RapidInsider
WaveSport Transformer
While other boat companies are racing to develop slicy, hole boats and big air, wave boats, Wave Sport has released only one new model for 2003: The Transformer. In its raw state the Transformer comes in four sizes and is a mean-looking aerial spud boat. But just like the original Transformers, there is more than meets the eye. The Transformer mutates in length with the three interchangeable tip options—the stock bumper, and five-inch and eight-inch wings. A little high school math and you realize you have 15 possible performance combinations, which Wave Sport says allow you to adapt to different environments. If it works, the Transformer is without a doubt the biggest step toward offering one boat to do it all.
The Means to the Ends
Our 6’4" T3 caught attention on the river because it was so big. At 60 gallons, the T3 is the same size as a Super EZ. The T2 holds 55 gallons and even the smallest version, the T1, has more volume than the EZ. The pudgy stern looks huge compared to the scooped out bow. We asked designer Eric Jackson why the stern has so much more volume than the bow and he was quick to point out our mistake. "The bow has more volume than the stern," he said. "This boat is balanced so that with the seat neutral there is 52.5% of the volume in front of the center of gravity and 47.5% of the volume behind your center of gravity. The stern looks big because you have to account for huge amounts of volume in the knee area." The Transformer T3 is extremely wide at 26.75 inches. According to Jackson, the width
1. The tips are bolted to three threaded stainless inserts. Just like your seat bolts give the tips a quick tighten everyday to keep them snug.
2. The new F.A.T. 3.0 is much improved. The new foot pod is cut away on the top allowing more foot room and it seems to slide more easily than last year’s. The thigh braces have more hook and now swivel for lateral adjustment.
3. The molded in graphics look hot and likely add to the rigidity of the hull. All Transformers come equipped with drain plugs and a new rigid securi- ty bar/grab loop combination.
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www.rapidmag.com
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