PWC POWER
3/1/2007 2:58:56 PM by Javier Salas
If a PWC is on your horizon, you might want to check out our recommendations for the top options on the market before you shell out a few grand to the wrong brand.
Few recreational activities offer the unbridled adrenaline rush of throttling up a personal watercraft (PWC). One is immediately transported to a world of fast straightaways, intense turns and non-stop wet action.
The latest generation of PWCs goes well beyond being the motorcycles of the waterways. While they offer the anticipated enhanced performance and handling, state-of-the-art engines and fuel flow meters to make the most out of every trip, they also take into account comfort and convenience in the form of extremely plush seating, pop-up cleats to avoid passenger dings, and removable stowage bins so what you wish to bring along is at hand when you need it. All these upgrades are encased in hull designs that rival the time in planning and naval architecture of large yachts, highlighted by trendy graphics packages.
Since Polaris announced that they will no longer produce personal watercraft or sport boats (but will continue to make parts and warranty service available to existing customers and dealers), the market has narrowed considerably. Fortunately, the remaining top manufacturers have come up with so much innovation and style for their latest model line-ups that there’s still plenty of decision-making to be done.
Kawasaki
PO Box 25252
Santa Ana, CA 92799-5252
800.661.RIDE
kawasaki.com
KAWASAKI
As an industry leader, Kawasaki will keep its existing fans extremely happy and lure over new converts with the brand-new Ultra 250X. This model is sure to be a popular addition to the venerable company’s line and reputation and is in very limited supply. The 250-hp craft with supercharger creates a new benchmark for PWC horsepower, with all the expected resulting power, handling and downright fun. The racy design combines speed with unprecedented handling, making the model appeal to expert and new riders alike. Those looking for a platform for more long-distance touring will enjoy the just slightly tamer — yet still bold — Ultra LX model. The Ultra LX is based on the same new hull and deck design as the Ultra 250X and offers the identical four-cylinder, four-stroke engine but without the supercharger. The performance difference isn’t all that different thanks to the hull design, but the fuel economy is significantly better. Traditional Kawasaki enthusiasts will be glad to hear that the legendary four-stroke-powered three-seaters, including the 160-horsepower STX-15F and the 125-horsepower STX-12F, are back to provide non-stop group action. And, of course, what is Kawasaki without the latest great-great-great grandchild to the original jet ski? The stand-up SX-R800 announced last year will once again take a place of pride on the waterways.
Sea-Doo
10101 Science Drive
Sturtevant, WI 53177
800.882.2900
sea-doo.com
SEA-DOO
For the past few years, Sea-Doo has held onto a significant portion of the market, and with 11 watercraft to choose from for 2007, they won’t have a problem giving the other brands a run for their money on the waterways. The Sea-Doo Wake now comes in a supercharged, 215-hp package. The additional power makes this model excellent for wakeboard and wakeskate activites, removing pretty much any need at all for a cumbersome tow boat. The 215-hp RXP now has a smaller sibling in the form of the 155-hp RXP. This two-person offering doesn’t just have reduced power, but a much suggested retail price as well, which should get yet more Sea-Doos out on the water. For those looking for an entry-level four-stroke, the company features the base GTI. The GTI selection goes all the way up to the truly high-end GTX Limited. Another notable entry is the popularly priced three-person, four-stroke 155-hp GTI SE, a power improvement on the 130-hp GTI SE. For those who wished they’d grabbed one of last year’s styles, it’s not too late. The three-person, four-stroke GTX, RXT and other GTI models, as well as the exclusive one-person 3D are standouts in the current catalog.
Honda
P.O. Box 2200
Torrance, CA 90509-2200
866.784.1870
honda.com
HONDA
Honda roars onto the water with the AquaTrax model line-up. Updated color choices and intense graphics packages highlight a selection which tops out the four-stroke F-12X GPScape, which is the only PWC on the market to incorporate a fully-integrated GPS system into the high-tech onboard instrumentation. PWCs are no longer just for some fast local fun, but the stuff of family exploits, and the GPS makes exploring new waters a must. The three-person F-12X is powered by 165 turbocharged horsepower for raucous times even if the passenger weight load begins to add up. The versatile F-12 is based on a 125-horsepower aspirated powerplant. On the sport scene is the R-12X which, like the F-12X, boasts 165-horsepower rumbling beneath its two-seater design. The result is a much more nimble configuration as opposed to its three-seater cousin. The goal of the AquaTrax assortment is to have something for everyone. And it does.
Yamaha
1270 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144
800.962.7926
yamaha-motor.com
YAMAHA
What is a PWC round-up without Yamaha? Building on a substantial foundation of quality PWCs, the company continues its push to get more people out on the water. One way to guarantee new PWC enthusiasts to the sport is their favorable pricing plan, such as on the VX110 Deluxe, a four-stroke, three-seater plush PWC powered by a hearty 110-hp. The VX series has been increased to add the VX Cruiser. The blueprint is based on the popular VX Deluxe, but offers Cruiser driver and passenger seats for enhanced comfort on longer trips. The Cruiser Line is known for making riders feel as though they are on a nimble jet boat, minus the gunwales. The updated WaveRunner offers the impressive FX High Output for an incredibly powerful, incredibly versatile machine. Meanwhile, the standard FX models can now be ordered with or without the cruiser seat. And, last but not least, on the engine-revving, chest-beating end of the macho spectrum, Yamaha offers the GP1300R musclecraft and SuperJet stand-up.