Personal watercraft are a type of recreational boat designed for riding entertainment (figure 1–3). Because PWC are powered by an engine and intended for the transport of person(s) on water, they fall within the Coast Guard category for motorboats. Although the Coast Guard tracks statistics on a recreational vessel type (Class A inboard motorboat) that includes personal watercraft, the Coast Guard has no official definition of personal watercraft.11

The first commercially successful personal watercraft, the Jet Ski, was introduced by Kawasaki in 1974. Models from the late 1970s and early 1980s were designed for a one-person, stand-up operation. During the mid-1980s, the sit-down style became popular, and it now accounts for 97 percent of the units sold. Most PWC sales are controlled by five companies12 that actively market between 30 and 40 different models designed for one, two, or three persons. Current PWC sales run about 200,000 units per 10

The Marine Index Bureau Foundation is a nongovernmental 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. Its work on the Recreational Boating Accident Register was funded by the Coast Guard and by the insurance industry. 11 The Coast Guard boating accident statistics report for 1996 describes personal watercraft in the glossary: “Craft less than 13 feet in length designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing or kneeling on the craft rather than within the confines of a hull.” (U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard. 1998. Boating statistics 1996. Washington, DC. 39 p.) The Coast Guard has no regulatory definition of personal watercraft. 12 The major manufacturers of personal watercraft are Kawasaki, Yamaha (WaveRunner), Polaris, Bombardier (year, and the 1998 models range in cost from $4,799 to $9,399.

PWC constituted more than one-third (36 percent) of all new recreational boats sold in 1997 and represent $1.2 billion of annual sales.13 Engine power of the 33 different 1998 models of PWC ranges from 62 to 135 hp, engine displacement ranges from 639 to 1131 cc with two or three cylinders, and the vessels range from 87 to 126 inches in length.14 Most models are designed to accommodate two or three riders, but results of a PWC owner survey15 indicate that 68 percent of PWC riding is done alone. The typical personal watercraft sold in 1997 had a dry weight of about 450 pounds and a fuel capacity of 10 gallons.16

With a single rider, PWC operating weight would be about 700 pounds. The PWC owner survey was commissioned by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA)17 in early 1996. Owners from all 50 States who purchased their vessels between 1991 and 1995 were surveyed; a total of 11,500 surveys were mailed and 2,800 persons responded. Survey results indicated that PWC owners (a group not synonymous with PWC operators) average 41 years of age and have an average household income of $95,400.

In addition, 71 percent are married, 40 percent are college graduates, 85 percent are male, 68 percent have owned a powerboat prior to their PWC purchase, and 73 percent of the time the owner is the operator. The PWIA survey reported that the average owner uses the vessel about 7 days per month during the boating season, and on a typical riding day an average of three different people operate the vessel. In a different survey, of the readers of Watercraft

Remember to change the engine’s gear oil. Flush and replace the lower unit gear case lubricant if your boat has an inboard/outdrive engine. This keeps the internal parts free of water damage.

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.

You will want to fill the engine block with antifreeze. Bleed any remaining engine coolant from the engine block and manifolds and fill with the proper antifreeze for your model boat. Antifreeze containing propylene glycol is environmentally friendly and recommended by nearly all manufacturers.

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.

Make sure to coat the spark plugs. Take out the engine flame arrestor and “shoot” fogging or two-cycle oil into the carburetor while the engine is running. Turn off the fuel supply to burn off an excess fuel. With the engine off inject oil inside the cylinders.

Spin the engine several times to coat the spark plugs. Put the plugs back in but do not connect the wires. This will keep your boat’s pistons from being subjected to air, dampness and other caustic materials when not in use.

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.

Close the fuel valves to avoid potentially destructive interior condensation. Any thru-port exhaust ports should be sealed with duct tape and the fuel filter and water separator will need to be replaced.

If you own a boat, then you need to consider obtaining marine insurance. Once you apply, your premium in relation to navigation, must always be met with full compliance. Navigation territory belongs to the limits they have in store for you. This means that you need to navigate your boat in the territory defined limit. Completely filling the requirements of your insurance company gives you the security of your policy. Do not, however, rejected an insurance company bond and may not reimburse you for your policy.  Navigation area has several categories. You can use this guide to choose the area of navigation.

There are several categories related to the port you may want to consider:

1. Inland waterways and coastal – This area extends up to 5 who are miles away from the coast. If ever you will go to an island 5 miles off the coast, you can still enjoy this area, provided they do not navigate away from 5 miles from the nearest land. Discuss this land navigation with your insurer so you can fully know the limits of this policy.

Puerto risk land As the name implies, you can choose to use this territory if the marine vessel is not in the water. If you decide to put your boat in the water, you should contact your insurance company or of another territorial coverage.

Puerto risk territorial board You can have this insurance if your boat is actually in the water and not going anywhere. Think of this as an area for navigation “parked” the boat. Any form of movement of the ship instantly nullify the claim that territory.

2. Navigating with a distance from the coast – this territory requires a large ship-type of discussion or negotiation. This means that some boats have different limits than other boats. If you have a boat fully equipped with professional team, you can have up to 250 miles. If you ever stray outside the limits, accidents (loss of equipment, for example) will not be covered.

3. Travel Navigation – This 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.

4. 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.

It is important to make sure you take steps in maintaining your boat thought out winter.  Here is tip one to get your started:  Fill your boat’s fuel tank to just about capacity. Leave enough room for it to expand. Add gasoline stabilizer to prevent the fuel from degrading over the winter. The stabilizer also curtails the oxidation process and impedes varnish and corrosion.

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 si. 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.

A personal water craft (PWC), also called water scooter, is a recreational watercraft that the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a boat. PWCs have two style categories. The first and most popular being a “sit down”, where the rider uses the watercraft mainly sitting down and typically holds two or more people.

The second style is a “stand up”, where the rider uses the watercraft standing up. The stand up styles are built for one rider and is used more for doing tricks, racing, and are used in competitions. Both styles have an inboard engine driving a pump jet that has a screw-shaped impeller to create thrust for propulsion and steering. They are often referred by the trademarked brand names Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Doo.[citation needed] Most are designed for two or three people, though four-passenger models exist.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Global Marine Insurance has announced that veteran marine insurance professional, Erin Deaton, has joined their team as a commercial marine specialist. She specializes in insurance for marinas and charter, rental and bareboat charter fleets.

Erin brings with her an extensive knowledge of the marine insurance business with experience assisting a diverse array of clients internationally.    During the 15 years she has worked in the insurance industry, Erin spent 10 as a marine insurance specialist. She has experience working in both personal and commercial marine insurance, ranging from small pleasure personal watercraft to offshore oil rigs.

Five people went out on the choppy waters of Jamaica Bay in a 13- to 14-foot pleasure boat on Friday, a night that saw flooding in some neighborhoods of Queens. The boat capsized near Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, on the bay’s western edge, the authorities said.

Several people were rescued after their boat capsized in Jamaica Bay on Friday night amid heavy wind and rain, the authorities said.

Two passengers were taken to Beth Israel Medical Center in cardiac arrest, the police said. The Fire Department described their conditions as “very serious.”