HSR-Benelli Series-R Prestige
To the U.S. market, HSR-Benelli is a lesser-known manufacturer of personal watercraft (PWCs); yet the Austrian company has made a big splash on the European racing circuits since it was founded in 2004. Offering a wide array of watercraft—including the dark knight of PWCs, the Series-R Prestige ($21,650)—HSR-Benelli designs its vehicles to look as vivacious as they ride. The Prestige seats up to three, so with a single driver at the helm the craft tears through the water, requiring a veteran hand when steering at high speeds. With a whopping 2,260 cc engine, the Prestige—like all HSR-Benelli craft—is for serious riders, not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. The company also offers single-person stand-up models (starting at $8,050) for more manageable maneuvering.
HSR-Benelli, +43.2757.486.75, www.hsr-benelli.com
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 255
Sea-Doo, from Bombardier Recreational Products, is a name synonymous with PWCs. The GTX Limited iS 255 ($16,499) is the company’s newest—and smartest—model. Equipped with a throttle system for activity-specific control and the world’s first on-water braking, the GTX Limited includes a depth finder and automatic retractable mooring lines for increased simplicity and safety. The intelligent suspension allows the hull to move independently of the upper deck, reducing the harsh turbulence from choppy waters and waves. With a three-person capacity and intuitive controls, the GTX Limited is a thrill for the novice or experienced rider.
Sea-Doo, 715.848.4957, www.sea-doo.com
Yamaha 2009 FZS WaveRunner
Yamaha has established itself in a variety of markets, including musical instruments and consumer electronics, though products from the Shizuoka, Japan–based corporation’s motor sports division garner frequent acclaim in both the competitive and recreational realms. The term WaveRunner is a registered Yamaha trademark, and the company’s SuperJet ($7,199) model is the best-selling stand-up of all time. New for 2009, the three-seat FZS ($12,899) sports a 1.8-liter supercharged engine with a new hull design and the industry’s first telescopic steering column, illustrating the reputation on which Yamaha has come to ride.
Yamaha, 800.962.7926, www.yamaha-motor.com
Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 260LX
Kawasaki, another Japanese company specializing in the production of motorized sports craft, has a registered trademark of its own. Its Jet Skis—a misnomer frequently applied to PWCs in general—justifies Kawasaki’s high rank in the recreational sector of the water sports industry. The 2009 Jet Ski Ultra 260LX ($12,299) provides a fun cruiser for three, while Kawasaki’s staple stand-up watercraft, the 800 SX-R ($6,699) excites the solo rider with the power of 80 horses and handling tight enough to keep all of them tame.
Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA, 949.460.5688, www.kawasaki.com
