PWC's can be exciting, fun...but be respectful of others

By Roz Butziger
Posted 10/26/16

Personal Watercraft (PWC) have been around since the late 1960's. They used to be a novelty but now more and more people have discovered the fun and versatility of these zippy crafts. Even teenagers who may be bored to go on an afternoon cruise and

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

PWC's can be exciting, fun...but be respectful of others

Posted

Personal Watercraft (PWC) have been around since the late 1960’s. They used to be a novelty but now more and more people have discovered the fun and versatility of these zippy crafts. Even teenagers who may be bored to go on an afternoon cruise and picnic supper with mom and dad are excited about the freedom and speed a PWC provides. Maybe people who are looking to move up to a Boston Whaler or small cabin cruiser at fall bargain prices may be willing to part with their PWC for a low price. Before you invest in one, whether new or used, what should you consider? And if you already have one, what do you need to know?

A PWC is in the “Under 16 feet” class of boats. It has a jet drive which means the engine drives a water pump with an impeller in a tube that puts out water which acts as the propellant through a nozzle. This is an advantage because there isn’t a propeller. It works very well even in shallow water, accelerates, turns, and stops fast, and is easy to maneuver at higher speeds, although the operator and rider may be thrown off going over a wake or wave at speed. It steers by turning its jet nozzle. This means they must have the waterjetting out in order to steer.  It is harder to steer at very slow speeds or when backing up. If you were going fast and lose power, you cannot turn and may continue forward into another boat. A rider who sees a tight spot ahead may close the throttle, but that stops his ability to steer away from danger. A PWC doesn’t have a gear to reverse direction. Instead a “clamshell” deflector is lowered and the discharge stream is reversed and you can go instantly from forward to reverse at a fast speed without hurting the engine. Caution is always needed. They cannot be operated at night, since PWC’s do not have lights.

Falling overboard is not at all uncommon for PWC’s. If it is still upright, swim to the back and grab the gunwale with both hands. Clamber up on the boarding pad and kneel. Then move forward to the seat.

It is a little more complicated if the PWC capsized. In this case you need to have read the manual to be aware which way to turn it. For most PWC’s, you right it by turning it clockwise (looking from the back). If you turn it the wrong way, water can enter the engine and cause a problem. Many PWC’s have a decal on the bottom or the rear to show you the correct direction to right it and avoid damage. You probably would want to try this in shallow water with a friend before you need to do it in deep water alone.

Rhode Island regulations require every person riding on a PWC to wear a life preserver. Of course it has to be the correct size. Inflatable life preservers are not appropriate for PWC’s because they inflate when they get wet, and that is a constant condition on a PWC. They also do not have impact resistance. You are not required to have any special gear on, but it makes sense to wear goggles to protect against spray, a wet suit and gloves, and water booties.

All rules for boats apply to PWC’s too, but there are additional regulations specifically for these craft. They must maintain headway speed only, within 200 feet of swimmers, shore, or moored boats. They cannot operate outside of daylight hours, and in some states, are prohibited from jumping wakes. It is considered reckless operation to spray others with the PWC wake. Remember a PWC makes a lot of noise, so you need to be careful about causing annoyance near camps or residential areas. Other restrictions apply too, and that is another reason no one may operate a PWC unless they have passed a course such as the USCG Auxiliary Boating Safety Course. 

The additional horsepower for its length allow jet skis to withstand powerful currents and surf and maintain control. In 2009 four people were trapped in Brushy Creek and emergency vehicles couldn’t reach them. The rescue boat was swept away and capsized in the rushing current. Suddenly a PWC operator appeared on the opposite bank and powered into the water and saved all four people in several trips. In another instance, a PWC operator towed his jet ski to a flood area and rescued 32 victims surrounded by rushing waters. Because of the maneuverability, speed, and ability to operate in shallow water, many fire and rescue departments have now included PWC’s, modified to carry special equipment, in hurricane and flood operations. These “RWC’s” are able to enter areas other boats cannot, and quickly get victims to safety.

PWC’s can be exciting and fun, but be respectful of others enjoying the bay, and be safe!

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here