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How a Personal Watercraft (PWC) Works

Apr. 19 2023 Buying Guide By Nielsen Enterprises

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When you’re looking to spend a sunny afternoon on the water, riding a personal watercraft (PWC) is an excellent way to enjoy some thrills. If this is your first time riding these machines, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered some information about how a PWC works. Read on to learn more! When you’re ready to browse some models, visit Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL.

The Engine

Your PWC engine uses a drive shaft that’s connected to a rotating part to propel itself through the water. A small starting motor is what gets your engine started. In order to propel itself and any passengers across the water at high speeds, there is an impeller at the rear of the watercraft, which is situated next to a small pump that draws water in. The impeller then forces that water out of a hole in the back of the vehicle, which moves it forward via this jet drive process.

Steering

You can steer your PWC with a set of handlebars as you would with a bicycle or motorcycle. The throttle is on one handle and the brake is on the other. Your watercraft’s throttle allows you to control how quickly the jet drive process takes place. This lets you maintain and adjust the speed as you ride your PWC. As you’re riding, water is repeatedly being taken in and pushed out at high forces. This process provides you with all the power you need to glide across the surface of the water. Your PWC will steer better and perform the best when you’re traveling at high speeds.

Safety Precautions

Safety should always be a top priority when you ride a PWC. There’s an engine shut-off switch attached to the machine, which you can secure to your wrist or life jacket. If you fall or are unable to operate your PWC, the shut-off switch kills the engine and brings you to a stop. The shut-off switch also reduces your risk of experiencing a collision.

We hope that this guide has been helpful. If you’re looking to buy an amazing new personal watercraft, visit Nielsen Enterprises. We’re located in Lake Villa, IL, and we proudly serve all those in Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI. Stop by our dealership for all your PWC needs!