Sarcasm is always so hard to get across in internet language. That first post should have sounded bitter, Yamaha has ignored our segment of the market but still continues to profit from it on the backs of the aftermarket companies.
To be clear the next couple of paragraphs will contain no sarcasm...just the truth as I see it.
For sure it would hurt the sport now to no longer have the option of buying new SuperJets. There really is no better way to start a build than to start with nice fresh parts off a new boat. Even if you are just going to scavenge the crank case, electronics, and various other internal components and hardware to build an aftermarket hull. There is a lot to be said for being able to start with nice fresh new parts. But what will be far better for the sport is when we have an independent company doing small scale production runs of more capable watercraft. Similar to what may of the custom builder are doing now, just on a little larger scale (say 50 units at a time) with a spec product that would allow them to purchase/build parts more cost effectively. I don't think that is a pipe dream by any stretch and I really don't think this is going to be too far off. We have yet to see anyone in our industry build a semi-production based complete boat that is a fun recreational ski with some freestyle/freeride capabilities, and there is a market for that product. I've see it all over the world. Such a company would then be motivated to grow our sport/hobby and not just sit idly by on the sidelines sucking $7,500 out of everyone who wants to start with new parts to build a capable, fun watercraft. (Please don't read too much in to this next part, because it is not happening...but lets just consider it.) I would think an aftermarket company such as Blowison that already creates may of the aftermarket parts we now use would be in a pretty good position put a project like this together. And I think this is probably what RRP is in the process of doing now.
From my point of view, having Yamaha continue to pump out 15 year old product is only going to hinder who ever the next OEM builder is going to be from making the investment to enter the market. I think this will be the next step for our sport at some point, when it will come and who it will come from...who knows.
As to the question of how many units are sold...who knows. The only numbers I place any faith in are from my friends in Argentina who say they sell about 100 superjets a year there, and Yamaha sells more there than any other country. I could be way off...but this is what I have heard. Whatever the number is, clearly it is not enough for a company like Yamaha to focus on. But a small company that could be profitable selling 50 - 100 units a year not unrealistic.
My thoughts for what they are worth.
