Anything that promotes the Sea-Doo lifestyle belongs here! Whether it is watersports, boats, PWCs, or whatever... as long as it promotes the Sea-Doo lifestyle of fun, safety and advanced technology you will find it here.

The Perfect Sea-Doo Valentines Day or Date

Posted on February 13, 2013

by OnBoard Editor

Escaping the tug of reality for a few hours on the water is the perfect Valentines Day or Valentines date.  Have you watched the movie ‘Hitch’? Will Smith’s character invites Eva Mendes on a first date where the couple rides two personal watercraft around the Statue of Liberty. Memorable to say the least. The lure of the water, sunshine and the ability to disconnect from our electronic shackles of e-mail and cell phones can make for a great day.

Our favorite East coast get-away is to launch in Cocoa Beach, Florida early in the morning and cruise down the Banana and Indian Rivers on Florida’s East Coast to Sebastian Inlet aboard GTI models or non-suspended GTX models.  It is about a one-hour cruise where couples can leave somewhat of an urban setting and explore nature seeing dolphins, egrets, and sometimes a stray flamingo.  The Inlet provides access to the ocean, blue water, and sandbars to visit for a relaxing hand-in-hand stroll while looking for hermit crabs.

After relaxing at the inlet, couples can ride to the western shore in Sebastian to the popular waterfront Captain Hiram’s on Sebastian Riverfront. Captain Hiram’s has coined themselves “Bahamas USA” and have replicated that laid back atmosphere with Caribbean inspired cuisine. After an afternoon swinging in hammocks, the sunset ride back to the North caps a great day on the water.

West coast couples can experience a more adventurous ride by leaving Long Beach Harbor, in California,  and making a 26-mile trip to outlying Catalina Island and the town of Avalon. The Sea-Doo GTX or RXT line would be the preferred vehicle of choice for this open water rendezvous, smoothing out the Pacific swells. Avalon offers the perfect destination for a lunch trip or overnight experience with multiple restaurants and hotels all in close walking distance from the harbor.

 

Sea-Doo, the perfect Valentines date vehicle: sunshine, hours of fun on the water and the opportunity to hug your Valentine when holding on tight!

Do you have a PERFECT Valentines date to share?  What is your favorite Sea-Doo escape from reality?

Happy Valentines Day!

 

 

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BRP History of NMMA Innovation Awards

Posted on February 11, 2013

by OnBoard Editor

Celebrated for continued innovation and value, BRP Sea-Doo dominates the industry in National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) Awards by winning five awards in the past four years.  This legacy of awards has fostered BRP’s leadership in developing the next generation of personal watercraft.

This week marks the biggest show in the marine industry, the Miami International Boat Show, the largest of its kind in the world. One of the show highlights is the NMMA Innovation Awards that acknowledge manufacturers who bring to market new and innovative products that advance the boating industry and honor them for integrating new concepts that provide practicality to the consumer in a cost effective manner. Winners are selected by a panel of judges consisting of members of Boating Writers International and the awards are announced each year at the show on South Beach.

BRP Sea-Doo has led the PWC, Jet Boats and Pontoon category as well as an award in the Water Sports and Equipment category.

2012 RXP-X 260:  NMMA Innovation Award in the PWC, Jet Boats, and Pontoon Boat category

“BRP’s Sea-Doo Ergolock seat, angled footwells, and T3 hull combine to create a PWC with incredible turning ability and maximum comfort designed to build confidence in its rider. It made me an instant expert,” said NMMA Innovation Award judge Alan Jones.

The Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 watercraft redefined the musclecraft segment with an ominous visual appeal from its flowing facet design, ram air intakes, large side grills and distinctive new Ergolock system and tight-turning T3 hull. BRP’s Ergolock system includes angled footwell wedges and a gradually narrowing seat design to help better connect the rider to the watercraft. It reduces upper body fatigue by allowing the rider to ride faster, for longer periods of time. BRP’s Ergolock system complements the tight turning aspect of the T3 hull that features an innovative dual surface design that responds differently at high or low speeds. The new T3 hull shape combines soft and hard chines and adjustable sponsons with winglets and trim tabs that allow the watercraft to lean into corners, better maintaining entry and exit speeds after turns.

2011 Sea-Doo GTI SE:  NMMA Innovation Award – PWC, Jet Boat, Pontoon Boat Category

“The 2011 Sea-Doo GTI 130 PWC is a comprehensive package of features for the value-minded rider,” NMMA Innovation Award Judge Robert Buller noted. “With its new ergonomically designed deck, the efficient ECO mode, throttle control and braking system, this is a smart package for under $9,000*.”

In 2011, BRP’s Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 watercraft was completely redesigned with an intense focus on improving rider ergonomics and comfort while integrating the exclusive iBR system. BRP’s iBR provides riders with a level of control never before experienced on the water with simplified maneuverability and the peace of mind knowing that riders can stop when wanted. The Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 model is also equipped with intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) that allows the rider to electronically control how power is delivered through various modes including ECO mode†.

2010 BRP was first company to win two Innovation Awards in one year

  • 2010 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260: NMMA Award in the PWC, Jet Boats and Pontoon category
  • 2010 Sea-Doo Advanced TEC iCatch PWC trailer: NMMA Award in the Water Sports and Equipment category

 “Winning two NMMA Innovation awards in the same year is a tribute to BRP’s commitment to innovation and to moving the marine industry forward,” said Yves Leduc, vice president – general manager, North America division after accepting the awards.

BRP’s 2010 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 watercraft has many of the innovative iControl technologies including BRP’s exclusive iBR (intelligent Brake & Reverse) system. BRP’s iBR provides riders with a level of control never experienced on the water with simplified maneuverability and the peace of mind knowing that riders can stop when wanted. With upgraded, race-inspired steering, with A.E.S. (Adjustable Ergonomic Steering) and customizable power delivery with an electronically adjustable ignition system, the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 offers enthusiasts the most advanced high-performance PWC in the industry.

BRP’s Advanced TEC iCatch PWC trailer also impressed the panel of judges. The NMMA noted that 95% of registered boats in the United States are towed to the water and NMMA Innovation Award judge Alan Jones said: “The BRP Advanced TEC iCatch PWC trailer makes launching and retrieving faster, easier and safer.”

BRP’s Advanced TEC iCatch PWC trailer simplifies the launch and load process. The torsion axle design of the trailer lowers the cradle point of the PWC providing better highway handling and ability to launch and load the PWC in shallower water.  The wrap around walk pad allows riders to mount and dismount the PWC clear of slippery launch ramps and further simplifying the launch/load procedure is the iCatch release lever, located on the walk pad that can be pulled while seated aboard the PWC. The roller bunk design centers the PWC when loading and the iCatch system automatically hooks the bow securing the PWC on the trailer.

2009 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS: NMMA Award in the PWC, Jet Boats and Pontoon category

According to the NMMA, BRP’s new Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS watercraft’s “active suspension and first on-water braking system puts it in a class of its own. Judge Alan Jones, after riding it through a three-foot chop says, ‘It’s good enough to make an average rider like me, feel like a pro and it allowed me to get out of bed the next day without a backache.’”

BRP’s Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS watercraft was the most advanced recreational vessel launched in decades, featuring many new technologies that dramatically improve the on-water experience for the operator. In addition to the first on-water braking system and full rider suspension, the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS features the S3 hull, the first high-performance stepped hull design in the industry.

BRP Sea-Doo maintains its legacy of innovation, high performance and design by continuing to manufacture these models with additional technology and design elements each year.  Stop by the Sea-Doo booth at the Miami International Boat Show to view the 2013 models.

* check with your local dealer for current model pricing.

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Three of a Kind: Creating The Ultimate Fishing Machines

Posted on February 7, 2013

by OnBoard Editor

Written by, Brian Lockwood

Albert Martin of Martin’s Custom Structures in Gloucester, Virginia, called me up several months ago and said he wanted to thank me. Confused, I said “For what?” Apparently, someone overseas had been looking at my website and told Albert that they wanted three fishing-rigged personal watercraft “like Brian’s.” They knew that they wanted to have the latest Sea-Doos, but other than that, they told Albert to do anything and everything he could think of. As you can tell did not let them down.

Picking The Right Machines

Although the client wanted a ski “just like Brian’s” these Sea-Doos are significantly more heavily outfitted than my own. These have everything Albert could’ve imagined including a full array of above and underwater lighting, custom GPS/sounder systems, canvas canopies, axillary fuel tanks, live bait tanks and coolers.

With his marching orders in hand, Albert went to Brian Barringer of Cycle City Corp in Newport News, Va. After looking over the available Sea-Doos, he purchased a trio of matching Sea-Doo RXT 260 iS.

The yellow-and-black triplets featured Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Suspension (iS) system, the industry’s only PWC fully-suspended top deck. Figuring that these machines would see plenty of offshore riding, the articulated coil-over suspension would come in hand.

Additionally, the units feature Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR), the only functioning braking system on a PWC.

A custom-fabricated, foam-filled extra capacity fuel tank allows for the private owners of these new machines to travel further than their factory tanks would allow. Extra cooler storage compensates for the lost watertight storage in the bow. Even with the forward towers, the front hatches open without conflict.

The Breakdown

The Buildup

Each of the three Sea-Doos carry the same Garmin GPS/depth sounding equipment, switch panels and controls. All towers have windshields and canvas roofs as well as integrated pole holders in a myriad of positions.

The extensive aluminum pipework with multiple rod holders is like a work of art, I am always in awe of the perfect welds that Albert and his son Chad create. Templates were created from one and used as the pattern to build the following two units.

I stopped by this shop when they were completed and to take a look before they were to be shipped overseas.

I am glad that other people from all over are taking interest in Jet Ski Fishing. It is something I thoroughly enjoy and I encourage others to try.

With everything poured into these custom machines, truly these three of kind watercraft are one of a kind!

“Three Of A Kind–Fishing Machines!” was first published February 21st, 2012 by Brian Lockwood at JetSkiBrian.com. It can be found in its entirety HERE

Artwork and content provided by Watercraftperformance.com.

A note from BRP Sea-Doo: Do not make unauthorized modifications, or use accessories that are not approved by BRP.  Since these changes have not been tested by BRP, they may increase the risk of accidents or injuries, and they can make the watercraft illegal for use on water.

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WELCOME TO THE WATER: Step off that dock and that is when it starts….

Posted on January 10, 2013

by OnBoard Editor

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WELCOME TO THE WATER: Sea-Doo Dave!

Posted on December 6, 2012

by OnBoard Editor

Recently we came across this story about an avid fisherman who also is serving in the US Navy.  While he was away on deployment some of his friends got together and retrofitted his Sea-Doo and turned it into the perfect bass fishing personal watercraft.  We want to thank all of the friends, family and businesses that generously provided Dave with this awesome surprise and we would like to thank Dave for his dedication to the United States Navy.

Enjoy your time on the water Dave!

Here is the story as told by JetSkiBrian Lockwood, one of the masterminds behind this generous gift.

Several months ago my brother John and I decided we wanted to do something special for Dave W.

Dave is a young enlisted Navy man that is stationed here in Norfolk Virginia. He was on a 7 month deployment that turned into 9 months aboard the USS McFaul. His ship returned to port on Sunday.

While Stationed here Dave has shown a genuine enthusiasm for salt water fishing. He has participated in many seminars and local Angler Club meetings.

Before he deployed Dave dropped his Sea-Doo off at Martin’s Custom Structures in Gloucester Va. to have some custom pipe work done. My brother John and I surprised him by taking care of the expense while Albert Martin also agreed to store Dave’s ski under cover while he was out to sea.

I had told some friends and local businesses of my intentions to surprise Dave when he returned from deployment and they were all were eager to join in.

Some of the items given to Dave; two nights at a Hampton Inn, personal EPIRB, two custom rods w/ Shimano reels,Diawa reel, several shirts and hats, custom embroidered back pack, many fishing lures, framed pictures of USS McFaul and more.

These are the great people and businesses that donated items.
Aberdeen Barn Williamsburg
Appomattox River Outfitters
Atlantic Bait and Tackle
Bishops Fishing Supply
Grafton Fishing Supply
Hampton Inn Capital Landing
Martin’s Custom Structures
West Marine Hampton
York Embroidery
Rob Cowling
Julian Cox
Cynthia Lockwood
John Lockwood

Last Sunday as the McFaul finally pulled in to Norfolk Rob and I where there to great the ship and take several pictures.

We all gathered last night at Yorktown beach, and with the help of Dave’s girlfriend Melanie, we were able to totally catch Dave off guard and surprise him with all these things.

Thanks Dave for your service in the United States Navy!

Next year, Dave isgoing to be stationed in Connecticut. For the next several weeks he will be in the Chesapeake Bay after Striped Bass on his PWC.

Here are a couple pictures of Dave’s newly rigged Sea- Doo.

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WELCOME TO THE WATER: The A to Z List of Useful Personal Watercraft Tips

Posted on November 29, 2012

by Sea-Doo

2012 Sea-Doo GTI Limited 155

From A to Z, we have compiled a list of 26 useful personal watercraft tips…can you think of any others????

A:  A watercraft anchor is useful when you want to stop and enjoy the marine life or throw out a line.

B: Brakes. Sea-Doo offers the only watercraft in the industry with our Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR). This technology allows riders to stop up to 100 feet sooner than with any other watercraft. * Our brake and reverse levers allows riders to keep both hands on the handlebars, which give you the maximum amount of control.

C: Cover. A watercraft cover provides added security and peace of mind when storing or towing your Sea-Doo. Sea-Doo offers a full line up of versatile, color-matching covers with a strapless design that provides easy installation and a patented air release vent system when trailering.

D: D.E.S.S., Sea-Doo’s Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S) prevents unauthorized use. Each watercraft is embedded with a microchip that is engaged with each lanyard. When starting your Sea-Doo 1 beep means it is ready to start, 2 beeps means readjust the key and push the button again.

E: ECO mode. One of the advanced iTC system many power delivery modes, is the award winning Sea-Doo ECO mode that provides up to 46% improved fuel consumption. When a rider activates ECO mode, the engine automatically calibrates the most economical operating speed saving money at the fuel dock and helps riders stay out on the water longer.

F: Fire Extinguisher. Sea-Doo personal watercraft are considered Class A inboard motor vessels and must adhere to the same Coast Guard regulations and standards as any other powerboats in this category. You must have a Coast Guard approved marine rated fire extinguisher on board your personal watercraft.

G: Gasoline. Sea-Doo watercraft, powered by ROTAX engines, can run on 87 octane, but we recommend 91 octane for supercharged models.

H: Hashtag #seadoo if you Tweet, when commenting on your Sea-Doo on Twitter. And follow us while you are at it!

I: iControl. BRP’s “iControl” technology is available in every watercraft category in the line making premium technologies available at a value minded price. “iControl” is the umbrella term BRP uses that includes the iBR system (Intelligent Brake and Reverse), iS (intelligent Suspension) system and the iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control) system.

J: Direct Drive Jet propulsion. Sea-Doo watercrafts are powered by Direct Drive jet propulsion and deliver more horsepower per dollar, superior handling, increased peace of mind and a better overall experience on the water!

K: Kids—make sure you are aware of your local boating ages before allowing your kids to drive the Sea-Doo.

L: Learning Key. Sea-Doo’s learning key limits engine speed, allowing first time users and inexperienced riders to develop skills and confidence in a controlled manner.

M: Maintenance. To get the most reliable performance, Sea-Doo recommends regular maintenance with your local dealership.

N: No wake zones. Always be aware of no wake zones when riding in a new area. Sea-Doo models models with cruise control include a Slow Speed Mode. To activate, when in neutral, hold down the cruise button. Slow Speed Mode is the perfect mode to navigate the No Wake zones.

O: Oil. XPS is the recommended oil for all Sea-Doo watercraft. We have a current promotion on XPS 4-Stroke oil. Purchase XPS 4-Stroke Oil and you could win a new Can Am ATV Outlander or a new Sea-Doo GTS 130 watercraft. See your local dealer for details. The contest ends Dec. 31, 2012, so act NOW!

P: PFD. A PFD (personal floatation device) must be worn at all times when operating a Sea-Doo watercraft. Sea-Doo offers a full line of PDFs for men, women and children of all ages.

Q: Quality. Sea-Doo watercraft and boats provide Quality time on the water with friends and family.

R: Retractable Boarding Step. Sea-Doo offers a retractable boarding ladder designed specifically for Sea-Doo watercraft. These boarding steps are spring loaded and designed to stay in the UP position when not in use. These make re-boarding your Sea-Doo watercraft simple and easy.

S: Sea-Doo Speed Tie. These speed ties eliminate slimy, wet, tangled dock ropes and unclutters your storage area.

T: Retractable Tow Pylon. To help simplify towing tubers, skiers or wake skaters, Sea-Doo offers a tow pylon that is retractable and provides an easy, high-rise pylon that includes built-in spotter grab rails.

U: Understand your local boating laws, licensing requirements, signs and waterways.

V: Value. Sea-Doo provides excellent value. Sea-Doo watercrafts include standard equipment such as iControl, including iBR and iTC, come standard in every watercraft category.

W: Wake! Sea-Doo WAKE models are the watercraft choice of the best wake athletes in the world (such as the Nike 6.0 Wake Skate team) and are the only watercraft specifically designed for tow sports.

X: X-Team Tuesday. Meet, learn about and follow the Sea-Doo X-team riders on our blog every Tuesday.

Y: YUASA is the Sea-Doo recommended replacement battery, they can be purchased through your local dealer.

Z: Zebra Mussels are harmful aquatic hitchhikers and these invasive crustaceans disrupt the traditional aquatic food chains of many inland lakes. These voracious mussels enter into fragile ecosystems and impact the lake’s ecological food cycles. These crustaceans can spread to inland waters by being transported as hitch hikers attached to PWC and boat hulls, engines or other services. Many lakes require watercraft to be thoroughly cleaned and dried before travelling between waterways. Be cautious when operating your Sea-Doo in inland lakes and abide by all posted rules regarding potential transportation of this invasive species.

* Based on BRP internal testing. Traveling at 50 mph (80.47km/h).

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What Kind of Sea-Doo are YOU?

Posted on November 19, 2012

by Sea-Doo


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DID YOU KNOW? BRP gives you the Power To GO!

Posted on November 19, 2012

by OnBoard Editor

BRP. The Power to go forward. Go farther. Go where you want to go. Go on land. Go on water, in mud, on snow even in the air. Go greener. Go cleaner. Go anywhere. Invent. Reinvent. The power to Go. BRP.

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WELCOME TO THE WATER: Where to Ride? Just ask fellow enthusiasts….

Posted on November 15, 2012

by OnBoard Editor

There is no better day than exploring the local channels, lakes, oceans, rivers or waterways on your Sea-Doo.  But, how do you find the best spots to explore? Especially if you are new to an area or looking for a unique vacation destination?

Many enthusiast sites exist that focus on riding a personal watercraft. Some of these sites use user generated content while others are written by experienced riders to inform and educate fellow watercraft enthusiasts.

Here are a few sites you can access if you are looking for that perfect escape on the water.

Personalwatercraft.com:  http://www.personalwatercraft.com

This site is full of information about watercraft. It features reviews, maintenance and technical advice and also has many blog posts featuring PWC riding, travel, fun destination and much more.  They offer a great one-stop, everything you need to know about riding a PWC, website.

GreenHulk PWC Performance Forums: http://www.greenhulk.net

GreenHulk is a PWC enthusiast forum that offers users the opportunity to post questions, engage with other PWC enthusiasts and is a great place to start when doing any type of PWC research.   Their Local Rides and Events forum includes multiple sub forums that includes global ride opportunities and much more.

PWC Trailfinder: http://www.pwctrailfinder.com/

A site dedicated to PWC Trailriding with owner writer and user generated content.  This website id dedicated to PWC adventures and travel.  The trails contain downloadable turn-by-turn GPS tracking and include identifiable on-water markers and more.  Users can also download directions by PDF.   This site was co-founded by Bill “83 Gator” Crew Jr., and Shawn McKee, two Louisiana enthusiasts, and is designed to share information with PWC enthusiasts.

The Intrepid Cottager: http://www.intrepidcottager.com/

One of our featured bloggers, Craig Nicholson, is a rider from Canada and is an enthusiast who chronicles his trips on the Canadian waters.  He has been riding Sea-Doo watercraft since the early 90′s and loves exploring new places and visiting different on-water destinations.

We also have a few blog posts about riding in the US:

•Where to ride in Texas

•Where to ride in Florida

•Where to ride in Minnesota

•Where to ride in Chicago

•Where to ride in California

•Where to ride in New York

What about you? Are there any sites you visit for riding or boating advice?  Do you have any amazingly sweet spots that you are willing to share with your fellow Sea-Doo enthusiasts?  Let us know!

 

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WELCOME TO THE WATER: Basic Tips for New Sea-Doo Owners

Posted on November 8, 2012

by Sea-Doo

 

2012 Sea-Doo GTI Limited 155

The open water beckons to new Sea-Doo owners….rushing over the water, exploring local lakes, rivers and oceans and spending quality time with family and friends.

Whether this is your first Sea-Doo or your fifth, these tips are designed to help you get out on the water to help you enjoy your watercraft….

•  Attach your key lanyard to your PFD before you start the watercraft. This may seem like a simple step, but it is a very important step to ensure your safety. If you fall off of the watercraft this will ensure that it will immediately stop the engine.

•  Know where to locate the START/STOP button. Depending on the brand of your watercraft, this START/STOP button could be located in different places.  Before you head out on the water, you will need to know where this button is, or how to pull off the lanyard to stop the watercraft.  The time to locate this and become familiar with how to turn off the engine is before you venture out on the water.  Novice watercraft riders tend to become nervous when docking or beaching the watercraft for the first time so you will need to be familiar with the location and functionality.

•  Familiarize yourself with the controls at the dock.  Sea-Doo watercraft have multiple modes and features such as intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) that includes on-water brakes, reverse, neutral, etc., Sport mode, Eco mode.  All Sea-Doo watercraft start in neutral and touring mode for consistent power delivery but can be changed to Sport mode at the touch of a button.  The best time to familiarize yourself with all of the modes and functions is before you head out on the water. Or before you open it up and head full speed down the straight aways.

•  Check your gas gauge and ensure you have a full tank.  Sea-Doo watercraft’s Rotax engines are developed to run on 87 octane, with 91 octane recommended for supercharged watercraft.  Filling up the watercraft at a gas station prior to putting them in the water is more economical as on-water gas stations are taxed at a higher rate and charge premium prices for the convenience of filling up on the water.

•  Sea-Doo watercraft have a recommended break in period of 10 hours. When engines are new it needs a wear-in timeframe to ensure optimum peformance. During this period you should operate the boat at different RPM levels from low to high. During the initial break-in, don’t run the boat wide open. Refrain from jamming the throttle forward and caving into your passengers wishes of “Let’s open this baby up and see what she can do!” You will find plenty of time for that later.

•  Keep all of your important paperwork on board in a waterproof pouch.  It is always wise to be prepared in the case of an emergency or in case you are stopped by the Marine Patrol.  Carry your Boater Safety Card, registration, picture ID, insurance information and any other paperwork you deem necessary easily and quickly accessible.

These are just a few tips to make your first Sea-Doo experiences fun and safe! Do you have any other tips that you found useful when you were first learning to ride a Sea-Doo?  Please share!

 

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