A year ago,, the names of Tigershark's performance runabouts changed, but not much else. This year, the names remain almost the same, but the boats are entirely new. So it goes with this oftentimes-confounding manufacturer. Just when you think you have these guys figured out, they do something else that surprises you. But what we're hearing and seeing this year may prove to be a pleasant surprise. We've long waited for the company to introduce a race-inspired performance craft worthy of the company's snowmobile-racing heritage, and the word leaking out of Thief River Falls (the small town in far-northern Minnesota where Tigershark watercraft are manufactured) is that the new TS1100R (formerly the TS1000R) and TS770R are just that - true inside-leaning watercraft that will hold their own against any watercraft out there. Period. Both boast new, aggressive, stepped hull designs which use technology gleaned from Tigershark's race effort the past three years, as well as new, ergonomically designed decks that will allow you to get the most out of the hulls. In addition, the TS1100R (as its name states) also features a new, more powerful engine that will again put it in the thick of things in the highly competitive musclecraft segment.

Improvements elsewhere in the lineup include a new direct-injection three-seater that meets the stricter EPA standards of 2006, along with improved carburetion and exhaust systems elsewhere in the lineup that not only improve exhaust levels but also reduce noise output.
 

TS1100R
Despite the similarities in name from a year ago, this is an entirely new craft. The most obvious differences are the new hull and deck, both of which were designed with aggressive, performance-driven riders in mind. A quick look at the specs shows a big size difference from last year's Daytona-based hull. (The new TS1100R is 118 inches long and 44.5 inches wide, some seven inches longer and an inch wider than last year's 1000R.) But don't let the size difference fool you - the TS1100R may be bigger, but it also should be faster, thanks to a stepped design that allows it to run on less of the hull at top speed. Tigershark is expecting a top speed in the low 60s.
The hull also allows for true inside-lean handling - as opposed to the flat-turning profile of last year's TS1000R - which should help you keep up those speeds while turning aggressively.

The new deck should also help in that regard, with a higher and narrower seat, an aggressive stance and a more vertical angle on the handlebars.
Powering the TS1100R is a new 1100cc triple that produces 20 more horses than last year's 999cc triple. The new engine, which features a bore and stroke of 85mm x 64.6mm, boasts many of the same features as the 999cc (including Nikasil-plated cylinders, variable-rate oil injection and digital CD ignition). However, it also has new, more-efficient Mikuni 42-40mm carbs with an accelerator pump; a new, high-output exhaust; and a twin-muffler (waterbox) system that has greatly decreased sound output, as well as improved power.
Transferring the power to the water is a new, axial-flow jet pump with a larger diameter (148mm vs. 145mm), a stainless-steel stator for added durability and a top-loader intake grate for better hookup and rough-water performance. The pump also features electric trim.
Other significant changes include a new, larger fuel tank (16 gallons vs. 12.5 gallons); new anti-fog gauges for the standard speedometer, tachometer, trim gauge and fuel gauge; a larger reboarding area behind the seat; mooring eyes on the handlebars; and a two-part seat.
Other standard features include full-length traction mats in the footwells and on the boarding platform, dual mirrors, a front storage tub with a nine-gallon capacity and an under-seat compartment with a 2.125-gallon capacity. The all-new TS1100R will have a suggested retail price of $7,599, $300 less than last year's TS1000R.

What's the future of personal watercraft? You're looking at it, pal. The new Tigershark TS 1100 Li features a new 1100cc FICHT fuel-injected engine that reduces emissions by a whopping 70%. It uses half the fuel, too. Plus, it's great for towing and skiing. It also comes with a reverse system, twin mufflers and tons of storage. And that shiny gold hull makes it a real trophy boat.

Talk about aggressive. The all-new Tigershark TS 1100 R has been totally redesigned to satisfy the most extreme rider. It features a new 1100 triple-cylinder engine, and new stepped hull for unbelievable cornering. Plus, it comes with our brand-new Jumbo Jet II pump for even more power. But with all that muscle, it's still easy to handle. So climb aboard and get ready to rock.

Want a Shark that fits your style and your budget? Meet the Tigershark TS 640. Look inside and you'll find a tough 640 twin-cylinder engine, plus a Jumbo Jet pump for extra push. The new graphics make it the coolest thing on the water, too. And this Shark is so easy to handle and comfortable to ride, you'll wonder why you waited this long to own one.

Ready to leave the office behind and take off on a Tigershark? The Tigershark TS 770 has the power you need, at the price you want. Plus, it's great for entry-level riders. It comes with a rugged 770 twin-cylinder engine, and 80 horses to give it extra kick. Plus a Jumbo JetTM pump for more power, stainless steel impellers and new graphics that will turn heads faster than you can turn corners.

Family road trips getting old? Then grab the kids and hop on the new Tigershark TS 770 L. Its wave-churning 770 engine is perfect for towing or skiing, yet it's stable enough to hold three. It also has our gutsy Jumbo JetTM pump to pour on the power. And those new gauges and red-hot graphics will add more spice to an already awesome ride. Too bad your parents didn't own one.

The mighty Tigershark TS 770 R has been completely overhauled to give it a whole new feel. It has a fierce 770 engine pounding inside, plus our rugged Jumbo Jet pump to outmuscle the competition. Its new, wider stepped hull will keep you tight in the corners, too. And check out those smooth lines. It's definitely the Type A personality of watercraft -- quick, mean and power-hungry

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 1999--Arctic Cat Inc. (Nasdaq:ACAT), today announced that it is exiting its personal watercraft (PWC) line of business effective September 30, 1999. The Company expects to record a pre-tax charge of approximately $26 million related to the discontinuation of its Tigershark line of PWCs. These charges include the cost of closing down the production line, and supporting its dealers in selling their remaining PWC inventory and continuing to service their PWC customers.

Christopher Twomey, Arctic Cat president and CEO, said "We entered this business in 1993 during a time of rapid industry growth, however, in 1995, after only two years in the business, PWC North American sales peaked at approximately 210,000 units and have declined in each of the last four years to about 110,000 units this model year. While we are uncertain how far the industry will continue to decline, at existing levels this is not a profitable market for Arctic Cat or its dealers. Because of the shrinking market many of our PWC dealers have already left the business and more have indicated they intend to leave in the not-to-distant future."

Continuing, Twomey said "This decision will strengthen Arctic Cat as we refocus management time and the Company's significant financial resources on our profitable and strong snowmobile business and profitable and rapidly growing ATV product line. With over $90 million in cash and no debt, we are in a strong position to grow our existing businesses and, as previously announced, will look for profitable products to add to our business mix.

"This has been a challenging business especially with the numerous external threats such as emission regulations, as well as noise and use restrictions. This year, our new 1100Di PWC exceeded emission level reduction requirements and for a second year in a row we were able to significantly reduce product noise levels. However, even with these exciting achievements we do not believe this industry will see significant growth in the near future and therefore further investment cannot be justified."

Twomey added "Our PWC field inventory is at its lowest level since we entered the business in 1993, which will minimize the financial impact of this action on the Company and our dealers. In fact, we expect to remain profitable this fiscal year despite the charges associated with this decision. In addition, we expect only minimal workforce reductions as most PWC employees will have the opportunity to join other parts of the Company."

Arctic Cat Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under the Arctic Cat® brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. For more information on Arctic Cat, visit the Company's Website at www.arctic-cat.com.