Jet ski

A Jet Ski is a specific brand of personal watercraft (PWC) manufactured by the Japanese company Kawasaki. While it is a registered trademark, the term is often used generically to describe any type of personal watercraft used for recreation. People even use the term as a verb to describe the act of riding these machines. There are different styles of these craft available for riders. A runabout-style PWC typically carries one to three people. These riders sit in a configuration similar to a typical bicycle or a motorcycle.

The mechanics of these watercraft rely on specialized propulsion systems. Early Kawasaki models featured a fully enclosed impeller, which is a rotating component used to move water. This enclosed design was created for safety and provided self-righting and self-circling features. If a rider fell off while the craft was idling, the self-circling design allowed the craft to circle back. This allowed the rider to swim back to the machine.

Kawasaki's history with these machines began with the stand-up prototype. The company released the first production stand-up PWC in October 1972. This model was known as the JS400. It was the first commercially successful personal watercraft in America. Before the company settled on the name Jet Ski, they referred to them as "Water Jet" or "Power Skis." Kawasaki also helped create the United States Jet Ski Boating Association (USJSBA). This organization later changed its name to the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) in 1982.

Engine technology and pump designs evolved significantly through different model eras. In 1972, the WSAA and WSAB models used modified 400cc 2-stroke twin-cylinder engines. The WSAA used a flat hull, while the WSAB used a convex v-hull. By 1982, the JS550 was introduced with a 531cc engine and a high-capacity mixed-flow pump. This model included an automatic rev limiter to prevent engine damage caused by pump cavitation. The JS550 also featured an underwater exhaust to allow for quieter operation.

As the decades progressed, Kawasaki introduced more powerful and diverse models. In 1986, the company released the JS300, which featured a 294cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine with automatic oil injection. That same year, they introduced the 650 X2. This was their first sit-down Jet Ski and it started the "Sport Class" in PWC racing. In 1987, the JS650SX arrived with a 635cc two-stroke twin engine and a high-capacity axial flow pump. By 1992, the JS750-A offered a 743cc two-stroke engine with reed valves and a lighter, more maneuverable hull.

Later developments focused on increasing displacement and changing materials. In 2003, the SX-R 800 was introduced with a 781cc in-line twin 2-stroke engine. This engine generated 80hp for the craft. The SX-R 800 also utilized a hull and top deck made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). In 2011, Kawasaki discontinued the JS800 SX-R due to US EPA restrictions on two-stroke engines. However, Kawasaki reintroduced the stand-up Jet Ski on October 6, 2016. The new SX-R 1500 used an inline 4-cylinder four-stroke engine, which shared little with its earlier predecessors.

The personal watercraft market includes many other manufacturers and related activities. For example, Yamaha introduced the Super Jet in 1990 after consulting with inventor Clayton Jacobson II. Other companies like Polaris and Bombardier have also produced various watercraft models. The world of water sports is quite broad and connects to many different activities. These include surfing, wakeboarding, and kiteboarding. Some enthusiasts even use a flyboard to move over the water. This entire industry represents a complex system of engineering, regulation, and recreation.