What is "hydrospace"

n. That part of the Earth, or other planet, that lies below the surface of its lakes, seas and oceans.

The Hydrospace is the world's first stand-up four-stroke jet ski, or personal watercraft. It was introduced in October 2005 by Hydrospace. In 2007, Hydrospace changed their name to HSR-Benelli following the acquisition of Benelli Motori (related to, but unaffiliated with Benelli shotguns or Benelli motorcycles).

The company originated in Pöchlarn, Austria, with sales networks worldwide. The Hydrospace is a single-passenger stand-up watercraft which was designed primarily for racing. Until 2008, the only model offered was the "Hydrospace S4", with a retail price of around US$15,000.

The S4 is powered by a two-cylinder water-cooled engine with a displacement of 749cc, which is rated at 110 hp. The engine is equipped with a turbocharger from the factory. The S4 has a dry weight of 370 lbs. making it the second heaviest stand-up ever made, second only to Sea-doo's 3D which had a dry weight of 580 lbs.

Although touted as being the most advanced stand-up ever manufactured, the S4 has been plagued with problems. They have however been resolved in the meantime. In 2008, the newly formed HSR-Benelli released additional models of personal watercraft, including a new runabout model.

HSR-Benelli has succeeded in winning several World Championship titles since 2006. In December, HSR-Benelli changed its name to Benelli srl, moved to Pesaro in Italy and is working on a new generation of Personal Watercrafts which will be available for 2012.