The 2008 Yamaha SuperJet is a great boat right out of the box. But there are some very easy mods that make it a world class freeride ski.
I took the ski down to install footholds from Blowsion and reinforce the ski. Then the next mod that I did was to replace the steering cable/system, and pole. I did this because I wanted to get a little more throw out nozzle and the stock cable for the 08 does not have the throw that the older cables do. Plus this allowed me to run a stronger handle pole from UMI Racing. During assembly, the ski got a pair of kenney motor keepers from Blowsion...and various other necessary items for a surf boat like a handle pole limiter, bilge pumps outlets and brackets, handle pole bracket etc. The final and crucial step in the process was the Hydro-Turf with the 25mil under pad. For a surf boat this stuff is a must, it will save your heels and makes impacts in general much more tolerable.
The first time I rode the boat, it was with the stock ride plate which makes for a great race plate because it is extended 2 inches past the end of the hull...but not so good for the surf. I have been experimenting with different ride plate designs and have a few from Blowsion that I am testing.
The most impressive quality about the 2008 SJ so far is the way it turns! This boat rails, which is a great thing. But it is taking some getting used to because it is quite hard to slide. The skis seems to roll a little easier because of the set-back pump, and feels like it flips slower than the older boat. Part of the slow flipping feeling is due to the fact that the motor is still 100% stock...no pipe or any other mods at this point. Jet Ski Unlimited is building the motor for the competition boat so I am sure this issue will be resolved.
The 2008 Super Jet is a great boat, and a big improvement over the old design...but it still needs some work to make it a world class boat. I will update once I get it completely sorted out and let every one know what I have done to make it work.