What happens to the PWC when the throttle is released?

What happens to the PWC when the throttle is released?

• A. It accelerates forward
• B. It loses its steering ability
• C. It comes to an immediate stop
• D. It drifts to the left

Answer: (B)

When the throttle on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is released, it loses its steering ability because the steering control of a PWC is directly related to engine power. Unlike boats with traditional rudders, PWCs rely on water being forced out of the jet drive to steer. When the throttle is engaged, water is expelled at a high velocity, allowing the operator to control the direction effectively. Once the throttle is released, the flow of water decreases significantly, which diminishes the steering response. As a result, the PWC may continue moving forward but can become difficult to control, leading to a scenario where the operator may not be able to steer properly until the throttle is reapplied or until it slows down sufficiently.

When the throttle on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is released, it loses its steering ability because the steering control of a PWC is directly related to engine power. Unlike boats with traditional rudders, PWCs rely on water being forced out of the jet drive to steer. When the throttle is engaged, water is expelled at a high velocity, allowing the operator to control the direction effectively. Once the throttle is released, the flow of water decreases significantly, which diminishes the steering response. As a result, the PWC may continue moving forward but can become difficult to control, leading to a scenario where the operator may not be able to steer properly until the throttle is reapplied or until it slows down sufficiently.