PWC Buying Guide
A personal watercraft (PWC) is designed for making memories, chasing adrenaline rushes, and exploring the open waters. These unique models can navigate various waterways, hit impressive speeds, and even tow watersports enthusiasts. The right PWC for you depends on many factors, such as your budget and riding experience.
Below we cover tips to assist you in your search. If you want help or want to explore PWC for sale, visit Escondido Cycle Center. Our dealership is located in Escondido, California, and we also proudly serve those in San Diego and Oceanside.
1. The Number Of Passengers
Think about how many people the personal watercraft needs to handle. Are you going on solo excursions? You can save money by getting a model that only fits one person. Or are you hoping to take family or friends along for a ride? Most PWC can handle at most two passengers in addition to the driver, but some can handle up to four total passengers.
2. The Body Style
Personal watercraft can be designed with different body styles, which are well-suited for different uses.
One style is the short, narrow frame. These models use a streamlined and lightweight approach, making them agile and quick on the water. These sporty PWC are ideal for more experienced and thrill-seeking riders.
Another style is the larger, wider frame. The extra size and weight make these models more stable. These easy-to-control PWC are a great match for new riders or endurance riders.
3. The Horsepower
PWC can vary widely in their horsepower potential, from 60 to 300 horsepower. But more isn't necessarily best.
It's important to get the right amount of horsepower for you. New riders will want a lower, easier to control amount. Experienced riders will enjoy higher amounts. But know that personal watercraft with over 160 horsepower tend to be supercharged. When a PWC is supercharged, their engines don't last as long due to the increased torque and they'll need parts replacements more often.
4. The Features
Personal watercraft can offer a wide range of features. Some will suit your lifestyle well while others you can pass on. It helps to make a list of "must-have" and "nice-to-have" features. Give the PWC dealer this list and they can recommend models that match.
Common PWC features include:
- a charging bay, which keeps electronics charged for playing music and snapping photos
- grab handles give the passenger something to hold onto, which is especially helpful if they are facing behind the boat, as they serve as a spotter for watersport users
- waterproof storage to keep your valuables safe
- a Bluetooth®-enabled sound system so you can enjoy your favorite music
These are only a few of the many possible features you can get on a PWC. More features will cost more money, but they will also improve your time on the water.
5. The Cost
Think about how much you want to spend on a personal watercraft. Make sure to account for the model's lifespan. For example, if you want this purchase to last many years, spend extra to get a more durable model.
There are a few strategies to stretch your budget farther. First, shop during the off-season when PWC dealerships offer more sales. Second, get a new model that isn't the latest year. A new 2019 PWC, for example, is more affordable than a new 2020 PWC.
Ready to shop PWC for sale? Check out the models at Escondido Cycle Center. Our friendly staff is happy to help you find the perfect model for your needs, so stop by and visit us today. We are located in Escondido, California, and also serve those in Oceanside and San Francisco.
