Jet ski (personal watercraft)

A jet ski, properly a personal watercraft (PWC), is a small craft steered with handlebars, ridden sitting or standing. It has no conventional propeller: the engine drives the impeller of a water-jet pump inside the hull, which draws water in through the bottom and blasts it out at the back. Steering works by directing the jet, so a jet ski needs throttle to turn.

Modern jet skis mostly use four-stroke engines; older and sporty stand-up models may be two-strokes. Many new models have a braking and reverse system.

After riding in salt water, flush the craft and its cooling system with fresh water. For winter, change the oil, protect the engine against corrosion and keep the battery charged. Licence and registration rules vary by country.