Monthly Archives: February 2012

PWC Tour: North Channel St. Joseph Island – Sault Ste. Marie

28 Tuesday Feb 2012

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Lake Huron’s North Channel runs from Killarney, Ontario in the east to Sault Ste. Marie in the east. St. Joseph Island sits at the western end and Hilton Beach is a great launch and overnight location. From there, we circumvented the island with a detour to the Sault for lunch. The main shipping channels are well marked and it’s neat to ride alongside a massive freighter (going so slow, they put out less wake than a PWC). On the way back from the Sault, be sure to stop into Richard’s Landing for fuel so you can make it all the way around St. Joseph Island. The north side of the water is Canada and south side is United States, so don’t set foot on shore of the country you are not a citizen of without checking into customs & immigration (bring your passport). This ride is a mix of populated and remote areas. Recommended for moderately experienced riders. Carrying extra fuel is a good precaution. Decent cell service in most places. Talk to you next time!

For  more information on the Intrepid Cottager: http://www.intrepidcottager.com/

SEA-DOO MUST HAVE OF THE MONTH – Bimini Road PWC Rally

23 Thursday Feb 2012

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BRP is beginning a new segment on OnBoard, The Sea-Doo Must Have of the Month. This segment will feature new products, services, and activities that enhance the Sea-Doo LIFE.

As many in the northern hemisphere are looking for winter, to end is is the best time to plan your summer vacation and what better way to spend you valued time off than on a turn-key vacation with the center piece being your Sea-Doo watercraft,. Looking for adventure? Looking for a memory of a lifetime? Grab your passport and take part in the Bimini Road Rally, a four-day/four-night exclusive, all-inclusive adventure ride from south Florida to the islands of Bimini in the Bahamas taking place June 21-25, 2012.

Part event, all adventure, the 2012 Bimini Road Rally will be the sixth year of the popular Sea-Doo ride, a one-of-a-kind trip that takes up to 20 special fun-seekers on a four-star trip from North Miami Beach, across open-ocean and the Gulf Stream to the island of Bimini in the Bahamas – smack-dab in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle.

Each participant will test their physical and mental stamina in this demanding, once-in-a-lifetime ride with the safety of expert PWC adventure riders and the support of escort boats leading the way. Participant’s all-inclusive trip will include a one-night stay at the Double Tree* Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa in Sunny Isle, Florida and three nights at South Bimini’s finest property, Bimini Sands Resort and Marina.

“The Bimini Road Rally has truly become the personal watercraft industry’s premier, owner’s adventure ride,” says event producer Tim McKercher. “There is something very special about spending time in Bimini; with the world as it is today people need to take more personal time. The Bimini Road Rally allows PWC owners to get away with no worries about anything, as we make it very easy to relax and have fun.”

Bimini is a truly magical destination with much folklore and its famous electric blue waters. Eventurists will visit the sunken concrete ship, the Sapona, various aircraft crash sites, highly sought fountain-of-youth, Honeymoon Harbor, Alice Town, and the legendary Bimini Road – thought to be the path to the lost city of Atlantis.

The Bimini Road Rally is not for the faint of heart, as a trip into the Bermuda Triangle always brings uncertainty but the experienced WaterTop staff ensures participants have an incredible experience-of-a-lifetime. This Rally is limited to the first 20 people who meet the detailed criteria required for this trip.  The WaterTop staff will do EVERTHING to make the trip as easy and memorable as possible . . . except squeeze the throttle.

“This is our staff’s favorite event of the year, every year, and we do a lot of events,” noted McKercher. “The reason is, it’s fun, and everybody who participates always has a great time.”

For those who want to enjoy Bimini with their significant other, but would rather not take to the high seas they can fly from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport to Bimini and back with the WaterTop support staff via a major airline.

All interested parties must utilize their own personal watercraft, apply, and meet the requirements for admission. The participation fee is $2250 per rider and $1850 for a second person sharing the same room. This fee includes nearly everything during the trip including four nights accommodations, all meals, Bahamian Boating Permit (mandatory $150), 50 gallons of fuel in Bimini, Gift Pack, and much more.

For more information visit watertopevents.com

SHE-DOO GOES SHOPPING: The excitement of the Miami International Boat Show

21 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by in She-Doo

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It was a beautiful, sunny Miami day on Thursday when I headed to the Miami International Boat Show.  The Miami Boat Show is held at three separate locations: the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Sea Isle Marina (huge yachts on the water) and Strictly Sail which is held at Miamarina Bayside.

Yes, this is a personal submarine.

As I was walking down aisle after aisle of the boat show I quickly realized that I am a true beginner when it comes to having a deep understanding of recreational boating or the pieces involved in choosing and buying a boat.  There were many aisles of boats, watercraft, parts, outboards, propellers, life rafts, anchors, decking, navigational equipment, and even a personal submarine…it was truly overwhelming, but also exciting!

I have been researching purchasing a runabout style boat for my family of five and all the friends that go along with that, and wanted to ensure that I am making the right type of engine decision…the jet boats interest me for their ease of entry into the market, safety aspects, and the advanced technologies that make for a simple, fun day of the water. My first stop was to talk to popular boat companies representing outboard boats and stern drive boats.  Each of the manufacturers that I visited extolled the virtues of their respective technology, but each also had some positive things to say about jet technology.  In some areas, jet technology just couldn’t be beat: safety (no props—huge with kids jumping off of and getting in and out of the boat), space (the engine in the stern drives takes up a ton of useable open space) and performance.  Other areas were about the same (gas usage) and towing features.  After speaking with comparable manufacturers I was further convinced that a water jet propelled boat will fit my family’s needs and lifestyle the best.

Next, I compared the two leading water jet propelled boat brands and inquired about the differences between their boats and Sea-Doo boats.  The only real difference the sales person of the other brand could explain was that their boats were traditional and that they were happy to give up a good amount of cockpit space to offer a transom lounge area. . . I thought to myself, I will probably spend more time in the boat than on the back, so this was a minor aspect to weigh. The also mentioned their strength in salt water usage.  This was not a strong point of distinction to me.  Sea-Doo has a closed loop cooling system that uses coolant, as opposed to salt or fresh water, to protect the engine from corrosion from salt water. The Sea-Doo sales person told it to me this way, “Would you put salt water into the radiator of you car? Why do it in a boat when you have the option of getting a boat with closed loop cooling with antifreeze running through its engine’s veins?” That made a lot of sense.

After spending a few hours in competitive research mode, I decided to spend some time looking more closely at the Sea-Doo models.  Sea-Doo had five boats at the show: a 150 Speedster, a 180 SP, a 210 Challenger S, a 230 Challenger and a 230 WAKE.

I loved the color of the 150 Speedster, the Lucky Green popped! However, the speedster looks fun but with a family of five, one of us would be stuck on the beach. My teenage sons would love it for this reason — they would want to take it out without mom, dad and their little sister — but that is not why we want to purchase a family boat!

The colors, graphics and lines of the 230 WAKE are intriguing.  I liked the features of the 230 WAKE: lights, additional speakers, arch tower, LCD touch screen, and I liked the overall size of the 230 WAKE.  This one is still on my ‘potential’ list.  My kids love to be towed and would like the wake-specific features, so this one is ranked high on my list.

The Challenger family is where my heart is and I am conflicted over the 210 Challenger SE and the 230 Challenger SE.  The 180 Challenger is a good family starter boat and would have been a good choice had we ventured into boating when the kids were younger.  At this point my teenage sons are 6’ and 6’3” respectively, add a few friends and my daughter and her friends and you can easily see why a few more feet quickly becomes attractive! Each has similar features but also slight differences.

Sea-Doo 210 Challenger SE


210 Challenger SE:  This boat is very roomy inside for being 21-feet on the outside and has tons of storage. One of the highlight features is the Transat seats on the swim platform.  We live in Florida and plan to spend a lot of time on lakes and the inter-coastal waterways. There are a lot of sandbars where everyone hangs out—on a busy weekend you will find 50 boats lined up on a sand bar with everyone enjoying the water.  I plan to spend a lot of time lounging in these Transat seats at the sand bar and feel like this feature was made especially for me! I like the extra speakers and accessibility from the swim deck storage on the back of the boat as well.

Sea-Doo 230 Challenger

 

230 Challenger SE:  This one is probably number one on my list. I like the size of the boat. It’s listed as a 23-foot boat but closer to 24-feet; I like the roominess and the size of the open bow.  The bow is one of the reasons that it is so high on my list….I envision arguments about who gets to sit in the bow as a regular occurrence. Just like they argue over the front seat of the car, the larger bow space on this model should help overcome these objections!   I like the swim platform and the swim platform mat, which makes for safer and more comfortable entry and exit of the boat.  I like the twin engines, removable cooler, storage…I just have to convince my family that this is the one.

After spending time at the boat show, I am encouraged and have a clearer vision of the boats that we are interested in.  Next step will be family discussions to determine which one is THE ONE.  Wish me luck.

SHE DOO is actually Mrs. Julie A and she is indeed a full-time, working mom of three and is quickly being immersed into the boating life. She will be taking an everyday consumer approach to the entire boat buying process. SHE DOO will be a ongoing segment at OnBoard taking you with her along the journey as she progresses through the process of looking for the right boat, purchasing the right boat, learning the proper boating procedures and operations, real life experiences on the water with her family and everything else there is to know about making the most out of the boating experience and the Sea-Doo LIFE. Her immediate thoughts are how to entertain her 16, 15 and 10 year olds and friends as she sees them being on the water as a much better alternative than them being on the streets.

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 SEA-DOO X-TEAM BOUNTY PROGRAM AND WELCOME CHRIS MacCLUGAGE TO THE 2012 X-TEAM

15 Wednesday Feb 2012

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BRP has supercharged their personal watercraft racing efforts with the launch of BRP’s new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 model with a more in-depth racing support program for 2012.

The 2012 Sea-Doo X-TEAM program includes four key elements:
• Chris MacClugage joining James Bushel on the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260
• Larger payouts with through the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty racer contingency program
• New Sea-Doo X-Team Elite support effort
• Sea-Doo X-TEAM promoter support program

Chris MacClugage Chooses to Join the Sea-Doo X-TEAM
Chris MacClugage, arguably the best PWC racer of all time, has chosen to compete aboard Sea-Doo watercraft for the first time in his storied, 25-year career. After winning 15 championships, MacClugage made the move to the X-TEAM after taking several test rides on the new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 and noting it was, “the best stock watercraft I have ever ridden” and watching James Bushell dominate the 2011 IJSBA World Finals aboard the RXP-X’s new T3 hull. MacClugage will compete on Monster Energy backed MACC Racing Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 models in closed course competitions in both the US an internationally and on a Sea-Doo RXT-X in offshore and endurance races. See the Chris MacClugage interview, go to http://bit.ly/12XTeamMac.

2012 Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty

BRP continues to lead the industry by supporting PWC racers with the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty, the only racer contingency program in the sport, offering additional funds to racers finishing on the podium* aboard Sea-Doo watercraft. This “open sponsorship” is available to all modern* Sea-Doo watercraft racers rewarding them for top finishes and to help fund their racing efforts. For 2012 many of the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty payouts have been raised and go deeper. For more information on the go to http://bit.ly/2012XteamBounty.

Sea-Doo X-TEAM Elite
New for 2012 is the addition of the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Elite support effort. This effort will include extra VIP elements from BRP to assist the elite Sea-Doo racers in North America compete at a higher level in 2012.
• Premium X-TEAM Pit area access at IJSBA Toyota National Tour events and at the IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
• Select racers offered discounts on new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 models.
• Sea-Doo X-TEAM gear – Select racers will wear Sea-Doo X-TEAM wetsuits, PFD, etc.
• Personal Promotion – select racers will be featured in various Sea-Doo communications

The Sea-Doo X-TEAM Gold Standard Racers in North America include:
• Brian Baldwin – North Carolina
• Brad Bohat – Wisconsin
• Rick Cantola – Colorado
• Claude Clayton – Mississippi
• Cody Hawkins – Florida
• Stan Hightower – Georgia
• Chris Heinrich – California
• Erminio Iantosca – Florida
• Eric Lagopoulos – Florida
• Chris MacClugage – Arizona
• Jeremy Schandlemeyer – Florida
• Troy Snyder – Florida
o NOTE, Not all mentioned racers are eligible to all aspects of the Elite effort

Sea-Doo X-TEAM Promoter support program
BRP continues to lead the industry in PWC racing support with the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Promoter Support program. BRP will sponsor the strongest PWC racing events across North America to assist the promoters in producing first class racing events. BRP is giving back to the sport giving the PWC racing community better events and more of them. Visit www.ijsba.com for the 2012 race event calendar.

To get more information on the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 and Sea-Doo X-TEAM efforts for 2012 visit www.sea-doo.com.

*Racers must compete on a 4-TEC powered, IJSBA homologated Sea-Doo watercraft model and finish in the top two or three positions determined by the 2012 Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty supported classes.

X-TEAM TUESDAY PROFILE: Chris MacClugage – Professional Sea-Doo Watercraft Racer

15 Wednesday Feb 2012

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SEA-DOO X-TEAM TUESDAY – February 14, 2012

Chris MacClugage aboard his Monster Energy/MACC Racing Sea-Doo RXP-X 260

BIO
NAME:       Chris MacClugage
SPORT:     PWC Racing
AGE:          37 years old
PORT:       Lake Havasu City, Arizona
FAMILY:    Married (Rachel) Son (Mac 2-months)

Chris MacClugage is the man. He has raced it all. He has won it all, 15 Championships in fact. In the world of personal watercraft racing, he has done it all…almost.

MacClugage is arguably (but not much argument) the best PWC racer of all time. He began his racing career in Naples, Florida at the ripe age of 1X earning him the early nick-name “The Kid” from older competitors. Since those days of the late ’80s he has raced every year since and in every Pro class (Ski, Sport, and Runabout), and won major championships in all of them. MacClugage has raced all over the world and won, known for his hard charging, never take the easy route, high-flying, WOT style he embodies high-performance on the water.

MacClugage has done stunt work viewed by …maybe…billions of television viewers too. He was featured in a show called Stunt Junkies where he jumped a stand-up PWC over three big house boats near the London Bridge in his new hometown of Lake Havasu City, Arizona and yes, he did clear them all.  MacClugage has also appeared in many commercials over the years with his most resent as the PWC flipping Yo Gabba Gabba sock monkey  in the Kia Sorrento Superbowl commercial.

Chris MacClugage has done a lot in his modest 3X years but there is still something he hasn’t done. . .

MacClugage has raced for the second and third largest PWC manufacturers multiple times and was paid handsomely to do so. He has worked with the best mechanics and PWC minds in the business and is one of those special athletes who can take a sub par machine and ride it to the podium on sheer will. Success has followed him off of the track as he has always been smart with his money and never took it for granted.

Chris and Rachel MacClugage

He is living comfortably with his wife Rachel another Pro World Championship racer in her own right and their new born son Mac.  His years of learning many aspects of the PWC business also helped him spawn MACC Racing, a high-performance PWC shop that builds aftermarket performance parts for enthusiasts all over the world. The MACC RACING tag line is “Faster than Factory” and that brings him to where he is in his life today.

So what hasn’t Chris MacClugage done? He hasn’t taken the easy route, until now. For the first time in his life MacClugage will compete on Sea-Doo watercraft. MacClugage has gotten to a point in his life where the competitive fires burns strong but he just want’s to win and after taking a test ride on the new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 last August he knew it was a PWC that suited his style, WOT all the way around the track. Then following James Bushells’ double World Championship winning domination on the new RXP-X’s T3 hull MacClugage knew what he DID NOT want to be racing against.

Welcome to the Sea-Doo Life, Chris. This is his first interview flying under the Sea-Doo X-TEAM flag.

ONBOARD: Chris, where did you grow up and how was your competitive spirit developed?

CMACC: I grew up in Naples , Fl. and started riding PWC at age 11.  My competitive spirit basically came from when I got my first taste of victory at my first race,in Marco Island Florida. That race was in 1987.

ONBOARD: Chris, How were you introduced to watersports?

CMACC: My father introduced me to pwc, through another current X-TEAM rider, Erminio Iantosca. Our families hung out a lot and often had BBQs together on Sundays, at my house in Naples. We were fortunate to be able to live on the water. We water skied and knee boarded, all the time. Erminio’s father brought over a pwc to ride. I rode it and never looked back. My dad ended up buying this one for me. Later that summer we went and watched our first pwc race in Ft Myers Beach. The next year I raced that race!!!!

ONBOARD: Since you began competing what are some of your accolades?

MC: I have be able to do so many thing because of that first ride on a pwc. I have traveled to so many countries and met so many people. I have flown in presidential helicopters in the Philippines, met mayors of different towns. I have been in commercials, movies, TV programs(Baywatch). I met my wife at a race in Portugal. The sport has given me so much more than just multiple titles!!!!

ONBOARD: Chris you are arguably the most accomplished PWC racer of all time, racing on every brand at the highest level…except Sea-Doo. What is it after 25 years that drove you approach BRP about racing aboard Sea-Doo in 2012?

MC: What drove me to Sea Doo, was a change for the better. Sea-Doo is the #1 manufacturer of PWC and I wanted to be associated with a company like that. Its a great relationship for me as well as MACC Racing. Sea Doo is something totally new for me and its refreshing to work with such professionals.

Chris and little Mac

ONBOARD: Chris, you have some accomplishments on PWC away from the race course, can you tell us about those?

MC: My accomplishments away from the track….I have riden 5o ft waves in Hawaii. I have been in multiple commercials, the most recent one was a Kia sock monkey commercial. And of course the birth of my son with Rachel.

ONBOARD: Your accomplishments on the racecourse have opened some doors other high profile events and projects. How did these come about and what are some of the projects you have been a part of?

MC: Commercials, TV shows… and through my sponsor Monster Energy, I was able to participate in the Baja 1000. Monster has also invited me to several of their events , which featured a lot of high profile athletes and celebrities.

ONBOARD: Chris, Where is your favorite PWC race site and why?

MC: My favorite race site would be Oceanside, California. The reason being is that the waves are always great there and I love riding in waves. I also like to race in Japan, not the race site in particular. I just love the food!!!!

ONBOARD: What is it about PWC racing that keeps you coming back?

MC: The competition is what keeps me going! Its also become a way of life and my job. But, its a job I love to do.

ONBOARD: Chris, you have ridden all over the world where is your favorite non-racing, riding location? Where is the one place you have not ridden but always wanted to??

MC: My favorite place to ride would be anywhere that has some tasty waves. I love the ocean and love to ride pwc in it. Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, California, Florida, and the Caribbean are all places I enjoy riding.

ONBOARD: What is or has been YOUR favorite part of being part of the Sea-Doo X-TEAM.

MC: That I am now teammates with Troy Snyder! I’m also happy to a part of something that is very organized and ran professionally. The main reason is knowing that I am riding the new RXP-X that can get me out front, from the start of the race. Now that I have my son Mac and my wife Rachel, getting the hole shot will keep me safer.

ONBOARD: Chris, what are you racing right now and what are looking forward to and who is supporting your 2012 efforts?

MC: I have had great support through out my years and this year is no different. In 2012 I will racing a Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 in closed course races and an Sea-Doo RXT-X in offshore races. I will be promoting and will be supported by; Monster Energy, MACC RACING, BRP/Sea-Doo, RIVA Racing, BRP XPS, HydroTurf, Alpina Watches, JE Pistons, Liquid Militia, and Ryno Power.


BRP thanks Chris MacClugage for his time and dedication to the sport and pursuit of PWC racing glory aboard Sea-Doo for the first time in his storied career. You can follow Chris on his Facebook page.

DOCTOR DOO: Don’t Get “Steered” Wrong Sea-Doo Boaters

08 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Doctor Doo

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Detect, inspect, and adjust to ensure you are running in-line.

It has been a frequent question since 1994 when, then Bombardier, introduced their first Sea-Doo a
boat, the Speedster. The twin engined, twin direct drive water jet propelled machine was a new type of fun, and the family could come along too! Along with the new machine came some new mechanical layouts that differ from the standard PWC.

 

Most often PPG hears “Why won’t my boat go straight?” or “it really pulls to the left!” or to the right….

 

Well, it’s usually one or two things, sometimes as many as three elements that need to be addressed.

 

A simple Straight Edge can be used to determine is the steering nozzles are aligned or not aligned.

We’re showing a simple way, using a calibrated straight edge, to assure that the steering nozzles themselves are aligned. The steering nozzles, well, they steer, they are what ultimately what steers the boat by pushing the transom to one side or the other.

1. – This should be the first aspect to be inspected. Using the straight edge it should have contact in four places at the steering nozzles. If not, align by adjusting the connecting rod between the two nozzles, or have a certified Sea-Doo dealer do this for you. Once your nozzles are aligned, ensure your nozzles and steering wheel are straight. If they are not there are two adjustment points for the actual steering cable; one at the steering nozzle end and one at the steering wheel end. Before adjusting these points be sure to consult a official BRP/Sea-Doo Shop Manual or better yet, have a BRP certified technician do the adjustment.

 

2. – Propulsion system inspection, It is very difficult for most operators to *never* have a small stone, shell, or even a piece of floating hardwood (stick or twig) to not get processed through the rapidly spinning impellers due to the strong suction of the pumps intakes themselves (refer to our last Dr. Doo article).

A slight ding in an impeller can be the reason for the boat to start pulling one way or the other, even though they are at the same RPM’s and the throttles are perfectly synchronized.

3. – Synchronizing Throttles: synchronizing of RPM via the throttles, if you have twin throttles, is key.

Some shops say this can be done accurately without being in the water with said unit….it can’t. The reason is that the two individual pumps have to have INDENTICAL pump loads for this to work. Now when the impellers and impeller wear-rings are in new condition it is much more feasible for all things to be equal within the pump assemblies.

Once the alignment is complete, considering that the jet pumps and the impellers are in good matching shape, it is time to synchronize the throttles. This is best left to a certified Sea-Doo technician also. Patience and training make the whole process much easier, and it doesn’t cost a lot for it to be done correctly.

So when the local BRP dealer is telling you these things have to be *right*, for it to steer correctly, and keep the throttles aligned, they are telling it to you…straight.

Hopefully this has helped shed some light on what can be an aggravating issue.

No matter where your boating takes you, Florida, California, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Ontario, where ever, Long may you run, Dr. Doo

Glen Perry of Perry Performance Group provides this installment of Doctor Doo and is a fitting author as he has earned his PHD in Doo care as a 35+ year veteran of the powersports industry with the last 20 specializing in Sea-Doo product. Perry is also the creator of the popular Sea-Doo forum sea-doo.net

Experience the Intrepid Sea-Doo Tour, North Channel: Spanish, Ontario, Canada

02 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by in The Intrepid Cottager

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Lake Huron’s North Channel runs from Killarney, Ontario in the east to Sault Ste. Marie in the east. Spanish is an ideal launch and overnight location for exploring the eastern portion in a day ride, including the Benjamin Islands and up the Spanish River to Massey. While there are many sheltered areas on the North Channel, if it’s windy the waves can stir up – so Sea-Doo suspension really helps. For our ride, the afternoon was windy, so we rode the protected Spanish River instead. Recommend for experienced riders who are comfortable with a more remote ride and with carrying extra gas on board. Limited cell service. Talk to you next time!

For more information on the Intrepid Cottager: http://www.intrepidcottager.com/