Personal watercraft are a type of recreational boat designed for riding entertainment. 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.

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 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

Texas PWC operators should remember it is unlawful for any person to operate at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and prudent or greater than will permit him to bring such boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. Operate so as to cause a hazardous wake or wash. Operate in a circular course around fishermen or swimmers. Moor or attach to any buoy, beacon, light marker, stake, flag or other aid to safe operation, or to move, remove, displace, tamper with, damage or destroy the same. In addition consider these items –

* Anchor in the traveled portion of any river or channel so as to prevent, impede, or interfere with safe passage of any other boat through the same area.

* Operate within an area designated as bathing, fishing, swimming, or otherwise restricted.

* Operate within designated “no wake” area except at headway speed without creating a swell or wake.

* Engage in water skiing, surfboarding or other similar activity between the hours of ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise; provided that this shall not apply to vessels used in recognized water ski tournaments, competitions, exhibitions or trials, provided that the water area is adequately lighted.

* Operate while intoxicated (loss of mental or physical faculties, or blood alcohol content of .08 or higher).

* First conviction punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days or both; second conviction punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement not to exceed one year or both; third conviction punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000, imprisonment for not more than 10 years or less than 2 years.

**Failure to submit a specimen to determine blood alcohol content may result in suspension of your driver’s license.

* Operate any vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane or similar device, in a willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. (Violation of this provision shall be punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000 or by confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days or both.)

* Swim or dive within two hundred yards of any sight-seeing or excursion boat except for maintenance purposes or unless within an enclosed area.

* Operate within 50 feet of a “Diver Down Flag” or operate a boat within 150 feet of a “Diver Down Flag” except at Headway/Steerage Speed.

* Fail to comply with the U.S. Coast Guard Inland Rules of the Road.

To learn these “rules of the road”, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department strongly recommends participation in a Boater Education course. Excellent courses are available from many sources to help hone your boating skills, including online courses, Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, Power Squadron courses, and others. To complete the Mandatory Boater Education course for the State of Texas (required for certain operators as noted below), check the schedule of courses or use the online Boater Education Course .

Rating agencies are available online and are a valuable resource to help motorists make a well informed decision before choosing a company. These agencies use certain tiers which they place insurers in based on their financial stability; for example, one agency uses letter grades similar to school grading. If a carrier receives an “A” then they are regarded as having an excellent ability to compensate policyholders, a “D” letter grade would indicate a weak ability to fulfill obligations.

These agencies are a well trusted source of information and commonly suggested by government websites; the Illinois Department of Insurance website provides a list of rating agencies and will even provide company ratings to residents.

Consumers who choose to shop for PWC, personal watercraft insurance coverage without providing their driver’s license or social security numbers should know that there is certain information that is needed in order for carriers to provide as accurate of a quote as possible.

Motorists who wish to obtain quotes will most likely be asked to provide their name, address, age, and year, make and model of their vehicle; these items are necessary to calculate premiums. Drivers will also be asked to give a description of their driving history and in some states their credit as well.

Most fires happen after fueling. To prevent fires, follow these rules:

* Don’t smoke or strike matches.
* Shut off motors. Turn off electric equipment.
* Close all windows, doors and openings.
* Take portable tanks out of the boat and fill them on the dock.
* Keep the filling nozzle in contact with the tank.
* Wipe up any spilled gas with petroleum-absorbent pads. Discard the pads in a safe manner.
* Ventilate for at least five minutes. Make sure there is no odor of gasoline anywhere in the boat.
* Periodically check the system for fuel leaks.
* Visually check for leaks or fuel in the bilges.

Single-hull motorboats less than 20 feet in length which are manufactured after 1972 must display capacity and safe horsepower information. The maximum weight in persons, gear and motors is offered as a guide to boaters, and should not be exceeded. It is not a violation of federal or California state law to exceed recommended maximums. However, other states may cite an operator who exceeds capacity and horsepower limitations. Some insurance companies will not insure craft exceeding horsepower maximums and some boat manufacturers will void any applicable warranties for the same reasons.

When motorboats are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel shall indicate its intended maneuver with the following signals: one short blast – I intend to leave you on my port side, or two short blasts – I intend to leave you on my starboard side, or three short blasts – I am operating astern propulsion.

Upon hearing the one- or two-blast signal, the other vessel shall, if in agreement, sound the same signal and take steps to effect a safe passing. If the proposed maneuver is unsafe, the danger signal (five or more short and rapid blasts) should be sounded and each vessel shall take appropriate action until a safe passing agreement is made. When meeting head-on, or nearly so, either vessel shall signal its intention with one short blast which the other vessel shall answer promptly.

Both vessels should alter their course to starboard (right) so that each will pass to the port (left) side of each other. When crossing, the vessel which has the other on the starboard (right) side shall keep out of the way and avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. The give-way vessel, the vessel directed to keep out of the way, shall take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the other vessel (stand-on vessel).

This latter vessel should hold course and speed. However, it may, as the stand-on vessel, take action to avoid collision by maneuvering as soon as it becomes apparent that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action

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.

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.

There are several ways to get a better rate on your boat insurance. Some of them are beyond our control, but others are a matter of personal choice. With a little patience and research can improve the rate at a good level and save a good amount of money in the long term.
Basic improvements to their type of boat insurance is not all that difficult to achieve. The main thing you need is patience. All good things to those who wait as the old saying. If waiting is not a problem then there is no reason why it should not be able to obtain a decent boat insurance.

The first thing a good choice on boats. Like a car, a sport boat is the most expensive is the insurance. For basic purposes have to do everything possible to choose a boat that is as safe as possible. This means that extreme power, giant engines, and lightweight design speed increase should be avoided. A pleasure boat is going to make an insurance company far less nervous than the speed of a real devil to cut water and weak in the wake elderly. There are many beautiful boats on the market that have all the amenities and nominal speed capabilities that will not make your agent cringe.

Boat value is another factor. If the boat you choose has an extreme need to ensure that you then can have a high insurance quote. To protect against this, make an informed decision when buying a boat. Checking various vendors to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. This, in effect, make your insurance rate drop considerably as the company will have less to cover in the event of an accident or theft.

Being safe is another matter. Most agencies offer insurance discounts to customers who complete a safety course and navigation. This will make you a better sailor and decrease the chances that you will make a fatal error or trial will end costing the insurance company a lot of money. This work also to protect those at various levels. Not only you and the people to be in better hands with someone who has adequate training, you will also have part of the mind that will not make a wrong opinion at a crucial moment that could cause the loss of their boats. Insurance companies are not the only ones with something to lose.

Finally, you should contact the company that handles your car and home insurance. Most times, companies offer discounts to those who use them for all your insurance needs. This will help protect everyone involved and can simplify things from a viewpoint and billing. The end result will be more money saved and less complication when time for payments to be made.

Recreational boating raises a number of issues for coastal resource managers and the public, including noise complaints, safety concerns and various environmental impacts. Although much information is available about these issues, relatively little is known about PWC-specific impacts or how they compare to those of more traditional vessels. This lack of information impairs the development of scientifically-sound resource policy and undermines the effectiveness of PWC management initiatives.

Noise is a ubiquitous complaint among beach-goers, waterfront property owners and traditional boaters who express their dislike of the high-pitched whine of PWC. Environmental advocates who contend that PWC noise compromises the integrity of marine and coastal environments by degrading quality of life, destroying recreational experiences and threatening wildlife, also highlight noise issues.

PWC industry officials, on the other hand, emphasize that technological innovations such as baffles, insulation and resonator-equipped mufflers have significantly reduced PWC noise and that newer models are two to eight times quieter than older ones (PWIA 2000a). Their claims are backed by studies suggesting that, under analogous operating conditions, PWC are no louder than similar motorized vessels (Noise Unlimited 1995) and that PWC comply with all existing noise regulations.

The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA), on the other hand, emphasizes the need for public waterways to accommodate a variety of users. Although it sympathizes with public concerns, the PWIA advocates for management strategies that fairly address the noise impacts of PWC and other motorized vessels. Specifically, the PWIA endorses the use of shoreline sound measurement laws, the establishment of slow/no-wake zones and the development of educational programs that promote socially-responsible and environmentally-sensitive PWC use (PWIA 2000b).

Personal watercraft (PWC) are a type of recreational boat that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Manufacturers estimate that about 200,000 PWC are sold each year and that more than 1 million are in current operation. Although the overall number of recreational boating fatalities has been declining in recent years, the number of personal watercraft-related fatalities has been increasing.

PWC are the only type of recreational vessel for which the leading cause of fatalities is not drowning; in PWC fatalities, more persons die from blunt force trauma than from drowning. The National Transportation Safety Board initiated this study to more closely examine fatalities and injury in addition to accident  characteristics associated with PWC accidents.

The study was not designed to estimate how often PWC accidents occur, nor are the results of the study necessarily representative of all Personal watercraft (PWC) are a type of recreational boat that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Manufacturers estimate that about 200,000 PWC are sold each year and that more than 1 million are in current operation.

Although the overall number of recreational boating fatalities has been declining in recent years, the number of personal watercraft-related fatalities has been increasing. PWC are the only type of recreational vessel for which the leading cause of fatalities is not drowning; in PWC fatalities, more persons die from blunt force trauma than from drowning. The National Transportation Safety Board initiated this study to more closely examine fatalities and injury in addition to accident characteristics associated with PWC accidents.

The study was not designed to estimate how often PWC accidents occur, nor are the results of the study necessarily representative of all PWC accidents. The Safety Board analyzed 814 (one-third) of the 1997 reported accidents and examined all of the data for the 1996 reported accidents, which the Board believes provided a substantial number of accidents to identify the most important safety issues associated with PWC accidents.

The safety issues discussed in the report include (a) protecting PWC riders from injury; (b) PWC operator experience and training; and (c) boating safety standards. The study also addressed the need for recreational boating exposure data. Safety recommendations concerning these issues were made to the manufacturers of PWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, BOAT/U.S., the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, and the States and Territories.