Speculation Rife About Upcoming 2014 PWC Models

What's coming in 2014?

Summer 2013 is barely under way, but within the PWC community the talk of the season is not about what’s currently a best-seller or which area of the country is wet or dry, but instead the focus is already on what comes next. As in, what exactly the manufacturers may have in store for 2014.

The rumors are certainly plenty, and fueled by stories and gossip on Internet sites and forums. They run the gamut, from the industry’s first mass-produced electric or hybrid ski to a radical new hull material that will grace a low-priced entry-level ski. As of right now, no one knows what is truth and what is fiction. That’s why it’s called the silly season.

But make no mistake, after years of a little too much status quo, even the slightest tidbit is something to get a little silly about. Okay, let’s make that a LOT silly.

The PWC industry has been quiet in recent years, but we’re been hearing plenty of rumors swirling about new product. So what’s coming in 2014?

It’s impossible to pick which rumors are true, but the one that seems to have the most traction is that every one of the major OEMs – Seadoo, Yamaha, and yes, even Kawasaki – will be unveiling at least one new model. And not just a slightly tweaked model that can be technically called new – a legitimately new model.

VIEW: Read our review of the Sea-Doo GTI 130

As usual, Sea-Doo is making a lot of the waves. The one manufacturer that came out with the most new product following the economic downturn, the ‘Doo is mostly rumored to be targeting a new entry-level model, one that would bring the introductory price point back down to the mid-$6000 level. One way in which the Canadian manufacturer is rumored to be able to do that is some type of radical new, lightweight hull material. I’m guessing that one has some staying power, but the other hot rumor – that Sea-Doo will be using a variation of the BRP E-TEC engine – is a little more iffy. I’ve had one usually reliable source flat out deny there will be any kind of clean, E-TEC two-stroke providing the power. Is said person purposely casting doubt to heighten the surprise, or simply quashing the crazy gossip? I’m betting the latter, but there’s no doubt that BRP produces a very clean two-stroke outboard that could potentially power a PWC.

Does Sea-Doo have a new entry-level model coming for under $7,000?

Perhaps the wildest Sea-Doo rumor concerns a supposed website name that has been registered. I’ll keep that name under wraps, but it would hint that a new craft could possibly have some type of electric or hybrid power. I think it’s a long shot for the near future, but hey, it would certainly be cool. Also maybe a long shot but high on the coolness factor would be the introduction of a transmission, similar to that found on Spyder roadsters and Ski-Doo snowmobiles.

VIEW: Read our review of the Yamaha VX Deluxe

As to Yamaha, the most common rumor concerns the brand getting back into the horsepower fight with a high-performance craft. What it will be – if it truly is in the works – remains to be seen, but speculation is that it will be fast and powerful, and likely pushing the 300hp mark. That’s, of course, if Yamaha revealed horsepower numbers. I can say that I’ve detected a little more excitement around the normally conservativ Yamaha camp as of late, but as to what we’ll see next year, I’ve yet to hear anything solid. A new entry-level series? It would make sense only in that the VX series has been around a long time. After all these years, however, the models in that series continue to be the industry’s best sellers. It’s inevitable at some point, but it’s got to be tempting to keep riding this gravy train as long as it lasts. If we do see a new entry-level model, I’m guessing it, too, will be a radically cheaper model, all the better to draw new customers into the sport…and hopefully turn them into longtime enthusiasts.

We’re hearing rumblings of a new high-horsepower PWC from Yamaha.

That tactic worked for Yamaha once before, before prices creeped back ever higher. It would likely work again.

Kawasaki? The rumors here are extremes. One claim is that the company who arguably started the mainstream PWC market may be looking to make a graceful exit. Let’s hope that one is just gossip. More fun speculation is that Kawi will be making the top level of the Ultra series even more bad to the bone to cement the models standing in the performance and offshore communities.  Certainly a possibility. Or, they may finally be ready to go up against Sea-Doo and Yamaha with a true entry-level model.

VIEW: Read our review of the Kawasaki Jet Ski 800 SX-R

And then there’s the speculation that Kawasaki may actually be bringing back the stand-up Jet Ski – this time in four-stroke guise. Both Kawasaki and Yamaha are known to have four-stroke stand-ups laying around their R&D facilities, but whether the former would commit to actually bringing one to market when stand-up sales are so tiny is the true question. Would a four-stroke stand-up reignite sales, or simply prove a folly? I’d like to believe it’s the former, but judging by Kawasaki’s conservative approach to watercraft over the last several years, I’m not holding my breath.

Might we see a four-stroke stand-up Jet Ski in 2014?

So when will we know? Historically Sea-Doo has a press event around the August timeframe, so that news could be soon. Yamaha should likewise tip their hat in August, or possibly September. Who knows about Kawasaki. They could stage a late introduction, a la the Ultra intro in the Bahamas, as late as early 2014. Or, the brand could choose to target the IJSBA World Finals in October.

One thing’s for sure…it won’t be long now. As Tom Petty sang, however, the waiting is the hardest part. Here’s to hoping it’s worth every painful minute.