If you are wondering what is needed for steering control on a PWC, the right answer might surprise you. The most essential requirement to have in order to steer PWC is power.
What is needed for steering control on a PWC?
You need power that will allow you to use it to control the engine so that you can turn the watercraft and move forward/backward when desired. The engine needs to be running at all times, and if you turn it off or let the throttle return to idle while moving forward, then your steering will stop working.
To summarize, if you’re using a PWC or other jet-propelled vessel, never allow the engine to idle or be shut off. However, it is important to know how a PWC works and what happens when it isn’t running. Read on if you’re curious more.
What is a PWC?
A PWC (Personal watercraft) is an inboard jet-driven pleasure craft, which means that it has a structure with a jet propulsion engine. It is used as a recreational watercraft and is often referred to as a jet ski.
The personal watercraft is the perfect vessel for those who want to feel like they’re flying. It’s designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on it than inside the craft. You can even stand up and drive your watercraft with two hands.
How does PWC Work?
The answer is simple – they are propelled by water. When an engine on a PWC pulls water into itself, this action creates power as the water pushes out the back end of the engine.
The water being pulled in moves the watercraft forward just slightly, but it’s the power built into the jet engine as it pushes out that moves the PWC. As the water caught in your engine collides with the surrounding water, you begin to move forward and away from the spot where you pulled in.
The advantages and disadvantages of PWC
Pros –
The PWC is a fun and convenient way to explore the water. If you’re looking for an adventurous activity with friends, there’s nothing better than cruising through the open waters on a PWC. They have lower maintenance costs than traditional boats because there are fewer mechanical parts involved. You can also navigate in shallow water and pull up to the shore.
Cons –
The PWC is a great summertime boat that will get you to the water, but there are some things to remember. If you have more than 5 people who want to go boating with you, then this might not be your best option because it has limited passenger capacity.
While most PWCs are perfectly safe to operate, they can pose serious dangers if the operator isn’t properly trained and familiar with safe operating procedures.
The other cons include less comfort in rough water and more exposure to cold water.
What safety equipment is required on a PWC?
One of the most important parts of PWC safety is having the right equipment. The following items are required on a PWC:
- Life jacket
- Whistle (or air horn)
- Safety lanyard
- Fire extinguisher
- PWC registration license
If you don’t have these pieces of gear with you, then please get them before going out onto the water.
Do PWC operators have to obey and follow all boating laws?
Yes, PWC operators have to obey and follow all boating laws. But what you may not know is that in addition to obeying the same rules as any other vessel operator, a PWC has additional regulations they must adhere to. For example, any applicable regulations related specifically to their craft such as speed restrictions or where they can be operated.
What are the additional regulations that a PWC must obey?
Additional specific laws and regulations that a PWC must obey include “no wake” or speed limit signs and alcohol consumption. You should avoid jumping over another vessel’s wake as it can cause major damage to both vessels involved. Also, it’s important to stay away from other vessels in your vicinity. You should also be aware of popular areas such as crowd anchorages or camping areas.
Again, if you’re considering cruising the waterways after dark, don’t forget to check your state’s laws first. You might be surprised by what you find. Riding your jet ski (or PWC) at night is illegal in most states.
What are common problems with PWC?
You’ve got a problem if your watercraft isn’t starting or it’s making strange noises. The cause of the PWC problems is usually a lack of maintenance. The common problems are a bad or weak battery, bad starter relay, bad starter motor, or you sucked something up into the impeller. 8/10 times it’s due to one of these issues- so take care of your PWC.
Also, a faulty key or other electronic parts could cause the PWC to shut off while you’re riding. But luckily that is less than 1% of the problems.
What happens when a PWC is steering?
If you want to take control of your personal watercraft and steer it around the water, all you need are two things – one is steering control at the front of the unit, which lets you turn left or right by moving it in the direction you want to go. The second is a steering nozzle at the back of the unit.
The steering nozzle turns in the same direction as the steering control, so if you turn right, the steering nozzle also moves to the right. And, the jet of water pushes the back of the PWC to the left, which causes your watercraft to turn to the right.
Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC?
Ans: If you allow the engine to return to idle or shut off the power.
The engine on a PWC or other jet-propelled vessel should never be allowed to return to idle, as this causes loss of steering control and may cause an accident with another vessel. So, It is important for an operator to know that this phenomenon exists; otherwise, they may lose all ability to steer their vessel after releasing or shutting off power.
How do you stop a PWC?
Follow the below steps to stop a PWC:
1) First, you have to perform a 360-degree scan to make sure you are not going to hit anything. If you have passengers, now is the time to tell them, “OK guys, this is where we let off the throttle.
2) Now, you need to retard the throttle smoothly. As the throttle lever is pulled back to slow your PWC, you have to remember that the water pressure from the intake is still there and so takes some time to dissipate.
3) Therefore, you have to reapply the throttle slowly (if needed) so your watercraft can maintain a constant heading and doesn’t drift with the current.
4) After that, you have to move the throttle lever to the neutral position to stop the watercraft completely.
Note:
It’s important to allow plenty of sea room for stopping before you start shutting off the engine. You may not stop immediately even after returning the throttle lever to a neutral position, so make sure there is enough space between your vessel and any potential obstructions.
You can use reverse (if available) but be careful that it doesn’t send you or a passenger flying off into the water.
