Jet Skis

Jet skis,  or Personalized Watercrafts  (PWCs), have been in production since 1973 and are quintessential part of the summer experience. They are aquatic vehicles that a rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a boat. Every year, improvements are made to improve the safety and efficiency of jet skis. Today's jet skis can seat as many as four people, go as fast as 65 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) and carry as much as 25 gallons of fuel. They are sturdier, faster and safer than ever. This guide includes everything a novice will need to know about buying a brand new jet ski.

Buying Tips

Some things to consider before making an impulse buy.

• Size: Jet skis come in different sizes. They can seat one to four people. Make sure you consider what size would be ideal for you and your family before make a purchase.
• Design: The dimensions of a jet ski are important for safety reasons. Wider, longer jet skis are generally more stable and easier to stay on, whereas shorter, thinner jet skis are more maneuverable but harder to handle. If you lack experience, a bigger jet ski is probably a safer bet.
• Storage: Where to store your jet ski in the off-season is an important issue. If you don't have a large space, like a shed or a garage, you may need to buy a smaller jet ski that will fit in a less-than-spacious storage area.
• Insurance: Insurance is a must-have. Nowadays, most dealers cannot arrange insurance for you, due to strict regulations. Shop around to find one that works for you.

Types of Jet Skis

Solo Craft  Otherwise known as "stand-ups," these require the rider to stand the entire time he or she is riding. Exceptionally maneuverable and are often used for tricks or flips. Difficult to control and should be used by athletic and/or more experienced jet-skiers.	Sport Craft  Like the solo craft, these carry only one rider, but he or she has to sit, not stand. Fantastic mobility and are great around turns and corners. Tend to be slightly more stable than the solo craft, but they still require a certain amount of athleticism to ride.	Two-Seaters  Two-seaters are perfect for a day out on the open ocean with your loved one. While they're not quite as fast or as mobile as either of the single-seaters, they're no slouch. Corner well and remain stable at high speeds. At slower speeds, however, they have a tendency to lose their balance quickly.	Three- or Four-Seaters  Becoming more popular every year. Good for large families due to their size and safety. Easy to control, but mobility is limited. Their size and strength also makes them perfect for towing relatively large objects through the water.

Names You Should Know

Here are a few names you should know before buying a new jet ski.

• Seadoo : A division of Bombardier Recreational Products, they offer jet skis for any kind of rider. Whether you desire luxury, recreation, or competition a Seadoo is usually a can't miss.
• Kawasaki : High performance jet skis that carry anywhere from one to three people.
• Yamaha : Famous for their WaveRunner line, they have affordable prices to compliment high performance.
• Honda : Generally not well known for its watercraft, but it is a provider of great prices and lease-packages.
• Polaris : A wide variety of single passenger and new-age jet skis.

Top Picks

Some of the top jet skis in the industry:

Kawasaki 800 SX-R  The 800 SX-R is the modern version of the 400cc jet ski that helped ignite the watercraft craze of the mid and late 70s. Its 699 pounds of thrust and two stroke engine put it in a class all by itself. Among stand-up jet skis, it is second to none. Its design combines stability and mobility, which makes it perfect for racing competitively, but still easy to handle for a beginner. It is priced reasonably at around $6,000.	Seadoo RXT  The RXT holds three people, making it a good choice for a family. In addition to its carrying capacity, its 215 HP engine allows it to reach speeds greater than nearly every jet ski in its size range. Its handling ability and stable frame make it both safe and exciting. It costs more than $12,000. This may seem high, but there is no doubt you will be satisfied with its performance.	Honda Aquatrax R-12X  This is the most powerful two-seater in the industry. Honda has for the first time incorporated a turbo, four stroke engine into a two-seat watercraft. Its hydrodynamic hull cuts through the water with great efficiency and allows precise turns. What makes this model special is the combination of speed and comfort. It is a roomy, well-balanced watercraft that seats two people with ease and is great for longer rides on open water. It is priced around $11,000.

New Product

Kawasaki 250X Ultra Jet Ski  Kawasaki outdid itself with this particular make of jet ski. It combines a remarkably small engine and frame with massive power and cornering ability. Its top speed is over 70 mph, which is considered extremely fast for a jet ski. At the same time its ability to accelerate is what makes it truly special. Its small, 53-gallon storage area remains dry, even when the nose of the watercraft is completely submerged. This watercraft is so powerful it comes with two keys: one for a mild ride and one for a wild ride that lets you use the 250 HP engine to its full potential.

Off-Season Maintenance

Before you buy a new jet ski, be sure you understand just how much is involved in preparing it for the winter. By following a good winterizing protocol, you'll protect your purchase for many years of enjoyment.

• Drain the Engine: You should make sure to do this at the end of the season, as soon as you've taken the PWC out of the water.
• Cleaning: You want to make sure to thoroughly clean the exterior. This means scrubbing away all of the grime, algae and excess dirt that might have accumulated throughout the season. Use the same kind of soap that you would use if you were cleaning your car.
• Fill the Tank: Filling the tank will prevent condensation while it is in storage.
• Oil: Spray fogging oil through the carburetors and spark plug cylinders.
• Take Out the Battery: Store the battery in a warm but secluded place such as a tool shed or a garage. Storing it in the house is not a good idea because it can give off dangerous fumes.
• Storage: Because your jet ski will have a full tank of gas, you want to be cautious of where you store it. Make sure that it is nowhere near any electrical sources or flammable objects. Put a rag in the exhaust pipe to assure that no animals or bugs will nest there. Protect the jet ski with a tarp  or any kind of cover  that is sturdy and will not scratch the vehicles surface.

Related Products

Water Skis	Snow Mobiles	Surfboards	Wakeboards	Kayaks

External Links

• Jetski.com: Offers news, photo galleries, forums and event calendars.
• JetSkiNews.com: A combination of product reviews, videos, news, rider profiles and much more.