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The History of Personal Watercraft

Aug. 1 2024 Buying a PWC By Moritz Sport and Marine

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Personal watercraft, commonly known as PWCs, have a relatively short but interesting history. The concept of a small, motorized watercraft that could be operated by an individual first emerged in the 1960s. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the first commercially successful PWC was introduced to the market. Read on to learn more about the fascinating history of this popular watercraft!

Initial Creation

In the 1970s, Clayton Jacobson II, a Norwegian-American inventor, developed the first commercially successful prototype for a personal watercraft. This watercraft was powered by a jet-propulsion system, but it was somewhat clunky. After an attempted release of a yellow model by Sea-Doo®, it was withdrawn from the market.

New Developments

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, marine manufacturers such as Kawasaki®, Yamaha®, and Sea-Doo® entered the PWC market, introducing their own models with improved performance and features. These advancements included more powerful engines, better handling, and increased safety features.

As PWC became more popular, they also faced criticism for their noise levels, environmental impact, and safety concerns. In response, manufacturers began developing quieter, more fuel-efficient engines and implementing safety features such as lanyards and training programs for riders.

PWC Today

Today, personal watercraft are a popular recreational craft enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. They are used for a variety of activities such as racing, cruising, and watersports. Modern PWCs come equipped with advanced features such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth™ connectivity, and intelligent braking systems. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how PWC evolve in the future. 

Ready to check out personal watercraft near you? Stop by our PWC dealership in Mandan, ND, to check out our full stock of new and used PWC for sale. Moritz Sport & Marine is proud to serve our North Dakota customers in the cities of Bismarck and Dickinson as your local PWC dealer.