Power. When it comes to sports, most of us like the slam dunks, the big hits, the tape-measure home runs - prodigious feats of strength, performed by athletes at the peaks of their prowess. Fans will be thrilled, then, with the latest personal watercraft (PWCs) being unveiled. We're talking major horsepower, beefy displacement and mind-boggling acceleration. But as any sports fan knows, the premiere athletes do more than just try to make the SportsCenter highlight reel. Instead, they combine the showy with the subtle - positioning for a rebound, making a block to free up a teammate, or advancing a runner. Likewise, these 2008 watercraft go beyond flashy, high-speed pyrotechnics to deliver the small details that are just as important for enjoying a great riding experience. Here's a look at how the four major PWC manufacturers are redefining power in 2008.
The SHO models feature a 1.8L supercharged Yamaha marine engine, the industry's largest-displacement motor to date.
Yamaha
For 2008, Yamaha has introduced two models: the FX Cruiser Super High Output (SHO) and the FX SHO. The FX Cruiser SHO is the new flagship of Yamaha's acclaimed Cruiser Series, so there's a lot to live up to - but this PWC proves itself up to the challenge. At the heart of this model is a new 1.8L, 1812cc, supercharged 4-stroke engine, which according to Yamaha is 300cc larger than any other high-performance watercraft today. The large, light design delivers lightning acceleration, a high top end, and allows for aggressive cornering.
The cool innovations on the SHO models come fast and furious enough to make Vin Diesel dizzy. First you get the No Wake Mode, which sets the PWC to no-wake speed at the touch of a button, so you can kick back and focus on the natural beauty around you, rather than staring at the console when cruising through a no-wake zone. Next up is Yamaha's reverse traction control technology, which yields increased maneuverability compared to other reverse controls. And you can use regular unleaded fuel on the SHO models, as opposed to some high-performance models that require pricier high-octane gas.
Rounding out the impressive features list are the Cruise Assist mode, 26 gallons of storage, pull-up cleats for easy docking, and a remote-controlled security system. The FX Cruiser SHO retails for $12,799, while the FX Cruiser - essentially the same watercraft, minus the Cruiser seat - goes for $11,999.
Yamaha's exclusive Cruise Assist allows the driver to set and hold a certain speed without having to tinker with the throttle - a great feature on long-distance cruises.
For 2008, Yamaha also unveiled a brand-new hull technology it believes will revolutionize the industry. Called "Nanotechnology," this environmentally friendly manufacturing process involves engineering at a molecular level that enables scientists to create new bonds and materials that are impossible to produce in other environments. The resulting product is Yamaha's NanoXcel hulls and decks, which are light but strong. In fact, according to Yamaha, the hulls and decks of select 2008 models are 25 percent lighter than they were in previous years. The result is a nimbler, more responsive ride. For 2008, Yamaha's FX SHO Cruiser, FX SHO, FX HO Cruiser and FX HO models are all built using this technology.
If you enjoy the added exercise and excitement factor that stand-up PWCs offer - and what self-respecting sports and fitness aficionado doesn't? - you'll definitely want to check out Yamaha's redesigned SuperJet. For 2008, the SuperJet ($6,699) boasts an all-new high-performance hull design. Molded-in sponsons are positioned forward on the craft, increasing the hull's wetted surface and allowing for easier turns. Spring-assisted handlebar columns and a highly responsive engine make this a great choice for novice and intermediate-level riders looking to take their PWC riding to a different level.
Left to right: Yamaha's Superjet; Yamaha's revolutionary Nanotechnology results in lighter but stronger hulls and decks, increased power-to-weight ratio, and better handling and acceleration.
The Rest Of The Lineup: FX Cruiser High Output (luxury performance watercraft with Cruiser seat, $11,399);FX High Output (most popular model in the FX series, $10,599); FX Cruiser (top-of-the-line features, moderately priced engine package, Cruiser seat, $10,599); FX (top features, no Cruiser seat, $9,799); VX Cruiser (Yamaha's most affordable Cruiser, $8,399); VX Deluxe (dual mirrors, extended swim platform, reverse, $7,999); VX Sport/VX (the value-minded choice, $7,399-7,599); GP1300R ("the original musclecraft" in its last year, new metallic colors and graphics, $9,699).
Sea-Doo RXP-X 255
Sea-Doo
With two new ultra-high-performance watercraft, Sea-Doo comes roaring out of the gate in 2008. The two-passenger RXP-X ($12,999) and three-passenger RXT-X ($13,299) are musclecraft of the highest order, flexing benchmark-level power, acceleration and handling. The core strength of these PWCs lies in Sea-Doo's new supercharged, intercooled 255-hp Rotax 4-TEC engine - the highest-horsepower engine in the industry. The large external intercooler cools the air that's compressed by the supercharger - creating a stronger, boosted intake charge - and larger fuel injectors and a re-mapped ignition system create what Sea-Doo calls the "perfect" air/fuel mixture. The result is increased horsepower and torque, quicker acceleration, and instant throttle response. According to Sea-Doo, the X models also have the best power-to-weight ratio in the industry, which is good news for more aggressive riders who crave increased turning precision and superior handling.
Sea-Doo's new supercharged, intercooled, 255-hp Rotax 4-TEC engine helps deliver a 0-to-50-mph time of less than 3 seconds.
Performance features on the new X models stretch beyond the engine and hull. The RXP-X features "diamond-plate" pattern footwell mats to help riders dig in and maintain grip when cornering hard. X-handlebar risers allow you to fine-tune body positioning, and the high-grip seat further enhances this craft's performance ergonomics. Billet finger throttle, "quick shift" VTS (Variable Trim System), and a high-performance intake grate provide additional assurance that you'll be kicking as much butt as "Ahnuld" in The Terminator. Whether you want to strut your stuff on the buoy course, embark on some offshore endurance racing, or just experience super-high-octane thrills, these X models will deliver.
New to the '08 GTX Limited 215 is a removable, integrated handheld Garmin color GPS 76 - an excellent addition to your luxury cruising needs.
Introducing an ultra-powerful engine is pretty serious stuff, but it's not the only major splash Sea-Doo made with its 2008 lineup. This year, it has introduced the first-ever ballast system on a PWC. Available on both its Wake 215 ($12,799) and Wake 155 ($11,499) - the only two watercraft designed specifically for watersports - the ballast system uses water pressure from the Wake model's pump to fill the ballast tanks in about two minutes. Boarders will get more pop when launching off the wake, resulting in more height and making it easier to perform more advanced tricks. The firmer wake will also pay dividends for wakeskaters attempting more challenging maneuvers. You also get the benefit of Sea-Doo's exclusive new electric VTS, which enables riders to fine-tune the wake shape with the flip of a switch. And as always, the Wake models boast other watersports-friendly features such as an integrated board rack, large non-skid surface and footrests for the rear-facing spotter, a high-rise ski pylon with built-in spotter grab handles, and large, adjustable convex mirrors.
The Wake 215 and 155 models boast the industry's first ballast system - perfect for boarders looking to catch bigger air.
The final notable newcomer to Sea-Doo's lineup is the addition of a Garmin GPS 76C on the luxury performance GTX Limited 215 model ($13,599). The color-display GPS provides faster data transfer and more memory for convenient storage of additional maps. Factor in other GTX Limited attributes, such as a removable dry bag and storage bin, wide handlebars, adjustable steering, sculpted touring seat, and waterproof cell phone case, and you should be set for a day of comfortable touring around your waterway of choice.
The Rest Of The Lineup: RXP 215 (two-seater, muscle-car inspired, 215 horses, $11,599); RXT (three-seat version of the RXP 215, $11,799); RXP 155 (value-priced engine option, $10,299); GTX 215 (plush seating for three, removable waterproof storage bin, 215-hp Rotax 4-TEC, $11,799); GTX 155 (fuel-injected 155-hp engine option, $10,399); GTI SE 155 (higher-horsepower recreational model, more value-added features, $9,399); GTI SE 130 (value-added features, 130 horses, $8,699); GTI (Sea-Doo's lowest-priced model, 130-hp engine, $7,799).
Honda's Aquatrax F-15X is powered by a 200-hp, 16-valve, 1470cc engine - the company's biggest PWC power plant to date.
Honda
After a few years of small tweaks to its lineup, Honda comes roaring back with two new models for 2008, the F-15X and F-15X GPScape. The F-15X ($13,299) is powered by Honda's mightiest PWC engine to date - a 200-hp, 16-valve, 1470cc turbocharged power plant featuring a one-piece upper-crankcase/cylinder block. According to Honda, the AquaTrax turbocharger helps deliver exceptionally high performance by producing a maximum boost of 10 pounds per square inch, generating a power wallop as intense as a toe-to-toe exchange between Ivan Drago and Rocky Balboa. The new hull was also built with performance in mind, including a dry-sump design that allows the engine to be mounted further down in the hull, resulting in a low center of gravity and improved handling.
The Honda design team built the new F-15X hull with an eye on providing superb overall stability and top-notch low- and high-speed turning performance.
Elsewhere on the F-15X, rubber engine mounts feature a two-phase damping system to lessen engine vibration when riding in rough water. Honda's Ignition Control System protects the engine from abnormal operating conditions by limiting engine speed if it senses low oil pressure or unusually high coolant temperatures, but still allows the rider to operate the PWC and get to their destination in reduced-power mode. Speaking of which, the F-15X's waterproof instrumentation includes an LCD analog bar-graph display for fuel level indicating remaining minutes left to ride. Other notable features include reverse gear, Limit Mode for novice riders, electronic keyless ignition, and a large 19.8-gallon front storage box under the front hood.
For an extra $1,000, the GPScape ($14,299) includes a built-in GPS unit with an easily readable LCD display. It's contained within the standard meter assembly, and it features storage for 100 waypoints and a digital compass function indicating travel direction. When heading to a designated waypoint, it lists the distance and direction from the present location. If you enjoy cruising unfamiliar waters, the GPScape is worth serious consideration.
The Rest Of The Lineup: F-12X (three-seater, turbocharged 1235cc inline 4-stroke, $10,999); F-12X GPScape (GPS with storage for up to 100 waypoints, $11,999); F-12 (135-hp engine, lowest-priced Honda PWC, $9,999); R-12X (turbocharged 1235cc inline 4-stroke, Honda's only two-seater, $10,999).
Kawasaki
After making a big splash in 2007 with its new Jet Ski Ultra LX and Jet Ski Ultra 250X - the latter featuring a then-industry-topping 250-hp engine - Kawasaki makes some smaller adjustments to its lineup in 2008, offering bold new color combinations and different pricing. For '08, the Ultra 250 will be adding new Valiant Blue/Valiant Blue and Jet White/Lime Green schemes in addition to its returning Sunbeam Red/Sunbeam Red color option. The Ultra LX is now offered exclusively in Jet White/Sunbeam Red.
The STX-15F, which has dropped $1,400 in price compared to '07, is now available in Jet White/Firecracker Red or Jet White/Candy Thunder Blue. And this year, the 800 SX-R is available in two color combos, Jet White/Lime Green or Jet White/Valiant Blue.
The Rest of the Lineup: Ultra 250X (supercharged 250-hp engine, ultra-high-performance, $11,699); Ultra LX (same deep-V hull as the Ultra 250X, lower-horsepower engine, $9,799); STX-15F (Kawasaki's lowest-priced three-seater, 1498cc engine, $8,099); 800 SX-R (stand-up model, good stability for beginners, 781cc engine, $6,049).