The embargo has lifted, so time to unveil some more new models for 2012…this time the makeover to Yamaha’s popular FX series.
If you check out the video you’ll notice there have been a lot of tweaks to the FX series, from looks to comfort, but what truly impressed me the most was this boat’s newfound handling. Sure, it always was a solid boat, but previously it tended to feel a little bit funny in corners as the boat fell off its pad and onto the chine…and back. No more. In calm water I was able to literally keep the throttle pinned, while carving aggressive, yet predictable corners literally inches away from a moving photo boat.
In short, this is a hull that gives its rider a lot of confidence.
Check out the video. My review of the FX models will soon be up on personalwatercraft.com and in the next issue of Boating Magazine.
Okay, okay, it’s been a loooooong time since I’ve posted, but at least I’m coming back with something cool to talk about — the 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X. A complete remake of the iconic RXP-X musclecraft, this is a PWC that carves probably the hardest turns I’ve ever experienced, locks the driver in place in a whole new way, and as you’d expect from Sea-Doo, looks pretty good in the process.
Okay, so apparently there’s a site called PopTent.com that gives aspiring filmmakers the chance to create commercials for some of the “world’s biggest brands.” One such brand is Yamaha. The company recently had a little competition to create a Boats/WaveRunner commercial, with the following criteria:
“Whether you’re fishing, tubing, snorkeling, racing or exploring, adventures aboard a Yamaha watercraft can be your escape from the ordinary.
“Boating is one of those rare universal activities that almost everyone enjoys participating in. The opportunities for enjoyment are endless! We want consumers to understand how exciting and memorable boating and personal watercraft experiences aboard a Yamaha can be for their family.
“Your objective will be to highlight the appeal of Yamaha boats and personal watercraft thus compelling consumers to find the right Yamaha product for them and their families.
“Videos should convey the benefits of engaging with Yamaha products but should not do this in any sort of obvious way. This means you need to think outside the box. Please do not show water, boats, waverunners, docks, and the like. We want you to pitch the lifestyle and the brand without showing the most obvious elements.
“Videos can be 30-60 seconds in length. They can be funny, edgy, emotional or informative but make sure your videos are family friendly with no more than a PG rating.”
“We wanted to see videos that are entirely different than anything else we’ve done in the past and the Poptent community responded as hoped,” said Yamaha WaterCraft’s National Marketing Manager Bryan Seti. “By not letting the creators use Yamaha products, boats, docks or anything else that has been featured in past Yamaha spots, we pushed hard for fresh and original thinking. Choosing two finalists proved to be tough decision, and we are anxious to hear which video our online followers like best.”
The contest ended in mid-May, and the battle is apparently down to these two finalists. You can vote for the winner here on Yamaha’s Facebook page.
I’ve embedded both of the commercials below. I guess the skydiver one is more like a true commercial, but man, I love seeing that guy get smacked in the face with the fish. His mullet’s pretty good, too…
Yes, it’s probably the opposite of personal watercraft subject matter, but this dramatic capsizing of this catamaran sailboat during early practice sessions for the America’s Cup is worth a look, no matter what you prefer to propel your boat. Watch the skipper — he actually falls and tears through the sail on the way down. Amazingly, no one was seriously hurt.
It’s dated, but I thought this video of how a personal watercraft is made was somewhat interesting. I’ve had the opportunity to visit a number of factories and see the process firsthand, but most people will never have that chance. Here’s the next best thing…
The contest, appropriately dubbed “The Ultimate Sea-Doo Fan,” is to find someone who, according to Sea-Doo, “feels more at home on their watercraft than in their actual home; who spends large amounts of time trying to figure out a way to ride their watercraft to work; who daydreams about being on the water while skydiving; a real fanatic to become an ambassador for Sea-Doo.”
That actually sounds like a few people I know…
So just how do you get this choice title? Make like you’re in high school and write an essay. Seriously. Tell Sea-Doo why you should be crowned the Ultimate Sea-Doo Fan, include pictures and/or videos to set yourself apart from the crowd, and who knows, you could be the winner.
I have to admit, the list of prizes is pretty cool. Two finalists will actually be selected for a VIP trip to Montreal, Canada to join us press types at the 2012 Sea-Doo product introduction. While I’d say the ultimate part would be to hang with a bunch of journalists (whoo hoo!), you’ll probably find it cooler to get the behind-the-scenes look at all the new stuff before your friends while being treated in VIP style. If that’s not enough, the lucky winner will take home the Grand Prize, which includes a trip for two to the IJSBA World Championships in Lake Havasu City, Arizona this fall, a GoPro camera to record everything with that high-def POV style, a Sea-Doo riding gear and accessories kit, an iCatch trailer…
…and yes, a brand new 2012 Sea-Doo watercraft, as well as $2000 to travel around and ride it.
I’ve got to admit, it’s a cool concept. Get started by visiting ultimateseadoofan.com, uploading photos and videos to YouTube and Flickr, and then keeping your fingers crossed that you’re the dude…or dudette.
Panama City Beach, FL — Chris MacClugage came out swinging in the opening round of the UWP-IJSBA Watercross National Tour, sweeping all three motos in the Pro Stock Class aboard his RIVA Racing Team Dean’s Yamaha FZR. MacClugage was on a tear all weekend, also sweeping three motos in the Pro-Am Ski GP to complete a perfect day on the water.
Other big names looking strong included Dustin Farthing (Monster/Kawasaki), who captured the Pro-Am Runabout Open class, and Sea-Doo rider Brian Baldwin, who took 1st in Pro-Am Runabout 800 SS and 2nd in Pro-Am Runabout Open.
Yamaha’s new VXR and VXS all proved successful in the new Normally Aspirated class. MacClugage’s fellow RIVA Racing Team Dean’s riders Trey and Cameron Frame scored the 1st and 2nd overall positions, with privateer Rob Greenwald taking third. In all, the new boats swept all three motos. A Yamaha/RIVA Dean’s Team rider also took the Pro Runabout Limited Class. Jordon McLean triumphed in the rough conditions aboard a Yamaha FZR.
Here, assuming I didn’t goof anything up transferring the results over, are the top three in each class…
UWP‐IJSBA NATIONAL TOUR
BOARDWALK BEACH RESORT ‐ PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011
Okay, it’s a Friday and the weekend’s almost here, you know you want just some mindless video to pass the time and get you stoked to go riding. So, to satisfy those cravings, I’ve put together a few of the newer video clips that I’ve run across in recent weeks. Check them out, battle the depression that comes with knowing that you can’t ride quite like these guys, then get over it and go have fun.
Up first, to get things rolling, check out what Ross Champion is calling one of the best little freeride clips he’s seen in a while, Maxime Baroero working on some backflips…
Not enough? Okay, then let’s check out former champ Marc Sickerling. Sickerling has reportedly been off the water for eight months, but on his first day back he got the chance to try out this new Lightweight ski everyone seems to be buzzing about. Here are the results…
Back for still more? Okay, Zack Bright working on his Super Flip…
Indoor PWC racing and wakeboarding/waterskiing will be coming to Las Vegas the weekend of May 20-21 as Grindo Entertainment brings the H2X Extreme Watersports Show to Southpoint Arena. According to promoters, the event features the world’s top professional PWC racers and freestyle riders, wakeboarders, water skiers and other incredible water acrobats. Events will be held in a four-foot deep pool constructed at the venue. The event will be televised nationally on FOX Sports Net, with six showings over the course of summer 2011. Sponsors include HydroTurf and Budget Rental Car.
Top professional PWC racers will compete in head-to-head “supercross” style racing with qualifying and a main event, along with freestyle competitions. In addition, wakeboarders, kneeboarders (does anybody actually still do that?), and wakeskaters will strut their stuff off assorted jumps and rail slides. All the riders will perform to a backdrop of music and colored lighting effects, along with bikini-clad flag girls and acrobatic performers.
Most of you probably know by now that Ride Magazine, the official publication of the American Watercraft Association, ceased publication recently. The issue that was being worked on at the time of the announcement, however — Spring 2011 — has found a home online at the AWA website.
The virtual magazine is virtually identical to the print version, with a cover and “flippable” pages. Included in the issue are stories on Kawasaki’s Ultra 300 (and yes, I did write it), a New York City run, and coverage of the Mark Hahn 300.
A lot of people were disappointed when Ride closed up shop — I’d encourage you to check out the online version to see what you missed. Who knows, maybe Ride can continue in an electronic version…
Jeff Hemmel has been covering the PWC and watersports markets for nearly 25 years. A multi-time award winner and recent inductee to the IJSBA Hall of Fame, his work currently appears in Boating Magazine, Ride, PersonalWatercraft.com, and Boats.com.
Jeff Hemmel has been covering the PWC and watersports markets for nearly 25 years. A multi-time award winner and recent inductee to the IJSBA Hall of Fame, his work currently appears in 