Physics of Personal Watercraft :: physics sport sports boat jet ski pwc

Personal Watercrafts or jet skis are basically Personal Watercraft (PWC) are basically shrimpy inboard boats able to travel at high speeds due to large hearts of power and very light weight. Alomst all PWCs are under 600 lbs and most of todays PWCs agree at least 90 hp.Not only are PWCs some of the fastest water vehicles they are also some of the most maneuverable water vehicles. This is because PWCs propultion is base on a jet that also is its squirming mechanism. When the driver ecstasys the handlebars the jet (via cables) turns in the direction of the handlebars so the stern is pushed in the opposite direction. This allows the driver to turn at a much tighter angle than traditional boats with keels and rudders.The main drawback to this maneuverability is the fact that if there is no thrust coming from the engine the ability to turn is effictively zero meaning that anytime the driver presses the kill switch (a large red button) they lose all ability to steer. This is extremel y dangerous whenever an inexperienced person whitethorn drive the PWC back to dock or into shore. PWCs have no brakes and have no ablilty to stop other than turning around. They have an extremely competent ability to hydroplane (when most of the PWC is above water) and it takes most PWCs a few hundred feet to come to a stop after being at spacious halter. This is because 600 lbs + a rider is traveling at a very high speed with only minimal friction to slow them down (since PWCs are make to travel with very little friction).PWCs also have a problem with turning. When a PWC is at full speed there is a great tally of force produced by the jet and the vehicle is therefor very difficult to turn. The main way to turn sharply during high speeds is to let of the throttle temporarily. This slows the amount of water flowing through the jet so the jet can be turned. Once the jet is turned the driver can depress the throttle again. Although being very effective this tecneque can also be qui te dangerous. When the PWC turns it resists its change in motion, however the driver does not recieve the same change in motion. The drivers body still wants to continue in the previous path of the PWC. Unless the Driver holds on very hard the driver is likely to fall of the PWC at a very high speed.