How Your Personal Watercraft Works
Ever wondered how your personal watercraft functions? It's an innovative piece of technology, but one that is easy to understand when you get down to the basics. It's fun knowing how the machinery works to propel you across the water, which is why we created the beginner's guide to understanding how your PWC works. If you have any questions or want to look at models for sale, visit Crossroad Powersports. We proudly serve those in Philadelphia and Upper Darby, Pennsylvania as well as Wilmington, Delaware and Deptford Township, New Jersey.
The Engine
It all starts with the engine - the heart of your personal watercraft. The engine gets going thanks to a small starting motor. The PWC relies on a drive shaft which is hooked up to a rotating piece known as an impeller, which pushes it across the water. The impeller at the back of the vehicle is designed to be next to a small pump. The pump pulls water into the PWC which the impeller then pushes out through a hole in the rear. This is the jet drive process that allows your vehicle to move forward and cruise around the water. This is also called action and reaction which is one of Isaac Newton's laws of motion.
The Steering Process
Using the set of handlebars, you steer your personal watercraft much like you would on a bicycle or motorcycle. One handle has the throttle and one handle has the brake. Your throttle will control how quickly the jet drive process occurs so that you can stay in control of your speed. Water continually gets taken in and forced out at high forces, which creates the feedback loop needed to glide across the water. You'll find that it's actually easier to steer when you are traveling at a higher speed.
Traveling on the water is a thrilling experience, but it can pose safety threats. Other boats or obstacles can come out of nowhere. That's why your PWC is equipped with an engine shut-off switch. One part is attached to the watercraft and one part is attached to your wrist or your life jacket. This allows you to quickly bring your vehicle to a stop. You'll have a higher chance of preventing a collision as well as a higher chance of stopping before you hit an obstacle that can cause damage to your vessel.
It can also be a useful process if you suddenly fall off. As you fall into the water, you engage the engine shut-off. It'll kill the engine and make your personal watercraft stop. This makes it easy for you to climb back on board and get back to conquering the waves.
The Engine Noise
Some people love the growl and roar the PWC engine makes as it cruises around the water. This sound is a natural part of the personal watercraft operating process, but you can take steps to reduce it if you like. You can install noise-absorbing foam between the hull and the engine. You can also install noise generators that make sound waves to cancel out engine noises. Another option is to use a resonator. This works by pulling air into the engine in a maze, rather than a straight line. This helps to diffuse some of the sound.
If you are looking to buy a personal watercraft, visit Crossroad Powersports. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions and offer any advice on what models best fit your budget. We proudly serve those in Philadelphia and Upper Darby, Pennsylvania as well as Wilmington, Delaware and Deptford Township, New Jersey.