Jet Ski

A personal watercraft is a small motorized vessel designed to move across the water with one or more people on board. The name “Jet Ski” is often used for this type of vehicle, but Jet Ski® is actually a registered trademark of Kawasaki. The company introduced its first Jet Ski watercraft in 1973, helping establish the modern personal-watercraft category.

Early models were ridden standing up, while later designs also included seated versions. A typical watercraft has a hull, a gasoline engine and a water-jet propulsion system. Instead of using an exposed propeller, the engine drives a pump that draws in water and expels it at high speed through a nozzle, producing forward thrust.

This system also makes it possible to steer by directing the jet of water. Personal watercraft have evolved considerably since the 1970s. Modern models generally use four-stroke engines and include electronic systems designed to improve control, comfort and reliability. They are used for recreation, tourism and some sporting activities, although their operation is subject to local navigation and safety rules.

Their compact size and jet propulsion allow them to maneuver differently from many conventional boats. The basic principle remains simple: the engine supplies energy to a pump, the pump accelerates water, and the resulting reaction force moves the craft forward. Despite the familiar nickname “jet ski,” not every personal watercraft is a Kawasaki Jet Ski®.