In an extra special Readers Rides, American freeride legend Ross Champion talks us through the build of his new GoFast '08 Superjet.

Two of the biggest names in the performance watercraft industry, Blowsion and Jet Ski Unlimited (JSU) teamed up to build my new "GoFast Sports" freeride machine.  I have no reservation in saying that this is the very best freeride ski in the world today! It was built and assembled by the best motor builder in the industry, Steve Webster at JSU. All of the hull and paintwork was done by John Dady and his crew at Blowsion. The project started out as a showroom new 2008 Yamaha Superjet, which Erik Knoebel, co-owner of JSU was able to get early in the production run from Yamaha. Steve and the staff at Jet Ski Unlimited in Phoenix, AZ stripped the ski down to the bare hull and shipped it to Sherwood, Oregon, the home of Blowsion to begin it's transformation.

Once at Blowsion, John and his expert composites crew of Andrew Cutlip, G-wally, and Matt Geoffreys started the fibreglass work that is required on any top-level freeride boat. The engine compartment was laid up with a 17.5 ounce stitch-bonded fibreglass weave, while the very high stress areas got a layer of carbon/Kevlar, which not only looks really trick, but makes the ski incredibly strong. A set of Blowsion Kicker foot holds were installed to keep me connected to the ski, the whole tray was reinforced, and a one way valve was installed to quickly get water out of the engine compartment.

HULL AND PAINTWORK

Just before the ski went to be painted, a new JK hook kit (with a visual exterior Kevlar centre section) and set of Tubbie Threes were installed. Since the new 08 SJ from Yamaha has incorporated the integrated front Tubbie shape, which was designed and patented by the Blowsion crew in 2002, and applied it as a production feature of the moulded SJ hull, as well as the narrowed rear hull and set back pump, the challenge at this time was to change the now aggressive race hull feel of the 08 into a wave-busting freeride boat. While the integrated Tubbie shape from Yamaha OEM is a huge improvement over the '93 to '07 SJ bottom shape, it is still not as surf-friendly as the more forceful and larger aftermarket Tubbie One and Two that has been the mainstay of freeride modifications on existing SJs. What we found was the race-designed and less aggro third generation Blowsion Tubbie M3, when located further forward on the '08 SJ, resulted in the perfect combination for the recreational and surf riding SJ rider. After much sanding and shaping, the final step of the process at Blowsion was the amazing GoFast themed paint job. John's paint, combined with the attention to detail on the composite work make the hull a true work of art!

THE ENGINE

While Blowsion was busy building and painting the hull, Steve at Jet Ski Unlimited was creating one of his bombproof 760 freeride motors. The JSU 760 freeride cylinder is ported for great snap off the bottom and a very strong mid range. The crank was trued and welded, a Blowsion girdled head was installed, and a set of UMI couplers were used to connect the drive line. On the intake side, the dual 38's were switched out in favour of a single Powerbomb 48 and Blowsion flame arrestor. Exhaust is handled by a Factory-B pipe. This may seem like a relatively mild motor for a professional level boat, but believe me when I tell you that this set up makes more than enough power for any sane (or insane) person in the surf. Plus, if my ski drinks a little too much salt water in some far off corner of the world, I will be able to easily find parts to repair it.

PUMP AND PIMP

As soon as the final coat of paint was cured, the hull was crated up with all the Blowsion goodies thrown in and shipped back to Jet Ski Unlimited for assembly. Once there, lead technician Chad Cole began a meticulous job of putting the entire project together. Skat-Trak's new 13/17 magnum hub swirl prop was chosen to get the power to the water. With the planned addition of the new Spring '08 release Blowsion Supercone for the OEM Yamaha 144mm pump, this beast is only going to get scarier in the pump and grunt department!

The stock steering cable was swapped out for an '07 model to get a little more throw on the modified steering nozzle. A UMI aluminium pole and UMI sealed bearing steering system were installed along with the Blowsion shortened turn plate, UMI 0 degree bars, Blowsion carbon fibre chin pad, and Blowsion-lowered billet handle-pole bracket. A Blowsion aluminium battery box keeps the battery securely in place and Blowsion Kenney Keepers were used to keep from breaking motor mounts. To help the boat's handling in the surf, a carbon fibre Blowsion D-Cut ride plate was fitted along with a Jet Dynamics intake grate.

Bilge pump, bracket, switch, switch cover, and outlet all came from Blowsion as did the bypass fittings. The final step of the assembly process was the installation of Hydro-Turf mats with the 25ml under pad. The extra thick padding not only makes for a more comfy ride, but also really helps absorb impacts of hard surf aerial landings. JSU takes a lot of pride in their work and it shows in every ski they build from world championship winning race machines, of which they have built many including South African Dustin Motzouris' World Champion SXR's, to the average customer's ski that comes in for a little motor or tuning work. And my ski is certainly no exception! One look at the engine compartment reveals the level of care taken in the build of this ski.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

After a bit of a break in and tuning session, it was time to put the ski through its paces in the environment it was built for - the surf! First off, this is the best handling freeride boat I have ever ridden. Period. The combination of the new 2008 Yamaha hull design, along with a set of Tubbie Threes, a D-Cut plate, and a powerful snappy motor make the ski an absolute blast to surf ride. It turns like it is on rails, and with a squeeze of the throttle the electric snap of the motor will allow the ski to slide very predictably. This makes for the perfect handling setup in the waves. When it came time to jump a little, the motor really began to shine. Power is incredible, and the only way I can describe it is electric. It pulls quickly and cleanly off the bottom, then hits insanely hard in the midrange. Big lofty flips off of sloppy two to three foot waves were pulled off with ease, and I rode through a full tank of gas without the first stumble or bog from the motor. Overall, I could not envisage a more perfect package in a surf boat. Power is more than enough and very predicable, handling is amazing, the ski feels rock solid, and that new Skat prop hooks up great even in the foam.

The end result of this build is the ultimate freeride ski, a fun recreational boat and a great freestyle ski at a very affordable price.  For more information on this or a similar package, please contact Blowsion (503.625.3616) and Jet Ski Unlimited (623.581.1620).