What happens to the PWC when the throttle is released?

When the throttle on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is released, the primary effect is that it loses its steering ability. This is because a PWC relies on water flowing over its jet propulsion system to maintain control. When you throttle down, the water pressure is reduced, which means there is less steerage available.

In essence, a PWC is designed to turn when it is moving forward with power; when the throttle is released, it can no longer maneuver effectively, especially if it is not in motion. This is critical knowledge for safe operation, as it means that stopping or slowing down can lead to a loss of control, potentially causing issues if there are other vessels or obstacles nearby.

The option stating that it comes to a complete stop immediately is misleading; while the PWC will slow down, it does not stop instantaneously and can still drift due to momentum. Similarly, while a PWC may seem to maintain its course at very low speeds, the lack of throttle means it lacks full steering abilities.