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Welcome to the special section “BAM 35 Years.” We are presenting “cult” articles from the Motor Boats archive, starting in 1990. A journey through time among stories unobtainable today, even in the great sea of the internet! A dive into the world of epic moments in motor boating. We begin with one of the stories we were most passionate about.
From Boats to Motor 2002. no.6, July, pp. 42-47
After their success in North America, they are spreading in our country as well, and are increasingly being used as tenders for medium/high size boats.With sport boats and jet skis, recreation is assured.
If boating is pure fun for you and you are looking for strong sensations, sport boats and jet skis are the ideal medium. The main feature these two types have in common is undoubtedly the hydrojet propulsion, which ensures searing acceleration, low draft and a quick response to the rudder and thus the ability to make tight, smooth turns even at high speeds. The absence of a propeller then ensures high safety standards, especially if water sports are involved. Apart from that, these are fast craft that allow very sporty driving in complete safety. Obviously, sport boats and jet skis are different from each other and therefore suitable for two different types of users.
The undisputed leader in this sector is Bombardier, the Canadian giant that recently acquired the Evinrude and Johnson brands. Its Sea Doo Sport Boat line is in fact very popular in America and has been gaining a foothold in Europe for a few years now, thanks in part to its low prices. There are five “pure” models, plus a deck boat and two other units that are closer to bow riders. But let’s see what are the pluses of the more “classic” sport boats. Rounded shapes do not inhibit the very aggressive look, to which flashy graphics contribute. Seats are all well padded and snug, so that comfort and safety are guaranteed even when pushing hard. Numerous handrails, placed at strategic points, serve the same function. Another important common feature is the two separate consoles between which the central passage to the bow opens; instead of the traditional Plexiglas windshields, there are aerodynamic fiberglass fairings that emphasize these boats’ vocation for speed.
The console is basic, while the throttles are racing type. Two adjustable rearview mirrors come in very handy for water skiing, as do the towing pylon and the dunnage locker where skis can be stored. Speaking of storage volumes, sport boats have nothing to envy traditional boats: large aft locker enclosed by a car-like hood, isothermal locker to keep drinks cool, and plenty of other spaces carved out everywhere. Finally, the motorization. All Sea Doo models, except the Sportster LT, which is powered by two 85-hp Rotax engines, mount the brand new Mercury M2 Jet Drive. This is an electronically injected V6 that develops 250 hp at 6000 rpm. In Italy very few have ventured into the production of this type of boat: remember, for example, Ranieri Cantieri Nautici with its Mikey Mouse. Young and aggressive boats, sport boats are the ultimate for those who want to have fun and enjoy water sports without too much commitment.
It is a different matter with regard to jet skis, a sector in which competition is being felt: Kawasaki, Polaris, Sea Doo, Yamaha and, shortly, even Honda, share a market that in Italy is growing rapidly and worldwide touches 3,000 units a year. Until last season the engines were all two-strokes then, in anticipation of tightening anti-pollution regulations or perhaps to cope in the near future with competition from Honda, which will use 4-strokes, Sea Doo launched the 4-stroke GTX 4-TEC. Basically, these vehicles are divided into two categories, sport and recreational. The former are single-seaters and are ridden standing up, the latter have 2 to 4 seats. In any case, fun is assured, given the maneuverability and excellent speed performance: just think that the 413 kilometers of the last Pavia-Venice were covered by Alex Morgan, winner of the Sea Doo Trophy, at an average of 110 km/h. These qualities, combined with the shallow draft and the absence of a propeller, also make them suitable for sea rescue. Their small size then allows them to be placed aboard units over 15 meters. A versatile craft, then, with which to race or take quiet excursions, ski or play in the waves. All this, of course, using caution and without disturbing swimmers or other boaters.
By Andrea Cusmano
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Welcome to the special section “BAM 35 Years.” We are presenting “cult” articles from the Motor Boats archive, starting in 1990. A journey through time among stories unobtainable today, even in the great sea of the internet! A dive into
Welcome to the special section “BAM 35 Years.” We are presenting “cult” articles from the Motor Boats archive, starting in 1990. A journey through time among stories unobtainable today, even in the great sea of the internet! A dive into
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