You bought a personal watercraft and you love it. You have perfected your riding style and now you're ready to take it to the next level. When getting into the upgrade game, it's best to take things one at a time. If you change more than one thing at once, it may be hard to tell what changes you like - or dislike.
With years of testing and ski tuning under our belt, we recommend that you start with pwc handling parts before moving into horsepower upgrades. Jet Ski Handling parts -- or handling components - are the bolt on modifications that can make your watercraft handle better. New handling components can make your ski turn faster, or be more stable at high speeds. This lets you go faster without hitting the eject button.
1. A WATERCRAFT HELMET
One of the easiest jet ski parts to upgrade is the ride plate. This part goes underneath the watercraft, and bolts on just below the jet pump. A good pwc ride plate will help keep you planted through a turn, giving you better traction and letting you go faster. If you ever feel like you are "spinning out," a better ride plate can help fix that.
2. RIDING GOGGLES
You may have been riding without them before, but when you’re racing alongside other riders – goggles are a must. They will make it easier for you to see when you’re hunting for the next pass through the crazy spray of the rider in front of you. Goggles aren’t required, but you’re going to want them.
In case of a mid-race ejection, I recommend zip-tying a keychain floaty to the back of your goggles – this will keep them floating for you to recover them.
The intake, or scoop grate, helps "scoop" water into the Jet pump. The better the scooping action, the better hook up and performance. The Hook up helps keep a ski from hopping out of the water which ultimately gives the rider more control of the ski. A good pwc intake grate will help you stay stable at high speeds and go faster and that's all we can really ask for in the water, right? Just make sure you get the right size and fitting for our ski, as with most PWC parts, you have to make sure you get the right fitting for the best results.
3. A LIFE VEST / BACK BRACE
A life vest is required to race – so buckle up! Your life vest must be U.S. Coast Guard approved in order for you to line up. As for the fit, a good rule of thumb is to strap up, and have a buddy try and pull it over your head. If they can’t – and you’re snug – your vest should be ready to race.
Most wetsuit manufacturers sell slick wetsuit and vest combos in colors of your choice. While wetsuits, shoes and gloves aren’t required, I highly recommend them. A wetsuit will protect your legs from the bumps and bruises that come with racing. Riding boots will protect your feet from rocks, and a pair of riding gloves will help fight blisters and improve steering grip. I myself am a huge fan of Works H20 Designs race boots – I can’t race without them!
A back brace is required for stand-up athletes to race, and is highly recommended for runabout racers. A strap-on back brace from your local motorcycle dealer will do the trick. Make sure that it fits either under your life vest, or can be worn securely over it. You don’t want it falling off mid race.
4. A RACE-READY JET SKI
Now that you’re geared up, make sure that your ski is ready to roll. Most PWC races will offer a “Beginner Open” class – be sure to ask. This class will allow you to race a ski or runabout of any make/model, that way you can get a feel for racing without worrying about what you’re running under the hood.
With that being said, you still have to obey some basic safety rules. Every ski (or runabout) must have a tow loop. A tow loop is in place for the safety marshal to bring your ski off the track if necessary.
A PWC wrist lanyard must be used on the race track in case you come off the ski – the lanyard will disengage from your ignition and kill the engine. I personally recommend a lanyard that will clip to your life vest, wrist lanyards are race legal, but can sometimes get tangled up in your handle bars and be distracting.
You will also need a race number. Your race number can be any number – but it needs to be big enough and bold enough for the race director to see from the tower. I have seen first-time racers use anything from duct tape to car dealer numbers. Just make sure they’re visible!
5. FIND A RACE
If you're willing to get a little sticky, upgrading from stock mats to high-traction mats is a simple way to take your riding up a notch. Stock mats on skis are not typically made for long term wear, or for racing. If you want something sturdy and with more grip, check out Hydro Turf's line of mat kits. With a little bit of glue, you can give yourself a two-for-one deal and make your ski look cooler and ride better.
