pwc
PACIFIC
P E R S O N A L WAT E R C R A F T
2018 ANNUAL
2018 BUYERS GUIDE
MAGAZINE
Yamaha RESETS THE BENCHMARK
5 TIPS WHEN BUYING A PWC I N T R O D U C I N G G R AT I S – T H E WO R L D’S F I R S T E L EC T R I C P WC
PACIFIC PWC 2018 ANNUAL
CONTENTS
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
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
Alex Ram DDI: +64 (0)9 428 7277 Mob: +64 (0)21 0286 5298 alex@boatmags.com WEBSITE Momentum Marketing Carl Thompson Tel: +64 (0)21 762 275 carl@gomomentum.marketing ACCOUNTS Soraja Thompson Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 accounts@boatmags.com
ISSN 2382-0993 (Printed) ISSN 2382-1000 (Online)
CIRCULATION Gordon & Gotch Ltd REGISTERED OFFICE Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 www.boatmags.com Postal Address: PO Box 132 Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand.
All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is expressly forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.
SEEN & ADMIRED
VANQUISH VQ1 6
THE FUN
purchasing a Ski
140 PACIFIC PWC 2018
MACHINE I T S E E M S T H AT I T ’ S N O T O N LY R AY G L A S S B O AT S T H AT H AV E SEEN THE BENEFIT OF USING A YA M A H A P W C A S T H E B A S I S FOR ONE OF THEIR MODELS. While Rayglass’s uses the body and running gear of a Yamaha PWC for the basis of its Projet RIB, Dutch company Vanquish has transplanted the PWC body into a full fiberglass boat. After 1.5 years of development and many test runs, the first VQ16s have been delivered to their owners. Designed by Guido de Groot Design, the ‘fun machine’ has already received enthusiastic feedback. And no wonder, as the VQ16 offers the best of both worlds: it can bring five passengers over long distances in relative comfort, can be used to transport people from their yacht to a beach club and can comfortably drop people off at a beach thanks to its jet propulsion. The Vanqraft is recognisable as the smaller sister of other Vanquish yachts, featuring similar lines, superior maneuverability, sensational acceleration and Dutch quality construction. The revolutionary Vanqraft VQ16 is a crossover between a superyacht tender and a water scooter. As a tender, the VQ16 is practically unparalleled thanks to its top speed of 40 knots or even 50 knots in the Veloce model. Driven by a 200 hp Yamaha 1.8 L engine with jet propulsion, you can easily achieve 40 knots. Or you might opt for a Veloce version and feel the power of roaring along at more than 50 knots. www.vanquish-yachts.com WWW.BOAT MAGS.C O M 141
PWC TOP TIPS
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN PURCHASING
a SKI W W W. W O O D B I N E M A R I N E . C O . N Z
NO MATTER WHAT BRAND YOU DECIDE ON THERE ARE PLENTY OF MODELS TO CONSIDER. 142 PACIFIC PWC 2018
SAM HARVEY (WOODBINE MARINE) OFFERS SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD ACONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A PWC. If you’re looking to purchase new, the first thing to do is go check out the different brands, see what features each brand has and see what stands out. While a dealer is going to be naturally bias towards their product, be it Sea Doo, Yamaha or Kawasaki, but then you wouldn’t expect anything less. However you need to as yourself two key questions. Will this suit my application and
why should I choose this brand over another. I’m confident after looking at the three brands you’ll be somewhat more confident about what model stands out for you. And if it’s down to two brands, ask for a sea trial. If it’s a second hand ski, check over the ski, look for damage. If in doubt get it checked over by an authorised dealer.
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM 143
PWC TOP TIPS
FISHING FROM A SKI IS A HUGE GROWTH PASTIME.
TOWING WAKEBOARDS IS ANOTHER POPULAR USE OF A SKI AND YOU CAN EVEN ADD BOARD HOLDERS.
BRAND Apart from one, maybe two small International companies trying to establish their name in the PWC market, there are 3 brands. The 3 brands are SeaDoo, made in Canada, and owned by BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) Yamaha, made in Japan, and Kawasaki also manufactured in Japan. Once upon a time, all three of these brands where considered unreliable, thirsty on fuel and noisy, and the “Jet Ski” was definitely hated within the boating community. These days, it’s almost done a full 360 deg turn around, with the switch from 2 stroke to 4 stroke technology from the early 2000’s. That boatie who once frowned upon the PWC, has most likely traded his boat in for a PWC due to the low running cost, and general low maintenance related to owing one. Or maybe he has a ski as well as a boat. Refer to the 2018 PWC Buyers Guide on page 148 for all the models available.
APPLICATION There are so many different applications that it is important you pick the right ski for your intended uses. One of the most popular is fishing, so is their room for all the extras you’ll need, such as rod holders, fishfinder and fish bin? 144 PACIFIC PWC 2018
Maybe you see yourself spending the summer towing your kids on biscuits or skis, so obviously you need a 2-3 seater so you have space for an observer. If you are a petrol head then it might be you fancy yoursel as a racer and then you’ll need to look at both pole skis and the top of the line performance models. Speed and handling will be a very important criteria if you want a top of the line racing ski. The SeaDoo GTX ltd for example will do all of the above, and some, but being the top of the line, it comes with a price tag. These are all very important questions that the dealer should qualify with you, within 10 minutes of your first meeting.
NEW OR SECOND HAND
Most buyers if they have the budget would prefer to buy new, but for a lot of people this just isn’t an option. A second hand ski, given it’s in reasonable condition can be a great option. The two main things to consider when purchasing second hand, is hours. How many hours is on the clock, the skis condition and has the ski been looked after. All this can add up to its reliability. With the majority of the models running 4 stroke engines, you can expect to get hundreds of hours of reliable running time
BUYING A NEW SKI THEN GET ALL THE INFORMATION YOU CAN FROM THE DEALER FIRST. out of an engine. Rental companies have been known to get thousands of hours before moving them on. However based on the average hours done annually, a ski which has less than 100 hours could be considered a good option over one that’s done 200 hours. However this could all be dependent on price. That 200 hour ski could be in perfect working order, but considering its 100 hours more, it should be cheaper. What sort of condition the ski is in can determine how it has been looked after. Has the original owner flushed the engine after using it in salt water? Checking to see if the ski has been routinely flushed could be as simple as having a look in the engine bay to see what condition it’s in. Is there salt crystals all through the engine, or does it look brand new? This would be a fairly fast indicator. One important question to ask would be, has it got service history? And has the ski been serviced by an authorised dealer? Most people given they’re fairly handy with a set of tools can change oil and replace a filter, but what they won’t have is access to the computer of the ski to see whats happening inside the engine, and if its
running within spec. An authorised dealer has the equipment to do this. They have the information to see if there is any safety recalls or upgrades, which could be critical to the longevity to the craft, or safety to the rider.
PRICE Obviously a major factor. As mentioned above, most buyers would prefer to buy new, but some can’t afford it. Don’t let the “I’ll buy second hand to save thousands” fool you, given the right time of year, which is usually leading up to summer, most of the manufactures usually run promotions. Taking this into account you may be able to get into a new ski which would suit your purpose perfectly for similar or even cheaper than a ski that is 4 to 5 years old. Make sure you check out whats available new, within your budget.
WHAT CONDITIONS AM I GOING TO USE THE PWC AND WHERE? Is the PWC going to be used in the ocean or is it in fresh and moderately flat water?. These are important questions to ask, as different models have different hull designs for different water conditions. The right designed hull could chop through those rough sea conditions far better than a model that has been designed for flatter water.
STUCK WITHOUT ONE OF THESE? Become a Coastguard member today for only $115. Have peace of mind each time you head out on the water, knowing we’ve got your back with free assists and more. Before you hit the water hit the website or give us a call.
NEW EIVE RS REC MEMBE
OFF $100OPULAR OUR P KIPPER DAY S RSE COU
0800 BOATIE (262 843) www.coastguard.nz WWW.BOAT MAGS.C O M 145
2018 PWC MODEL UPDATE
WHY CHANGE A GOOD THING FOR 2018 THERE SEEMS TO BE LITTLE CHANGED IN THE MODELS ON O F F E R B Y T H E B I G T H R E E P W C M A N U FA C T U R E R S . YA M A H A H AV E A D D E D A N E W F L A G S H I P M O D E L , K A W A S A K I H AV E R E M A I N E D T H E S A M E B U T W I T H N E W C O L O U R S A N D S E A D O O H AV E U P P E D T H E A N T E O N E N T E R TA I N I N G S PA C E . W E L O O K AT W H AT ’ S O N O F F E R F O R T H E C O M I N G S E A S O N .
YAMAHA’S GP1800 REMAINS ONE OF THEIR MOST POPULAR MODELS.
YAMAHA RESETS Yamaha Motor New Zealand Ltd will reset the benchmark with the introduction of their 2018 WaveRunner line-up, featuring a new flagship model, alongside a fresh offering of striking graphic and colour changes. The 2018 WaveRunner range will be headlined with the new ‘Luxury Performance’ FX Limited SVHO. The FX Limited SVHO is a direct-evolution of the FX Cruiser SVHO; now featuring four flush-mount mooring cleats and 146 PACIFIC PWC 2018
new CNC-cut deck matts, Yamaha’s 3-person Cruiser Seat, RiDE Dual Throttle Controls, Rider-Assist controls and Yamaha’s exclusive NanoXcel 2 hull. The FX Limited SVHO is driven by the industry’s largest capacity personal watercraft powertrain; Yamaha’s Super Vortex High Output, four-cylinder, Supercharged, 1.8 litre marine engine. Power is transferred to the water through it’s “race-developed”
top-loader intake grate and a 160mm highpressure pump, delivering best-in-class speed and acceleration. The new FX Limited SVHO will be available in Crimson Red with Black Metallic. Also for the FX series in 2018, the FX SVHO will be available in White with Torch Red Metallic, the FX Cruiser HO in Black Metallic with White and the FX HO finished in Azure Blue Metallic with White.
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Powered by Yamaha’s hi-output, 1049cc, TR1 marine engine, the new VX ‘Recreational’ range of value-packed, full-size models will be available in two new colour variations; the VX Limited finished in crimson red with black metallic and the VX Deluxe in azure blue with black metallic. And now, having reshaped the entry-level market in 2017 with unrivalled features and value, the 2018 ‘Recreational-Lite’ EX Deluxe
will be offered in an all-new Nova Blast blue metallic and the EX in white with blue. Race-Inspired In its maiden year, the GP1800 rocketed to the top of the podium in international races, heralded by racers and journalists alike as the new benchmark in performance water vehicles. For 2018, Yamaha’s race-Inspired range is led by the Championship-winning GP1800, which is now available in two
colours; the quintessential Team Yamaha blue and the striking torch red metallic. Complementing the Race-Inspired class is the light and powerful VXR, a WaveRunner that has conquered naturally-aspirated race classes around the globe. For 2018 the VXR will be available in a new black with azure blue metallic. Rounding out the Race-Inspired class is the legendary SuperJet, the go-to choice for WWW.BOAT MAGS.C O M 147
stand-up riders seeking raw engagement and performance. In 2018 the SuperJet will be finished in a new white, green with blue combination. Yamaha hits the water as the only manufacturer to offer a complete personal watercraft range; with Luxury Performance, Recreational and Race-Inspired models to deliver a watercraft solution for every rider and skill level. Yamaha WaveRunners are handcrafted in the USA with powertrains built in Japan to deliver the most reliable, innovative and performance packed watercraft on the water. The 2018 WaveRunner range is expected to be available throughout New Zealand from the end of 2017. yamaha-motor.co.nz
YAMAHA’S SUPERJET IS ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN.
2018 PWC BUYERS GUIDE Model
Engine
Cc
Aspiration Storage
Fuel
Weight
Persons
1812 1812 1812 1812 1812 1812 1049 1049 1049 1049 701
SC SC SC SC NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
93L 125.5L 125.5L 125.5L 125.5L 93.2L 93.2L 93.2L 30L 30L NONE
70L 70L 70L 70L 70L 70L 70L 70L 52L 52L 18L
349 kg 397 kg 397 kg 397 kg 37 6kg 348 kg 303 kg 303 kg 280 kg 280 kg 139kg
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1
Yamaha do not publish horsepower
YAMAHA GP 1800 FX Limited SVHO FX Cruiser SVHO FX SVHO FX HO VXR VX Limited VX Deluxe EX EX Deluxe Superjet
HP
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 2-Stroke
SEA DOO GTX Limited 300 RXP-X 300 RXT-X 300 GTR-X 230 GTR 230 Wake Pro 230 Wake 155 GTX 155 GTI SE GTI Spark Trixx
300 300 300 230 230 230 155 155 155 60 60
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke
1630 1630 1630 1630 1503 1503 1503 1503 1503 899 899
SC SC SC SC SC NA NA NA NA NA NA
162L 116L 162L 162L 116L 162L 116L 116L 116L 116L 116L
60L 60L 60L 60L 60L 60L 60L 162L 60L 60L 30L
412 kg 386 kg 415 kg 415 kg 363 kg 406 kg 363 kg 399 kg 359 kg 291 kg 184 kg
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 OR 3
KAWASAKI Ultra 310 R Ultra 310LX Ultra 310X Ultra LX STX-15F SX-R
310 310 310 160 160 160
4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke 4-Stroke
1498 1498 1498 1498 1498 1498
SC SC SC NA NA NA
212L 212L 212L 212L 89L NONE
78L 78L 78L 78L 62L 23L
487kg 487 kg 477 kg 423 kg 383 kg 250 kg
3 3 3 3 3 1
148 PACIFIC PWC 2018
Buy now and save up to
on selected Yamaha WaveRunners this summer
EX Deluxe
/YamahaMarineNZ
VXR
FX HO
FX SVHO
GP1800
yamaha-motor.co.nz
*Offer available on retail purchases of new 2017 WaveRunner models purchased between the 1st of September 2017 and the 30th of November 2017. For purchases of EX Deluxe models receive $1,500 off the recommended retail price (inclusive of GST). For VXR, FX HO, FX Cruiser HO, FX SVHO, FX Cruiser SVHO and GP1800 models receive $2,000 off the recommended retail price (inclusive of GST). Offer not valid on Yamaha Superjet models. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Yamaha offer. Ask your local authorised Yamaha dealer for details.
2018 PWC MODEL UPDATE
KAWASAKI
THE LONGEST CARRY-OVER OF THE KAWASAKI LINEUP, THE STX-15F REMAINS WHOLLY UNCHANGED.
As Kawasaki celebrates its golden anniversary, the company is pushing forward with strengthening its grip on the standup market and aspires to reignite the sport of standup riding. As pioneers of the personal watercraft, the Kawasaki Jet Ski has been in continuous production for over 40 years either as a solo machine or in twin seat and even three seat configurations. Now comprising a six model range of five sit on and the formidable stand up SX-R model, there is something for everyone.
THE NATURALLY-ASPIRATED KAWASAKI ULTRA LX COMES IN AN EBONY AND METALLIC PHANTOM SILVERY LIVERY.
150 PACIFIC PWC 2018
And while the SX-R continues to march on in this endeavour, the rest of the lineup, remains all but completely the same for yet another year. Same models than 2017 just different colours, and all at better pricing for 2018. The longest carry-over of the brand’s lineup, the STX-15F remains wholly unchanged, making the craft a staggering 13 years old, since first receiving the 1.5-liter engine. Prior to the engine change, the STX hull predates that by another 3 years. The entry level STX15F will be available in Ebony and Metallic Graystone in 2018.
The naturally-aspirated Ultra LX comes in an Ebony and Metallic Phantom Silvery livery. Further up the Ultra range the 310X for 2018 is in an Ebony and Metallic Surf Blue colour way with the 310LX in Ebony and Candy Lime Green while the Ultra 310R takes to the water in an Ebony and Metallic Stardust White treatment. Finally the ultimate solo Jet Ski, the SX-R, will continue to cut through the water resplendent in its stunning Ebony and Jet White body treatment.
2018 PWC MODEL UPDATE
SEA DOO HAVE ADDED A SPARK TRIXX 3-UP TO THE POPULAR 2-UP MODEL RELEASED LAST YEAR.
SEA-DOO ADDS LIVING BRP announced a new platform for select models in its 2018 Sea-Doo lineup of personal watercraft. The platform is designed to transform the onboard experience and extend the possibilities of activities riders can do with a Sea-Doo personal watercraft. The new platform is available on seven models across the Sea-Doo GTX, RXT and WAKE PRO families. To ensure consumers maximum comfort, the new personal watercraft has a smart reconfigurable rear seat that transforms the watercraft into an onboard living room. It changes quickly from a three-seat configuration to a flat lounge area, where two
people can face each other for a picnic Also included is a manufacturer-installed, waterproof Bluetooth audio system. With a swipe of a finger, riders can enjoy their favourite playlists on the stereo while relaxing on their PWC rear deck. There is also improved storage that includes a waterproof, shockproof compartment for a phone with USB charger, as well as direct-access front storage with no standing required. The new platform’s stability and control starts with a lower centre of gravity, which BRP said provides more confidence in rough water, at high speeds, and with three passengers, based on the company’s own internal testing.
COOL PHONE BOX ON THE SEA DOO GTX LIMITED 300.
152 PACIFIC PWC 2018
It is also wider for easier reboarding and movement around the watercraft. This is combined with a new deep-V hull designed to increase performance in rough water and provide better control while cornering. In addition to the new platform, BRP has also unveiled a Sea-Doo SPARK TRIXX 3-UP with extended seat and rear platform. It maintains the same level of fun as the 2-UP model launched last year, but with an additional passenger and tow sports capability. There are additional enhancements across the entire 2018 Sea-Doo family, including Performance, Luxury, Tow Sports and Recreation segments.
SEA DOO HAVE ADDED A RECONFIGURABLE REAR SEAT THAT TRANSFORMS THE WATERCRAFT FROM A THREE-SEAT CONFIGURATION TO A FLAT LOUNGE AREA, WHERE TWO PEOPLE CAN FACE EACH OTHER FOR A PICNIC.
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154 PACIFIC PWC 2018 2016
S ’ D L R O W T S R I F C I R T ELEC PWC W AT E R S P O R T S ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL LEVELS LOOKING TO R I D E W AT E R W AY S O F F LIMITS TO GAS-POWERED P E R S O N A L W AT E R C R A F T S W I L L N O W H AV E T H E FREEDOM TO RIDE WHERE THEY COULD NEVER GO BEFORE, WITH THE NEW ELECTRIC-POWERED G R AT I S X 1 .
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM 155
NO FUEL NO SOUND NO EMMISIONS
GRATIS X1 IS CHARGEABLE THROUGH STANDARD HOME 110V ELECTRIC PLUGS & GENERATORS With no fuel, no sound and no emissions, the Gratis X1 is a thrilling yet easy-to-ride personal watercraft that provides a one-of-a-kind experience on the water. The Gratis X1 is the world’s first electric, personal stand-up watercraft and is due for release in early 2018. To ensure riders get the most of each trip to the water, Free Form Factory has built the Gratis X1 with the ability to be charged anywhere with a standard 110v electrical outlet or with a propane-based generator. In line with typical rider usage time of a gas powered PWC, the Gratis X1 ride time featuring the integrated power pack is up to 45 minutes and up to 1 hour with the additional 3.3 kWh power pack. The Gratis X1 is chargeable through standard home 110v electric plugs and generators. Loud engine noise is a thing of the past with the Gratis X1 as the only sounds you will hear while riding the Gratis X1 is the hull cutting the water and nature. Dynamic LED headlights come standard for increased safety and visibility. Using Zero Motorcycles proven Z-Force drive train technology and Free Form Factory’s patented manufacturing process and proprietary polymer material makes the Gratis X1 one of the world’s leading 156 PACIFIC PWC 2018
personal watercraft with the environment and performance in mind. From start to finish, sustainability is at the core of creating the Gratis X1. The entire deck and hull components are 100% recyclable while the trim and excess material from Free Form Factory’s patented thermoform process is reused to build the next Gratis X1 hull and deck. Every step of the manufacturing process is modeled with the highest of green standards possible in mind, with superior performance. The company believes it is important to reduce our negative impact on the environment and are determined to reach their goal of zero waste. The lightweight, durable polymer deck and hull allow for the Gratis X1 to support the weight of the battery while remaining the same weight as an average stand-up personal watercraft. Every major component of the Gratis X1 is built in the United States. Free of exhaust and fuel, the Gratis X1 is unrestricted on some of the world’s most pristine waterways. Price for the Gratis X1 starts at US$17,990. www.ridefreeform.com
Read all about your boating passion The style of boating - that interests you!!
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1800 P G a h a m a Y W IE V PWC RE
For mature audiences only
I T S E E M S A S I F O N E D AY AT L U N C H T I M E , T H E D E S I G N T E A M AT YA M A H A PA U S E D B E T W E E N P I Z Z A S L I C E S A N D A S K E D , “ W H AT W O U L D H A P P E N I F W E P U T T H E B I G G E S T E N G I N E P O S S I B L E I N T O T H E L I G H T E S T W AV E R U N N E R W E CAN, AND LET’S MAKE IT ONE WITH A RACE PROVEN HULL?” WELL AFTER T H E L A U G H T E R S E T T L E D , T H E I M A G I N A R Y R O O M W E N T S I L E N T I N T H O U G H T, AND A CHORUS OF “LETS DO THIS” ERUPTED. AND DO IT THEY DID. THE R E S U LT I S T H E Q U I C K E S T, FA S T E S T, M O S T P R E C I S E H A N D L I N G A N D U LT R A P E R F O R M I N G W AV E R U N N E R YA M A H A H A S P R O D U C E D … T H E G P 1 8 0 0 . R AT E D M A F O R M AT U R E A U D I E N C E S O N LY. 158 PACIFIC PWC 2018
T E S T B Y B O AT T E S T. C O M F O R F U L L V I D E O G O T O B O AT T E S T. C O M
If you’ve ever asked yourself what it would be like to have a machine that racers use to win trophies, then bring your checkbook on over to a Yamaha dealer and sign a contract for the GP1800 and find out. This is a WaveRunner with the largest engine Yamaha makes, put into the lightest production performance machine with a race inspired hull. In short, it’s an adrenaline thrill ride that is not for the faint of heart. However, if you’re an experienced rider, interested in closed-course bouy racing in a high performance rocket, then stop and take a look at this. The GP1800 is built with you as the target audience.
THE POWER PLANT We’ve always said that there’s more to performance than a bigger engine but Yamaha didn’t get the memo. It took the biggest engine
it makes and dropped it into this WaveRunner. So what we have here is the 1812cc supercharged and intercooled, 4-stroke, 4 cylinder, 16-valve Super Vortex High Output engine. That’s the top of the food chain… there is no higher. The SVHO engine features a high-performance intercooler, increased supercharger air intake capacity and boost, and a modified fuel injection system for increased fuel flow. Add to that the fact that it’s driving the 160mm, 3-blade, 16.4-degree pitch, stainless steel impeller through an 8-vane high pressure jet pump and you start to get a feel for what we’re talking about.
THE HULL The hull is designed around the most successful racing water vehicle today, the Yamaha VXR. It’s a super lightweight hull made with Yamaha’s exclusive NanoXcel2 technology that is sheet moulded under extreme
WWW.BOATMAGS.COM 159
1800 P G a h a m a Y W IE V PWC RE
THE GP1800 LITERALLY LEAPS OUT OF THE WATER WHEN PUNCHING THE THROTTLE.
pressure to produce, what is according to Yamaha, the strongest and lightest hull and deck available in the industry. This race-proven hull design has well defined hull-strakes, soft bow chines, race infused keel shape and performance sponsons to both sides to provide the excellent stability and precise responsiveness demanded of an extreme watercraft of this caliber.
THE HANDLING For all the power and lightweight, this is a seriously exhilarating ride that doesn’t have to be pushed to its limits. Frankly, you’re not going to reach its limits, probably ever. It will, however reach yours. This is a WaveRunner that schools you so that every time you ride it you get better. But with that said, it’s also a great ride for an intermediate rider to become a more experienced rider. It has a level of predictability and precision that keeps the rider from getting into too much trouble while stretching his or her ability at the same time. The trip on up through acceleration is a quick one so hang on when hitting full throttle. Certainly don’t ever do it when others are riding. That’s the time for a more docile acceleration curve. Once underway, she begs to be hauled around for buoy racing so have at it. Lean into the turn on approach, start the slight roll so the sponsons start to carve, make the hard turn and accelerate into the turn. Straighten out early or you’ll over turn and have to 160 PACIFIC PWC 2018
adjust. Timed right you can come out of the turn and level off at the same time with minimal loss of speed and blast of for the next turn.
THE TECHNOLOGY Rather than just focus on speed and call it a day, Yamaha also added some much-appreciated features onto the GP1800. None more valued than the RiDE Technology. Back in the day, R.i.D.E. used to stand for Reverse with Intelligent Deceleration Electronics, but it has now evolved to much more than that, but the name stuck. It provides the following features… Reversing. The throttle is still on the right side, and probably always will be. Now, however, we add a trigger to the left side of the handlebar for the RiDE technology. Squeeze it and the GP1800 shifts (actually the reverse bucket drops down, there’s no shifting in jet watercraft) into reverse. Now we can maneuver around the dock and even back off of the trailer or beach. Steering is reversed so when backing, we steer the bow, not the stern. Neutral. Just a quick squeeze of the left trigger drops the GP1800 into neutral. This is pretty intuitive. If we think of pulling the trigger back to back down, it’s just as easy to think of pulling the trigger back briefly as a means of stopping the forward motion, but not causing reverse motion. Try it once and it clicks forever. Now again, there’s no shifting of gears going on here, the reverse bucket simply is dropping down just enough to deflect the thrust,
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TRIM Another great feature is the electronic trim. Located on the left handlebar, the thumb is used to make incremental changes to the trim angle of the jet exhaust to compensate for both prevailing conditions and uneven distribution of weight when additional riders are aboard. Best of all is that these adjustments can be done on the fly instead of having to scroll through a menu on an instrument panel.
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that is always coming out when the engine is running, down instead of forward or back. That keeps us from moving but turning the wheel will still cause us to pivot, rather than turn. Braking. This is the biggest benefit of the RiDE Technology. When cruising at speed, squeeze the left trigger and intelligent braking kicks in. We say intelligent because imagine cruising at full speed and hitting reverse. What would likely happen is the reverse bucket would drop down, the driver, and passengers would then be launched over the handlebars, as both the reverse thrust and plunging bow would contribute to the subsequent deceleration trauma. Instead, when squeezing the RiDE trigger at full (or any) speed, the engine slows (regardless of how much we’re holding the throttle trigger) while simultaneously dropping the reverse bucket. Now we can stop the GP1800 in the shortest distance possible while still remaining onboard and in full control. We tried it over and over again and it worked flawlessly. Keep squeezing and the braking reverts to reversing.
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1800 P G a h a m a Y W IE V PWC RE
THE POWERFUL ENGINE HAS A TIGHT SQUEEZE IN THE GP1800 BUT THERE’S STILL ROOM FOR MAINTENANCE & DAILY CHECKS.
THE STORAGE IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER IS THE MOST CONVENIENT.
SPONSONS HELP THE GP1800 CARVE INTO THE TURNS WITHOUT SLIDING. THEY ALSO AID IN THE WELL-MANNERED STABILITY.
THE RIDE TECHNOLOGY IN THE EX DELUXE IS CONTROLLED FROM THE LEFT TRIGGER OF THE HANDLEBARS.
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W AT E R S P O R T S R E A D Y
The seat is race inspired and cradles the driver in a raised, and well padded, seatback. It’s narrow enough for using the legs to squeeze and hold on, but not too wide that we can’t remain stable. There’s room for two additional riders making this a true three-person watercraft, from a roominess, buoyancy and stability standpoint. The rear seat has a wrap around grab handle and it’s comfortable to use facing forward when cruising or aft when acting as observer for watersports.
The GP1800 may be built for speed and performance but nothing says that we can’t use the settings in between idle and flat out. The simple fact is, even a Ferrari can ride through the rural streets without pushing 180 mph. The GP1800 is designed for up to three riders, which means that she can still convert to watersports since we can still have someone on the towline while still carrying the legally required aft facing observer. There’s a tow ring at the back, just under the seat, and a huge rear deck finished in custom cut non-skid matting that repels both water and heat from the continual onslaught of the bright sun. Further aft there’s a flip-down reboarding step making it even easier to reboard the GP1800. Dual mirrors not only give the driver better orientation of the surroundings, but also assist in keeping an eye on the end of towline. They also help the driver remain aware if a boat is about to pass, as rare an occurrence as that may be.
STORAGE The total onboard storage is 93 L and it’s distributed in three separate compartments. The first, and largest, is at the front under the streamlined bow visor. it releases with a latch just ahead of the panel so it can still be opened from the seated position. Inside is cavernous storage that also houses the mount for the portable fire extinguisher. It’s also under this hatch that we see the fuel fill positioned to the left side making it easy to refuel from a land based petrol station. The second, and most convenient, storage space is just behind the handlebars and ahead of the driver. This includes two beverage holders and a center space for incidentals. Lastly there’s a waterproof compartment under the rear section of the two-piece seat. With its fine threads and gasketed screw cap, this container is both watertight, and removable so we can put our valuables inside and bring the whole thing with us when we walk away from the GP1800.
162 PACIFIC PWC 2018
O B S E R VAT I O N S There’s no doubt that this is among the fastest and quickest we’ve ridden and that seems to be the point of this machine. Yes it has added features but that’s just frosting on the cake. This is a racing machine inside and out, so while it can be used for watersports, we’d opt for a completely different WaveRunner for the family. This is for the adrenaline rush that can only be quenched by addressing the need for speed. At $26,999 it is also a bargain for a performance machine. www.yamaha-motor.co.nz
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THE ALL-NEW YAMAHA F90 FOUR-STROKE 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 now, with its class leading performance, the all-new Yamaha F90 can get you to those undiscovered fishing spots quicker than ever before. What’s more, the F90’s unrivalled reliability means you can relax in the knowledge you’re in good hands. So take the helm, explore what’s on your doorstep and see New Zealand like never before.
SAME PLANET. DIFFERENT WORLD. yamaha-motor.co.nz
164 PACIFIC POWERBOAT NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017
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