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| 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.
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
Sportster
A watercraft that is a far cry from its Harley-Davidson namesake. The Harley Sportster was designed for loners -- or a loner plus one small biker momma. The Sea-Doo Sportster was designed for all-out fun and comfort. It seats up to four people in its snug confines but keeps Sportster 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 Sportster 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.