I turn the key and nothing happens. No throaty rumble, no smoke, nothing. But when I hit the throttle, Yamaha's new FX 140 takes off. The new four-stroke engine is so quiet, I didn't even hear it.
Makers of personal watercraft (PWC) didn't relish the move from two-stroke engines–a tightening EPA noose forced them–but you can't argue with the results: This generation is quieter, quicker, and smoother-not to mention up to 80 percent cleaner.
The first four-strokes hit the market this spring. Along with the Yamaha, Sea-Doo has the GTX 4-TEC and Honda is diving in feet first with the Aquatrax F-12 and the turbocharged Aquatrax F-12X. All are three-seaters aimed squarely at the family market.
If previous Yamahas were dragsters, the FX 140 is a Lexus. It has a linear power curve, unlike the front-loaded acceleration you get with two-strokes. The Sea-Doo, meanwhile, is perfect for novice riders who want to go cruising. There's a digital instrument panel with compass headings, a soft ergonomic seat, and a power-assist mode that adds thrust during slow-speed turns to ensure stability. It's great for rough water, though not as nimble as the Yamaha.
The smaller Hondas are speedsters. I got the FX-12X to 30 mph in just over 2 seconds, its deep-V hull nimble yet stable. The only negative: There's no passenger strap, a must if you want to stay on this stallion.
Bottom line: You can't go wrong with any of them. Intended or not, four-stroke technology will revolutionize PWCs. Enjoy the ride.
CLEAN MACHINES
How the first crop of four-stroke watercraft stack up.
Yamaha FX 140
Dimensions:131.5 by 48.4 inches
Engine: 998cc 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 140
Top speed: 57.4 mph
Price: $9,499
Coolest Feature: Drink holder
SUV Equivalent: Toyota 4Runner
Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC
Dimensions: 130.4 by 48.1 inches
Engine:1,494cc 3-cylinder
Horsepower: 155
Top speed: 58.9 mph
Price: $9,499 to $9,899
Coolest Feature: Assisted steering
SUV Equivalent: Ford Explorer
Honda Aquatrax F-12 & F-12X
Dimensions: 125.9 by 49.0 inches
Engine:1,235cc 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 125 (165 for F-12X)
Top speed: 59.1 mph
Price: $8,999 ($9,999 for F-12X)
Coolest Feature: Turbo for the FX-12X
SUV Equivalent: Mercedes ML500
Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing
Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed
Share links with friends, comment on stories and more
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
Check out the best of what's new here.