I was wondering how the true date of manufacture on GPR's can be discovered. In an unusual move the 02 GPR model is available in Australia about six months before usual. It has the BNG and the plate on the rear of the RHS under the gunwale says 02 however there's no way it was shipped from the states since the new year began. Is it normal for Waverunners to be built in one year and then badged and sold in another ? I asked the techs if the new power valves were fitted (-10) they didn't even now about the earlier update. Sales guy just says it's a 02 model period. Are there other build dates stamped anywhere else on the ski? Are the new power valves fitted to all 02 GPR's? Thanks.

Due lack of information to the contrary,am I to take it that the only thing that validates a GPR hull as a 00,01 or 02 build is a piece of plastic riveted onto the RHS of the hull under the gunwale?? I seem to remember more being on my 98 GP 1200.. Just thought I would bring this question back to the top to see if anyone could help before it fell of the page.

besides that one on the back there is also a rivited plastic serial number inside the hull hidden on the center bulkhead. Used for verification on serial #'s for theft recoveries. Pointed out to me by a friend that owns a Honda/Yamaha dealership.He showed me where the one on my 99 GP1200 was located.

Yamaha probably started production of the 02 Waverunners way back in August or September. Reason being so that the dealers in the Southern parts of North America and other places can have their product before Spring. Alot of Central and South Texas and Florida dealers already have thier 02's on the floor and ready for sale. So its probably not too uncommon that Australia would have some. If the VIN number on the back of the boat ends in 02, its a 02 from Yamaha Motor Corp.

OK Thanks for your thoughts. It's clearly a 02 model as far as Yamaha are concerned. Now all I need to do is see if it has the -10 power valves. New model is approx US$250 more in OZ.