Pwcs Lead The Way
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday November 25, 1995
The fastest-growing sector of the boating market is the personal water craft, writes BOB WONDERS .
ONE aspect of boating which makes it such an interesting subject is that it comprises so many different segments.
Big boats, little boats, power boats, sailboats, skiffs and dinghies, canoes and kayaks, offshore boats and quiet waterboats, fishing boats, jet boats, ocean racers and motor yachts, alloy and fibreglass, all have their supporters.
In Australia, as it is in the United States, the largest selling rig is a 5.36-metre (17ft 6in) half cabin, powered by an outboard and mounted on a trailer. That does not mean, of course, that such a boat is the most desirable craft going around; economies of scale play a major role.
Obviously there are more people able to afford such a boat than there are people, say, in the position to purchase an imposing flybridge cruiser or ocean-going sailboat.
However, it may surprise the traditional boater to learn that by far the fastest-growing form of boating in Australia, again as it is in the US, is the PWC, or personal water craft.
Often incorrectly, referred to as jetskis, the PWC market continues to grow in the proverbial leaps and bounds.
A jetski is the stand-up machine, while a PWC or personal water craft is piloted from the seated position.
The Kawasaki jetski introduced the breed to Australia, and is still actively marketed despite having lost some popularity to the more practical PWC, some of which can seat two, even three people.
In the US, the market for such craft positively boomed over the period 1992 to 1994. For example, in 1992 79,000 units valued at $US400,372,000 ($540 million) were sold; by 1994 this had leapt to 142,000 units with a retail value of $US804,430,000. Six brands dominate the world market; Sea Doo (Canada), Yamaha (Japan), Tiger Shark (US), Kawasaki (Japan), Polaris (Canada) and Mastercraft (US). Prices in Australia range from about $6,000 to $15,000.
Many of the vehicles virtually gain cult status, and an owner needs to have "all the toys" to complement his PWC if he is to be seen as a true aficionado. Helmets, wetsuits, buoyancy jackets, gloves, T-shirts, shorts, ski ropes, customised covers, gaudily-decorated trailers, sweat shirts, haversacks, baseball caps and team jackets, all carrying the various logos, are considered vital accessories to the dedicated owner.
Without exception, PWCs and jetskis are powered by two-stroke engines designed specifically for the use, using jet nozzles.
Horsepower ranges from 68 to 115, speeds from 75 to 100 km/h. Only the real enthusiasts opt for the 115hp models, which, with their power-to weight ratio, really have the pulling power.
Competition has become the lifeblood of PWC life for the enthusiast, and the Australian Personal Water Craft Association, which stages regular competition, now boasts nearly 700 members. Many other clubs have formed, including the Port Stephens, Gosford and North Coast PWC groups, all hosting regular competitive events.
On December 3, at Lake Windermere, near Mudgee, a City versus Country spectacular is being held, together with a PWC show featuring all the latest models and accessories.
If there's a downside to these vehicles, it is the problems brought about by the irresponsible few who want their fun and hang the consequences. PWC riders have been responsible for generating the bulk of complaints to the Waterways Authority, but an education campaign earlier this year appears to have had good effect.
The major complaints stemmed from excessive noise and riders coming too close to swimmers and moored boats.
"One problem," according to a Waterways Authority spokesman Neil Patchett, "is that PWC riders usually congregate in groups."
When three or four machines are operating in the same area, constantly, others nearby to tend to be put out.
"However, our education campaign has brought apparent results and the level of complaints has fallen."
One boat retailer says the very nature of the beast is the heart of any problem with PWCs.
"They're an absolute buzz to ride and, to put it bluntly, lairs and show-offs are attracted to them," he said.
One way to get maximum use out of your PWC is to join one of the clubs or associations. For information, contact Gary London, of Formula Marine, Castle Hill, telephone (02) 634 4193.
© 1995 Sydney Morning Herald
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