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The
Deep
Water Adventure for 2000 and Beyond
By
Andy Pierce
It's time to chuck the canoe or kiss that First Generation
Jet Ski good-bye. Where to begin? Right here. The myriad of personal watercraft choices is mind-boggling. The colors and claims
blur between manufacturers. The salesmen are smiling and the waiting lists get longer as spring approaches. What follows are
INsider's picks for water adventure. Be safe and remember: If you're not the lead dog paddling, the view never changes.
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Bombardier, Sea-Doo
Speedster
The Mazda Miata of boats? That's right. Sporty, quick, cunning
and affordable. This 1,200 pound, 168 hp twin engine jet boat has a special dual water intake system for smooth, responsive
handling — even coming out of hard turns. And at 50-plus mph, one needs smoothness. Dual throttles allow Speedster pilots
to do tight 360 degree turns and high-speed reversals. A bonus for those who tend to get tangled up: The Speedster's water
intake grates and shaft cover system resist weeds, help avoid eating tow ropes at neutral and are easy to clean. It seats
up to four people. Two if you're out for good looks.
Bombardier, Sea-Doo
Sportser
A watercraft that is a far cry from its Harley-Davidson
namesake. The Harley Sportser was designed for loners — or a loner plus one small biker momma. The Sea-Doo Sportser
was designed for all-out fun and comfort. It seats up to four people in its snug confines but keeps Sportser speed with 84
hp. Ample storage space above the engine compartment in a roomy trunk, a smaller dry area under the steering console and an
in-floor ski locker make the Sportser better for parties of two or more.
Bombardier,
Sea-Doo
Challenger
The Challenger may be
the only noteworthy jet boat-ski boat hybrid. Specially-designed features allow Challenger pilots to pull wake boarders and
recreational skiers. Able to pop skiers up fast and easy, it uses a variable trim system that allows the pilot to adjust the
angle of the waterjet down for incredible hole shots, up for maximum top end. Meanwhile, the watercraft seats four people
comfortably, family style. An ice chest and 101 hp are included.
Kawasaki Good Times Products
Jet Ski 1100 ZXi
This Jet Ski reigns supreme on the water. With 120 hp and incredible throttle response, it
scoots across the water for one of the driest rides in the industry by virtue of its splash deflector. And, in an almost James
Bond manner, the Kawasaki Automatic Trim System can monitor engine rpm and automatically adjust the watercraft's trim
to achieve optimum plane angle — for optimal acceleration.
Kawasaki Good
Times Products
Jet Ski 750 SXi
Looking for
stand-up action? This title-winning model is top pick. It's all about race-proven power and its look is mean. Pumping
out 628 pounds of thrust from a 75 hp dual-carbed motor, the sprite green engine and efficient crankcase combine to offer
no-questions-asked power. This is the most powerful stand-up craft ever. But it's also quiet. The engine is rubber-mounted,
the waterbox is made of strong aluminum and the below-waterline exhaust has noise-baffling water jackets. The bonus? It's
light enough and small enough to transport in a sport utility vehicle.
Wildthing
Americas Inc.
Wildthing Watercraft
For light,
fun duty, check out the Wildthing. It's light enough to carry on top of a car and can easily be carried to the water.
Ideal for goofing off or side trips from a larger craft, the Wildthing can carry four people, is davit-rigged and has a see-through
hull for informal Marine Biology surveys. You choose the motor.
Recreation
Industries Inc.
Seacycle
Hailed as the Jet
Ski antidote, the alternative to a boring Nordic Track and the silent fishing machine, the Seacycle is obviously not for speedy
fun. However, it is ideal for exercise, casual water travel and fishing. The patented propeller drive system allows riders
of almost any age and physical condition to achieve speeds up to 13 mph and effortlessly cover 50 miles or more in a day.
It seats up to four people — two must pedal — and is said to be unsinkable.
Recreation Industries Inc.
Water Bike
The
small brother of the Seacycle, the Water Bike is made for one. So, if you're into "he travels fastest who travels
alone," its 85 pounds and optional arm action are ideal for solo journeys. Especially popular for rentals in tourist
areas. Also said to be unsinkable.
Sunfish Laser
Escape
Only 5 minutes to rig and an hour to learn how to solo sail? That's
the word about Escape. It can carry one or two people and is inexpensive. The 12-footer boasts "SmartRig," "Stableform
Hull," and an "Autosail" system. These are fancy trademark names for innovations that allow for the quick setup
time. Some things are color-coded for the real dry-landers.
SurfJet Enterprises
SurfJet
The closest thing to Jetson's travel to
hit the water. It's a motorized board that could not be easier to use. With the optional beach body, riders can even roll
it down the beach. Surfjet's 17 hp give it a top speed between 25 and 30 mph. Riders steer by shifting their weight, similar
to a surf board. Ideal for errands in the boat yard. Strictly for one rider.
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