Overview

Highfield’s Velox 420 is a ­welcome addition to the entry-level-­­boat segment. Priced at $36,000, this jet-powered RIB is intended to fill the compact runabout niche somewhat abandoned by popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat especially ideal for younger captains.

Engine

The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features an aluminum deep-V hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The powder-­coated aluminum hull incorporates the boat deck, an integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank and the swim platform. The helm console and bow boarding step are molded fiberglass. The boat is powered by a 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive—the same reliable three-cylinder 899cc powertrain featured in the Sea-Doo Spark watercraft. A fiberglass insert forms the jet pump intake and the aft center of the running surface to provide efficient intake flow in a shape that would be challenging to form in aluminum.

Interior and Accessories

The aluminum hatch over the engine bay is also the base for the main seat, wide enough for two or a tight fit for three people. The pivoting seat backrest enables facing forward or aft on this seat. The deep boarding platform is covered with the same MarineMat material that covers the deck. There’s also a small seat on the forward helm console and a seat pad in the bow peak (useful at rest, not underway). Stowage space is limited to some room within the console, accessed by raising the forward seat. This is a 14-footer, remember.

The helm console holds a Medallion touchscreen display that can be used to select ­Rotax performance modes (Eco, Docking and Ski). Switches for lighting and the head for the optional audio system ($920) are to port of the wheel. There is a wireless device charger next to the display screen. The console is topped with a small windscreen and a robust grab handle.

Read Next: Highfield Sport 800

The 90 hp jet pushed this 1,060-pound vessel to a top speed of 38 mph with a light load. Performance is typical jet—strong acceleration starts at about 5,500 rpm; at speed in a hard turn, the radius tightens until the boat starts to slide a bit, but this is easy to control. Fuel economy is outstanding at better than 7 mpg at cruising speeds, for a range of about 100 miles. That’s a lot of fun per gallon.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive
• Drive/Prop: Jet drive/144 mm x 15/19″ pitch stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1:1 Fuel Load: 6 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• Boat, fuel and trailer combined will weigh less than 1,400 pounds—an easy tow for compact vehicles.
• No prop, no trim, and minimal ­maintenance with a jet drive make for easy ownership.
• Beach this boat with no worries thanks to a rugged aluminum hull with keel guard.
• RIB offers excellent stability at rest and absorbs dock bumps.

Low Points

• High-rpm jet drive is very noisy and transmits significant vibration to the cockpit.
• Fuel fill below the bow seat cushion is challenging to reach and offers potential for spills within the boat.
• Minimal stowage space.

Toughest Competition

The 15-foot-9-inch Scarab 165SE (base price $45,460 with trailer) weighs about 1,600 pounds (2,300 pounds on its steel trailer) and is powered by a 170 hp Rotax 1630 ACE jet drive with up to 300 hp as an option. This is a very stylish jet ­runabout with more performance and ­storage space than the Velox.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Highfield Velox 420 appeared first on Boating Mag.

2024 Boat of the Year Category Winner: Watersports

V-drive inboards do a great job, so why bother with water-jet power in this specialized category? We didn’t honor Kyma for simply being different.

The 6.2L 575 Indmar jet gives this boat shallower draft, better slow speed handling than a V-drive, and its wakesurf waves rank on par with those produced by V-drive boats, thanks to the innovative use of the Seakeeper Ride stability system.

Overview

Just about the time you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to V-drive wakesports boats, there emerges something new: the KYMA K7 Supercharged. While the K7 looks similar in size, shape and design to other boats in its class, what sets it apart is its power: a 6.2L 575 Indmar motor connected to a single jet-drive unit.

KYMA’s designers did an incredible job of blending multiple styles of boats—jet drive, runabout and watersports V-drive—into the product that is the K7 Supercharged. The looks lean into the watersports side, with high gunwales, a squared-off bow and a tower. On board, it’s a blend of traditional V-drive design with wraparound seating in the cockpit, while the helm takes cues from runabouts with dual captain’s chairs. Of course, it’s the jet drive that makes the K7 different from nearly anything else on the market with similar specs. The biggest advantage with the jet-drive setup is the shallow draft. Kyma lists the draft at “17.5 inches under normal load,” which is significantly less than the 36-inch average of most 23-foot V-drives. Not only does this allow the K7 to access shallower waters, but captains don’t have to worry about bending a prop or running gear. Another benefit to a jet drive lies in the steering. The K7 is easier to handle at slower speeds, especially in reverse, when compared with a V-drive that will pull in one direction or the other due to propeller torque.

Engine

History has shown that jet-drive boats have struggled when it comes to making sizable wakeboarding wakes or wakesurfing waves comparable to those of V-drive counterparts. KYMA changed that, and did so in a major way. First off, the KYMA utilizes a single jet drive, as opposed to twins often found in larger jet-drive boats. The jet drive features a 9-inch pump installed at more of a downward angle—this helps eliminate the rooster tail/wash issue that plagues other jet-drive boats trying to achieve higher-end watersports action. Equipped with 3,000 pounds of onboard ballast, the K7 can displace gobs of water with the push of a button. The result is nice, clean, symmetrical wakeboard wakes. They aren’t huge, but they’re more than enough for beginner and intermediate riders to catch air and learn countless tricks.

Where the K7 Supercharged really shines is in the wakesurfing arena. In fact, it totally surprised me, with waves that are clean, consistent and on par with many V-drives on the market today. This is thanks to the integrated Seakeeper Ride attitude-control system. This highly advanced system senses pitch, roll and yaw, and automatically adjusts the trim and roll with blinding speed while underway to keep a boat running level and smooth (which they can do for the K7). But the Seakeeper Ride actuators can also be deployed manually and independently to create a wakesurf wave. With the ballast full and the K7’s surf mode engaged, watching the wave come into shape is impressive. I’ve never seen a wave this good on a jet-drive boat, and most importantly, it’s fun to surf.

Interior and Accessories

The K7’s systems are controlled via a large, vertically mounted touchscreen to the right of the steering wheel. The menus are intuitive and easy to use, and the screen is flanked by push buttons for redundancy. The interface features constant single-tap access to both the audio and the navigation screens. The Seakeeper Ride system can also be adjusted via a control interface to the left of the steering wheel. The captain’s chair is plenty comfortable and customizable, and I enjoyed sitting behind the taller windshield for added protection from wind and elements. Another unique feature of the K7 is the electric steering system by Dometic. It’s been tuned to work with the performance and ride characteristics of the K7’s hull, ensuring a locked-in feel that you sometimes miss out on in other jet-drive boats.

Merely push a button, and the tower ­automatically lowers while keeping the ­Bimini level. So should you need extra shade or coverage from a rain shower, it’s just seconds away. Passengers are treated to a Spradling vinyl interior that feels different from other vinyls, but in a way I didn’t mind. It fits the KYMA’s vibe, and it’s easy to hose down should you take the K7 into salt water. Ample storage can be found throughout the interior, and the spaces under the cockpit seats are large enough to hold a full-size cooler. The bow features two removable cushions to convert it to a playpen-style layout, as well as dedicated anchor and ladder storage. If you’re going to beach your K7, it’s easy to get back on board.

Read Next: Tips for Shaping the Perfect Wake

To shop against the K7, Yamaha offers a ­series of jet-drive wakeboats. For models with automated wakesurfing setups, look at the 22- or 25-foot XD models (starting at $87,599 and $116,799, respectively).

Overall, KYMA set out to create a boat with the versatility of a jet drive and the fun of a watersports V-drive; with the K7 Supercharged, it has done just that. Whether you’re coming from a jet-boat background, looking to get into a watersports boat with added versatility, or wanting to start somewhere ­different than a V-drive, the K7 is a must-see.

How We Tested

• Engine: Indmar 6.2L 575 Supercharged
• Drive/Impeller: Jet drive/NA
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 27 gal. Crew Weight: 370 lb.

High Points

• Integrated tower and transom GoPro mounts.
• Good wakeboarding wake and a great wakesurfing wave. 
• KYMA includes a telematics package for remote monitoring of your boat’s systems.

Low Points

• No flip-up backrests or convertible bench—features often found in V-drive boats.
• Lack of cubbies leaves fewer places for storing drinks, phones and other items.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 KYMA K7 Supercharged appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Jet boats were once mostly hairpin-­happy thrill rides, with  the reflexes of a slot-car. Today, they’ve matured into hot-selling family models, viable alternatives to craft propelled by propellers. Scarab Jet’s 195 ID proves that buyers can have all the benefits of the latter without forgoing the former’s high-octane fun. Sure, it’s got a broad passenger-friendly bow, cushy seating lining in the cockpit, and convertible aft seating that works while underway or at the sandbar. Our tester also featured 300 supercharged horses in the engine compartment. Crank the wheel, and it turns on the requisite dime. Jam the throttle, and it leaps forward to a near 50 mph top speed. It’s a thoroughly modern family bowrider that hasn’t forgotten its roots.

Interior and Accessories

Equip it with Scarab’s Wake Edition package, and it even nails the current trifecta, cranking out a nice recreational surf wave. That’s a tall order for any jet, let alone a 19-footer, but the 195 accomplishes it with a familiar mix. Water ballast bags—split between rear storage compartments and the in-floor ski locker, and plumbed to fill and empty at the touch of a button—add the necessary displacement to pump up wake size for both wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Surfers benefit further from a removable wake-enhancement plate. Deployed on a rider’s preferred side, this adds drag while standing the wake up taller and cleaning up its face. The result is a ­non-intimidating wave ideal for beginner to intermediate riders, with plenty of all-important push. Tweak the ballast load to further enhance the wake on a rider’s preferred side, or fine-tune fore and aft to influence shape and length. Dial-in all of the above functions via a 12-inch touchscreen. Ballast, speed, acceleration and more can be easily reproduced for ­individual riders.

Like many Scarab models, the appearance of both exterior and interior is ridiculously customizable. The 195 ID is available in a choice of five standard hull colors, with an additional six options offering the manufacturer’s trademark Impulse graphic. Another variation is available in three-dimensional MarineMat, combining style with scuff protection while docking. The deck is available in a choice of white or black. For the interior, go with neutral white-and-gray or opt for a rich cognac, cool-touch black or the colorful pop of four bold accent colors. As one of ­Scarab’s reps noted, it’s the Burger King approach: Have it your way.

Read Next: Scarab 235 Open ID

High Points

• Drive Control modes include an eco ­setting, cruise control and tamer-­response docking mode.
• Intelligent Debris Free pump system provides push-button reversal of the driveshaft to flush weeds and debris.
• Wake Edition package includes folding watersports tower, board racks, ballast system, removable wake-enhancement plate for surfing, and integrated ­touchscreen controls.

Low Points

• On the whole, jets are less efficient than prop-driven boats. Noisier too.
• Keep in mind the target audience. Advanced surf riders might long for ­bigger, better wakes.
• With threaded attachment points below the waterline, the wake-enhancement plate proves cumbersome to install on the water.

Toughest Competitor

Yamaha’s AR195 (starting at $45,999, with a single 1.8-liter Super Vortex High Output engine) can be outfitted with a wakesurf package. AR195’s interior is not as plush as the Scarab, nor does it offer the Scarab’s array of colors and graphics. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Rotax Marine 300 ACE
• Drive/Impeller: Waterjet/161 mm diameter, 13-21-pitch, stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post Boat Test: 2024 Scarab Jet 195 ID appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

We recommend Sea-Doo’s 2024 Spark Trixx. Yes, it offers minuscule storage capacity and barely hits 50 mph. But it’s so much freakin’ fun. With it, you can perform old-school spinouts and power slides with ease. The 90 hp engine paired with lightweight construction delivers surprising ­acceleration. Besides, who cares about storage when their boat can do something that no other sit-down watercraft can—wheelies. Yes, the Trixx hits bull’s-eyes when it comes to fun factors. 

Accessories

Sea-Doo’s long-running trio of Trixx add-ons truly awaken its freestyle potential. Extended range on the electric variable trim is the star of the show, providing an additional 10 degrees of upward nozzle movement to elevate the bow. Tap the button, and it instantly enhances the Spark’s already loose handling, allowing you to point the bow skyward by shifting your weight aft. An adjustable handlebar riser extends the height of the handlebars several inches to increase leverage. It allows even lighter riders to pull the craft into the wheelie position. Once bow-high, angled blocks molded into the tail end of the footwells provide a horizontal surface to stand on.

Changes for 2024 include the switch to a single passenger freestyle seat. It adds a welcome touch of comfort. More importantly, it shortens the length of the saddle to allow a rider to move aft or shift weight placement more easily. A removable passenger seat is now an available option and is easy to install for those times a rider wants to share the fun. Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR) system, already great for low-speed maneuvering around tight areas and rapidly slowing the craft at high speeds, has also been tweaked to provide ­improved maneuverability at slow speeds. Riders can also take advantage of a new Trixx mode that drops the reverse bucket lower in the water to make possible a new generation of tricks, like nosedives and dizzying ­reverse doughnuts. 

Finally, consider the Spark’s new sleek aesthetics. While similar to the original model at first glance, closer inspection reveals that almost all of the craft’s previous hard edges and angles have been softened. It gives the craft a new, modern appearance, and pays practical dividends because the deck is now a little more forgiving during falls and the subsequent reboarding from deep water. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax Marine 900 ACE
• Drive/Impeller: Jet drive/140 mm high-pressure pump with stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 5 gal.

High Points

• Larger 4 1/2-inch digital display is easier to see. The upsize glove box includes waterproof phone storage.
• LinQ accessory mounts on the aft platform secure optional storage, gas or cooler accessories. LinQ Lite mounts hold action cams in up to five locations.
• Optional Bluetooth audio system directs sound at the driver and becomes a portable system when at the beach.

Low Points

• Falls happen. Reboarding is still awkward, despite new molded-in handholds on the aft platform.
• Exoskeleton design eliminates bow storage. An optional add-on compartment detracts from the cool aesthetics.
• The Trixx plays best in smaller, calmer bodies of water.

Toughest Competitor

Yamaha’s JetBlaster ($10,899) combines an advantageous power-to-weight ratio with extras, including extended-range electric trim, leverage-enhancing handlebars and angled footwell chocks. Playful enough to spin, the Yamaha focuses more on power and uses its extended trim to leap out of the water or off wakes rather than do wheelies and tailspins. The three-passenger JetBlaster offers more fuel capacity and storage.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The versatility of the center-­console design makes it increasingly popular in fresh and salt water as an all-around dayboat. With available twin 300 hp ­Rotax jet drives, the new Scarab 235 Open ID takes the center-console to 60 mph. And the low-profile engines enable a fold-down transom tailgate with unmatched water access. 

A new running surface with a 20-degree transom deadrise balances a soft ride with stability, and a broad bow permits an expansive casting platform. The transom tailgate creates a 3-foot-4-inch-deep platform that’s great for swimming, gearing up to dive, lounging on aft-facing seats, and easy dockside boarding. The boat can operate at speed with the gate down if no rear-seat passengers are facing aft. With the gate raised, the boarding platform is 12 inches deep.

Interior and Accessories

It’s about a 10-inch step up onto the motor box from the platform. Seatbacks here fold flat or angle to face forward or aft. This aft deck area and the forward casting deck are covered with soft MarineMat material. Add sun pads for the bow and aft deck ($1,715), bow and aft sail shades ($3,525), and a premium JL Audio package ($4,235), and the 235 Open ID will reign as king of the cove.

The Wake Edition Package ($9,600) adds a 12.3-inch ­Medallion Viper III touchscreen at the helm, board racks, and plumbing to fill a Fatsac ballast bag intended for placing on the lowered tailgate. The screen is used to set up speed and acceleration profiles, control the ballast pump, and manage the audio and RBG lighting systems, in addition to displaying engine and boat-function information. The standard display is a 7.2-inch Medallion/BRP touchscreen. Because the boat is jet-powered, it’s safely surfable. Order the Fishing Package ($2,735) to add a baitwell below the helm seat, rocket launchers on the T-top, inwale rod stowage, and lure boxes below the forward deck.

Read Next: 2024 Scarab Jet 195 ID

Engines

The optional twin 300 hp ­Rotax water jets ($10,125 over the base twin 170 hp engines) deliver instant acceleration and blazing speed. Select one of four power modes—Ski, Eco, Dock and Cruise—through the touchscreen. These high-rpm engines are noisy compared to an outboard or sterndrive, but feature closed cooling and require less seasonal maintenance.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 300 hp Rotax 300 ACE 1.6L
• Drive/Prop: Jet drive/166 mm 14/22 pitch 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• BRP iDF system uses reverse thrust to clear intake-clogging weeds.
• Curtained changing area can be equipped with a portable head.
• Aluminum T-top features a MarineMat covering intended to protect a SUP that can be secured using top rails.
• Tailgate enables a wide-open transom for angling, sports or lounging.

Low Points

• Lack of space between the aft seats and helm seat and the outboard and the center console lends a cramped feel.
• Boarding ladder will be challenging to use when the tailgate is lowered.
• Water jets are about 30 percent less efficient than propellers.

Toughest Competitor

The 22-foot 222 Yamaha FSH Sport E ($73,399 with trailer) is powered by a pair of new 1.9-liter 200 hp water jets with digital controls. Standard features include a 5-inch Connext touchscreen, 75-gallon fuel tank, rocket launchers, 18-gallon livewell and bow seating area.

Pricing and Specs

 Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Scarab 235 Open ID appeared first on Boating Mag.

The design of any marine powertrain begins with a propeller that produces a desired amount of thrust. To elevate the performance of the new Sea-Doo RXT-X and RXP-X watercraft models, engineers at BRP Rotax in Austria worked with BRP propulsion engineers in Canada to devise an impeller with a thrust curve capable of propelling these craft from zero to 60 mph in a mind-bending 3.4 seconds. They also designed an engine with a torque curve able to turn that impeller at the desired rpm. BRP will brag on the class-leading 325 hp of its new Rotax 1630 ACE engine, but that rating is almost irrelevant. The top speed of all PWC is governed not to exceed 69 mph, so this new engine rarely comes close to its 8,250 rpm limit, which is where it makes peak power. Acceleration is the goal, and on that count this new powertrain certainly does deliver.

While the 325 hp engine shares its architecture with 1630 ACE engines rated at 230 and 300 hp—with a 1.6-liter three-cylinder, single overhead camshaft, supercharger and closed cooling—Rotax recognized that many components of this platform reached their design limit at 300 hp and would need upgraded to support the pressure required to achieve the desired new ­level of performance.

More power requires more air and fuel, and Rotax and BRP designed an entire new intake tract with a larger-­volume air box, low-restriction intake tubing and a stronger plenum on the pressure side of the supercharger. The fuel system features a high-flow fuel pump and high-flow injectors.

An all-new centrifugal supercharger is optimized for efficiency. As in the past, the supercharger is driven ­directly from the crankshaft, but a new planetary gear set within the supercharger housing permits an astounding 100,000 rpm from the impeller. The new 75 mm impeller is 44 percent smaller than the previous 135 mm impeller, resulting in a more compact housing. The new design eliminates the friction clutch that has been a service issue on the previous supercharger. Despite boost pressure raising from 12.8 psi to 15.2 psi, ­Rotax says air temperature at the supercharger outlet is reduced by 50 degrees F, and cooler air makes more power.

The entire valve train is ­upgraded with new forged aluminum rocker arms, stronger springs, and a polished rocker-­arm shaft to reduce friction. New pistons are fitted with low-friction rings, and new oil jets help cool the exhaust side of each piston. The engine block casting was strengthened and is now die-cast rather than lost-foam-cast. Even the coupler clamps on the output shaft are beefed up.

Our highly calibrated seat-of-the-pants test confirmed the result: This powertrain produces unprecedented acceleration. Pull the throttle and 60 mph pops up on the GPS speedometer before you have time to focus your eyes, with rpm rising to about 8,000 before dropping down to about 7,600 at the 69 mph limit. We rode the Sea-Doo RXT-X and RXP-X models back to back with the 300 hp GTR-X model, and there is simply no comparison. If you crave unparalleled power and the thrill of thrust, there’s simply not a more exciting option.

The post New 325 hp Rotax 1630 ACE Engine appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The new Sea-Doo GTR-X model is a performance watercraft for the pragmatist. While not the most powerful, best-handling or most advanced model in the Sea-Doo lineup, the ­GTR-X pairs strong performance with high-level features for a ride that will never leave most owners aching for more.

The GTR-X model is the first Sea-Doo to combine the 300 hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine with the Sea-Doo GTI hull in a craft intended to offer outstanding bang for the buck, with a base price of $16,999. The performance attitude is enhanced with a low racing-style handlebar and a racing seat with a deep rear bolster, and the GTR-X comes equipped with the same 7.6-inch display screen featured on the premium Sea-Doo GTX touring models.

The Sea-Doo GTI hull is formed with Polytec II, a BRP exclusive formula of polypropylene mixed with long-strand fiberglass. Polytec debuted a decade ago on the compact Spark models, and Polytec II is a stronger version suitable for larger models. Polytec II is easier and presumably less expensive to manufacture than a hull formed in the close-mold fiberglass-polyurethane CM-Tec process used for some other Sea-Doo models. It is smooth but does not have a glossy finish like fiberglass, and is very strong and scratch-resistant. Beaching and minor dock rubbing will not mar this surface. Stringers, motor mounts and other internal features are molded as part of the hull, creating a solid structure. The deck is formed with CM-Tec, which has a glossy surface.

This 10-foot-11-inch hull has a moderate V-bottom and wide chines that offer great stability at rest and in rough water with up to three adult passengers on board. It’s not as aggressive in turns as the race-inspired TR-3 hull under the RXP-X, and perhaps not as adept in offshore conditions as the ST-3 hull under GTX models, but it does deliver predictable handling and a comfortable, dry ride perfect for everyday, all-day fun.

Engine

Make that fast fun, if you so desire, thanks to the 300 hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine. Performance is enhanced by a supercharger producing a 12.8 psi boost through an intercooler. The engine features closed cooling, which keeps salt water out of the block and maintains a steady engine temperature regardless of the lake water temperature. Heat exchangers are incorporated within the aluminum ride plate attached to the hull bottom. The engine requires 91-octane fuel for full performance. A drive-by-wire throttle enables speed-control features, including Slow mode for long no-wake zones. There are three selectable power modes: Base, max-performance Sport, and fuel-sipping Eco.

A lever on the left-hand grip controls the Sea-Doo iBR reverse and braking system. Pull in the lever at low speed and reverse automatically engages. Release the lever for neutral thrust, and apply throttle for forward thrust. Pull in the iBR lever while underway and the reverse bucket partially lowers to scrub off speed while maintaining steering control. The iBR system is immediately intuitive and makes it easy to control the GTR-X around the dock.

Engage Sport mode and the Launch Control auto-trim function, and the GTR-X will blast off instantly and reach 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. We saw a best top speed of 66 mph with a full tank of fuel and a single rider on board. The Ergo-lock seat system holds the rider in place with a high rear bolster, and padded pockets in the cowl allow for a secure knee grip in aggressive riding.

Extras and Accessories

The 7.6-inch-wide display is bright and easy to read. Functions are controlled on the right handlebar module. This system does not incorporate navigation. Upgrade to the factory-installed Tech Package ($1,200) to add a 100-watt Bluetooth ­audio system with two speakers and a slightly larger display that pairs with the BRP Go! app on your device, which incorporates navigation, ride tracking, and the ability to find other Go! users on the water. The audio system is also offered as a stand-alone dealer-installed accessory ($1,230).

Storage spaces include a 40-gallon bow compartment that’s easy to reach from the seat, and a deep glove box in the cowl with a watertight box for a phone and a charging port. The boarding platform is equipped with LinQ attachment system mounting points that can secure a range of LinQ accessories, including a 4-gallon fuel caddy, a 4.2-gallon cooler and a gear caddy. After removing the seat, there’s good access to engine service points and the battery.

Leading competitors to the GTR-X include the 11-foot-9-inch Yamaha FX SVHO ($19,299) with its 270 hp 1.8-liter supercharged engine, 44.5 gallons of stowage, and 7-inch Connext color touchscreen display with mobile device connectivity, GPS navigation and geofencing capability. An optional two-speaker Bluetooth audio system ($449) has 50 watts of power. Kawasaki offers the 11-foot-3-inch Jet Ski Ultra 310X ($18,299) with a 310 hp 1.5-liter supercharged engine, 44.5 gallons of stowage, a generous 21.1-gallon fuel capacity, and a 7-inch TFT color display with smartphone connectivity enabling call and message notifications. The optional Jetsounds 4S audio system ($1,287) has four speakers and 200 watts of power.

You could spend more money and buy more extreme performance, but we think the GTR-X hits a real sweet spot with a perfect combination of power, handling and technology that makes it a more versatile choice for all-around use than a hyper-performance craft, from cruising to towing to, yes, going really fast.

Read Next: Boat Test: 2023 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170

How We Tested

• Engine: 1,630 cc Rotax inline, three-cylinder supercharged SOHC four-stroke
• Pump/Impeller: 161 mm axial-flow single-stage jet pump/3-blade, polished
  stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• Potent performance from a proven, reliable powertrain.
• Seat, handlebar and footwells are designed to lock an aggressive rider into a position of control.
• Light-gray liner makes it easy to see your stuff in the bow stowage bin.
• No competitor offers more performance and tech bang for the buck.

Low Points

• A reboarding step, which should be a basic standard feature, is a $245 option.
• High-performance engine requires premium fuel.
• Racy handlebar is not height-adjustable and will be a reach for some riders who want to stand.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Sea-Doo GTR-X appeared first on Boating Mag.

Scarab’s boats are well known to the editors of Boating. In 2022, Boating’s team tested more than 100 boats – PWCs, runabouts, cruisers, dayboats, and center-consoles – and chose the Scarab Jet 285 ID, a wide-beam, luxury runabout with all the advantages of jet propulsion, as a finalist for Boat of the Year. There was plenty for the editors to praise: the huge sun pad and transom platform, enclosed head, 12-inch intuitive touchscreen interface, the 600 hp jet propulsion that’s quieter than other boats in the category. Now Scarab splashes a new contender: the Scarab Jet 235 ID.

The 235 ID follows the strategy that Scarab introduced with the 285: stylish, plush, and great for the family.

There are many unique features to Scarab that address the most common concerns about jet boats. Worried about weeds being sucked in? With one tap on the touchscreen, the Intelligent Debris Free Pump System (IDF) disengages the drive shaft and spins the impeller in reverse to flush debris. Concerned about the “creep factor” of jet propulsion? Use the Neutral Offset setting to counterbalance the forward or back motion to find a true neutral. There’s also Docking Mode, which slows the throttle response for easier control at low speed and for tight quarters maneuvering.

What about the wake? It’s relatively long, a rarity for a jet boat. It cleans up well, and has a deep pocket and good push for a boat this size. There is one ballast bag under seating in each side aft, and a single bag forward. There’s also an external ballast bag designed to go on the aft platform to add extra weight to the surfer’s preferred side. All bags are already plumbed into system, and easily filled and emptied via the touchscreen.

At the helm, the touchscreen allows riders to choose their preferred speed, ballast preference, and acceleration profile from mild to aggressive. Once your wave is dialed in, save it in a preset for easy access. The display also integrates speed/rpm, exterior/interior/navigation lightning, engine data, as well as access to the owner’s manual as a PDF file.

Scarab’s tagline is “the outperformer.” A bold statement, but one the manufacturer continues to live up to.

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MotoJet builds high-performing jet boats for rough waters. There’s a new step in MotoJet’s evolution today and it’s coming from Indmar Marine Engines 2.3L EcoBoost. As a turbo charged 310 horsepower engine, the EcoBoost is super quiet and super powerful. You’re guaranteed an impressive time on the water. Watch it in action with Randy Vance.

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Overview

Kawasaki may have been slow to embrace modern trends like electronic reverse and deceleration ­systems, or even significantly update its Jet Ski lineup over the last decade, but change is in the wind. First came the midrange STX 160. The following year, a significantly upgraded Ultra 310LX flagship was introduced. For 2023, the company borrows a little of both craft to create the Ultra 160LX, which boasts virtually all the cool style and tech introduced on the 310LX last year, but with the STX’s tamer, supercharger-less engine below the saddle. The result is a premium-level machine that comes in at a far more affordable price while offering greatly increased range. 

Both the 310LX and 160LX are based on Kawasaki’s Ultra hull platform, a deep-V design with 22.5 ­degrees of deadrise that excels in rough conditions, making it a favorite for big-water enthusiasts and offshore racers alike. Over the course of Kawasaki’s nearly 120-mile press ride on the Sacramento River, I noted the craft boasts that same confidence in the confused, washing-machine chop that often plagues group rides. With the throttle pinned, I felt confident charging across mixing wakes, the Ultra staying planted to the water without getting caught up in wakes or wandering. It strutted in glassier conditions, carving turns with razorlike precision with nary a skip or slide. 

Engine

While riders familiar with the hull would expect that flagship ride, they might not expect great performance. This non-supercharged version of Kawasaki’s 1,498 cc inline, dual overhead-cam four-­cylinder offers nearly half the horsepower of its flagship brethren. Still, I found its power delivery impressive for the category. The craft accelerated strong enough out of the hole to please aggressive riders or tow water toys with ease, and it delivered a welcome midrange punch. That overall performance and snappy feel make it somewhat of a surprise when you see the speedometer topping out around the 52 mph mark. Competitive craft typically run 57 to 63 mph. 

Extras and Accessories

The 160LX is almost indistinguishable from the 310. It shares the same broad bow, sculpted lines, and ebony and metallic-gold paint job. The 160 also shares the 310’s unique LED accent lights. They’re for style points, not nighttime operation, but they do slightly enhance daytime visibility. Take a seat atop the tiered saddle and two different pairs of speakers catch the eye and the ear. Kawasaki’s 200-watt Jetsound 4S audio system takes PWC sound systems to the next level with 35-watt speakers mounted to each side of the display and 60-watt speakers placed at the front of the footwells. Linked via Bluetooth to a rider’s smartphone, the system produces exceptional sound. A volume dial is to the left of the 7-inch color TFT information display. A phone or other audio source can be placed in a waterproof housing inside the 160’s twin gull-wing storage compartments. The outward-opening doors to port and starboard of the console replace a conventional glove box and are ideal for smaller items riders want to keep within reach, like sunscreen or a water bottle.

As to additional technology, the most practical addition is Kawasaki Smart ­Reverse with Deceleration (KSRD), the company’s long-awaited answer to competitive solutions like Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & ­Reverse and Yamaha’s RiDE system. Though the basic operation is similar to competitors—a curved bucket redirects the flow of water exiting the jet pump to mimic the feeling of forward, neutral and reverse while providing rapid deceleration at speed—Kawasaki eschews a reverse/deceleration lever on the left side of the handlebars in favor of a small thumb lever below the right handgrip. Use the conventional throttle to go forward, then tap the KSRD lever to put the craft into neutral. Apply continual pressure on the thumb lever and you get increasing throttle in reverse. Yes, it’s different than competitive solutions. Out of habit, I reached for a phantom neutral/reverse lever on the left side of the handlebars. But once you get used to the placement, it’s intuitive to use, simple to reach, and keeps eyes on the water, all ideal when backing out of a launch area or maneuvering in a marina’s tight confines.

Those latter scenarios also benefit from a first on a personal watercraft: a rearview camera monitored on the dash display. What I first dismissed as almost a gimmick was quickly appreciated while backing up in tight quarters during gas and lunch stops. Surprisingly, I also found having it active while running forward was a good way to check traffic following closely behind before making a turn during our crowded press run. Just keep in mind that the view diminishes as speed increases due to increased water spray coming off the hull. Other tech of note includes an auto trim control, cruise and no-wake modes, and a trio of power-delivery options.

As to how the Ultra 160LX compares to the competition, the toughest bang-for-the-buck competitor would likely be Sea-Doo’s GTX 170. Offering about 5 mph more in top speed, unique cargo storage, and a comfy touring saddle, buyers can option it to include a 100-watt sound system for $15,229. Yamaha’s FX Cruiser HO ($16,699) features an additional jump in performance, a two-speaker Bluetooth sound system, a 5-inch color touchscreen display with GPS mapping and smartphone connectivity, and a glove box with USB and 12-volt charging outlets. Kawasaki, however, has leveled the PWC playing field. The tech zero is now the tech hero.

How We Tested

• Engine: 1,498 cc Kawasaki inline DOHC four-stroke
• Pump/Impeller: 155 mm axial flow single-stage jet pump/3-blade, stainless-steel 8-18-pitch oval edge impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1:00:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

High Points

• Launch Control mode matches the trim angle to speed for the best acceleration and overall performance.
• Phone compartment in the starboard gull-wing storage complements a USB outlet to keep electronics charged.
• Track system on the aft platform allows for mounting various accessories, including a cooler and fuel caddies.

Low Points

• KSRD slightly lags, particularly when transitioning from reverse to forward.
• Console storage access is awkward, and some stowed items can slide out of reach.
• Cooler or storage options for the aft platform are welcome, but adding them can block the rearview camera lens.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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