Buying A PWC: Questions To Ask Yourself
Deciding to get a personal watercraft (PWC) is exciting. You'll be adding newfound adventure, exploration, and thrills into your life. But before you can enjoy conquering the open waters, you'll need to pick a PWC. It can be hard narrowing your options, so we've gathered up key questions to ask yourself while you research models. If you want more tips or want to explore PWC for sale, head over to Loewer Powersports & Equipment. Our dealership is based in Alexandria, Louisiana—but we also proudly serve those throughout Rapides Parish and Lafayette.
1. What Is My PWC Experience Level?
A great place to start is reflecting on your experience handling PWC. Beginners will be exploring a different model selection than advanced riders. If this is your first PWC, focus on models with lower power potential and easy handling features. You want to be sure that you can easily control the machine! More advanced riders can seek out models with a narrow frame that offer speed and agility to suit experienced adrenaline junkies.
2. What Power Potential Do I Want?
Next, think about your ideal horsepower capacity. PWC models tend to offer between 60 horsepower and 300 horsepower. The higher the horsepower, the more passengers a machine can handle and the better suited it is for watersports. But models that offer 160 horsepower or more tend to be "supercharged". Superchargers need to be rebuilt after about 100 hours of use, their engines don't last as long due to the extra torque, and they are less fuel-efficient.
3. What Features Do You Want?
PWC can come with an impressive range of features to make your time on the water safer, more enjoyable, and more comfortable. Think about the type of riding you will do and the type of features that best suit your lifestyle.
Common PWC features include:
- a swimming platform so you can lay in the sunshine and lounge about with the PWC engine off
- a charging bay to ensure your phone stays charged up, allowing you to take pictures or listen to music without worrying about a dead phone battery
- grab handles for your passenger to hold onto, which makes flagging for watersports users much easier
- waterproof storage to keep your electronics and valuables protected
- a Bluetooth®-enabled sound system so you can play your favorite music
These are a few of the many PWC features available. The more features you get, the more the PWC will cost. But more features can really improve your adventures!
4. What Is My Budget?
It's wise to set a PWC budget. This accomplishes two goals. First, you avoid falling in love with a model beyond your price point. Once you have a budget limit, you eliminate models outside that range before you even start your search. Second, you avoid necessarily passing on features or capabilities that you can afford. When you know how much you can spend, you'll be able to get the highest quality model that fits within your budget.
5. What Do Others Say About The PWC?
Once you find a model or two that you are considering, do some research. See if you can find product reviews from current owners. Are they happy they picked the given model? Do they continually run into issues? Learn what you can about the PWC, which can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Ready to explore PWC for sale? Head over to Loewer Powersports & Equipment to see a range of models. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, so stop by and visit our dealership today. Though we’re based in Alexandria, we proudly serve the rest of Rapides Parish as well as Lafayette, LA.
