Buyer's Guide to PWCs

Owners of personal watercraft (PWCs) have discovered they can enjoy almost any boating activity on these little boats except perhaps sleeping on board.  A PWC can be used to day-cruise or even tour over fairly long distances if you stay in shoreside accommodations at your destinations.

Many PWCs have enough power to tow a wakeboarder or a tube. With accessories, they can be set up to be very capable fishing crafts and because they draw very little water they’re great for exploring shallow bays and gunkholes.

A PWC is easy to tow and launch without an expensive heavy-duty tow vehicle, so they’re perfect for boaters who like to roam and explore new waterways. Feeling competitive? There are active national and regional race series for personal watercraft, as well, though you need specialized machines to compete.

Ownership Costs of Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Personal watercraft prices range from less than $6,000 for compact, two-passenger “rec-lite” models to more than $20,000 for the most powerful, luxurious and feature-laden three-passenger models. Most owners use a PWC trailer for off-season storage and moving the craft to and from the water, and the trailer is sold separately from the craft.

Expect to pay about $500 for a basic single-craft trailer to $3,500 for a trailer that can carry three PWCs. If you anticipate using the PWC in saltwater, invest in a galvanized or aluminum trailer rather than painted steel—it will last much longer.

When considering PWC price don't forget the basic items you'll need to get out on the water, including dock lines, life jackets and other safety gear required in your state. PWCs are relatively affordable, but be sure they fit within your unique budget. High-performance, high-tech models with seats for three are naturally on the upper end of the scale, but if you intend to ride on your own, you can save money by buying a smaller model with less bling.

Maintenance Costs 

Compared to conventional boats, PWCs require minimal maintenance; an annual oil change and off-season storage prep is about it for most owners. You’ll want a quality tight-fitting cover if your PWC will be stored outside. PWCs are self-draining so do not require an extensive off-season storage procedure. 

As with any boat, the key operation cost for any PWC is going to be fuel, and that cost will be influenced by how you use the craft and its size and power. A more-powerful PWC will naturally use more fuel, and if you enjoy hard acceleration and faster speed or usually ride with three aboard, you’ll also use more fuel. 

Some PWC now have an “eco” mode that electronically reduces performance and can dramatically improve fuel economy. In general, though, fuel costs will be much less than for larger boats. Other operational costs include annual registration and insurance, trailer registration if required in your state, and off-season storage if you can’t or don’t care to store the craft at home. Check your state regulations for information on who is required to have a boater or PWC license. 

Owners who live on the water might consider investing in a PWC lift or docking ramp that stores the boat out of the water but also makes it easy to launch when it’s time to ride. Speaking of trailers, before making a purchase make sure your vehicle has a tow rating that can handle the weight of the boat and trailer you are considering. (Unless you have a mini-compact, odds are your vehicle can handle the towing.)

Personal Watercraft Technology/Materials/Features

Personal watercraft are offered in two basic styles: sit-down and stand-up models. Sit-down models have a seat for one to three passengers. Stand-up models have no seat and represent the origins of the sport, which was really kick-started in the 1970s. Those original stand-up models required a lot of athletic ability to ride well, but today’s stand-up models are wider and longer and much easier to ride.

It’s still more challenging than a sit-down PWC, and for some riders much more entertaining just because it’s a bit of a challenge. Kawasaki’s Jet Ski SXR 160 is the classic here, powered with a 1498 cc engine producing over 950 lbs of thrust and a weight of just 550 lbs, acceleration is impressive. Sit-down models range from “rec-lite” models with seating for two, a 90-horsepower engine and a top speed of 45 mph to three-passenger luxury models with 300 horsepower and a top speed approaching 70 mph. 

The most-deluxe models may feature deep-bolstered touring seats, GPS-based navigation, an audio system and electronic cruise controls that make it easier to tow tubers and skiers. Some models come equipped specifically for tow sports, with a towing pylon and accommodations for a rear-facing “observer” passenger. Others are rigged for anglers, with rod holders and a fishfinder.

All current personal watercraft engines are smooth-and-quiet four-stroke motors, which drive a jet pump that propels the craft with a high-pressure jet of water instead of the propeller. Because the jet outlet is above the bottom of the hull, a PWC may draw just inches of water at speed, so it’s able to zip over shallows and is easy to beach. The absence of a prop also makes PWCs safer for tow sports.

The most powerful, high-performance PWC models are capable of lightning-quick acceleration and top speeds exceeding 65 mph – a performance that demands respect from the rider and requires awareness on the water. These models may not be a good choice for beginning or younger riders. Many have a “learning mode” that dials back the performance.

The best personal watercraft is one that fits the way you want to ride—short, quick blasts around the lake, towing tubers all afternoon, angling and exploring or long-distance touring. There’s a PWC model equipped for any activity.

Safety Tips

Though PWCs are not inherently dangerous, they are involved in a high percentage of reported boating accidents every year. Here are some safety tips to review if you’re new to riding:

• Children under the age of 16 should not operate a PWC without an adult on board.
• Take a safe boating course and have your child/children take a safe boating course.
• Always have a life jacket (or personal flotation safety device) on board and strapped in place on each passenger.
• Make sure that your life jacket and your passenger’s life jackets fit properly and support your individual weights. 
• Never mix PWCs and alcohol.
• Always make sure an adult is watching you and/or your child from the shore.
• When driving a PWC with a passenger, make sure your passenger is ready to go before you start.
• When riding a PWC when someone else is driving, make sure that you are holding on tightly. Inform the driver if your hands slip or if you are not ready to go.
• Never start your engine without attaching the cord that is connected to the start/stop switch or your key to your life jacket or wrist. If you fall off, the machine will automatically stop.
• Each rider should wear eye protection, a wetsuit (in colder weather), footwear and gloves.
• Always watch for bad weather conditions.
• Operate slowly in crowded waterways or anywhere you’re uncertain of traffic rules
• Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the pump intake.
• Avoid operating in water that’s less than 24" (60.96 cm) deep.
• Know your water terrain.