Rounder
Georgia boating safety handbook Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

Steering and Stopping a PWC

PWCs are propelled by drawing water into a pump and then forcing it out under pressure through a steering nozzle at the back of the unit. This "jet" of pressurized water is directed by the steering control—when the steering control is turned, the steering nozzle turns in the same direction. For example, if the steering control is turned right, the nozzle turns right and the jet of water pushes the back of the vessel to the left, which causes the PWC to turn right.

A PWC has no brakes. Always allow plenty of room for stopping. Just because you release the throttle or shut off the engine does not mean you will stop immediately.

Diagram of PWC showing steering control and steering nozzle
Separator
Georgia Department
of Natural Resources
Get Started!
Boating Basics
It's the Law!
Georgia Info

PDF version of Georgia boating handbook
Printable PDF Version
of Handbook

< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >
 
Online boating safety handbook last modified: May 22, 2009
Email concerning this boat safety handbook.
  Copyright © 1998-2010 Boat Ed. All rights reserved.
Review Boat Ed's privacy policy.
 
Rounder