TALE OF THE TAPE Both the Trixx and JetBlaster are based off models in the Rec Lite category: the current Sea-Doo Spark 2up and the former Yamaha EXR.
Though Sea-Doo offers the Trixx in the Spark's 3up version, the added length comes via a 10-inch hull extension that makes it more difficult to perform the original's signature maneuvers. We'd argue that buyers looking for a true freestyle craft are most often riding solo and looking for best performance, so we opted to pair the best examples from each of these PWC manufacturers.
The difference is notable in the specs. The Trixx measures 110 inches long, 46.4 inches wide, weighs 428 pounds and uses a 90 hp, 899 cc Rotax 900 ACE engine. The JetBlaster is longer and narrower at 123.6 inches and 44.5 inches (length and beam, respectively), and heavier at 549 pounds. It is powered by a 110 hp, 1,049 cc Yamaha TR-1. Capacities favor the JetBlaster. Its passenger capacity tops out at 529 pounds, and fuel and storage capacities at a respective 13.2 and 7.7 gallons. The Trixx features a 352-pound passenger capacity (450 in three-passenger trim), 7.9-gallon fuel tank, and minimal 0.42-gallon glove box.
This story is from the January/February 2023 edition of Boating.
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This story is from the January/February 2023 edition of Boating.
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AFFORDABLE SATCOM
Communications devices using satellite technology are more abundant today than any time in the past. What's more, many are portable, ultra-compact, affordable relatively and designed for boating, dispelling any perceptions that you need a big, expensive dome antenna aloft to access satellite communications.
IN THE BEGINNING
REPOWERING FOUNTAIN HULL NO.1
NAVICO GROUP FATHOM 2.0
Engine charging at 48 volts could be a game-changer.
PROPS FOR INNOVATION
Sharrow MX3 propellers live up to most of the company's performance-improvement claims.
MERCURY RACING 500R
Supercharged power for a variety of boats.
FLIPPING THE SWITCH
Much reporting focuses on reasons why one might choose electric marine power. The issues of range, speed, noise levels, winterizing and ethanol challenges, lake restrictions, environmental concerns and more all must be resolved on an individual basis. Little gets said about how a boater choosing to repower with electric actually gets that accomplished. Is it DIY? And if not, how does it get done?
TOW-VEHICLE TECH
If it's been a while since you bought new tow vehicle, you might be surprised by the many built-in advancements in trailering technology. New tow tech ranges from integrated weight scales and adaptive suspensions to systems that automatically back up your truck to hitch up your trailer. Here are a few examples to look for. -Jim Hendricks
MONUMENTAL TIPS FOR BACKING A TRAILER
Three Boating greats offer advice for a perennial reader query.
STICKING POINTS - Anchoring alternatives, and why you will always need a traditional anchor.
My brother-in-law likes to fish offshore reefs, and the process once entailed navigating to a mark, dropping a float, and idling upwind or up-current to drop the anchor in hopes the set would drop us back to the float.
FOR WANT OF A CLAMP
When 100 miles from shore, home and help, this boater’s preparedness prevented potential catastrophe.
