Jet Ski

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For the generic term, see Personal watercraft.For other uses, see Jet Ski (disambiguation).
1985 Kawasaki 550 Jet Ski 1985 Kawasaki 550 Jet Ski(r).jpg
1985 Kawasaki 550 Jet Ski
Original 1973 Kawasaki JS400 Jet Ski Kawasaki Jet Ski.jpg
Original 1973 Kawasaki JS400 Jet Ski

Jet Ski is the brand name of a personal watercraft (PWC) [1] manufactured by Kawasaki, [2] a Japanese company. [3] The term is often used generically to refer to any type of personal watercraft used mainly for recreation, and it is also used as a verb to describe the use of any type of PWC.

Contents

A runabout-style PWC typically carries one to three people seated in a configuration like a typical bicycle or motorcycle.

Kawasaki Jet Ski

"Jet Ski" is a proper noun and registered trademark of Kawasaki. Released in 1972, the stand-up Kawasaki Jet Ski was the first commercially successful personal watercraft in America (after reaching a license agreement with the inventor of the Sea-Doo, Clayton Jacobson II when his license agreement with Bombardier expired). [2] The Kawasaki Jet Ski was the only commercially successful PWC for almost 16 years, from the introduction of the WSAA in October 1972 through the reintroduction of the sit-down, runabout-style Bombardier Sea-Doo in 1988. [4] [5]

The first stand-up prototype Cj2 wiki6.jpg
The first stand-up prototype

With the introduction of the Jet Ski, Kawasaki helped create the United States Jet Ski Boating Association (USJSBA), in cooperation with aftermarket companies and enthusiasts. In 1982 the name was changed to the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA). At the start, only JS440 stand-ups were raced. After Kawasaki introduced the runabout-style X2 in 1986, it gained its own class, later to be renamed the "Sport Class". [4]

Stand-up model history

1972–1976

Kawasaki introduced the first production stand-up PWC in October 1972. [6] The WSAA and follow-on WSAB were powered by modified 400cc 2-stroke twin-cylinder engines. The WSAA was designed with a flat hull and the WSAB came with a convex v-hull design. The design concept distinctive of these original craft included a fully enclosed impeller for safety, self-righting, and self-circling features. Without a lanyard the self-circling allowed the rider to swim back to the idling craft after falling off. Kawasaki called them "Water Jet" and "Power Skis" before they settled on the name "Jet Ski". [7]

1976–1982

The 1976 JS400 was popular among thrill-seeking recreational riders and racers. The 1977 JS440 offered more power and performance. It was one of Kawasaki's longest-selling models. In 1982, Kawasaki responded to market demand for more performance with the JS550. The 550 featured a newly designed high-capacity mixed-flow pump, driven by a 531cc engine. The 550 introduced an automatic rev limiter to prevent engine damage when the pump cavitates. The JS550 also introduced underwater exhaust for quieter operation.

1982–1986

While the JS550 continued to be improved, in 1986, Kawasaki added the JS300 to their model line-up. The JS300 was a single-cylinder 294cc two-stroke engine featuring automatic oil injection. They also added the 650 X2, their first sit-down Jet Ski, and originator of the Sport Class for PWC racing.

1987–1992

Kawasaki introduced the JS650SX. It featured a higher capacity axial flow pump and a powerful 635cc two-stroke twin engine in a modified V-hull design for increased maneuverability and stability.

In 1992, the company introduced a stand-up JS750-A. The engine was a twin-cylinder 743cc two-stroke with reed valves and automatic oil injection. The redesigned hull was lighter in weight and more maneuverable than previous models.

1995

The 750 SXI (JS750-B) was introduced and became the first stand-up Jet Ski with dual carburetors.

2003

Kawasaki introduced the SX-R 800 (JS800A), which increased displacement to 781cc, in the form of an in-line twin 2-stroke engine, generating 80hp. The SX-R also moved to a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) hull and top deck.

2011

Due to US EPA restrictions, Kawasaki released their final two-stroke stand-up, and discontinued the JS800 SX-R. The model designation was JS800ABF, with an MSRP of $7899.00. [8]

2017

On October 6, 2016, Kawasaki reintroduced the stand-up Jet Ski. The SX-R 1500 shared little with its predecessors. It was 8 feet 9 inches (2.67 m), 550+ pounds (250 kg), powered by a 160 horsepower (120 kW) inline 4-cylinder four-stroke engine. It held 6.1 US gallons (23 L) of fuel, measured 104.5 inches (2.65 m) long, 30.1 inches (76 cm) wide and 33.1 inches (84 cm) high. The SX-R has been described by one author as "on steroids" and having "lost some of the playfulness of early stand up models". [9]

Jet ski

Kawasaki produced various models of the Jet Ski starting in 1972, beginning with the JS400 and leading up to the current JS1500.

Year and Model

(“1995 Kawasaki Prices & Values”)

[10]

Other stand-up manufacturers

In 1990 Yamaha introduced the Super Jet. It was designed in consultation with Clayton Jacobson II. 2020 marked the last model year offered with a 2-stroke as the 2021 model featured a 4-stroke engine.

In 1994–1995 Yamaha introduced the FX-1, which had a limited production of 1500 units.

In 2004 Bombardier introduced the Sea-Doo 3D, which was only sold between 2005–2007.

Various manufacturers produce a range of aftermarket competition hulls for stand-up PWCs.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runabout (boat)</span> Boat type

A runabout is any small motorboat holding between four and eight people, well suited to moving about on the water. Characteristically between 20' and 35' in length, runabouts are used for pleasure activities like boating, fishing, and water skiing, as a ship's tender for larger vessels, or in racing. Some common runabout types are bow rider, center console, cuddy boat and walkaround. The world's largest runabout, Pardon Me, is 48 feet long and owned by the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea-Doo</span> Canadian boats and personal watercrafts

Sea-Doo is a Canadian brand of personal watercraft (PWC) and boats manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). All Sea-Doo models are driven by an impeller-driven waterjet. All Sea-Doo PWC models are produced at BRP's plants in Querétaro and Juárez, Mexico. Its Rotax engines are produced at BRP's plant in Gunskirchen, Austria. In 2016, Sea-Doo had a 45.8% share of the PWC market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal watercraft</span> Recreational watercraft that uses an inboard engine powering a pump-jet with an impeller

A personal watercraft (PWC), also called jet ski, sea-doo, or water scooter, is a primarily recreational watercraft that is designed to hold only a small number of occupants, who sit or stand on top of the craft, not within the craft as in a boat.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bombardier Recreational Products</span> Canadian manufacturer of recreational vehicles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetbike</span> Brand of personal watercraft

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha SuperJet</span> Type of personal watercraft

The SuperJet is a stand-up type personal watercraft (PWC) made by Yamaha Motor Corporation. Part of Yamaha's WaveRunner line of watercraft, it was introduced in 1990 and has become one of the most successful stand-up personal watercraft ever made. All SuperJets, including the engine, are hand-built in Japan. Credit for the design is given to Clayton Jacobson II.

<i>WaveRunner</i> Personal water craft produced by the Yamaha Motor Company

WaveRunner is a trademarked name and type of personal water craft (PWC) produced by the Yamaha Motor Company. Unique to the WaveRunner among PWCs is the spout of water that shoots into the air from the rear of the vehicle, a visual brand identifier that exists as a trademark of Yamaha.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clayton Jacobson II</span> American inventor (1933–2022)

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The Sea-Doo GTX is a personal watercraft (PWC) made by Bombardier Recreational Products of Canada. Part of their Sea-Doo line of watercraft, the Sea-Doo GTX has been produced since 1992. It is a three-person personal water craft with a 'luxury' ride combined with a series of engines. The performance of a Rotax marine engine with R.A.V.E. exhaust, a three-passenger contoured seat; dual mirrors; deck pads; ski-eye; left-side forward/neutral/reverse lever; and full instrumentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kawasaki Motors</span> Motor vehicle manufacturing subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is a Japanese mobility manufacturer that produces motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, watercraft, outboard motors, and other electric products. It derives its origins from Kawasaki Aircraft Industries, a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and is rooted in the motorcycle, boat, and engine businesses. In 1953, they began manufacturing engines for motorcycles and have since produced products such as the Mach and Ninja series in motorcycles and the Jet Ski, which has become a generic term for personal watercraft. Until 2021, it was a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, known as the Kawasaki Aerospace Company (川策重工業汎用機カンパニー) and later the Kawasaki Motorcycle & Engine Company (川崎重工業モーターサイクル&エンジンカンパニー). In 2021, it was separated as Kawasaki Motors, Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The number of personal watercraft-related accidents has increased with the popularity of personal watercraft (PWC) since their introduction during the late 1960s. The use of the term "jet ski" for all types of PWCs is a misnomer; Jet Ski is a registered trademark in the United States for a line of PWCs manufactured by Kawasaki). With the increased use of personal watercraft since their inception, the hazards accompanying their use have also increased. According to U.S. government reports, most accidents are associated with rental operators, underage operators, under-trained and undereducated boaters and a variety of factors associated with recreational-boating accidents. Due to their affordability, ease of use, and relatively low transportation and maintenance costs, personal watercraft have significantly increased the number of water-based enthusiasts in the U.S. This rise in participation has created conflicts between the various boating segments in the U.S. and a need for additional boater education. Recreational-boating accidents are the second-largest transportation-related cause of injury in the U.S..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Glennon</span> American professional watercraft racer (born 1996)

Anna Glennon is an American professional watercraft racer. She is a World Champion and 8-time U.S. and Canadian National Champion. She is known by her nickname, Jet Girl 777.

References

  1. ↑ "Jet Ski". Cambridge English Dictionary. Archived from the original on 17 April 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  2. 1 2 Josephson, Paul R. (2007). Motorized Obsessions: Life, Liberty, and the Small-Bore Engine. JHU Press. p. 150. ISBN   9780801886416 . Retrieved 2012-08-24.
  3. ↑ "Japanese inventions that changed the world". CNN. 13 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-11-03.
  4. 1 2 Vasilis Moraitis. "Jet Ski History 1973-2012". Jetskiworld. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  5. ↑ Vasilis Moraitis. "Kawasaki Jet Ski stand-up 37 years history - World Exclusive Legendary stand-ups". Jetskiworld. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  6. ↑ "Who Invented Jet Skis and Sea-Doos? History of PWCs [Video]". JetDrift. 2019-12-21. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  7. ↑ "History of the Jet Ski - stand-up watercraft". JetSki Club. 5 March 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2018.[ dead link ]
  8. ↑ "2011 KAWASAKI JET SKI® 800 SX-R". Personal Watercraft. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 11 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  9. ↑ Jeff Hemmel (12 June 2017). "Kawasaki Jet Ski SXR Review". Boats.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  10. ↑ “1995 Kawasaki Prices & Values.” NADAguides, https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1995/Kawasaki. Accessed 31 May 2022.
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