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45-419: Prominent brands of PWCs include Jet Skis and Sea-Doos. PWCs have two style categories. The first and the most popular is a compact runabout , typically holding no more than two or three people, who mainly sit on top of the watercraft as one does when riding an ATV or snowmobile . The second style is a "stand-up" type, typically built for only one occupant who operates the watercraft standing up as in riding

90-501: A San Diego County jury verdict affirmed in full on appeal in 2014. Another noteworthy risk of injury is known as off throttle steering, which results from the lack of steering capability while off throttle in certain models of PWCs. This can result in death or serious bodily injuries. While also rare, spinal injuries can occur while surf jumping and, potentially, wake jumping. The PWC manufacturers' owner's manuals all include warnings regarding jumping at excessive heights, or operating

135-506: A motorized scooter ; it is used more for doing tricks, racing, and in competitions. Both styles have an inboard engine driving a pump-jet that has a screw-shaped impeller to create thrust for propulsion and steering. Most are designed for two or three people, though four-passenger models exist. Many of today's models are built for more extended use and have the fuel capacity to make long cruises, in some cases even beyond 160 kilometres (100 miles). Personal watercraft are often referred by

180-531: A 15,000-square-foot winter-wear factory was opened in Rainy River, Ontario , employing an additional 60 workers. In 1970, they started the Boss Cat line. Various boat manufacturers including Silver Line , Lund, Larson, and Spirit Marine, were bought and operated throughout the 1970s to expand the company. Arctic Cat went bankrupt in 1982 but two years later, a new company, Arctco, was created to continue

225-565: A Jet Ski accident in Florida . Runabout (boat) 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 ,

270-419: A PWC if there is a prior history of back injury. The current on-product labels say "Jumping wakes or waves can increase the risk of spinal/backbone injuries (paralysis)". The current Kawasaki owner's manual provides: "Slow down before crossing waves. Do not ride if you have a back condition. High speed operation in choppy or rough water may cause back injuries." Another rare, but unique injury risk with jetboats,

315-531: A class action lawsuit and settlement, under which Arctic Cat bought back 3,200 short-track Firecat F-7s from owners. Arctic Cat started producing all-terrain vehicles in 1996 and side-by-side ATVs in 2005. They currently sell the Alterra 600 TRV, Alterra 600, Alterra 450, Alterra 300, Alterra 90, Wildcat XX, Prowler Pro, and Prowler Pro Crew. Most models come with ride-in suspensions and electronic power steering capabilities. The original design of utility ATVs

360-555: A facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota. On January 25, 2017, it was announced that Textron would acquire Arctic Cat for $ 247 million in a cash transaction. The all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side models branded as Arctic Cat were either discontinued or rebranded as Textron. The snowmobile models kept the Arctic Cat brand. In early 2019, the company announced that the Arctic Cat brand would return to its side-by-sides and ATVs beginning with

405-503: A level of craftsmanship impossible in large scale production boat building. One exception is the Hacker Boat Company , which continues to produce mahogany boats on the shores of Lake George, New York . Other wooden boatbuilders include Graf, J-Craft, and Boesch. Runabouts can be powered by inboard engines, outboards, jet drives, or inboard-outboard (I/O) drives. Engines can be gasoline or diesel systems. Inboards have

450-679: A mix of new and current racers to a new type of racing and in 2013, P1 rolled out a second series in the USA. Such was the uptake that the original format needed revising to cope with the influx of new riders and by the end of 2015 over 400 riders from 11 countries had registered to compete in an AquaX event. In the United States, the main sanctioning bodies are the International Jet Sport Boating Association (IJSBA) and Pro Watercross (PWX). As of 2022,

495-656: A prototype and submitted a patent to the government of the Kingdom of Greece on the 5th June 1970, with serial number 40056. He never exploited the invention commercially. He died on March 5, 2022. Stand-up PWCs were first produced by the Japanese company Kawasaki (under the Jet Ski brand) in 1972, and appeared on the US market in 1973. These were mass-produced boats to be used by only one rider. While they are still produced today,

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540-399: A remote system leading to a wheel mounted on the boat's console. Inboard-Outboard (or stern drives) are a hybrid, with an engine block mounted within the hull linked to a pivotable lower drive unit which steers the craft, similar to an outboard motor. Jet Drives have a propeller enclosed in a pump-jet that draws water from underneath the hull and expels it through a swiveling nozzle in

585-558: Is 48 feet long and owned by the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York. The first runabouts date back to the 1920s and were originally small, fast, powerful, varnished, wooden boats created to take advantage of the power of outboard motors such as the first Evinrude , introduced in 1909. In order to gain speed, the hull shape had to be designed to take advantage of hydroplaning ; a hydrofoil -like design would allow

630-448: Is being sucked into the intake side of the pump jet. Current PWC products contain on-product warnings that state: " Keep away from Intake Grate while the engine is on. Items such as long hair, loose clothing, or PFD straps can become entangled in moving parts and result in severe injury or drowning". There have been fatal accidents involving PWCs. In a notable case, U.S. astronaut Alan G. Poindexter died in 2012 from injuries sustained in

675-673: Is ejected) off the back can land directly in the path of the PWC's high-pressure jet of water. Unless a rider is appropriately dressed in garments made out of a strong, thick substance like neoprene (as is commonly found in wetsuits ), the jet may penetrate any orifice it reaches. All major PWC manufacturers warn about this risk and recommend that passengers wear wet suit bottoms or equivalent protection. The American Waterski Racing Association recommends that all of their racers wear wet suit bottoms for this same reason. Such orifice injuries can result in permanent disability or death. For example, in 2006,

720-623: Is ruled by each national federation's member of the U.I.M. Aquabike World Championship is known among the motorsports with most different national entries for each competition, reaching up to 32 nationalities and 140 riders registered to compete in Italy in 2018. Other private competitions also exist, such as P1 AquaX, which is a personal watercraft racing series, first launched in the UK in May 2011 by London-based sports promoter Powerboat P1. The series attracted

765-564: The California Court of Appeal for the First Appellate District upheld a $ 3.7 million Napa County jury verdict against Polaris Industries arising out of one such incident (which had devastating effects on the victim's lower abdomen). It is also possible for multiple riders on the same PWC to sustain orifice injuries in a single accident, as actually occurred in a 2007 accident at Mission Bay which resulted in

810-418: The cockpits and up to 400 hp (300 kW) Liberty V-12 marinized surplus World War I aero engines built for speed. But by the late 1940s, Gar Wood had stopped producing boats, and by the 1960s Chris-Craft was moving to the more modern materials of plastic and fiberglass . Hackercraft, with multiple changes in ownership, continued on. The mahogany runabouts built by Italian builder Carlo Riva in

855-461: The trademarked brand names of Kawasaki ( Jet Ski ), Yamaha ( WaveRunner ), Bombardier ( Sea-Doo ), Elaqua (E-PWC) and Honda (AquaTrax). The United States Coast Guard defines a personal watercraft, amongst other criteria, as a jet-drive boat less than 12 feet (3.7 m) long. There are many larger " jetboats " not classed as PWCs, some more than 40 feet (12 m) long. Water scooters—as they were originally termed—were first developed in

900-399: The 1970s. In the 1960s, the idea was developed further by Clayton Jacobson II of Lake Havasu City, Arizona , USA. Originally a motocross enthusiast, Jacobson's idea was designed in the mid-1960s, powered by an internal pump-jet rather than an outboard motor , made of all aluminum, and had a fixed, upright handle. Jacobson eventually quit his job in banking to devote himself to developing

945-596: The 2020 model year. Arctic Cat currently sells the M Alpha One, M Mountain Cat Alpha One, Riot, Riot Touring, ZR, ZR R-XC, ZR Thundercat, ZR RR, Norseman, and Pantera. Many models are configurable. They also sell two youth snowmobiles, the ZR 120 and ZR 200. A former model, the Firecat F-7, could overheat when ridden on ice and in marginal snow conditions. Though most sleds experienced no issues, this resulted in

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990-474: The PWC industry's fastest-growing segments. Lifeguards use PWCs equipped with rescue platforms to rescue water users from trouble, as well as flood survivors, and carry them to safety. Police and rangers use them to enforce laws in coastal waters, lakes and rivers. A PWC combined with a wash-reduction system, carrying waterproof loudspeaker equipment and GPS for instructions and distance measurement, has reportedly been used by assistant coaches for rowing sports on

1035-502: The River Tyne. Further, PWCs are used by the U.S. Navy as surface targets. When equipped with GPS, electronic compass, radar reflector, and a radio modem, the PWC can be controlled remotely with a two-way link. Its small shipboard footprint allows it to be stored in and deployed from the smallest of vessels, and it has been used for target practice for armaments of sizes from 5 in (13 cm) cannon to small arms . Apart from

1080-571: The TRV 700 chassis from 2007 to 2015 in limited quantities. A 1000cc H2 V-twin engine was also made available. In 2014, Joshua Newman provided extensive belt testing for the 400 cc air-cooled model, improving the brand's reliability. The Arctic Cat brand returned to the ATV lines in 2019, for model year 2020 vehicles. Arctic Cat offered its first side-by-side UTV, the Prowler, starting in 2005. The Prowler

1125-515: The U.S. A 700EFI model was also offered, which used an engine and transmission combo borrowed from the Suzuki King Quad model. This is a 4V DOHC design with no relation to the H1 engine platform. This was replaced with the 700H1, which was a higher displacement version of the 650H1 with fuel injection added. A multi-fuel capable Parallel Twin diesel made by Lombardi Marine was also available in

1170-679: The United Kingdom and Europe in the mid-1950s, with models such as the British 200cc propeller-driven Vincent Amanda , and the German Wave Roller . Two thousand Vincent Amandas were exported to Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States. The Sea Skimmer was introduced in 1961 as a highly maneuverable version of a propelled surfboard. It was 1.7 m (5.6 ft) long, powered by an inboard/outboard motor and reached speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph). The rider lay on

1215-412: The boat to skim atop the water's surface at high speed instead of needing to push aside large quantities of water to move forward. Another design change which followed soon after was the replacement of the tiller and rudder control with a rudder controlled by a steering wheel, allowing the operator a comfortable forward-facing position. A remote lever to allow the engines to be placed into a reverse gear

1260-683: The boat, controlling the speed with hand throttles and using the feet as rudders. Originally manufactured in Kansas City, operations moved to Boynton, Florida, in 1962, and the name was changed to Aqua-Skimmer. Aqua-Skimmer ceased operations in 1962 and sold its inventory to the military. Renamed Aqua Dart (Aqua Dart INC), the Sea Skimmer, Aqua Skimmer, Aqua Dart was modified for military requirements, and saw service in 1962 river reconnaissance missions in Vietnam and other military missions until

1305-655: The competitors are classified according to the type of watercraft used (with stand-up or saddle). The sport is ruled by the World Powerboating Federation ( Union Internationale Motonautique , U.I.M.) recognised by the International Olympic Committee . The current official world series, established in 1996, is the Aquabike World Championship . The sport is also established at the national level and

1350-401: The engine block permanently mounted within the hull of the boat, with a drive shaft and a propeller to drive the craft underneath the hull, and a separate rudder to steer the craft. Outboards are steerable external drive motors containing the engine block, linkage gears, and propeller within a single unit, taking the place of a rudder. Outboard drives are mounted to the transom and steered by

1395-453: The exception of freestyle, there are at least two categories: saddle jets and stand-up jets. For speed races, gear is generally classified according to the degree of authorized modifications: minor modifications fall into the so-called "stock" category, intermediate modifications into the so-called "limited" category, and more extensive modifications into the category. known as "F1". In freestyle and freeride, these categories do not exist; rather,

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1440-450: The idea, and had a working prototype by 1965. It differed slightly from modern personal watercraft but had definite similarities. He completed a second prototype a year later made of fiberglass. The first Clayton-type PWC to reach the market was designed by Bombardier in the late 1960s. Bombardier's original designs were not very popular and Bombardier left the business before 1970. In Greece, an inventor named Dimitrios T. Moraitidis, built

1485-582: The late 1950s and the 1960s are considered by many to be premier European examples of the type. The most famous Riva of all time was the Carlo Riva design called the Aquarama Special . Originally, runabouts were made entirely of wood, with mahogany used for hulls and planking and oak for framing. The use of aluminium in small boat construction came soon after World War II because of availability of aircraft materials as war surplus. Fiberglass

1530-413: The more popular design is the sit-down variety of PWC. These sit-down runabouts have been produced by Kawasaki (Jetski), Bombardier ( Sea-Doo ), Yamaha ( WaveRunner ), Honda (AquaTrax), Polaris (Sealion) and Arctic Cat ( Tigershark ). As of 2010, the major manufacturers of PWCs were Kawasaki, Bombardier and Yamaha. Both Yamaha and Kawasaki continue to sell stand-up models but it is a small percentage of

1575-424: The obvious hazards of collisions and mechanical breakdowns common to all vehicles , operating or riding a PWC can involve a risk of orifice injuries. These injuries are typical of the kinds of injuries that waterskiers experience as a result of falling into the water at speed. Such injuries can occur from simply falling in the water at speed or they can occur from the output end of the pump jet. A rider who falls (or

1620-482: The overall market. Electric PWCs were commercialized in the early 2020s. Electric watercraft are increasing in popularity as gasoline engines produce greenhouse gases and can eject motor oil and gasoline directly into waterways . PWC racing competitions take place around the world. There are several disciplines: closed circuit speed races, offshore speed races (offshore), endurance races, freestyle (freestyle) and freeride events. For all these types of events, with

1665-421: The platform was launched in 2005. With the new redesign came new bodywork, electronics, a rear-mounted gas tank, and a standard front-locking diff. The chassis remained largely unchanged. A new high-performance engine platform also debuted in the 650H1. This H1 platform was a direct evolution of the previous Suzuki-manufactured engines with many parts being interchangeable, but was now manufactured by Arctic Cat in

1710-549: The production of Arctic Cat snowmobiles. In 1996, the company changed its name to Arctic Cat. The company has produced many other product lines including snowblowers, generators, mini bikes, personal watercraft , helicopters , and two-wheel drive vehicles. The brand's headquarters has relocated several times, but Arctic Cat continues most of its manufacturing, along with snowmobile engineering, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The company also manufactures engines at

1755-819: The sport is experiencing exceeding levels of fragmentation and conflict due to poor management of the sanctioning bodies and non-constructive competition between organizations. The IJSBA World Finals competition is traditionally held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in early October. The Pro Watercross World Finals are typically held in Naples, Florida, in November. PWCs are small, fast, easily handled, fairly easy to use, and affordable, and their propulsion systems do not have external propellers, making them in some respects safer than small motorboats for swimmers and wildlife. For these reasons, they are used for fishing , one of

1800-604: The stern. They are highly maneuverable and tolerant of shallow water, but need larger engines and use more fuel than the other alternatives. Arctic Cat Arctic Cat is an American brand of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minnesota . The company was formed in 1960 and is now part of Textron Inc. Arctic Cat designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets all-terrain vehicles , snowmobiles and related parts, garments (such as snowmobile suits ), and accessories. Arctic Cat

1845-576: Was a utility model with a large rear-mounted box similar to a pickup truck bed. It was mainly intended for utility and farm use. A high-performance model, the Wildcat, was also launched to meet the new demand for recreational UTVs aimed at high-speed trail riding, which was made popular by the Polaris RZR. In 2015, Arctic Cat launched the Side-By-Side (SXS) Racing Series as a support series to

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1890-479: Was another early innovation. Among the leading builders of 1920s runabouts was John L. Hacker, who founded the Hacker Boat Company in 1908. Hacker was a pioneering naval architect who developed many design innovations, like the 'V-bottom'. His designs became the model upon which virtually all subsequent runabouts were based. Shortly, similar upscale varnished-wood runabouts by Gar Wood and Chris-Craft and were also available, fitted with windshields to protect

1935-407: Was formed by snowmobile pioneer Edgar Hetteen in 1960 after leaving his previous self-started business, Polaris Industries . Arctic Cat grew to become a major manufacturer of snowmobiles, watercraft, winter clothing, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The company's first name was Polar Manufacturing, but it soon changed to Arctic Enterprises. The company made its first snowmobile in 1960. In 1968,

1980-500: Was offered from 1996 to 2004 and featured single-cylinder liquid or air-cooled motors from 250 to 500 cc, all of a common design. This Arctic Cat-designed motor was manufactured by Suzuki and featured a 2V SOHC design with hemispherical combustion chambers. Manual and CVT automatic transmissions were offered. A 650 V2 V-twin engine option borrowed from the Kawasaki Prairie was also offered starting in 2003. A major redesign of

2025-643: Was then introduced as another way to reduce the maintenance, cost and weight of watercraft . Given the cost benefits and personal enjoyment of boat building, do-it-yourself ′Kit Boats′ were also introduced using plywood material. In 1955, Chris-Craft created The Plywood Boat Division which marketed both Kit and pre-built plywood craft. By 1960, wooden powerboats had become rare since most new vessels used fiberglass or other lightweight materials, including fiber reinforced plastic materials to reduce weight and maximize speed, particularly in racing craft. The art of boatbuilding in wood has been largely lost since it requires

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