Jet Ski facts for kids
A Jet Ski is a special type of personal watercraft (PWC). It's made by a Japanese company called Kawasaki. Many people use the name "Jet Ski" to talk about any personal watercraft, even if it's not made by Kawasaki. It's also used as a verb, like "Let's go Jet Skiing!"
These watercraft are often called "runabouts." They usually carry one to three people. Riders sit on them much like they would on a bicycle or motorcycle.
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What is a Kawasaki Jet Ski?
"Jet Ski" is a special name that belongs only to Kawasaki. It's a registered trademark. Kawasaki first released their stand-up Jet Ski in 1972. It was the first personal watercraft that sold really well in America. This happened after Kawasaki made a deal with Clayton Jacobson II, who invented the Sea-Doo.
For almost 16 years, the Kawasaki Jet Ski was the only popular personal watercraft. This was from 1972 until 1988. In 1988, the sit-down Sea-Doo was brought back by Bombardier.
When the Jet Ski first came out, Kawasaki helped start a group for Jet Ski riders and racers. It was called the United States Jet Ski Boating Association (USJSBA). Later, in 1982, its name changed to the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA). At first, only stand-up Jet Skis were raced. But in 1986, Kawasaki made a sit-down model called the X2. This model soon got its own racing group, known as the "Sport Class."
How Stand-Up Jet Skis Changed Over Time
Kawasaki has made many different stand-up Jet Ski models. They have improved them a lot over the years.
Early Models: 1972-1976
Kawasaki launched its first stand-up personal watercraft in October 1972. These early models, the WSAA and WSAB, had 400cc two-stroke engines. The WSAA had a flat bottom, while the WSAB had a V-shaped bottom. These Jet Skis were designed with safety in mind. They had a covered impeller (the part that pushes water). They could also right themselves if they flipped over. Plus, if a rider fell off, the Jet Ski would circle slowly. This allowed the rider to swim back to it easily. Kawasaki first called them "Water Jet" and "Power Skis" before choosing "Jet Ski."
More Power and Quieter Rides: 1976-1982
The 1976 JS400 was very popular with people who loved thrills and racing. In 1977, the JS440 came out with even more power. It became one of Kawasaki's longest-selling models. By 1982, people wanted even faster Jet Skis. So, Kawasaki released the JS550. This model had a new, powerful 531cc engine. It also had a special feature to stop the engine from getting damaged if the pump spun too fast without enough water (this is called cavitation). The JS550 also had an exhaust system that went underwater. This made it much quieter.
New Models and Sit-Down Options: 1982-1986
While the JS550 kept getting better, Kawasaki added the JS300 to its lineup in 1986. The JS300 had a smaller 294cc engine and used automatic oil injection. This meant riders didn't have to mix oil with the fuel themselves. In 1986, Kawasaki also introduced the 650 X2. This was their first sit-down Jet Ski. It started the "Sport Class" in PWC racing.
Improved Handling and Bigger Engines: 1987-1992
Kawasaki introduced the JS650SX. It had a stronger pump and a powerful 635cc engine. Its hull (the body of the Jet Ski) was also changed. This made it easier to steer and more stable on the water. In 1992, they released the stand-up JS750-A. This model had a 743cc engine and was lighter. This made it even easier to handle than older models.
Dual Carburetors and Modern Design: 1995-2003
In 1995, the 750 SXI (JS750-B) came out. It was the first stand-up Jet Ski to have two carburetors. This helped the engine get more fuel and air, making it more powerful. By 2003, Kawasaki introduced the SX-R 800 (JS800A). This model had a bigger 781cc engine, making 80 horsepower. The SX-R also had a new hull made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP).
The End of Two-Stroke Stand-Ups: 2011
Because of new environmental rules in the US, Kawasaki stopped making two-stroke stand-up Jet Skis in 2011. The JS800 SX-R was their last model with a two-stroke engine.
The Return of the Stand-Up: 2017
On October 6, 2016, Kawasaki brought back the stand-up Jet Ski! The new SX-R 1500 was very different from the older models. It was much larger and heavier. It had a powerful 160 horsepower, four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. This new SX-R was described as being "on steroids" and less playful than the older, smaller stand-up models.
Other Stand-Up Watercraft Brands
While Kawasaki made the first popular stand-up PWC, other companies also make them.
In 1990, Yamaha introduced their own stand-up model called the Super Jet. It was designed with help from Clayton Jacobson II, the inventor of the Sea-Doo. For many years, the Super Jet used a two-stroke engine. But starting in 2021, it switched to a four-stroke engine.
Yamaha also made a limited number of another stand-up model called the FX-1 in 1994–1995.
From 2005 to 2007, Bombardier, the company that makes Sea-Doo, sold a stand-up model called the Sea-Doo 3D.
Many other companies also make special parts and hulls for stand-up personal watercraft, especially for racing.
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See also
In Spanish: Jet Ski para niños
