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I Call Them Jet Skis & Not PWC, Waverunner, Watercraft

Sea-Doo fish pro trophy with jetski question mark

There are 3 major watercraft manufacturers on the market, and each one has it’s “own name”. Jet ski is a registered trademark owned by Kawasaki. In the past, you had Honda, Polaris, Tiger Shark and more, but they never fully had their own name like the 3 current models beyond the “generic” watercraft. Even then,

The Most Stable Jet Skis For Comfort And Safety

Two Yamaha VX models on triton double trailer

Stability is a critical factor in choosing a jet ski, especially for new riders, as it offers safety, confidence, and comfort. Notably, larger jet skis tend to be more stable, allowing for diverse usage, accommodating more riders, and exploring more places. The most stable models on the market are Sea-Doo’s GTX, RXT, and ST3 Hull lineup, Yamaha’s FX lineup, and Kawasaki’s ULTRA lineup. Jet skis are increasingly growing larger, offering enhanced stability. Various tactics can enhance a jet ski’s stability, including reducing passenger count, carrying lighter load, understanding jet ski operation, and avoiding 2-stroke models.

Do You Need A Jet Ski License For Your State?

Kawasaki on stand at boat show 2023

In many US states and other countries, driving a jet ski requires a license. This license is equivalent to a boating license and is issued post completion of a boating safety course and passing a test. The specific requirements vary depending on location and age restrictions are also applicable. Further, many jet ski rental companies require a license per state law. More than 80% of the places listed require a license to operate a jet ski, with the license also teaching safety, emergency procedures, and environmental awareness.

Why Don’t Jet Skis Have A Mesh Guard To Protect The Intake?

Sea-Doo intake grate where water enters

The idea of adding a mesh guard to a jet ski’s intake to prevent debris from being sucked in seems sound, but it’s impractical. Two main reasons are: the guard can’t withstand the suction, and it significantly slows the vessel down. All jet skis have an intake grate to partially protect from large objects without affecting power. Sea-Doo’s SAR jet ski has a more protective grate, but it significantly increases the cost. Attempts to manufacture mesh covers have shown how unfeasible and hazardous the idea is.

Is It Safe To Jump Start A Jet Ski Battery With Your Truck?

batteries in pile on ground

Jump starting a jet ski with a car is risky and can damage the jet ski and car batteries, their electronics, and pose personal safety risks. This risk is heightened when using a running truck due to the alternator’s power output, leading to potential voltage spikes and battery explosions. The post advises against jump starting from a vehicle and recommends using a dedicated jump starter pack or charging the jet ski battery properly, highlighting the dangers of sulfation in lead-acid batteries.

Does A Jet Ski Fully Sink When Taking On Water?

Work shining on battery you can see foam too

They can sink but won’t do it completely due to foam inserts in the bilge, designed to prevent total submersion. The foam, especially in the nose, acts as a buoy, countering the rear’s weight and aiding in towing the jet ski back to land. The post also covers what to do if a jet ski sinks, emphasizing the urgency of removing water, particularly ocean water, from the engine. It warns against starting a sunken watercraft and details common reasons for sinking, like forgotten drain plugs or hull damage.

Do Jet Skis Have An Alternator For Maintaining A Charge While Running?

Sea-Doo Stator and coils out of engine

Jet ski engines use a stator instead of an alternator for their charging system, offering unique advantages in size, simplicity, and efficiency. Stators are smaller, can be built into the engine, and are ideal for maintaining battery charge in small engines. The article discusses the differences between stators and alternators, the role of a voltage rectifier, and tips for maintaining a healthy jet ski charging system. It also explains why magneto systems aren’t used in modern jet skis.

Do Jet Skis Have A Bilge Pump For Removing Excessive Water?

Bailer tube output for Spark with no brakes

Most jet skis don’t come with bilge pumps, instead using bailer tubes that operate when the engine is on. While bilge pumps run off electricity, bailer tubes rely on the vacuum created by the jet pump. Bailer tubes are simple, with one or two tubes extending into the hull to remove water. However, they stop working when the engine is off. Bilge pumps can be added to jet skis, with many manufacturers offering kits. The choice to install a bilge pump depends on individual riding style and conditions.

Why Water Still Gets Under Your PWC Cover And What To Do About It

Sea-Doo Spark still wrapped up from factory

Jet ski covers are made from waterproof materials but aren’t completely watertight due to their vents. These vents allow for airflow and prevent the cover from flying off when trailering the jet ski. Despite the cover, water can still seep into the footwells. There are ways to make your cover more effective, like tilting the jet ski back on the trailer, using a secondary cover, or even shrink-wrapping the jet ski for off-season storage.

What Happens When You Fall Off A Jet Ski But Have The Lanyard Attached?

Spark output nozzle showing waver movement and direction

Falling off a jet ski is less common now due to their increased size, but it can still happen. Contrary to old beliefs, modern jet skis don’t circle around if you fall off, thanks to safety lanyards that shut the engine off. This article addresses common questions and concerns about falling off a jet ski, including the importance of properly attaching the safety lanyard and wearing a correctly sized life jacket. It also covers how to safely reboard a jet ski from the water.

Do Jet Skis Have Mirrors For Pull Spots Like Tubing?

Yamaha waverunner with mirrors red

Jet ski mirrors play a crucial role in towing sports, though they are often overlooked. This guide explains their significance, especially in situations involving towing activities like tubing or wakeboarding. It delves into the legal requirements of mirrors and spotters, varying by state and country. The concept of a spotter is introduced, emphasizing its importance in monitoring towed individuals. Additionally, the article covers the practical aspects of jet ski mirrors, including adjustability and their impact on seating capacity. The relationship between jet ski mirrors, towing, and safety regulations is highlighted, offering insights into local laws and best practices for safe towing.

Can You Wakeboard Behind A Jet Ski With Tips & Legal

different jet ski that can be used for wakeboarding

You can engage in various water sports activities like wakeboarding, wakeskating, or tubing behind your watercraft. However, remember that the laws governing these activities vary from state to state and country to country. In many places, you’ll need mirrors, a spotter, and a life jacket when pulling someone. Using a 3-person watercraft is essential, as two-person ones lack the necessary weight and are often illegal.

There Were A Few Jet Skis That Had Suspension, It Worked Quite Well

Explore the history and disappearance of suspension on Sea-Doo watercraft in this informative post. From 1995 to 2017, Sea-Doo experimented with suspension models, revolutionizing the jet ski industry with their “iS” (intelligent suspension) technology in 2009. Discover the impact of suspension on ride comfort and handling, and why it never became a widespread feature in the industry. Learn about the various models that featured suspension and their unique characteristics. Dive into the reasons behind Sea-Doo’s decision to remove suspension, including stability concerns and servicing challenges. Explore the legacy of this innovative technology and its impact on personal watercraft.