Features

Feb. 11, 2008 – PWC Digest

Former Hydrospace Firm Unveils New Line

Speculation might be rampant as to whether a U.S. dealer will ever see them in 2008, but nonetheless HSR-BENELLI, the former Hydrospace, unveiled a new line at the Paris Boat Show. And as expected, runabouts are in the mix.
Dubbed the HSR-BENELLI Series-R, four models make up the new sit-down series, two aimed at the recreational rider, and two reserved for the high-performance enthusiast. A 1098cc triple cylinder four-stroke will power the SERIES R Naked Edition, rated at 142 hp. It will be joined by the SERIES-R Pro Edition, a 1098cc triple that ups the horsepower output to 172hp. The big horsepower the company has long promised is reserved for the next two models in the line, dubbed the SERIES-R Prestige and SERIES-R Race Edition. Both will be powered by a first in the PWC industry, a V6 four-stroke engine. The Prestige is rated at 278 hp; the Race Edition will take things even further, promising in excess of 340hp.
Complementing the runabout line will be a retooled 142hp standup, now dubbed the SERIES-S Pro Edition. The new addition will be the 162hp SERIES-S Race Edition, again targeted at the high-end enthusiast.
Thus far, HSR-BENELLI representatives have said only that the company “will be there, with a sales and after-sales structure,” about their U.S. plans. The company did away with their American distributor last year, and has yet to open their own distribution facility. A U.S. company presence, or U.S. distributor, is crucial to gain Coast Guard approval.

Daytona Freeride A Big Success

The Daytona Freeride, or as it is now known the “X Metalworks Daytona Freeride,” was held once again last month. And the party proved bigger than ever. An estimated 500-1,000 people were in attendance, covering the three-quarter-mile stretch of beach in front of the Makai Beach Club with plenty of stand-up skis, not to mention a few vintage WaveBlasters. The unsanctioned event, which still operates pretty much as one big party weekend, rivaled the World Finals according to some estimates. psb

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