By Robert Boop

​Navigation is an important component of boating. 
    It comes into play long before hitting the water, however. Finding your way through the challenges of buying a boat or Jet Ski also can be intimidating.
 
    Even for first-timers, buying a boat or PWC is not as tricky as it might seem. The steps are almost exactly like those needed when buying a car, something almost every American adult has done.
 
    Step 1: Wants and needs
 
    A boat purchase is often a long-term commitment, so it's important to get started the right way - by figuring out what kind of Jet Ski you're going to buy by balancing your wants and needs.
 
    Think about how you will use the PWC, Jet Ski or Boat.
 
    Will it be primarily for weekend family fun on big lakes? If so, a traditional 3-seater runabout - the family sedan of Jet Ski’s - maybe the best choice. They are versatile, and many models are available at various price points.
 
    If you are looking for something for cruising with a lot of people, a deck boat might be the best option. Deck boats basically combine the sleek hull of a runabout with the large, open deck design of a pontoon boat. They are also pretty nice fishing platforms. Sounds somewhat like a minivan, doesn't it?
 
    If you need lots of room but do not care much for speed, a pontoon boat may be the way to go.
 
    Big cabin cruisers are the RVs of the water, getting you from point A to point B, and giving you a place to stay when you get there.
 
    Looking to go fast or turn heads? Sleek speedboats with massive engines are the Chevy Corvettes of the lake. Unlike a Vette, they might have room for more than two, but not much more room.
 
    If you need speed but do not want size, a 2 seater personal watercraft might be the ticket.
 
    If your want a more thrilling ride that is a little technical you might want to try a stand up Jet Ski.
 
    Step 2: The budget
 
    Once you decide on the type of Jet Ski or boat you want and/or need, it is time to decide how much to spend.
 
    The first consideration is the price of the boat or Ski itself. Like cars, two boats of similar size, shape and even engine power can be separated in cost by thousands - or even tens of thousands - of dollars.
 
    You do not have to spend much to get reasonably reliable on-water transportation, or you can spend a ton to get the ultimate in luxury and performance.
 
    Lenders are willing to finance boats for long terms - up to and even beyond 15 years in some cases - so monthly payments can be relatively low.
 
    However, other costs must be considered. Insurance and registration are annual costs. Storing a boat at a marina is another, sometimes significant, expense. Regular maintenance costs, as well as unexpected repairs, must be considered. Do not forget about accessories, such as electronic equipment, a trolling motor, and even an anchor.
 
    Finally, make sure your vehicle is capable of towing your boat or Jet Ski’s.
 
    Step 3: Research
 
    Today a car buyer can find out anything about any car, thanks in large part to the Internet. The Internet is also a great way to research boats and Jet Ski’s.
 
    All boat, PWC and engine makers have their own Web sites, although some are better than others. Many sites allow shoppers to "build" their own boat, down to color schemes and accessories.
 
    Internet-savvy car shoppers have one advantage over boat shoppers. Boat prices can be harder to find. Although a few manufacturers offer set, no-haggle prices on boat packages, many don't publish prices. To find out what a specific boat is going for, shoppers can skim Internet message boards.
 
    Step 4:
 
   Sealing the deal
 
    Once you find a boat or Jet Ski you want and can afford, it is time to close the deal.
 
    Haggling about the price is usually part of the process. Because haggling is time-consuming, and time is precious during a boat show, many dealers try to avoid the step by offering boats and Personal Watercraft at special "boat show prices" from the start. They might not be willing to cut any more bucks off the bottom line, but it doesn't hurt to ask, "Is that the best you can do?" at least once.
 
    Once the price is set, be prepared to shell out a nominal amount of cash as a deposit.
 
    Obviously, there is no way to take a boat or Jet Ski for a test ride at the Civic Center. Still, be sure your deal is contingent on an on-water test drive at a later date. Dealers are generally more than happy to agree. If you hate the boat, you will be able to choose another from that dealer.

The best place to start is your local dealer. They should have contacts for the Jet Ski clubs or boating club in your area. If not, try searching the internet under "PWC Clubs" or " Boating Clubs".

Although Boating/Jet Ski club memberships dues very greatly, the ones we talked to had dues ranging from $10-$60 per year. Most Jet Ski/Boating clubs offer discount rates for families. 

Most Boating/Jet Ski clubs agree that even though meetings are important, they are not mandatory. It is recommended that you attend as often as possible, to stay informed of upcoming events. 

Lifewater Engineering to introduce a new line of jet boats that will fundamentally change the way people boat.
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Their innovative, fabricated, plastic hulls set the DragonFly 4.0 apart from all other boats on the market. It is a smooth riding, durable boat that handles like a personal watercraft, yet can carry two men and a moose.
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They say “It slides right off the trailer because of the low coefficient of friction. “When you hit something in the river, it will bounce off of it instead of denting your boat.”

Jet boat Powered by a 190+ horsepower supercharged four-stroke engine, the DragonFly 4.0 will reach speeds over 45mph in the blink of an eye.  It will take you to your favorite fishing or hunting spot with a smile on your face. 


Specifications:
Length:                4m (13ft)
Beam:                  1.63m (5.33ft)
Engine:                Rotax or Yamaha
Deadrise:             10 degrees
Hull material:      Thermoplastic

​For more infor go to lifewaterengineering.com

MANSORY Design & Holding GmbH, the recognised specialists in luxury car modification, present a maritime jet racer for the demanding water sports enthusiast, in the Black Marlin jet ski custom, based on the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 RS.
During the refinement process, MANSORY were able to fall back on their experience of the material carbon fibre, accumulated over decades. Use of this extremely strong, ultra-light material has saved up to 10 kilogrammes in weight - and at the same time, the MANSORY designers have given the jet ski a significantly more dynamic, aggressive design.
The carbon-made structures, combined with the precise, hand-crafted modified seat made of special, seawater resistant artificial leather, make the Black Marlin a luxurious eye-catcher. A powerful engine conversion up to 550 hp is in the final testing stage.

Mansory.com

LOOK Marketing was honored by the Marine Marketers of America with two Neptune Awards for Best Video and Best Social Media of 2015 in the $50 billion marine industry.
The Neptune Awards were presented to LOOK in front of the elite of the marine industry at the NMMA Industry Breakfast to begin the Miami International Boat Show. These are the second and third Neptune Awards won by LOOK marketing for their work with the Sea-Doo brand.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced Friday that Yoshitaka “Yoshi” Tamura will succeed Masafumi “Masa” Nakagawa as president of the company, effective April 1.  Nakagawa has been with KMC’s parent company for 39 years and will retire after recently reaching the company’s retirement age.

Tamura returns to KMC after serving in many roles for Kawasaki, including as Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe and most recently as Associate Officer, KD Office in the Marketing and Sales division of Kawasaki’s Motorcycle and Engine Company, where he worked with Kawasaki subsidiaries around the globe. Mr. Tamura will lead KMC in celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary in North America, as well as spearheading the company’s move to its new headquarters later this year.
“Yoshi brings a wealth of experience in the powersports industry to his new position. I am confident he will continue to lead KMC to greater heights as it celebrates its golden anniversary,” said Nakagawa.