16 • November 2023 • Powersports Business

LIQUI MOLY USA returned as the title sponsor to the 2023 LIQUI MOLY International Cup . An official Pro Watercross event , the Lake Havasu City , Arizona personal watercraft ( PWC ) competition ran from September 28 through October 1 .

Racers competed in 35 different classes with purses ranging up to $ 12,000 . On September 30 , CBS Sports captured the action .

“ We ’ re exceptionally pleased to continue partnering with Pro Watercross by sponsoring the 2023 International Cup ,” said Gary Driver , LIQUI MOLY business manager – marine for USA and Canada , before the event . “ It ’ s an organization that emphasizes performance without sacrificing fun and safety .”

The nation ’ s leading sanctioning body for PWC , SUP ( Stand Up Paddleboard ) and HydroFlight competition , Pro Watercross is a non-profit organization that ’ s dedicated to family-friendly competition . At the 2023 LIQUI MOLY International Cup , Junior Class racers eight- to nine- years old participated in a time trial-based event .

The LIQUI MOLY brand is recognized worldwide for its support of everything from auto , motorcycle and PWC racing to professional bass fishing and World Cup skiing .

The lubrication company returned as sponsor of the 2023 Pro Watercross event in Lake Havasu City , Arizona .

Photo courtesy of LIQUI MOLY

As Kawasaki continues the 50th anniversary celebration of the Jet Ski , it returns with a familiar model range for 2024 that includes popular watercraft models such as the Jet Ski Ultra 310X , Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX-S , and Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX models . These 2024 models are set to hit the showroom floors at Kawasaki dealers across the nation starting this fall .

JET SKI ULTRA 310X The Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 series boasts a liquid-cooled , supercharged , in-line 4−cylinder , 1,498cc engine and digital fuel injection . Riders can select from four power modes ( full , middle , low and SLO ) to suit riding conditions or their skill level . Its raceinspired hull allows the Jet Ski Ultra 310 to be handled with accuracy and precision .

Kawasaki Launch Control Mode ( KLCM ) offers two modes to benefit acceleration , while Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration ( KSRD ) allows for reverse assist options when navigating tight spots . A 7−inch TFT instrumentation adorns the dash of the Ultra 310 series and features Bluetooth connectivity as well as multiple display modes .

The large-capacity 32.8−gallon front storage area and 10.6−gallons of storage on both the left and right side of the unit offer plenty of space to store items , while its impressive 21.1−gallon fuel tank allows riders to cover plenty of distance without refueling . The 2024 three-passenger supercharged Jet Ski Ultra 310X comes in an Ebony / Neon Red colorway with an MSRP of $ 19,199 .

JET SKI ULTRA 160 LX-S AND ULTRA 160 LX

The Jet Ski Ultra 160 models are powered by the acclaimed engine found in the Jet Ski STX 160 series while adding many features and equipment found on the Jet Ski Ultra 310 series . The Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX-S is powered by a liquid-cooled , in-line 4−cylinder , 1,498cc engine and digital fuel injection that is paired with a race-proven hull for precision and control .

It comes equipped with four power modes ( full , middle , low and SLO ) for riders to select from , Kawasaki Launch Control Mode ( KLCM ) that offers two modes , Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration

( KSRD ), Kawasaki Smart Steering ( KSS ), 7−inch TFT instrumentation with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple display modes , electronic cruise control , rearview camera , ULTRA deck , and a large capacity 21.1−gallon fuel tank . A highly functional storage system offers plenty of room with 44.5 gallons of storage .

In addition to all of the features found on the Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX-S , the Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX comes equipped with a meter visor , a three-position adjustable LXury seat , and a premium integrated audio system .

The three-passenger Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX-S comes in an Ebony / Candy Steel Furnace Orange colorway with an MSRP of $ 17,199 . The Jet Ski Ultra 160 LX is available in an Ebony / Metallic Shadow Gold colorway with an MSRP of 18,199 .

The Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 series boasts a liquid-cooled , supercharged , in-line 4-cylinder , 1,498cc engine and digital fuel injection . Photos courtesy of Kawasaki USA

The Sea Tow Foundation in conjunction with the Boating Safety Advisory Council recognized Yamaha Marine with a National Boating Safety Award in the Marine Manufacturer category on Monday , Oct . 2 , just prior to the International BoatBuilders ’ Exhibition & Conference ( IBEX ) in Tampa , Florida .

The National Boating Safety Awards were established in 2019 by the Sea Tow Foundation Boating Safety Advisory Council to recognize and celebrate the top for-profit recreational boating industry companies for their commitment to promoting boating safety initiatives . The name was shortened from the original National Boating Industry Safety Awards in 2023 to focus more directly on boating safety while still recognizing and celebrating only for-profit recreational boating industry companies .

“ Yamaha continues to push marine industry safety messaging in unique and engaging ways through paid advertising , organic / owned content and by utilizing influencers and brand ambassadors to help extend their reach . Hunter Bland helps support the Yamaha message of boating safety in multiple ways ,” says Gail R . Kulp , executive director of the Sea Tow Foundation . “ Once again , we are thrilled to celebrate and honor the outstanding dedication to boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry . Their achievements reflect not only their individual efforts but also their contributions to making our waters safer for all .”

Hunter Bland , boating safety ambassador , Yamaha , comments : “ Boating safety is always a top priority for Yamaha , and I ’ m proud to be part of this campaign . The accident I had several years ago changed my life and gave me a deeper appreciation of how quickly things can change on the water . With Yamaha ’ s help , I ’ ve been able to share my story and help other boaters learn more about how to stay safe . We ’ re grateful for this recognition and remain committed to spreading the word about safe boating practices .”

The Sea Tow Foundation , a 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit organization , was started in 2007 by Captain Joe Frohnhoefer , founder of Sea Tow Services International , after he witnessed too many preventable accidents and fatalities on the water . Through its flagship programs , which include the Life Jacket Loaner Program , Sober Skipper Campaign , and the National Boating Industry Safety Awards , the Sea Tow Foundation strives towards its vision of a world where boaters are safe and responsible . For more information about the awards program , and the Sea Tow Foundation ’ s Advisory Council , visit boatingsafety . com .