PWC 101: Handling

Steering and stopping your PWC

PersonalWatercraft.com has teamed up with BoaterExam.com to give prospective personal watercraft enthusiasts the tools they need to get started.

This is the second article in a four-part series that we hope will teach potential PWC riders the basics about their craft and how to ride safely on the water.

Off-Throttle Steering

While many newer PWC are equipped with off-throttle steering capabilities, older machines (which new riders may be inclined to purchase used) don’t have that option. This is why this video is so essential for new riders.

Unlike regular boats, PWC generate power by pulling water in through the impeller and pushing it out through the nozzle. The stream of accelerated water that moves through the nozzle is what provides the steering ability. An older PWC will continue on the same course-even if the steering wheel is turned-once the throttle is off. Unlike operating a power-driven vessel – where slowing down or turning off the engine and steering through obstacles is advised – older PWC can maintain steering ability only with the throttle applied. You must apply the throttle and steer away to avoid obstacles-once you release the throttle, you lose the ability to steer the craft.

Stopping Ability

Inexperienced drivers must be particularly careful when driving a PWC back to dock or in to shore, because they cannot stop quickly. Besides a handful of modern Sea-Doo watercraft, these machines have no brakes and have no ability to stop other than by turning around. Give yourself enough time and space to slow down; it takes most PWC a few hundred feet to come to a stop after being at full throttle.

About BoaterExam.com

BoaterExam.com offers online courses approved by many state agencies responsible for boating safety education and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard. Successful completion the BoaterExam.com course will allow you to meet mandatory boater education requirements. BoaterExam.com offers courses and instructional videos for all 50 states and Canada.

Related Reading
PWC 101: Getting to Know Your Craft
PWC 101: Things You Should Know
PWC 101: Safety