Neon Dreams: 1993 Kawasaki 550SX

Builds

By Ayrton Sieja

“It’s by no means the fastest boat on the line, but man does it turn heads and it hooks and books”

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

The ski had 3 owners prior, and yet, was in great condition. The previous owner even let me have a test spin at Lake Elsinore before I bought it. I’ve always had the desire to race jet skis since my dad got me into it as a little guy. After a decade of being intermittent within the sport I bought this 550. There were visions of building a rec/race boat but nothing to this degree. It’s by no means the fastest boat on the line, but man does it turn heads and it hooks and books.

THE BUILD

Although it doesn’t have the prestige or nostalgia of a replica ski it definitely exceeded my expectations. The amount of detail in the paint really captures the old school flare I was hoping for. Inspired by a Jet Pilot sticker for the colors, mixed with some of Butch’s racing and PJS race boats, Tim Bartee pulled out some of his best kept tricks with this one.

BJs Performance was there every step of the way in making this crispy singer what she is today. Jason even parted ways with some of his old-new stock for this ski, more thank likely unwillingly haha. He has some trick parts that brought some uniqueness to this build.

GROWING THE COMMUNITY

I’m hoping this ski inspires others to bling out their builds, this sport was huge back in the day, had its hiatus, and now it’s back baby!

Finding parts for even the vintage skis has become easier and easier thanks to new companies like VintageJetSki promoting new businesses to come out of the wood work.

Whether its lining them up for some trophies (beers for guys like me) or simply having a group of weekend warriors make some noise; Some of my best lived days have been at the lake gathered with family and friends (new and old). It’s such an inviting and fun community/sport, I encourage everyone to meet us on the water… the more the merrier!