Watercraft: Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Usually known by brand names as "jet skis" or "sea doos," the two most popular types of personal watercraft are sit-on and stand-on. A PWC will hold from one to four people.

Environmental regulations have prompted manufacturers to move to four-stroke A description for the engine's intake and exhaust cycle. Four-strokes are understood to be less of a pollution threat than two-strokes. jet pump motors, away from two-stroke A description for the engine's intake and exhaust cycles. Two-strokes requires oil to be mixed with gasoline for power and are understood to be more of a cause for pollution. .

Several motorcycle manufacturers also build personal watercraft, such as Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

Personal Watercraft Features

• Engine size can range from 500 cc Cubic centimeter, an indication of engine size. to over 1200 cc, with a power rating over 200 horsepower.

• Can weigh over 600 pounds and reach speeds greater than 80 MPH.

• Pinpoint handling.

• Shallow draft The measure of distance that a boat sinks in the water (the amount of displaced water required to float the boat). .

• Higher performance versions are less stable for faster turning.

• Range from about six to 13 ft.