Tag Archives: on-water brakes

WELCOME TO THE WATER: The Ease of Docking a Sea-Doo Watercraft

17 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by in Technologies

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Just the thought of docking your Sea-Doo can cause anxiety for new Sea-Doo owners.  Getting your personal watercraft in and out of the water can also be a struggle for novice riders.  Boat ramp etiquette demands quick launch and retrieval.  One of the BRP‘s key technologies, iControl, makes for easy docking, loading and uploading. Riders are able to keep their hands on the handlebars at all times and you can easily switch into neutral and reverse with the touch of  the lever.  This technology gives riders greater peace of mind and confidence when navigating docks and the launch ramps.

THE INTREPID COTTAGER: Riding in the Rain

13 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by in The Intrepid Cottager

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Riding in the rain isn’t something I choose to do. But sometimes on long day-rides or tours it’s unavoidable.

Before setting out on my Sea-Doo watercraft, I carefully and frequently check the marine forecast and weather radar for the specific riding area. If the probability of precipitation is 40% or more, we either change the time (ride earlier, later, shorter) or location of the ride. If there’s much chance of thunderstorms or we can’t change the ride, we cancel. Still, we get caught occasionally.

If you’re thinking, “What’s the problem with a nice, warm rain?,” you’ve probably never experience rain riding. It’s not the getting wet; it’s what I call the pain of a million pinpricks. Yes, those drops that are so gentle when you’re sitting still, feel like pinpricks on any bare flesh while you’re moving. And the faster you go, the greater the pain. Besides avoiding sunburn, this is another reason I always ride covered (see my blog posting: Riding Protected). Rain can hit unexpectedly at any time. With little bare skin exposed, it doesn’t hurt, except on your bare face…

The face is very vulnerable and rain also makes it harder to see. Wearing a ball cap and glasses or Sea-Doo goggles certainly helps, but the best bet is a facemask. Often worn by anglers in high-speed bass boats, these lightweight, plastic shields slip easily over your face to provide full coverage and have a polycarbonate lens to see through. For 2012, BRP Envinrude sells a good one. Alternatively, a neoprene facemask made for snowmobiling will also work.

With no pain to distract you, riding in the rain can actually be fun, provided you can see well enough and there’s no thunder and lightning. But you’re likely going to get wet. So the big deal is to stay warm. Warm and wet is fine. Cold and wet is miserable. Once again, my long sleeves and pants help to keep me warm by breaking wind contact with my skin. The Sea-Doo Men’s Neoprene Riding Jacket will help hold in body heat. The good news is that most unexpected summer rains dissipate quickly and the sun soon returns to dry you out. Talk to you next time!

For more information about the Intrepid Cottager, visit: http://www.intrepidcottager.com/

 

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

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by in Sea-Doo Lifestyle

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

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!

 

MUST HAVE OF THE MONTH: Fun new Sea-Doo 2013 Towables

10 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by in Sea-Doo Lifestyle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Sea-Doo GX4

 

BRP Sea-Doo® Towables are must-have high quality accessories that everyone – family and thrill seekers – enjoys. Easier than wakeboards or water skis, the Sea-Doo Towables line-up includes a wide array of designs and shapes to entertain all riders. It is the perfect accessory for your Sea-Doo personal watercraft or sport boat. Sea-Doo Towables are available through sporting goods stores and mass retailers and the following models will be available from BRP dealers in 2013:

NEW Towable Aquablast 

The Sea-Doo Aquablast fits one rider in two different positions: kneeling down or lie down head first. Its design is perfect for a thrilling close-to-water-surface ride. It is made of a heavy gauge PVC construction. Additional features include neoprene pads in chest and knees areas for comfort. 14 years old and up

NEW Towable Graphic Deck Tube 2 

The Sea-Doo Graphic Deck Tube 2 fits 1 or 2 riders in a lying down head first position. The flat-deck is design for an incredible fun ride. It’s made of a heavy gauge PVC bladder and 420D rugged nylon cover with self-bailing drain. Additional features include a padded valve cover. 14 years old and up

Towable GX4 

The GX4 is a ride-in type of towable made to ft 4 riders in sit-in or chariot riding position. It is made of a heavy gauge PVC Bladder and 840D rugged nylon cover. It also has a self-bailing drain for fast and easy storage. 14 years old and up.

Please note that some models may not be available in all regions. Please contact your BRP representative for more information. 

BRP BECOMES OFFICIAL PARTNER OF RED BULL STORM CHASE 2012

03 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by in Events, Sea-Doo Lifestyle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

BRP’s Sea-Doo watercraft have been selected to ensure the safety of participants during Red Bull Storm Chase 2012 windsurfing events around the world.

Red Bull Storm Chase brings together ten of the world’s best windsurfers to compete in what promises to be the roughest conditions on the planet. Three adrenaline-fuelled rounds will be held between now and November in any of seven stormy locations across Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.

“This partnership with Red Bull is an exciting opportunity for BRP, enabling us to showcase Sea-Doo watercraft and its acclaimed Intelligent Brake & Reverse technology (iBR) – the only braking technology in the industry.” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager of BRP’s International division.

BRP and Red Bull have a shared passion for community, fun and adventure and a common quest to make good days great. Marking the first worldwide collaboration between the two companies, BRP is supplying Sea-Doo watercraft at the three Red Bull events, leveraging the global reach of its dealer and distribution network.

“We are pleased that BRP has come on board as an official partner at this year’s Red Bull Storm Chase. It is critical that we have the right processes and support in place when confronted with some of the toughest weather conditions around to ensure the contest remains under control,” said Klaas Voget, Sports Director for Red Bull Storm Chase 2012. “With BRP’s Sea-Doo PWC on hand, we are prepared for some huge waves.”

“BRP’s Sea-Doo watercraft have been recognized and used by worldwide organizations such as the French Red Cross, the US Cost Guard, the Australian water police authorities and Surf life saving as they facilitate and improve the safety of their rescue operations,” added Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, BRP North American division.