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How to Launch Your Personal Watercraft

Aug. 17 2022 Ownership Tips By Cowboy Powersports

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Personal watercraft, otherwise known as PWC, are so much fun for riders of all ages and experience levels. Fast and easy to operate, PWC have become increasingly popular since the 1980s. However, it does take some time to learn how to ride these speedy crafts, and one place where riders often struggle is at the launching phase. Here are the steps to take to safely launch your personal watercraft so you can focus on the fun part.

Arrive Prepared

Before you reach the boat launch, you’ll want to pull over to ready yourself and your PWC for launching. Remove the cover, attach a tow rope to your PWC, insert the drain plug, and fill the waterproof compartments with the gear you need. Loosen up winch straps and safety chains to allow your PWC to float easily in the water. Now you can get back in your car and line up at the launch.

You may also want to take this time to put on your life jacket and apply sunscreen so that you’re all ready to go.

Release Your PWC

Once it’s your turn, you can reverse your personal watercraft trailer into the water via the ramp. Park your vehicle right at the edge of the water once the trailer is partially submerged so you can get out and tug the PWC off using the tow rope. If you’ve got a friend to drive and park your truck, you can get on the PWC now, but if you’re alone, simply tie the rope to the dock to keep the PWC in place and out of the way for others while you go park.

Depart the Dock

Push your PWC into water that is at least three feet deep before you climb on it and start it. You don’t want to start the craft in shallow water as you may end up with sand or rocks in the intake. Pull away from the launching area slowly and pick up speed as you enter open water. After a few minutes of slower riding, you can speed up and have fun!

Ready to shop for a personal watercraft? Stop by our dealership in Beaumont, TX, today to see our full stock of new and used PWC for sale. We can even provide you with PWC financing assistance. Cowboy Powersports is proud to serve our customers in Lake Charles and Pasadena, TX.