Buying your first personal watercraft
Buying a personal watercraft (PWC) is a big and exciting decision for you and your family. Everyone has their ideas about what the craft should do, what features it should have, and who gets to drive it first.

Before You Buy
Before you consider the features you want in a PWC you need to consider the function and size you're looking for as well as the price.

At the top of your priority list should be how you're going to use the PWC. Will it be for long-distance touring along the coast? Towing the kids? Racing around the lake? All of the above? How many people do you expect to ride at one time? Just as important is where you'll use it. Riding in the ocean could require a much different hull than, say, buzzing around a small lake.

A consideration for everyone is price. Figure out a realistic budget of what you want to pay for the boat or watercraft. The name of the game is not really price, but value, and getting the best watercraft with the most features. A lower price will naturally limit the latest bells and whistles, but the good news is that all manufacturers have entry-level models with strong performing hulls and decent-sized engines. Mid-range models often carry some features of the more expensive models (they sometimes just differ in engine type), so you can build a lot of value into a moderately priced boat or watercraft.

Choosing the right PWC for you
Choosing the right PWC for your family might sound like a simple exercise - a matter of just going into a dealership, finding a good deal and hitting the water. But when everyone starts tossing out ideas about what the new watercraft's "gotta" have on it, the decision becomes a little more complicated. Fortunately, there's a personal watercraft for just about every type of rider out there- the key is finding the best match. The best way to approach the situation is to make a list of your top priorities in a personal watercraft and head to a dealer to check out the models.

Reliability
This should be a top priority on your list. The last thing you want is to see your personal watercraft spending more time in the repair bay than on the water. Look for manufacturers with solid reputations for service and reliability.

Stability
Important when riding with multiple passengers or when frequently reboarding in deep water when waterskiing or wakeboarding.

Comfort
Somewhat subjective, however, luxury models tend to be plusher than high-performance and entry-level models.

Price/Value
Get the most boat for the euro. Value equals the number of features that are important to you at a price that fits your budget. We recommend that you choose a watercraft based on your needs first and foremost, and then negotiate your best price.

Top Speed, Acceleration and Handling
In the world of PWCs, top speed, acceleration and handling are equally important. One is not good without the other. Acceleration is as important, if not more fun, than top speed. And predictable handling is always important.

Towing
Research shows that more and more PWC users are using their watercraft for towing. Some models are better suited for towing, and in most states, there are specific requirements that watercraft must meet to legally tow a skier.

Storage
Really important if you want to pack gear, skis, wakeboards, cooler, etc. This is especially important when taking those extended trips.

Fuel Economy, Low Exhaust and Low Noise
New innovations and technologies introduced over the past few years are making watercraft more economical, cleaner-burning and quieter than ever before.

Research
Every manufacturer has a website with its offerings in detail, so the Internet should be your first line of research. Using your list of priorities, you should be able to determine what class of watercraft is right for you. For instance, if you have two other family members on board, but price is critical, you should be able to find models in the entry-level, three-seater class. But if it's all about you, your thirst for speed, and money is no object, then you should head to the top of the musclecraft class. Want all the latest features and low emissions? Look for a luxury 4-stroke runabout model.

Ready to go looking?
Jet Center San Pedro is a Yamaha dealer and we can help you in your pwc-buying decision.