Jet Ski is the brand name of a personal water craft (PWC) manufactured by Kawasaki, a Japanese company. The term is often used generically to refer to any type of personal watercraft used mainly for recreation, and it is also used as a verb to describe the use any type of PWC.
A runabout style PWC typically carry 1-3 people seated in a configuration like a typical bicycle or motorcycle.
Video Jet Ski
Kawasaki Jet Ski
"Jet Ski" is a proper noun and registered trademark of Kawasaki. The stand-up Kawasaki Jet Ski was the "first commercially successful" personal watercraft in America, having been released in 1972 (after reaching a license agreement with the inventor of the Sea-doo, Clayton Jacobson II when his license agreement with Bombardier expired). The Kawasaki Jet Ski was the only commercial successful PWC for almost 16 years, from the introduction of the WSAA in October 1972 through the re-introduction of the sit-down, runabout style Bombardier Sea-Doo in 1988.
With the introduction of the Jet Ski, Kawasaki in cooperation with aftermarket companies and enthusiasts helped in creating the United States Jet Ski Boating Association (USJSBA). In 1982 the name was changed to the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA). At the start only JS440 stand-ups were raced. After Kawasaki introduced the runabout style X2 in 1986 it gained its own class, later to be renamed the "Sport Class".
Maps Jet Ski
Stand-up model history
1972-1976
Kawasaki introduces the first production stand-up PWC in October 1972. It becomes an instant success establishing the PWC industry. The WSAA and follow-on WSAB were powered by modified 400cc 2-stroke twin cylinder engines. The WSAA was designed with a flat hull and the WSAB came with a concave design. The design concepts distinctive of these original craft were a fully enclosed impeller for safety and self-righting, self circling features. Without a lanyard the self circling allowed the rider to swim back to the idling craft after falling off. Kawasaki called them by "Water Jet" and "Power Skis" before they settled on the name Jet Ski.
1976-1982
The 1976 JS400 was popular among thrill seeking recreational riders and racers. The 1977 JS440 offered more power and performance. It was one of Kawasaki's longest selling models. In 1982, Kawasaki responded to market demand for more performance with the JS550. The 550 featured a newly designed high capacity mixed flow pump driven by more powerful 531cc engine. The 550 introduced an automatic rev limiter to prevent engine damage when the pump cavitates.
1982-1986
Kawasaki continued to improve the JS550 well into the 1990s. In 1986 the JS440 was replaced in the line-up by the JS300, a single cylinder 294cc two-stroke engine featuring automatic fuel /oil mixing.
1987-1992
Kawasaki introduces the completely redesigned JS650-A. It featured an even higher capacity axial flow pump and a powerful 635cc two-stroke twin engine in a modified V-hull design for increased maneuverability and stability.
In 1992 They upped the ante again, introducing a stand-up JS750-A. The engine was a twin cylinder 743cc two-stroke with reed valves and automatic oil injection. The redesigned hull was even lighter weight and more maneuverable. The 750 introduced underwater exhaust for quieter operation to the stand-up kawasaki.
1995
The JS750-B is the first stand-up JetSki with dual carbs.
1998
Kawasaki releases a commemorative edition JS550-C. The high performance JS750-C is released featuring a lower center of gravity due to its hand-laminated fiberglass hull.
2003
Kawasaki introduces the JS800-A a 781cc two-stroke stand-up.
2011
Due to EPA restrictions, Kawasaki releases their final two-stroke stand-up, the JS800 SX-R to recognize the 37-year history of the stand-up JetSki.
2017
In 2017 Kawasaki attempts to reintroduce the stand-up JetSki. The 8 ft. 9 in. 550+ lb. SXR shares little with its predecessors. Powered by a 160HP 4-cylinder four-stroke engine is described by one author as "on steroids" and having "lost some of the playfulness of early standup models".
References
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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