 184 kg
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2/3
KAWASAKI Ultra 310LX Ultra 310R Ultra 310X SE Ultra 310X Ultra LX 160 Ultra STX-15F SX-R
310 310 310 310 160 160 160
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke
1498 1498 1498
SC SC SC
212L 212L 212L
78L 78L 78L
487kg 475kg 477kg
3 3 3
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke
1498 1498 1498 1498
SC NA NA NA
212L 200L 89L
78L 78L 62L 23L
477kg 423kg 383kg 250kg
3 3 3 1
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E H T F O N R U T RE
P U D N A T S
148 PACIFIC PWC 2017
K A W A S A K I , T H E C O M PA N Y W H O F I R S T I N T R O D U C E D T H E S TA N D U P J E T S K I 4 3 Y E A R S A G O , H A S J U S T ANNOUNCED THE RETURN OF THE JETSKI SX-R. Surprisingly, very little was needed to make the new SX-R a reality, particularly as it uses many off-ofthe-shelf parts. Take the engine for example: Directly lifted from the STX-15F, the new SX-R is powered by same digitally fuel injected 1498cc four-stroke, four-cylinder engine already in use for the past 13 years. Even its 60mm throttle body employs a mechanical throttle cable – no flyby-wire here. The oil collector/separator and composite resin-type intake manifold
(taken from the supercharged 310X), are existing factory bits too. The waterbox though, is a narrowed piece that runs inside of the tray’s left rail. Once inspired by the Ninja ZX-14R, the tried-and-true 1.5-liter weighs a spine-snapping 208-pounds when fully dressed, and accounts for much of the 2017 SX-R’s (unconfirmed) 550-pound heft. Inside information had it that hopes of the new 998-pound, 1,000cc fourcylinder, four-stroke from the new
Ninja H2 could be re-engineered in time to meet the tight timeline imposed by Japan. Unfortunately, the SX-R was destined to be revealed at the 2016 IJSBA World Finals, and the new engine simply wouldn’t be ready in time. Nevertheless, the new SX-R produces a blistering naturally-aspirated 160-horsepower, exactly double that of the previous SX-R, making it “the quickest and most agile personal watercraft in Kawasaki’s lineup,” not to mention the fastest factory-built
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PWC to date with an unconfirmed top speed of 63mph. Propulsion is handled by a direct drive axial-flow jet pump driving an oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade 148mm impeller for powerful acceleration. The intake grate is based off of the Jet Ski 800 SX-R model design but the length was increased to provide more efficient water intake. The steering nozzle has a 102mm nozzle length and 87mm nozzle diameter to provider the rider with smooth, easy operation. The 2017 SX-R was birthed in a surprisingly short amount of time. According to sources inside Kawasaki, the new SX-R is in some degree, based off of a prototype first developed by trusted Kawasaki standup designers Minoru Kanamori and Craig “Fuzzy” Boyd nearly a decade ago. stating, “one day the Japanese pulled [the prototype] off of the rack, crated it up and shipped it off to Japan.” Once there, a hull manufacturer was tapped to create 150 PACIFIC PWC 2017
a hull that could handle the weight and power, as well as be easy to ride, yet “capable of carving through a competition buoy course.” Designed to accommodate the bigger four-stroke engine, the hull measures 106 inches long by 30 inches wide, greatly increasing the footprint on the water. Aft mounted sponsons contribute to the performance of the ride. The V-shape hull was designed using data collected from Kawasaki watercraft racing activities to provide the best platform for cornering. The hull also is more buoyant, sitting higher
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on the water line than Kawasaki’s previous stand-up models. Photos reveal a ski that rides high on the water on a deeply-straked hull that displays far more STX-15F family resemblance than that of the outgoing SX-R. Shapers even incorporated Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) tiers into the nose to cut down on bow spray, akin to the Ultra. Due to its bulk, the SX-R not only features moulded-in “tubbies” but near full-sized runabout rear sponsons. The tray has been modified somewhat, with a 5-deg downward slope, angling the rider forward towards the bars. Soft, rounded edges at the tray’s opening and deck fins have the same Hydro-Turf traction padding on the inside as the tray’s floor, making for softer, easier reboarding too. Fuel capacity has been increased from 4.5 to 6-gallons, as the new engine is significantly 152 PACIFIC PWC 2017
more thirsty. Another carryover is the in-tank fuel pump and the voltage regulator being shared with Kawasaki’s Teryx SxS. According to Kawasaki, “the engine is mounted as low and aft as possible to help the hull penetrate swells and waves with less shock to the rider.” For newcomers to riding a standup, this level of stability, comfort and ability to soak up bumps and chop will be welcome. Although the large Jaguar-esque front fender flares bespeak that of a larger runabout, the Ebony/ Jet White and iconic “Kawasaki Green” livery shouts “JetSki” from the rooftops. The final direct “parts shelf” carryover is the use of the same handle pole as the JetSki SX-R 800, but with what Kawasaki calls “additional reinforcements.” The handle pole chin pad incorporates amber and red fuel and engine warning lights (respectively) to “inform the rider when the vehicle is
low on fuel or if there is a problem with the engine,” although there is no actual analog fuel gauge. The SX-R employs a pair of anticorrosion motocross-style handlebars and a slim handlebar pad. In the tray, there is a keyed magnetic ignition switch allowing the rider to check the fuel warning light when turned to the “ON” position. It also serves as a handy theft deterrent. Believe it or not, the 2017 SX-R also features non-waterproof storage located under the handle pole, attached to the hood. The rubberised netting is large enough to store a tow rope, GoPro camera, emergency flares, or other items. Unfortunately the SX-R won’t be able until early next year, so until that time, we will have to wait and see if the resurrected 2017 Kawasaki SX-R JetSki is the returning king of jet skiing, or the emperor’s new clothes.
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FUSION STEREO ACTIVE PORTABLE WATERSPORTS STEREO The world’s first purpose-built portable watersports stereo. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, Stereoactive is packed with features. The Puck locking mechanism securely fixes Stereoactive in place, even in the event of capsizing. In the unlikely event that it does become detached from the Puck mount, both Stereoactive and Activesafe float, keeping the stereo and valuables safe from the depths below. Stereoactive is capable of streaming audio via Bluetooth from any popular music service such as Pandora or Spotify, from a compatible A2DP Bluetooth enabled device or playing music with the built-in AM/FM tuner. The unit also contains a waterproof cavity designed to provide secure housing for a low profile USB for MP3 playback, while keeping the flash drive waterproof and IPx7 safe With a long-life battery, Stereoactive will keep the music playing for up to 20 hours and the type-A USB port also provides playback and charging for Apple iPhone lightening connector products and Android AOA devices.
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S E A - D O O I N V E N T S A N E W W AY T O H AV E F U N O N T H E W AT E R . B Y C H R I S B E AT T I E
Trix tre 154 PACIFIC PWC 2017
xx & eats WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 155
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THEY COULDN’T COME UP WITH ANYTHING NEW IN THE WORLD O F P E R S O N A L W AT E R C R A F T, T H E Y … W E L L , S E A - D O O AT L E A S T, D O E S . The location was Tampa, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. The sun was shining, the water was glistening and the 2017 model Sea-Doos were parked on the beach and ready for action. The night before we had been briefed on the new line-up, focusing on the innovative Canadian company’s latest take on waterborne fun. Introduced in 2014, the Sea-Doo Rec Lite Spark range was intended to provide a cheap entry point into the PWC sector and has proven to be one of the company’s major success stories. Launched with a sub-$8000 base price, the Spark has introduced a lot of people to the Sea-Doo brand – and for 2017 there’s a new model to add even more appeal to the range. In Sea-Doo’s own colourful words, the 2017 Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX “not only changes the game, it helps invent new ones.” Utilising the same lightweight Polytec hull as the rest of the Spark line-up, the 160kg TRIXX has a trick or two – pardon the pun – up its sleeve in the form of a new jet nozzle that allows it to perform ‘tail stands’, the onwater equivalent of a motorcycle ‘wheelie’. The nozzle has twice the working arc of the 156 PACIFIC PWC 2017
standard Spark unit, which, when set in the full up position, allows the rider to stand the TRIXX on its rear. Aiding the effort is an adjustable handlebar and moulded footrests at the rear so that the rider can use their weight and the throttle to lift the TRIXX and maintain the tail stand indefinitely. In the hands of first-time TRIXX-sters the new Spark proved entertaining – especially for shore-bound observers, as riders initially found new and innovative ways to catapult themselves into the water, myself included. But within a few minutes, just about everyone was showing off, popping tail stands and generally coming to grips with the fun-focused new power-ski. As I became more familiar with the TRIXX, it was relatively easy to keep the tail stand going, using the throttle and handlebar leverage and even doing turns while keeping the nose pointed to the sky. It certainly adds a new and novel dimension to the PWC stunt repertoire. Powering the TRIXX is the uprated Rotax 900 HO ACE three-cylinder, four-stroke engine capable of around 80km/h in Sport mode, while the base Spark engine remains the 900 ACE, which can propel the rest of the range to around 65km/h. Both engines employ
Sea-Doo’s exclusive Closed-Loop Cooling System for improved longevity and ease of maintenance. While the TRIXX comes standard with SeaDoo’s excellent iBR braking and reversing system, plus the Extended Range Variable Trim System (VTS), buyers can option-up their standard Sparks with iBR, a Convenience Package that includes a front storage bin, a reboarding step and an anti-theft Digitally Encoded Security System. Buyers can also specify whether they want two- or three-up configurations. There is also an expanded range of Spark accessories available, including a Tow Pro package, Chill Shade and Side Protectors. What the TRIXX – and the Spark range as a whole – lack in outright power and speed, they make up for with their nimble handling and sheer ‘fun factor’. With their lightweight and responsive hull, they can be thrown around with a level of ease that makes them ideal for PWC novices. Indeed, I’m told by the Sea-Doo people that since the Spark was launched, it has “re-energised” the PWC sector, with more than 50 per cent of buyers being first-timers, which has to be a good thing. For the more athletic, I’m confident we’ll see
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a whole new catalogue of manoeuvres added to the TRIXX bag of tricks over coming months. Spark recommended retail pricing ranges from $7599 for the base Spark 2up 60 to the range-topping TRIXX 2up 90 at $10,099. In other new developments for the 2017 range, Sea-Doo says its versatile GTS and GTI family-focused models are now the lightest and most fuel-efficient of any full-size PWCs on the market, with new weight-reducing Polytec hulls powered by the 900 HO ACE engine. Fuel savings of up to 30 per cent are quoted. And speaking of engines, the company unveiled a new Rotax 1500 HO ACE engine. The 1500 HO ACE offers more mid-range performance, produces 15 more horsepower than the previous generation and is optimised for regular ULP. A new low-maintenance supercharger provides the extra oomph for the new engine, which powers the GTR-X 230, GTR 230, WAKE PRO 230 and GTX Limited 230 models. The GTR-X 230 also extends the brand’s
X-package offering to a new model and includes the exclusive Ergolock system, with scalloped flanks that allow riders to hang on with less effort in tighter turns. Based on my experience with the TRIXX, I’m predicting we’ll be seeing a lot of them entertaining beachgoers this summer. My only concern would be that riders will need to be acutely aware of their surroundings, especially on more crowded waterways, where swimmers are nearby. With PWCs already vulnerable to bad press, it’s important to ensure that riders behave responsibly near other water users, especially for the young or inexperienced. Meanwhile, the 2017 models will be arriving at Sea-Doo dealers from October. Recommended pricing ranges from the base GTI 90 at $12,999 to $23,799 for the performance-focused RXT 300X. For a complete view of the 2017 Sea-Doo watercraft line-up, go to sea-doo.com.
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2017
T S E T A L R E N N U R E V A W P U E N I L
YA M A H A H A S I N T R O D U C E D I T S 2 0 1 7 WAV E R U N N E R L I N E T H AT I N C L U D E S T H E EXCITING NEW EX SERIES, AS WELL AS A NEW R E I N C A R N AT I O N O F YA M A H A’ S L E G E N D A RY G P RACING SERIES, THE GP1800. WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 161
AHA YAM017 2 UP LINE
The EX Series are an affordable entry-level model that is certain to go head-to-head with Sea-Doo’s Spark. Until now, Yamaha had resisted entry into the so-called “Rec Lite” category, that smaller, more affordable niche practically defined by the Spark. Instead, the brand continued to make a good argument for the existing V1 series, noting the perennial best-selling design (this was the VX line until just recently) competed quite well on price given most Spark consumers optioned up to a bigger engine and three-passenger capacity. For 2017, however, the company has made the bold move to retire the popular V1 design and allow the recently refashioned VX move to a more midrange positioning. That leaves the door open for the all-new EX platform, a three-model series that is lighter, shorter, and more affordable than any three-passenger craft the brand has ever produced. The design brief was straightforward: Blend all the advanced technology, superior performance and handling, exclusive innovations and sheer reliability for which WaveRunners are renowned the world over. But in a genuinely more affordable 3-seater package. The EX models are powered by Yamaha’s TR1, 3-cylinder marine engine, introduced last year, although tweaks have been made to the exhaust manifold, muffler, and powertrain. Despite its punchy torque and impressive power, this plucky motor is 40% smaller, 20% lighter, and provides better fuel economy than the previous 4-cylinder Yamaha MR-1 engine. What’s more, its 50L fuel tank is nearly double the capacity of competitive models in this category. Yamaha claims the engine is 14% more fuel-efficient than the Spark, and with the larger fuel capacity, offers 47% better range. Notably, it also produces 100 hp, which gives a top speed of around 50 mph, while displaying impressive acceleration and midrange power. 162 PACIFIC PWC 2017
The EX DeLuxe features Yamaha’s unique and exclusive RiDE system, with the industry’s first dual handlebar throttle levers that deliver new levels of precision and control, whether you’re moving forwards, in reverse - or just having fun carving some turns. RiDE could not be more intuitive. The right handlebar lever is forward. The left is reverse. At speed, the left handlebar lever will also slow you down. Release both right and left levers and the watercraft is in neutral. No shifting. No gears. The only thing to think about is how much fun it is to RiDE. The RiDE system is now a standard feature on all WaveRunner models, except the EX and SuperJet.
The Legends Returns Over many years, Yamaha’s GP models - the GP1200 and GP1300R - forged an unbeatable reputation among serious racers the world over. This heritage is now exploited and re-born in the shape of a brand new highperformance model, the GP 1800. The answer to any performance enthusiast’s prayer, it’s a great-looking, super-powerful machine with a strong, agile hull and the ability to respond to the rider’s every command precisely and predictably. Born out of Yamaha’s race heritage, the GP1800 is designed for closed-course racing and experienced high-performance
THE EX MODELS ARE POWERED BY YAMAHA’S TR-1, 3-CYLINDER MARINE ENGINE.
enthusiasts. It is the quickest, fastest, most precise handling WaveRunner that Yamaha has ever designed. To be fair, the GP1800 is not radically new, but a combination and tweaking of existing parts. The hull/deck combo is mostly borrowed from the sporty VXR, meaning you’ll get that craft’s defined hull strakes, soft bow chines and race-proven keel. Below the saddle resides the potent 1.8-liter Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) featured in the (now departed) FZR. The engine offers the most torque of any Yamaha offering. That power comes into play once you look more closely at the materials list. Yamaha fabricated the GP hull and deck from the second generation of its proprietary NanoXcel hull material, meaning the combo has dropped significant weight. At 769 pounds, the GP1800R weighs in a full ten kgs less than the FZR it replaces, while upping horsepower. Returning for 2017 is the FX Series that combines impressive performance levels with ultimate luxury. This line-up includes the FX SVHO, FX Cruiser SVHO, FX HO and FX Cruiser HO. Completing Yamaha New Zealand’s line-up for 2017 is the feature rich but value-packed VX Series, the raceperformance VXR, and of course the famous Yamaha SuperJet. www.yamaha-motor.co.nz
RETURNING FOR 2017 IS THE FX SERIES THAT COMBINES IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE LEVELS WITH ULTIMATE LUXURY.
THE LEGENDARY SUPERJET STAND UP HAS IMPRESSIVE POWER AND ACCELERATION FROM A RACE-BRED 2-STROKE ENGINE.
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THE GP1800R WEIGHS IN A FULL 10 KGS LESS THAN THE FZR IT REPLACES, WHILE UPPING HORSEPOWER.
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THE ALL-NEW YAMAHA WAVERUNNER FX CRUISER HO With 14,000km of coastline, over 180,000km of rivers, and 3,820 lakes, there’s more to the land of the long white cloud than land. And all you need to unlock it is the all-new Yamaha Waverunner FX Cruiser HO. Take your seat, explore what’s on your doorstep in comfort and style, and see New Zealand like never before.
SAME PLANET. DIFFERENT WORLD. /YamahaMarineNZ
yamaha-motor.co.nz
10
COOLEST ALTERNATIVE PWCS
01
STRAND CRAFT V8 WET ROD LUXURY JET SKI
Image by Stand Craft USA 166 PACIFIC 166 PACIFICPOWERBOAT PWC 2017JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
This cool watercraft is crafted to appear like a miniature yacht. It screams opulence. It is definitely not an ordinary jet ski. Its 5.7 liter V8 engine cranks out 300 hp. It reaches a top speed of 65 mph. The aesthetics of this jet ski are similar to those of a Rolls Royce.
W H AT I S A P W C ? W E A L L K N O W I T S TA N D S F O R P E R S O N A L WAT E R C R A F T O R J E T S K I S A S T H E Y A R E A L S O K N O W N , A N D W E A S S O C I AT E T H E M W I T H B R A N D S S U C H A S YA M A H A , S E A D O O A N D K AWA S A K I . H O W E V E R I F Y O U TA K E T H E P W C A N A C R O N Y M A S T E P F U R T H E R , T H E N M AY B E W E S H O U L D C O N S I D E R O T H E R F O R M S O F P E R S O N A L WAT E R C R A F T T H AT W H I L E B E I N G R E M O V E D F R O M W H AT W E S E E A S A P W C , A R E C O O L WAY S T O C R U I S E O N T H E WAT E R . S O M E G O U N D E R AND SOME EVEN TRANSFORM TO LAND VEHICLES, BUT ONE T H I N G F O R S U R E T H E Y A R E A L L V E RY C O O L ! Y O U M I G H T B E SURPRIZED TO KNOW THERE ARE PLENTY OF CUSTOM DESIGNS AVA I L A B L E I F Y O U H AV E T H E M O N E Y. W E L O O K AT T E N O F T H E C O O L E S T P W C A LT E R N AT I V E S I N T H E W O R L D .
02 GIBBS QUADSKI XL This high-speed amphibian is offered by Gibbs Sports, a brand that is well-known for its engineering inventiveness. Powered by BMW K1300cc 4-stroke in-line four cylinder engine, Gibbs Quadski is first highspeed sports amphibian.
03 SILVEIRA GREEN SAMBA XRS
This lightweight watercraft is powered by electricity. With this jet ski, you can reach a top speed of 65 mph. There is no noise and no pollution. It is powered by a series of onboard batteries and is made of carbon-fibre.
WWW.BOAT MA GS.C O M 167
04 SEABREACHER DOLPHIN JET SKI
Named Seabreacher, the manual enclosed Dolphin jet ski is manufactured by Innespace. This recreational boat comes on a trailer which you can tow with any light weight SUV. On the surface it can reach speeds of 40 mph and underwater 20 mph.
05 FOILJET MR1 HYDROFOIL This cool personal watercraft concept offers the best features of a jet ski and a motocross bike. It has two hydrofoils and a silent, energy efficient electric motor. The 15 kW electric motor is housed at the end of the rear beam..
06 EXO ELECTRIC JET SKI
This sleek and eco-friendly jet ski concept is powered by electricity. You can choose between 3.5 kWh motor, 4.5 kWh motor and 7 kWh motor. Its aerodynamic low profile design has won the admiration of many experts in the industry.
07
SEABOB CAYAGO UNDERWATER JET SKI This cool underwater jet ski can propel you through water at speeds of up to 9 mph. Its onboard computer display shows you water temperature, power usage, depth and speed. It is set to a maximum depth of 2.5 meters.
168 PACIFIC PWC 2017
08 SEA-DOO 150 SPEEDSTER
Four people can travel in this jet ski comfortably. It is powered by a Rotax supercharged 255 hp engine. This watercraft can reach 30 mph from zero in just 5.6 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 58.3 mph.
09 QUADROFOIL PWC
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This eco-friendly jet ski debuted at the 2012 Internautica exhibition in Slovenia. This light (150 kg) watercraft uses hydrofoil technology. Powered by 3.7 kW electric motor, this jet ski reaches a top speed of 40 kmph.
ALUMASKI ALUMINUM JET SKI
This robust jet ski comes with a onepiece quarter-inch-thick aluminum hull, which enables it to handle shallow waterways. Three people can comfortably travel in this watercraft.
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www.protectorribs.com www.protectorboats.co.nz 170 PACIFIC POWERBOAT JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
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ON YAMAHA 2.5–80HP FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARDS.
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*Offer valid on retail engine purchases made between Thursday 1 December 2016 and midnight Tuesday 28 February 2017. For purchases of F2.5B, F4, F5L, F6, F8, F9.9 and FT9.9 receive $150 cashback. For purchases of F15, F20, F25, F30, F40, FT25 receive $250 cashback. For purchases of F5, F60, F70, F80, T60 receive $500 cashback. Cashback redemption subject to warranty registration. Claims to be completed and received no later than Friday 31 March 2017. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Yamaha offer. Ask your local authorised Yamaha dealer for details.
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