Jet-powered surfboard to go on sale

The Powerski Jetboard prototype featured in Gizmo magazine during 2002 is finally ready to go into mass production. The Jetboard is a combination surfboard/JetSki incorporating a 25 x 43 x 16 cm high, two-stroke, water-cooled, 45hp engine and an axial flow jet pump into a (slightly larger than average) surfboard form-factor to deliver a stand-up ride over flat water at speeds up to 65kmh.Using sophisticated CAD software and new composite production techniques, the original Jetboards featured in Gizmo have been substantially reduced in weight, improved in drag co-efficient and have improved air intakes and safety features.The company has now deemed all Jetboards previously manufactured to be beta production boards and to be used by the dealers / distributors for promotion and marketing only. A sophisticated hand operated throttle includes a start/stop buttons, independent left and right thumb throttles, safety kill switch, plus speedometer and fuel gauges are found on a modular handle unit connected to the board via a 1.2m arm-pole made of rubber coated steel cable. The patented single cylinder, two stroke 330cc engine - the SuperTorqueXT - runs at 45 hp enabling the jet pump to put out 350psi of thrust. The current version weighs around 18kg but this is expected to be shaved back as the design evolves. The drive train includes gear-reduction transmission built into the bottom end of the engine that optimises the transfer of engine rpm into the jet pump. Development of an electric Jetboard is now well underway. An announcement in December 2003 flagged the formation of a joint venture between Powerski International and Global Electric to create a Powerski Jetboard' powered with by a Lithium-ion electric motor. Bob Montgomery , CEO of Powerski stated, 'It has always been our plan to build a futuristic Powerski Jetboard' that was smaller, lighter, quieter and cleaner than any other watercraft on the market. Offering electric power is a perfect transition for Powerski International Corp.. If we can meet our design goals by utilizing the lithium-ion technology of Global Electric, we can expand our sales to include such areas with strict emission standards, such as California. We could possibly increase our sales by 40% with the inclusion of clean electric power.'The Powerski Igniter 330 Jetboard will make its public debut at the Miami International Boat Show on February 12 - 17, 2004