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Information presented in this site does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of USPS or the Personal Watercraft Industry Association or their members.

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Welcome to PWC Conflict Resolution!

This site provides information about effective programs regarding the use of public waters, including issues relating to Personal Watercraft (PWC).

Whether you are a public official, property owner, boater, member of the news media, or just cruising by, we hope Personal Watercraft Conflict Resolution is a helpful information resource.

SPRING CLEANING
GETTING YOUR PWC RIDE-READY
A properly maintained personal watercraft will perform better, last longer, and save in unnecessary repair costs.

EXTERNAL INSPECTION
Do a simple walk-around your PWC to spot obvious craft external integrity problems, – always do this check with the engine OFF!

Jet-pump assembly
Check the rear of the craft for a bent or broken steering cable to ensure that your steering mechanism will function properly. Examine the steering nozzle for any loose bolts or broken attachments. Examine the pump vanes and impeller directly inside the steering nozzle, using a penlight if necessary, and look for any chipped, bent or broken impeller blades or pump vanes. Check the pump housing to make sure it is clean and free of any debris. Inspect the intake grate for any debris and to make sure it is not loose or broken. Check all around the grate for debris that may have entered into the pump area. Check that the drain plug is in place and secured.

Steering system
Move the handlebars in either direction, full lock to lock, to be certain that there is no obstruction of the steering mechanism. They should turn smoothly in either direction. Test the handlebars to see if you can move them up and down. If the bars are loose, they must be tightened before riding. Examine and test the throttle lever to ensure that the movement is smooth by moving it to the full-throttle position and then releasing the lever to be certain it immediately returns to its idle position. If the lever doesn't respond, check the cable for any kinks, examine the return spring on the carburetor, or try lubricating the cable. Check for any loose bolts, broken pins or clips or a cracked throttle-lever housing.

Lanyard connection
Check your lanyard to see if the wristband or clip is worn or broken – if there is any damage, replace it. Test the lanyard by starting the PWC and pulling the lanyard to make sure it is working properly. Make sure the lanyard fits firmly on the switch to prevent it from accidentally falling off while riding. Always take an extra lanyard along when riding.

Fire extinguisher
You must have a working fire extinguisher on board any motorized craft. Inspect the condition of the cap on your fire extinguisher compartment to make sure it isn't cracked or torn and make sure that it fits securely, while still being easily removable. Check to make sure they are "charged". Most fire extinguishers have a gauge that will show whether the charge is full or empty. The needle should always point in the full range. If it doesn't, it is time to re-charge the extinguisher.

Choke knob and fuel petcock
Open and close the choke to make sure that it is working properly and is not locked or malfunctioning. Check to make sure that it moves freely from the on, off and reserve positions.

INTERNAL INSPECTION
Once you've finished doing the exterior walk-around, the next examination will be an internal inspection.

Fuel lines and cooling hoses
Make sure that each end of every fuel line and cooling hose is properly connected with a clamp or zip tie.
Check for kinks or cracks in any of the hoses and for brittleness.
Replace any hoses that show any of these signs.
If a hose is rubbing on the exhaust system or any other engine component, reroute it to prevent damage to the line.

Battery
Check the battery for loose or corroded connections, and that it has the proper level of battery acid. Carefully add distilled water if necessary to reach the proper level. Check the vent hose, if there is one, to make sure that it is not kinked. Check that the battery straps are in good condition and hold the battery securely in place.

Throttle and choke cable
These cables are attached to the carburetor and are subject to high engine vibration, and should be tightly secured.

Fuel tank and oil reservoir
Be sure you have plenty of oil and a full tank of fuel. Check both the fuel and oil cap gasket seals for damage. Check that the caps themselves are not cracked. Inspect the fuel tank and oil reservoir for possible damage or leaks.

POST RIDE INSPECTION
Proper maintenance after riding is essential to the upkeep of your craft. It is important to be certain that the lanyard is not attached and that the engine is off before performing any inspection or maintenance procedures.

Drain-plug removal
Remove the drain plug and empty any water found in the bilge area. Tilt the craft if necessary to let the excess water drain out. Standing water in the motor compartment can cause corrosion.

Flushing
Whether you ride in fresh or salt water, it is imperative to flush the PWC out with fresh water after each use. Some PWCs have factory-installed flush kits. If yours does not, you may purchase a kit –they work extremely well and have a quick-connect attachment making them very easy to use. To flush the watercraft, attach a garden hose to the flush kit. Keep clear of the pump area and start your engine, then turn the hose on and allow fresh water to run through the entire engine and pump for several minutes. It is very important that the engine is started first before the water is turned on. When you have completed the flushing , shut the water off first before you turn the engine off to prevent any water intrusion into the engine. If the craft was used in salt water, lightly rinse the engine and engine compartment with fresh water. Be sure to cover your flame arrestor with a plastic bag when doing this to prevent water from entering the carburetor.

Lubrication
After rinsing the engine compartment with fresh water, lightly dry it and then spray WD-40 or a similar lubricant on the engine and its components to help prevent corrosion, frozen cables and keep the PWC looking like new.

Spark plugs
Change spark plugs after 25 hours of operation and keeping a spare set on. The kits supplied with most PWC have the tool to change the spark plugs. Know the proper spark-plug gap before installing the new set of plugs.

Proper storage
Leave the engine cowling or seat either opened or off the craft to allow the engine to completely dry and provide ventilation. If your craft is left outside in the sun, keep it covered to prevent fading and deterioration.

If you discover any problems with the watercraft and are unfamiliar with the proper procedure or adjustment, then take the watercraft to your local authorized dealership for service.

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Why does this page exist?

The United States Power Squadrons, in cooperation with Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., created the PWC Conflict Resolution site to act as an information source to aid local authorities and citizens in resolving waterway issues fairly and equitably.