Yamaha is bringing back one of the most recognizable names in personal watercraft with the all-new 2027 WaveBlaster WaveRunner, a lightweight, single-rider machine designed to deliver a more aggressive, rider-focused experience on the water.
Yamaha Motor Canada unveiled the new WaveBlaster Aug. 23, positioning it as the lead model in a new Sport class within the WaveRunner lineup. The class also includes Yamaha’s stand-up SuperJet, giving the brand two single-rider PWCs focused on handling, rider input and performance.
The WaveBlaster name dates to the early 1990s, when the original model developed a strong following among riders looking for a playful, motorcycle-like experience on the water. Yamaha says the new WaveBlaster is not a reissue, however, but an all-new WaveRunner that combines the spirit of the original with modern hull construction and current Yamaha reliability.
“The return of this name is something enthusiasts have anticipated for years,” says Jamie Barnes, Yamaha Motor Canada WaveRunner product line manager. “But this launch is about more than bringing back a familiar name. It’s about introducing a new generation of riders to the performance, excitement, and legacy that made it iconic in the first place.”
Unlike conventional runabout PWCs that are designed to remain relatively flat through a corner, the WaveBlaster is engineered to roll inward as the rider turns. That allows body position and throttle control to play a larger role in how the craft responds.
The hull uses VARTM (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding), the same composite manufacturing process used on Yamaha’s SuperJet. A 144mm jet pump, SuperJet intake grate and model-specific ride plate complete the propulsion and handling package.
Yamaha intentionally left the WaveBlaster without sponsons, keeping the hull clean and allowing the rider to influence the turn. A centered riding position and molded-in foot chocks are designed to keep the rider planted during aggressive riding.
Power comes from Yamaha’s 1,049cc TR-1 HO three-cylinder, four-stroke marine engine, producing 110 horsepower.
The WaveBlaster measures 99 inches long, 38.6 inches wide and 42 inches tall, with a dry weight of 425 pounds. Yamaha targets a top speed in the mid-50-mph range, with the lightweight package tuned for quick throttle response and acceleration.
The PWC also features Yamaha’s L Mode, which can reduce engine output for newer riders or controlled riding environments.
The streamlined approach continues in the cockpit. A compact gauge provides essential information without adding unnecessary complexity, while a small glovebox provides storage for basic personal items. A hinged top deck provides access for service and maintenance.
Styling pays tribute to the original WaveBlaster, including neon yellow, splatter graphics and the familiar hand-lettered script. A black hull and navy deck give the retro-inspired design a modern appearance.
Yamaha is positioning the WaveBlaster for riders who view personal watercraft more like a performance toy — emphasizing short, high-energy riding sessions and the role of body position, line choice and throttle control.
The 2027 Yamaha WaveBlaster will be available through authorized Yamaha dealers nationwide in Q1 2027 with an MSRP of $11,999.
PSB’s sister-pub Boating Industry is headed to the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, bringing its annual Top 100 Gala celebration of the marine industry’s top dealers and leaders to one of the world’s premier boating events. On Feb. 11, Top 100 honorees from across the marine industry will gather in Miami to be recognized, including Boating Industry’s Top Dealers, 40 Under 40, Women Making Waves, and Movers & Shakers.
“Bringing Boating Industry’s Top 100 Gala to the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show further strengthens Miami as the place where the recreational boating industry comes together to do business, build relationships and celebrate its best,” says Jennifer Thompson, senior vice president of the NMMA Shows. “The Gala brings many of the country’s leading dealers and industry leaders together in one place, creating another meaningful opportunity to connect during one of the industry’s most important weeks of the year. We’re thrilled to welcome the Top 100 honorees to Miami in 2027.”
The banquet kicks off with a networking cocktail hour, followed by dinner and an award presentation emceed by Boating Industry’s editorial team. The event recognizes rising stars, innovative leaders and industry icons from all parts of the marine industry, including retail, manufacturing and distributing.
“We’re excited to bring our decades of experience celebrating the Top 100 winners to the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show,” says Boating Industry SVP Jeremy Nedelka. “Attendees and sponsors should expect the same executive-level participation, on-stage recognition and celebratory atmosphere we’ve curated over the past twenty-plus years, but even bigger now that it’s in Miami.”
Boating Industry is currently accepting nominations for the Top Dealers awards (due Oct. 2). Visit BoatingIndustry.com for eligibility rules and entry forms.
Sea-Doo is kicking off the 2027 model year with a personal watercraft lineup that features the factory’s most powerful PWC engine yet, the Rotax 1630 ACE 350 hp, and a new Spark X model that includes the new Rotax 1000 ACE engine with 110 hp. Additionally, the 2027 pontoon lineup celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Sea-Doo Switch with rider-inspired updates.
“From our most powerful PWC lineup to date to the fun-loving, easy-to-ride character of the Spark and unmatched versatility of the Switch pontoon, we continue to shape how people experience life on the water,” says James Heintz, director of global Product Strategy for Sea-Doo & vehicle connectivity at BRP.
Built as the next evolution of the 900 ACE platform, the all-new Rotax 1000 ACE engine features three variations: 60hp, 90hp, and 110hp.
The Rotax 1000 ACE 110 hp engine increases the Spark’s top speed by 15% while improving the power-to-weight ratio.
The Spark family also expands with an all-new model, the Sea-Doo Spark X, also available with the Trixx package. Both options feature the 110 hp engine and Intelligent Debris Free system, which allows riders to clear debris from the pump using handlebar-mounted controls.
The Spark X model is further enhanced with premium features, including a standard speed regulator and boarding step. It features an exclusive colorway with a color-matched deck and the BRP Audio-portable System, which are also available as an option for the Spark X Trixx package.
The all-new Sea-Doo RXP-X Senna 350 joins the PWC lineup for a limited time, honoring the legendary motorsport driver, Ayrton Senna.
In addition, the Sea-Doo GTX Limited, RXT-X, RXP-X platforms, and limited edition RXP-X Senna — capped at 1,991 units worldwide — will receive upgraded power with the Rotax 1630 ACE engine, now delivering up to 350 hp, making it the most powerful engine from the factory.
Following the introduction of the 10.25-inch touchscreen display last year, Sea-Doo is expanding its technology availability to the GTX and GTR-X, bringing enhanced connectivity across more of the lineup.
As part of its Dealer Spotlight series, Yamaha Motor Finance Corp. recently highlighted the successes of VForce Marine, a boat dealership in Orlando, Florida.
Yamaha says it is recognizing VForce Marine for its work with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), a nonprofit scientific research organization focused on marine life conservation, ocean health, and animal rescue. VForce Marine is able to support Florida-area conservation efforts by providing vehicles used by HSWRI staff.
“Truly, one of the things I cherish most is being able to give back to the community, give back to the wildlife, and give back to this amazing ecosystem that we have,” says Dewayne Nighswonger, general manager of VForce Marine.
Beth Castle, VForce Marine’s general sales manager, adds the dealership’s success with many of its clients is helped by its partnership with Yamaha Financial Services. When describing how Yamaha helps VForce’s customer experience, Castle explains, “We have all of the resources right there, ready to work and make that deal happen.”
The VForce Marine team says it is grateful for the strength of their partnership with Yamaha and looks to continue their successes long into the future.
“We have truly assembled the best team in the business,” says Nighswonger. “Every team member plays a role in creating an exceptional customer experience, and our success would not be possible without their commitment and dedication.”
MarineMax has entered a deal to be acquired by Blackstone’s Safe Harbor Marinas in an all-cash transaction worth approximately $1.5 billion, as reported by Boating Industry.
MarineMax and Safe Harbor Marinas announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement, under which Safe Harbor will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of common stock of MarineMax for $53 per share in cash.
The transaction is the culmination of a competitive strategic review process led by the company’s board of directors and management, with the assistance of the company’s independent financial and legal advisers.
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Safe Harbor,” says Brett McGill, CEO and president of MarineMax.
If the transaction is completed, MarineMax would become a privately held company, and MarineMax’s common stock would no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
MarineMax is the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, marina operator, and superyacht services company, with over 120 locations worldwide, including over 70 dealerships and 65 marina and storage facilities.