Tips for Launching a PWC

For those who want to feel like they’re flying through the water and experience thrilling twists and turns in the process, you should look into a personal watercraft or PWC. These skillful machines allow you to plow through the water while kicking up waves in your wake and spraying cool water on your face on a hot, sunny afternoon. It doesn’t get much more fun than this!

If you’re new to the world of PWC, America’s Motor Sports Madison is here to help. We’ve got quite a bit of knowledge to share, so let’s get to it. If you want to browse some of our PWC options, stop by one of our locations in Madison, Tennessee near Nashville, Dickson, Hendersonville, Lebanon, and Springfield. We also proudly serve Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Practice Makes Perfect

We hear it all the time, especially when learning new sports or other skills: practice makes perfect! This statement rings true when it comes to launching a PWC, too. You should consider taking your trailer and car combo to an empty parking lot to practice reversing and using parking lanes as a mock ramp. You can put down a cone or something similar to mark the point where you should stop your vehicle, which should be right at the water’s edge with the trailer somewhat submerged. Take time to practice our technique until you feel confident in your reserving skills.

Come Prepared

Once you feel ready and you’re at the water, park out of the way and prepare all your gear on your PWC. You should get your lifejacket on, apply sunscreen, put on your sunglasses, and stow any important items in your waterproof compartment for safekeeping. Next, you’ll want to clip the starter lanyard into position and insert the drain plug. Try to get as much done as you can prior to reversing toward the ramp so that you won’t need much time at all to be water-ready. Depending on the area where you’re launching, there’s probably a queue of people waiting. Be considerate and don’t waste time if you can avoid it.

Release your PWC

You’ll need to remove the winch straps and safety chain that are securing the PWC to your trailer. Start the engine and turn it over to ensure it won’t have any issues on the ramp. Join the queue and wait your turn. When it’s time, reverse the trailer into the water until the PWC begins to float, which is usually once the fender is in the water. Park, get out of the car and pull it by hand or rope into deeper waters away from your trailer. You can tie a rope to your PWC and latch it to the dock if you’re alone. Now that your PWC is in the water, go back to the trailer and tow vehicle to drive them off the ramp into the parking lot. You can also let a friend do this.

Pull Away

When your PWC is deep enough in the water and your vehicle is out of the way, clear out from the ramp and head toward open water so you can give others space to launch. Be sure that the water is at least 3’ deep prior to starting up your PWC or else you run the risk of sucking sand and debris into the impeller. Thanks to your prep work, you should be able to start riding as soon as you hit the water. Go enjoy those waves!

You’re officially ready to launch a PWC! If you’re interested in checking out some of our models or you need some more tips, visit America’ Motor Sports Madison in Madison, Tennessee near Nashville, Dickson, Hendersonville, Lebanon, and Springfield. We also proudly serve Bowling Green, Kentucky.