Personal Watercraft Buying Tips

Summer’s coming and maybe it’s time for a new boat. Although this article focuses on personal watercraft (PWC) shopping, many of my tips also apply to buying any new boat.

Perhaps you’ve never owned a PWC and don’t know much about them. So, imagine the exhilarating sensation of skimming over the water with unmatched handling and turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. These jet-propelled vessels are virtually unsinkable, reliable and as easy to operate as a motorcycle or snowmobile – except that PWC’s are not equipped with navigation lights.

Manufacturers & Models

However, it’s important to get a PWC that’s right for you, whatever brand and model that may be. The search can be confusing because the PWC manufacturers – BRP (Sea-Doo), Yamaha (WaveRunner) and Kawasaki (Jet Ski) – each categorize their market segment offerings somewhat differently. But broadly, PWC’s are differentiated by primary usage: recreation, touring, and performance (not highlighted in this article).

How Will It Be Used Most? 

Start your search by creating a user profile hierarchy that includes all potential riders. Be sure to factor in individual user characteristics like experience, gender, weight and age. Also prioritize your probable range of uses and how they might change over time as ages, interests and priorities change. 

For family-friendly weekend recreation with the kids at the cottage, your priority might be a model that’s user-friendly & safe across various skill levels, suitable for several small passengers, and tow-capable for tubing, wakeboarding or skiing (see Family PWC sidebar). 

On the other hand, if your main goal is cruising and exploring, then the priority may be a more ride-oriented model that deliver smoother, hassle-free, day-long comfort (see Touring PWC sidebar). Even if your time on the water may include some of each, don’t lose sight of your priority use purpose.

Where Will It Be Used Most? 

Lake or river? Big water or sheltered back channels? Fresh or salt water? Always around your own cottage or trailering elsewhere? Also, are your home waters navigable  by PWC to interconnected adjacent waterways? These answers will help determine the size, power and features for your model of choice.

What Can You Afford?

For me, this question breaks down into: “What can I afford now?” & “What can I afford for tomorrow?” If you’ve done your user profile hierarchy homework, affordability should be tied directly to what will best satisfy your primary PWC purpose, present and future. Also, consider investing in the best technology available to enhance what you want to do. Why? Because that model will deliver more enjoyment for longer – and will likely retain better resale value.

What Model Is Right For You? 

Typically, each PWC market segment offers several model choices from basic to fully loaded. So, check what specific features each model has thru your priority usage lens. What size do you need? What power level do you need? What features are most beneficial to you? What model can you afford? Don’t get distracted by bells & whistles or fancy colours & graphics, focus first on what affordable model will do the job for you. 

Also, note that most personal watercraft manufactured today have 4-stroke engines to meet environmental regulations and improve fuel efficiency. This includes the entry level “Rec-Lite” segment made by BRP (Spark) and Yamaha (JetBlaster). With base models at less than $10,000, these small-sized PWC’s are decent jack-of-all-trades offerings for beginners and casual users. But Rec-Lites don’t deliver the full versatility, comfort, features and performance of more expensive purpose-built models.

What Next?

Go to the manufacture websites and discover what each model’s primary design purpose is. And while you’re there, look for dealers in the Kawarthas, Haliburton Bancroft area who can answer your questions personally and may even have test rides available or suggest where you can rent one to try for a day. Also, joining an online PWC group may be a good source of model & shopping info.

Hopefully, answering these “how to buy questions” will make your personal watercraft shopping easier, more cost-effective – and lead to a summer of unbeatable fun on the water! 

Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile 

Hall of Fame journalist and a long-time Kawarthas cottager 

who provides tip & tour info for PWC riding at: intrepidcottager.com 

& snowmobiling at: intrepidsnowmobiler.com.

Photo Credit Page 42 Botttom: Craig Nicholson 

Photo Credit Page 42 Top: BRP

Photo Above Credit: Allan Glanfield

PWC Key Family Features

• Multi-use versatility

• Passenger seating

• Swim platform

• Boarding ladder

• Tow hook

• Large storage

• Learning Key

• Brake & Reverse

PWC Key Touring Features

• Hi-stability hull 

• Extra-large fuel tank

• Ergonomic 3-person seating

• Extra leg room

• Large storage capacity

• Brake & Reverse

• Cruise control

• Electronic trim

• Smart connectivity/navigation

• Riding modes

Join A PWC Group

Peterborough & Area Sea Doo Club: www.facebook.com/groups/1161566817196337

Ontario PWC Riders: www.facebook.com/groups/OPWCR/

Ontario Seadoo Owners: www.facebook.com/groups/727521944049398/