Welcome to my Polaris jetski page. This page isn't just meant to be dedicated to Polaris Jetski's but to all of you run-about riders out there. This page features three simple tricks you can try, some of the features of near-by Arizona lakes, and some of my experiences owning and riding a Polaris Sea Lion 750.
I don't have the money to finish repairing this. Buy it now (needs electrics) for $1000!
My Polaris (Picture at left is similar, but this is the SLX) is one of the best investments ever made. After my seperation from my wife, I needed a diversion to keep my mind off of the depression, and boy, this thing ever do the trick. Now I am always grinning, and I can never wait to get out on the lake again! So, if you never ridden a Polaris, or even a jet ski, let me tell you of some of its wonderful features.
First off, Polaris does not make a standing room only jet ski. This is not a negative, as so many die hards think, but an advantage. For one thing, sit downs are very fast. Secondly, the engine contains three cylinders instead of the usual two. True enough that many manufacturers offer three cylinders now, but not at the time. (My SL750 is a 1994 Model). This gives my ski incredible low end torque. I can very easily unhook the pump and loose traction.
The 1994 model of the SL750 offered its users an 80hp engine (The best you could get that year) , electronically adjustable trim, and a multi-function display. The multi-function display is the most useful device to have on your jet ski. With one glance, you can tell how many RPM you are pulling, your approximate speed, and your oil and fuel levels. Other functions can give you the time, volts, distance traveled, and number of hours your jet ski has been running. Yes, it does do more than that, but then again, I am not here to write a Polaris brochure.
I learned a valuable lesson in 1995. Never lend out your jet-ski, especially to someone who has never ridden one before. I lent out my jet ski to a relative of mine, and man, did he ever trash it. $2500 later (See: Horror Story) I have one kick ass jet ski.
The above items with the * are highly recommended. The others ones I had done when the engine was torn down. Always consider an investment in a bilge pump. These things are great when you are doing tricks, otherwise your boat will fill up with water!
RIDE PLATE: This piece of metal covers the pump area on the bottom of the jet ski. By extending this metal, you increase the ability of the jet ski to "plane out" at lower speeds. The Ocean Pro version (IJSBA legal) and others, like the Rend (Not IJSBA legal with the skegs in place) use protrusions on the plate to make the ski handle better also. These will make it harder for you to stand the jet ski on its tail.
TOPLOADER or INTAKE SCOOP: These allower better water flow into your pump (the area where the prop resides). This allows the jet ski to obtain more traction off the line, and especially in choppy conditions, where the ski is bouncing a lot. The trade off here is that you also suck in more garbage, like sticks, plastic bags, etc. etc. Some designs actually decrease top speed, so do your research. Aquaveins version does nothing to your top end.
WATER BOX: The water box is the muffler of the jet ski. Engine gasses must pass through a box filled with water, decreasing the audible volume of the engine. Replacing the stock water box with a racing one results in less back pressure due to a more open design. Again, there is a down side. Your ski will be very loud!
FLAME ARRESTORS: Flame arrestors are essentialy open element air cleaners for your carbs. Why exactly do they call these things flame arrestors? It's due to the fact that the top plate of the air element has a cone built into it, forcing air down the carb barrel. It is aerodynamically designed to reduce the possibility of a flame out due to a backfire, etc. These babies deliver a lot more air to your engine, and more air equals more power. Unfortunately, you have to re-tune your carbs after you install these, or you could experience cold engine hesitation, and an overly lean mixture.
ENGINE BORING: If I need to even explain the benefits of this one...
AFTERMARKET REEDS: Reeds are the intake valves in a two stroke engine. Aftermarket versions are not as stiff, allowing more fuel to pass on the power stroke. The down side of this is that they will wear faster.
SWIRL PROP: Well, this one is brand new on the market. I couldn't tell you the difference between this particular prop and another racing prop, but in general, aftermarket props increase acceleration and can add some top end, if you can make the power for it. Want to learn more? Then check out my prop install guide!
BILGE PUMP: Anytime you are doing tricks (see below) on your jet ski, you WILL get water in the engine compartment. Think that stock bilge pump is going to do the trick? Maybe you should install a Rule 500GPH electric bilge pump. Empty your jet ski of water with a convenient flick of a switch.
SPONSONS: Sponsons are the topic of much debate. Yes, they will make your jet ski turn in better, and at higher top speeds. Yes, you won't notice as much throttle induced oversteer. But do they decrease top end? Come on now! I would rather be shredding shore line than drag racing everything on the water. I would get too depressed racing 60+ MPH stock boats, but lets see if they can follow me around a demanding race course.
Glad you asked!
All of the above tricks should enable my jet ski to pull about 60mph. But enough of babbling, lets get down to business!
| Links | Difficulty | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
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EASY | 360 spins are by far the easiest trick you can learn. |
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MEDIUM | Sink your ski, but do it on purpose! |
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HARD | Ski Stands are easy, but not on a Polaris! |
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MEDIUM | Prop showing a little wear? REPLACE IT! |
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EASY | Prepare yourself to flush your ski! |
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