2022 Yamaha JetBlaster brings freestyle fun to three-seat watercraft market
The Yamaha JetBlaster, last used for an iconic stand-up jet ski from the 1990s, is back in a three-seat layoutYamaha has unveiled its closest answer yet to the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx, a personal watercraft that can perform the on-water equivalent of a “wheelie” by being able to pivot on its tail with a deft squeeze of the throttle.
The 2022 Yamaha JetBlaster has been unveiled in the US overnight, with Australian deliveries due early next year.
Adopting a familiar formula of rear step wedges, sports handlebars, and an adjustable trim for the jet pump nozzle, the 2022 Yamaha JetBlaster is designed to point its nose in the air at the rider’s command.
The 2022 Yamaha JetBlaster replaces the 2021 Yamaha EXR budget performance model, powered by the same TR-1 1050cc three-cylinder engine, and employing the same deck and hull.
With a claimed 108hp on tap, the 2022 Yamaha WaveBlaster is the industry’s most powerful watercraft of this size. A 50-litre fuel tank provides plenty of range for such a small craft.
The 2022 Yamaha JetBlaster costs from $13,399, not including trailer and registration, an increase of $425 (from $12,974) compared with the EXR it replaces.
The Yamaha EXR joined the WaveRunner range in 2019 but has been discontinued after just three years despite its popularity. Yamaha believes the changes to create the JetBlaster will further boost the model's appeal.
Yamaha Australia says the WaveBlaster “combines the freedom of a stand-up with the versatility of a sit-down personal watercraft”.
In a media statement, the national product manager for Yamaha WaveRunners in Australia, Marty Kypr, said: “With consumer demand continuing to hit record levels and owners finding new ways to use (personal watercraft), whether adventure touring, cruising, adrenalin watersports, or fishing, we are excited to be able to expand our offering to the freestyle riding performance market.”
Yamaha Australia says the JetBlaster has not been specifically designed to be operated on its tail – a capability pioneered by the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx in late 2017.
However, the company said the custom-tuned electric trim function, which directs the nozzle downwards, has been developed to give the WaveBlaster the ability to “pop out of the water, do spins, and other exciting manoeuvres.”
Yamaha designers also added built-in wedges towards the rear of the footwells to give riders the ability to adjust their riding position for “freestyle riding”.
The taller, wide-mounted handlebars “provide increased leverage over the craft, allowing the rider to quickly change direction and execute extreme moves with ease,” says Yamaha Australia.
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