As with most types of boats, the speed and performance of PWC have increased over the years: 16 models introduced in the 1998 model year have engines with 100 hp or more.19 By comparison, Kawasaki’s early Jet Ski, introduced in 1974, had an output of 32 hp.

Faster models can exceed 60 mph in their stock configuration, and after-market modifications, such as three-bladed impellers or flame arrestors to increase air intake, can further increase the highend speed capability. The PWIA reports that 25 percent of all owners have made mechanical changes or modifications to their PWC; 18 percent have made engine performance modifications.20

A PWC uses a moveable nozzle connected to a jet pump, rather than a propeller, to power the vessel. This distinction affects the operating and handling characteristics of the vessel. The most notable distinction is “off-throttle steering,” a trade term for the situation that exists when an operator releases the throttle and then attempts to execute a turn. The term is an oxymoron because there is little or no steering capability when the throttle is off. Turning the PWC handlebars changes the angle of water exiting the jet pump, but without power to the jet pump, there is little or no directional thrust. As stated in the owner’s safety manual of one PWC manufacturer, “Remember, releasing the throttle completely eliminates the ability to steer the watercraft.” 2 1

This operating characteristic is likely to be counterintuitive to novice operators, particularly in situations of potential collision. When a new rider realizes there is danger of hitting another vessel or object, the operator’s typical response based on experience with other motor vehicles is to first let off the throttle and then attempt to steer away from the hazard. But closing off the throttle leaves the vessel coasting in the original direction based on the effects of momentum, and without throttle there is very limited steering control.

Personal watercraft have no braking mechanism; they coast to a stop and, while coasting, there is no turning ability. Executing a controlled-speed turn is the correct response to avoid a collision, but to a new operator this may feel like speeding toward a hazard.

Saving on safety features. Many boat insurance underwriters offer policy discounts for gadgets that protect their investment, such as wireless auto tethers that act as an engine kill switch should the skipper or any of the passengers fall overboard.

Steering difficulties were evident in many of the PWC accident reports examined for the study.22 For example, a 15-year-old male was operating a PWC and his mother was a passenger. The Florida Marine Patrol accident description states, “[Operator] was attempting to make a turn south through a cut in the mangroves . . . .

He was not real familiar with operating a jet ski with a passenger. When he attempted to make a left turn he let off the throttle which caused the PWC to lose steering capabilities. The forward momentum of the PWC took [operator] and passenger into the mangrove shoreline. [Operator] received a puncture wound to the left side of his neck . . . .”

Another accident involving a mother and son on a Texas lake illustrates the consequences that can result from steering difficulties. The 24-year-old PWC operator attempted to spray water on his on looking mother, lost control of the watercraft, and the vessel hit her in the back. She died the next morning. In a Minnesota accident, the investigator wrote: “He [operator] let up on the throttle, lost ability to steer, powered up again, but too late.” Examples of investigator or witness statements on boating accident reports confirm steering problems, although the statements are not recorded in any systematic manner. Several operating characteristics distinguish PWC. It is expected that PWC operators will fall overboard as a normal part of operation. For this reason, most models have safety lanyards or “kill switches” that are connected to the operator’s wrist to ensure that the vessel stops when the operator falls off. It is also expected that PWC will roll over in the water; in effect, they capsize on a regular basis.

PWC owners manuals include procedures for up righting a capsized vessel.23 According to an international group working on PWC guidelines, in traditional boats, falling overboard would be considered the first event of a boating accident, and capsizing and swamping are also considered to be boating accidents or emergency situations. But for PWC, these are expected events; consequently, PWC are designed and constructed with somewhat different objectives than traditional boats.24

Personal watercrafts are primarily divided into 2 categories, which include

* Stand-up personal watercrafts: These are made for one rider who stands or kneels on the watercraft while operating it

* Sit-down PWCs:  These are typically made for one or two riders who sit while in operation.

Getting a new boat may be one of the most exciting things in your life experience. You’re excited and you want to celebrate by inviting all your friends to join you in the water. Wait a minute! Boating can be about fun, but there are a lot of tasks that need doing, and rush out into the water can be a big mistake!

It is better to try to contain your excitement until you’ve at least take into account the working paper. There are three main aspects:

 1) The registration of certificates and documents.
 2) Pay the outstanding taxes.
 3) Get adequate insurance.

An alarming number of accidents appear to involve new boats, sometimes even before they have been used. If you have not done the job boring and you have good insurance, which owns the boat dream can quickly become a nightmare.

Once you have completed the paperwork to invite your friends would still be an error. Why? Because this is a new boat that you have no experience with. If you want to see impressive, then you have to know exactly what you’re doing.

On-water Towing and Labor, is an option that helps cover towing expenses and other emergency services if your personal watercraft becomes disabled on the water.

Water safety should always be your number one priority. If this is your first boat, and then take a short safety course is desirable.

You may have previous experience in boat, but this boat is new and unique. Wherever possible, should be your first trip with an expert who can talk through the basics. Such as berthing and turning maneuvers in tight spaces require practice, and mistakes can be expensive! Make sure you are comfortable in the head before taking passengers on board.

At this point, you could invite some friends to join you, but there is one last thing to think. You’ve spent a lot of money on his boat, now you need to make sure your investment is well cared for and protected. You may already know where they are stored when not in use, but have you thought about how? Without adequate protection of the rapid deterioration of his boat. Maintenance is a lot of time, effort and money. Preventing problems occurring is much easier than fixing them to get good habits from the beginning.

The key to protecting your boat is the right cover and places it correctly. There are many different shapes and sizes of the coverage available, but to be truly effective you need to be a tailor-made for your boat. There are several fabrics to choose from, and this also makes a big difference.

Medical payments helps cover medical bills for the treatment of injuries that are incurred by you or others while operating or occupying your boat.

Beautiful navigation time, and many boat owners can only dream about it. However, if you live in or around the Chula Vista area, it is likely that you do not have to dream about beautiful boating site. This is because most of the time he was blessed with calm, but beautiful waters, which are ideal for boating. While your concern may be with time, is not the only thing that should be in your mind.

When it comes to surfing, there are many boat owners who are uninsured. If you are one of those people who can not only put the boat at risk, but their own personal finances. If you are not sure Chula Vista boat, we encourage you to at least consider getting it. With a small amount of research and careful consideration, you may be surprised with all the different ways you can benefit from Chula Vista with a boat insurance policy.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of having Chula Vista boat insurance for your boat is to be protected. While your boat insurance will not prevent it from becoming damaged his boat, will help to protect your boat later. In the event that you need to file an insurance claim and your claim is approved, you will be given money for repairs to his boat. This means that if you have a boat insurance policy Chula Vista, you do not have to have the second repair. Your boat deserves the best and with a valid insurance policy, you may be able to give you the best.

Besides providing the protection of your boat, you will also find a boat insurance policy Chula Vista will also help to protect your finances. As was mentioned that grant money to repair the boat, if you have a valid insurance policy boat. If Chula Vista does not have boat insurance, you will find that you have to pay for repairs to his boat, often out of pocket. Depending on your current financial situation, it may be difficult or impossible to make the necessary repairs.

Another benefit of Chula Vista boat insurance is not only can help prevent having to pay for their own repairs, but also can help prevent being sued, especially in the case of a tragic accident. If boat is involved in an accident, it is possible that the passengers aboard the vessel or other passengers may suffer some injuries. Depending on the Chula Vista boat insurance plan you choose, your passengers and others can be covered. This means that these people would be less likely to approach you in civil court to pay its costs in personal injury.

As you can see, there are a number of advantages to having your boat covered by a boat Chula Vista Insurance Plan. In fact, the above mentioned benefits are just some of many. Once you make the decision to get boat insurance, you will likely see many benefits of being properly protected.

Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage: Uninsured or underinsured coverage’s helps to cover damage to your personal watercraft, motor, trolling motor, trailer, permanent and portable equipment in the event of a covered accident.

Navigation Canal:  Navigating from any channel also has a bonus area navigation. Is not covered by any of the above policies. Like the trip shipping premium will be refunded if not for this use and not go into a travel channel.

Navigating his boat to safer territory must be met with full compliance. This ensures that you will always be reimbursed by any accident you might get into.

Comprehensive insurance helps pay for damage to your  personal watercrafts, motor, trolling motor, trailer, permanent and portable equipment for losses resulting from incidents such as fire, theft or storms. Look to Nationwide for your Jet Ski insurance, WaveRunner insurance or Sea-Doo insurance.

Travel Navigation: Travel navigation refers to the coverage of a long passage that leads to their ships beyond the usual limits. If you travel from one place to another, then you must have this policy area. If the boat is on a trip and do not have the correct shipping claim territory, something not lost refund. If insurance has paid trip and the trip did not happen due to their own reasons, keep in mind that the policy can not be refunded.

With collision insurance benefits it helps to pay for damage to your personal watercraft, motor, trolling motor, trailer, permanent and portable equipment in the event of a covered accident.