Decisive Living


Family-Friendly Watercraft Making a Splash

(ARA) - With more than 90 percent of Americans within an hour’s drive of a major body of water, it’s no surprise that local lakes and rivers are teeming with families choosing a day on the water to enjoy the great outdoors. The newest trend reshaping the boating industry - multi-passenger four-stroke watercraft - is turning weekends and holidays on the water into a full-blown family phenomenon. Today’s most popular watercraft are designed to carry one to three people, and offer greater flexibility in use, such as the ability to tow skiers or ample storage to embark on the perfect family getaway.

Adding to the overall experience, Yamaha recently introduced the world’s first four-stroke watercraft, which operates significantly cleaner and quieter than previous watercraft. With four-stroke engines, there’s no visible exhaust smoke. Four-stroke engines get better gas mileage and are easier to operate, since they do not require the mixing of fuel and oil prior to use. Best of all, the new four-stroke models are 75 percent cleaner, and 80 percent quieter than older models, according to the manufacturers.

New for 2005, Yamaha has introduced the most affordable four-stroke watercraft in the industry, the WaveRunner VX110. Priced 30 percent less than the industry average, the VX110 is designed for every way personal watercraft are enjoyed. Available for less than $60 a month, the VX110 is highly-versatile, powerful, and capable of towing a skier or wakeboarder, and specifically designed for family recreation and multi-passenger adventure touring.

“In just a few years, families have really embraced four-stroke watercraft, which are now the best-selling models in our line-up,” said Mark Speaks, president of Yamaha WaterCraft. “First and foremost, families want to have to fun on the water. They want excitement, comfort, performance and value. Advances in technology and new designs are providing an exhilarating family recreational experience unlike any other.”

To learn more about family-friendly four-stroke watercraft, and for tips and ideas on how to make the most out of your time on the water, check out www.familyfunonthewater.com. For more info on the WaveRunner VX110, check out www.yamaha-motor.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content