|
||
| Every year at the end of
October a special event happens. No. I'm not talking about all those little
brats running around yelling "Trick or Treat." I'm referring to the IJSBA
Skat-Trak World Finals, held annually at beautiful Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This once-a-year event brings out every PWC diehard from all corners of the world. Some come to compete against the best racers in the world, others come to see the great racing and check out all of the vendor booths full of the latest hot products, and a few come just to check out all of the killer Bettys struttin' around in nothing but pinstripes and patchwork!
The World Finals also play host to the best custom PWC in the world too, and every year the customs get better and better. Being such a tech freak, cruising around and seeing all the latest paint trends, hull mods and engine tricks is what it's all about for me (okay, the ladies are great, too!) Since SPLASH is the only magazine that showcases custom watercraft, I've had the great pleasure of photographing many of the coolest PWC under the sun. And one of the cleanest PWC I've seen in a long time belongs to Mike Crowell of Portland, Oregon. Now most people usually ride their watercraft a few times before they start modifying it -- not Mike. His ski never got to see a single drop of water. He bought a new 1991 550SX and completely tore it down to zero.
|
TRICKS OF THE TRADE Mike, along with his good friend Johnny Dady of Blowsion Kolors (Wilsonville, Oregon), immediately went to work on the hull. All critical areas were reinforced for added strength. A closer look reveals a unique modification: first, the stock rubber sides were removed and the rear rails were completely filled and reshaped, giving his ski a look unlike any other 550SX ride tray. This modification is what separates the puppies from the big dogs! Owner Mike and Johnny Dady (from Blowsion Kolors) applied the liquid magic to the ski's exterior. Even the engine compartment and everything in it received Johnny's fluid touch. Once the paint tricks were finished, the exterior was complimented with either polished or painted parts. Gary and Dean of Jettrim fitted Mike's custom tray with one of their legendary mats. One-piece-handlebars (modified with a Watercraft Connection sealed bearing setup), subplate and Pro-Nose and billet latch plate are also from Jettrim. The rest includes a Plot Jetsports electronic bilge system and polished SE throttle lever.
|
52 MPH AND INJECTED Owning a craft that looks good is one thing, but owning one that performs as well is another story. Mike decided to break away from the rest of the pack. Mike's power package was the result of Randy Jungwirth from Watercraft Connection, and Jack Struthers of Carl's Cycle of Boise, Idaho. These two masterminds get all the credit for building Mike's 52-mph super ski.
The topper of the engine list has got to be the IRS electronic fuel injection system. Other vital parts include a ported cyllinder, a machined head (180# compression), trued and welded crank, Coffman's exhaust and manifold, Jetcraft Engineering's Turbo muffs and special rewound charging coil for the EFI computer system. The ignition system is stock, including the flywheel. Timing has been advanced. Watercraft Connection blueprinted tthe pump and bored the nozzle. Skat-Trak custom progressive pitch impeller, PJS speed plate (painted to match), and Jet Dynamic's grate round out the pump package. FINAL EFFORT Mike's 550SX is a true art form, and a prime example of what an all-out custom should end up looking like. It just goes to show you what a little determination and hard work will bring you. Who knows? Maybe your custom will be the next SPLASH favorite at Havasu '93.
|
 model: Lisa Davis |
||
