Anyone following the jet ski racing drama?

[Clank123]

My brain cells are not what they were. But I think Dan had you machine stuff me.
He helped us north county locals a bunch. Grouchy fucker but a great guy. I rented his townhouse with GF off tamarack when I was on tour. 32 years later I'm still with the same lady!
I'm moving, soon as we get settled let's grab beers.

Yeah, whenever he needed help I always took care of him.
Send me a PM when you’re ready to grab that beer!

 

[Clank123]

So I get a call from Yamaha about helping them develop their water vehicles in 1984/85.
Went over to their Factory in Hamamatsu Japan.
We made the final changes on the Wave Runner and Wave Jammer.
It was pretty fun.
I had 12 guys there to do anything I wanted.
Made all the changes to get both boats carving turns better but the Japanese higher up loved that they spun out so easy, what are ya going to do.
The Wave Jammer was never going to sell and the performance of both were weak.
They told me…Davesan, family only. No racing!
I told them I’d make a bet how long before they started making a vehicle to run with the Stand up Jet Ski. They laughed.
When I finished with that project they signed me on as an outside contractor for R and D. Got my own badge to get into the facility. Pretty cool. Those guys were working on some trick stuff in there!
My first project was to build of all things a children’s stand up.
I work with a Japanese engineer who would come down to Carlsbad once a week.
He drew the plans, I built the hull and they sent me some kind of 250cc water cooled scooter engine to put in it.
I used a necked down 440 pump and got the thing running.
It wasn’t pretty by any stretch but it was just a platform to test the concept.
It worked really well and we were approved to go the the next step in design.
Then a month later, California passed a minimum 16 year old law for water vehicles and the project was shut down.
Here are the first time the pictures have seen the light of day…don’t turn me in!
My son was like 3 1/2 when these were taken to give a example of the size.

After this, what do ya know!
They wanted to build a performance water vehicle!
I took a Wave Jammer and cut the fixed column off it( the Japanese loved the look of the OG…the called it Star Wars cause they thought it looked like the USS Enterprise I guess!) built an aluminum handle pull. Put a “Superstock” Kawasaki 550 in it with one of my aluminum Banzai barrels and a worked over 550 pump.
Moved the motor back as far as I could and redid the bottom, with some tweaks, to a jet ski.
Thing ran really well and could compete with a Jet Ski.
A year or two later the Super Jet appeared.
I had pictures of it but I can’t find them.
Too bad they wouldn’t take my bet!
Look at them now!

 

[riverroyal]

Dave, have you been to havasu, body beach, and seen what new stands up are capable of? Unreal fast and stuck to the water. There a few race builders out there that are producing amazing skis.

 

[77charger]

Dave, have you been to havasu, body beach, and seen what new stands up are capable of? Unreal fast and stuck to the water. There a few race builders out there that are producing amazing skis.

The kommanders are insane! They can turn so damn good stay hooked and hit some good mph

Heck even the vintage 550s using some of todays improvements are pretty good,Gone is the 440 pump and instead using 750 pumps and adding some front sponsons and some rears improve the handling.friend of mine is hitting 55-56 with his right now.But any of the new stand ups are pretty nice off the floors too add some mods they are pretty good but no where near the kommander

 

[Mini Kat]

Unfortunately, the madness continues ... Get a grip Scott and quit trying to screw everything up

IJSBA World Finals Faces Backlash for Alleged Attack on Competitors Attending Inaugural International Cup at the Riviera
Lake Havasu City, - The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals event is under fire after allegations of attacking competitors set to participate in the highly anticipated Inaugural International Cup at the Havasu Riviera Marina. This shocking incident has sparked widespread outrage within the jet sports community, as it is seen as a direct assault on the spirit of camaraderie and the dedication of athletes traveling from around the world.
The IJSBA World Finals is a renowned annual event that showcases the skills and competitive ethos of jet sports enthusiasts. However, the recent controversy has cast doubt on the association's commitment to fair play, sportsmanship, and the leadership of Scott Frazier.
The Inaugural International Cup, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Havasu Riviera marina, aimed to bring together top athletes from across the globe, offering them two opportunities to compete during their time in Lake Havasu, the esteemed PWC capital of the world. With back-to-back racing scheduled for four weekends in a row, competitors would have had maximum racing opportunities to enhance their experience. Many of these dedicated athletes bear the financial burden of long-distance travel, making this alleged attack all the more disheartening. The extended presence of international competitors in Lake Havasu would have also brought substantial economic benefits to the local community in terms of tax revenues.
The alleged attack on competitors has not only tarnished the atmosphere of unity and competitive excellence typically associated with such events but has also raised concerns about the integrity of the IJSBA World Finals organization, its partners, and its leadership.
In response to these distressing developments, a chorus of calls for an immediate investigation has emanated from concerned athletes, teams, and supporters worldwide. Critics argue that such actions disrupt the sense of community within the sport, jeopardizing the overall reputation and credibility of jet sports competitions.
Organizers of the Inaugural International Cup, along with industry leaders, former IJSBA officials, local business owners, city officials, and Havasu Riviera authorities, are actively collaborating to address this issue and find an appropriate resolution with current IJSBA owner, Scott Frazier.
The global jet sports community stands in solidarity with the targeted competitors, expressing their profound outrage and disappointment. They emphasize the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the matter and for appropriate actions to be taken against those responsible.
The jet sports community ardently hopes that the truth will prevail and measures will be implemented to ensure the safety, well-being, and equitable treatment of athletes in all future global competitions. Rather than being remembered as an event marred by alleged attacks on dedicated competitors who traveled the world to participate, the Inaugural International Cup at the Riviera should be a celebration of athletic prowess and sportsmanship.
In accordance with antitrust laws, individuals and businesses negatively impacted by anti-competitive practices are encouraged to seek legal recourse to address these grievances. While concerns regarding the potential financial implications for the event and Lake Havasu City are understandable, an exhaustive investigation is essential to uphold the principles of fair competition within the industry and ensure justice prevails.
Efforts have been made to contact the Arizona Attorney General's office to intervene and prevent further harm to our community.
We urge everyone to share this information widely and stand united in support of the competitors who have traveled great distances to experience the wonders of Lake Havasu. Let us all work together to ensure they receive the maximum opportunity to enjoy our remarkable town.

 

[boatnam2]

Here’s some more vintage pictures.
I was asked to prepare all the Skiis for Race of Champions in 1980 and 81.
I hopped them all up a bit and did all the testing to be sure they were all pretty close.
It was held on the North Shore of Hawaii in November those years.
All the top riders from the season were invited out.
The event was broadcast on NBC Sportsworld. Hosted by Bruce Jenner and Mike Adamle.
Picked up Jenner both years at the airport and had a few dinners together. Good guy.
I also got to be the “technical expert” for the broadcast, which was cool.
Some of you old timers might recognize a few of these guys.
Didn’t make much money, but we sure had fun!
View attachment 1285002
View attachment 1285004

Me and my buddy Bruce!

View attachment 1285003 View attachment 1285006 View attachment 1285005

Killer spot to travel for a race, anyone jump out with Herb riding proper 8-10ft pipe?

 

[Mini Kat]

So I get a call from Yamaha about helping them develop their water vehicles in 1984/85.
Went over to their Factory in Hamamatsu Japan.
We made the final changes on the Wave Runner and Wave Jammer.
It was pretty fun.
I had 12 guys there to do anything I wanted.
Made all the changes to get both boats carving turns better but the Japanese higher up loved that they spun out so easy, what are ya going to do.
The Wave Jammer was never going to sell and the performance of both were weak.
They told me…Davesan, family only. No racing!
I told them I’d make a bet how long before they started making a vehicle to run with the Stand up Jet Ski. They laughed.
When I finished with that project they signed me on as an outside contractor for R and D. Got my own badge to get into the facility. Pretty cool. Those guys were working on some trick stuff in there!
My first project was to build of all things a children’s stand up.
I work with a Japanese engineer who would come down to Carlsbad once a week.
He drew the plans, I built the hull and they sent me some kind of 250cc water cooled scooter engine to put in it.
I used a necked down 440 pump and got the thing running.
It wasn’t pretty by any stretch but it was just a platform to test the concept.
It worked really well and we were approved to go the the next step in design.
Then a month later, California passed a minimum 16 year old law for water vehicles and the project was shut down.
Here are the first time the pictures have seen the light of day…don’t turn me in!
My son was like 3 1/2 when these were taken to give a example of the size. View attachment 1285370 View attachment 1285371 View attachment 1285372

After this, what do ya know!
They wanted to build a performance water vehicle!
I took a Wave Jammer and cut the fixed column off it( the Japanese loved the look of the OG…the called it Star Wars cause they thought it looked like the USS Enterprise I guess!) built an aluminum handle pull. Put a “Superstock” Kawasaki 550 in it with one of my aluminum Banzai barrels and a worked over 550 pump.
Moved the motor back as far as I could and redid the bottom, with some tweaks, to a jet ski.
Thing ran really well and could compete with a Jet Ski.
A year or two later the Super Jet appeared.
I had pictures of it but I can’t find them.
Too bad they wouldn’t take my bet!
Look at them now!

I remember the flat nose super jet before anybody knew about them.
They would bring it up to Steve George in Long Beach to use his test tank after the shop was closed
At night We used to talk about how it looked like the space shuttle with that big Rubber nose. Back then when they first came out after I rode one.
I almost jumped ship from Kawasaki over to Yamaha but I stayed with Kawasaki. I really did like the way the Yamaha cornered and stuck in the corners but I did not like the way they would chime from side to side.
The wing straight and I was concerned about what kind of modifications
That were available at that time.

 

[Mini Kat]

Here's some shots from the old days when it was fun and you could make good money doing. It. Rubbing was racing.
I was a hole shot king.
We used to love jumping the waves and just having a good time out at camp pennellton.

 

[Clank123]

Dave, have you been to havasu, body beach, and seen what new stands up are capable of? Unreal fast and stuck to the water. There a few race builders out there that are producing amazing skis.

I hit a race at a Parker a couple years ago, did a walkthrough and watched some heats.
The stand ups with 3 and 4 cylinders were incredible and the carbon fiber hulls…WOW!
My brother was down at Mission Bay running the ski we just finished and Harry Goetcher shows up who knew my brother and checks the ski out and my brother tells him to go take it for a spin!
He says he will never ride on of those without sponsons or Tubbies.
He said he already fought those mishandling hulls back in the day and was over it.
My old school brother can still handle one pretty well without the add ons.
Proud of him.

 

[Clank123]

Killer spot to travel for a race, anyone jump out with Herb riding proper 8-10ft pipe?

Yup!

 

[riverroyal]

Unfortunately, the madness continues ... Get a grip Scott and quit trying to screw everything up

IJSBA World Finals Faces Backlash for Alleged Attack on Competitors Attending Inaugural International Cup at the Riviera
Lake Havasu City, - The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals event is under fire after allegations of attacking competitors set to participate in the highly anticipated Inaugural International Cup at the Havasu Riviera Marina. This shocking incident has sparked widespread outrage within the jet sports community, as it is seen as a direct assault on the spirit of camaraderie and the dedication of athletes traveling from around the world.
The IJSBA World Finals is a renowned annual event that showcases the skills and competitive ethos of jet sports enthusiasts. However, the recent controversy has cast doubt on the association's commitment to fair play, sportsmanship, and the leadership of Scott Frazier.
The Inaugural International Cup, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Havasu Riviera marina, aimed to bring together top athletes from across the globe, offering them two opportunities to compete during their time in Lake Havasu, the esteemed PWC capital of the world. With back-to-back racing scheduled for four weekends in a row, competitors would have had maximum racing opportunities to enhance their experience. Many of these dedicated athletes bear the financial burden of long-distance travel, making this alleged attack all the more disheartening. The extended presence of international competitors in Lake Havasu would have also brought substantial economic benefits to the local community in terms of tax revenues.
The alleged attack on competitors has not only tarnished the atmosphere of unity and competitive excellence typically associated with such events but has also raised concerns about the integrity of the IJSBA World Finals organization, its partners, and its leadership.
In response to these distressing developments, a chorus of calls for an immediate investigation has emanated from concerned athletes, teams, and supporters worldwide. Critics argue that such actions disrupt the sense of community within the sport, jeopardizing the overall reputation and credibility of jet sports competitions.
Organizers of the Inaugural International Cup, along with industry leaders, former IJSBA officials, local business owners, city officials, and Havasu Riviera authorities, are actively collaborating to address this issue and find an appropriate resolution with current IJSBA owner, Scott Frazier.
The global jet sports community stands in solidarity with the targeted competitors, expressing their profound outrage and disappointment. They emphasize the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the matter and for appropriate actions to be taken against those responsible.
The jet sports community ardently hopes that the truth will prevail and measures will be implemented to ensure the safety, well-being, and equitable treatment of athletes in all future global competitions. Rather than being remembered as an event marred by alleged attacks on dedicated competitors who traveled the world to participate, the Inaugural International Cup at the Riviera should be a celebration of athletic prowess and sportsmanship.
In accordance with antitrust laws, individuals and businesses negatively impacted by anti-competitive practices are encouraged to seek legal recourse to address these grievances. While concerns regarding the potential financial implications for the event and Lake Havasu City are understandable, an exhaustive investigation is essential to uphold the principles of fair competition within the industry and ensure justice prevails.
Efforts have been made to contact the Arizona Attorney General's office to intervene and prevent further harm to our community.
We urge everyone to share this information widely and stand united in support of the competitors who have traveled great distances to experience the wonders of Lake Havasu. Let us all work together to ensure they receive the maximum opportunity to enjoy our remarkable town.

What is the 'assault" kinda cryptic

 

[boatnam2]

Yup!
View attachment 1285495 View attachment 1285496

Hell yea! Heading there for 2 weeks in Nov.