To get the most out of your new personal watercraft (PWC), you’ll want to think beyond the machine. Having all the necessary accessories like safety equipment, a trailer and performance upgrades helps you optimize fun on the water. And a standing service plan helps ensure you don't get grounded by unexpected maintenance.
What is a Personal Watercraft?
First things first: While some people use the terms Jet Ski and WaveRunner interchangeably, they're actually two different brands of vehicles. Just like Kleenex® has become a brand name widely used for all tissues, Jet Ski® WaveRunner® and Sea-Doo® are all brand names for a PWC.
A PWC is a type of watercraft that's propelled by an inboard jet drive engine. One to three riders sit, stand or kneel on it.
PWC Ad-on Compatibility
Accessories like trailers, life jackets and aftermarket speakers often can be used with any PWC brand. That means you can shop without worrying much about the maker of your accessories.
Then there's a middle ground of accessories that are fitted, like covers, decals and graphic kits. With these you can choose a universal option or the branded option designed for your specific PWC. The universal option is usually lower priced. Oftentimes, universal options list the popular PWC models with which they're compatible. Still, the branded option—designed for your specific PWC model—usually offers a better fit.
Finally, there are accessories that are best purchased directly from the manufacturer. Performance upgrades and parts tend to work best when they're made for your specific machine.
PWC service costs
Before you think about the fun stuff, consider the cost of ongoing maintenance for your PWC. Like other watercraft, PWCs need regular oil changes, service and winterization. When you buy from a dealership, you might be offered a service contract. These are sometimes called extended warranties, although that term can be misleading.
A service contract locks you into a dealership for routine maintenance like oil changes, inspection and winterization. The benefit of this is that the price is more predictable and you can include the service contract cost in your Synchrony Secured Installment loan at the time of PWC purchase.* You may even get a discount, which often increases for each additional year that you purchase the service plan.
Want to know whether a service plan is right for you? Consider the costs of these common maintenance tasks:
- Oil change: $200-$500 at least once a year
- Battery change: Roughly $100 every three years
- Winterizing: $600-$700 in a shop or $200 DIY annually
- Ongoing servicing: Roughly $100 a month
Keep in mind that service plans don't cover everything. They won't cover unexpected maintenance and normal wear and tear like battery changes. That's why the term "warranty" can be confusing. However, these contracts can help you plan for the annual cost of an oil change, winterization and inspection. You can expect to pay roughly $400+ per year for a PWC service plan.
PWC accessories
Once you've found the perfect machine and considered the logistics of ongoing maintenance, it's time for the fun part: choosing your accessories. We've divided accessories into three categories: ideal, nice-to-haves and luxury PWC accessories.
Ideal PWC accessories
Like other watercraft, PWCs are required by law to have certain safety equipment. All riders must wear a personal flotation device, and the operator must have a lanyard that cuts the engine if the driver falls off. You also need a fire extinguisher and a whistle or horn. Other safety items may not be legally required, but they can help make your PWC safer. Here are some accessories to consider for your watersport adventures.
| Accessory |
Description |
| Personal flotation devices (PFDs) |
Also known as life jackets, PFDs will help keep you afloat if you come off your PWC. All riders are required by law to wear one. |
| Lanyard |
Runs from the driver's PFD or wrist to a kill switch that turns off the engine if the driver falls off. |
| Fire extinguisher |
PWCs are required to have a B-1 fire extinguisher on board at all times. |
| Sound signaling device |
A simple whistle will do, or you can equip your PWC with a more elaborate horn setup. |
| Anchor |
When you want to jump in for a swim or stop for lunch, an anchor will help keep your PWC secure. |
| Bungee dock line |
A bungee line allows you to secure your PWC to a dock or anchor (no need to carry a heavy rope). |
| Bumpers |
Bumpers help protect your PWC from rubbing against the dock. |
| Trailer |
A trailer lets you tow your PWC to new bodies of water and gives you a safe, secure place to store it during the winter. Synchrony partners with 700+ trailer manufacturers to offer financing that can help you pay over time with convenient monthly payments.* |
| Cover |
A cover helps protect your PWC from debris and is particularly important for winterization. |
| Dry bag |
A dry bag helps keep your registration dry, and can also help protect your phone, wallet and other essentials. |
Nice-to-have PWC accessories
Once you take care of the essentials, it's time to shop for the fun stuff. These accessories can help make your PWC look sharp, improve your days on the water and ensure your passengers have a great time.
| Accessory |
Description |
| Tubing and skiing equipment |
If you have a three-passenger PWC, you can ski, tube or wakeboard behind it once you have the proper accessories. |
| PWC racks |
Racks add storage, which is at a premium on PWCs. With racks, you can store your cooler and fishing equipment and enjoy a full day on the water. |
| Wet suits |
A wet suit will help keep you warm; it's an easy way to lengthen your riding season. |
| Radio |
Many PWCs don't come standard with a radio, so you might need an aftermarket marine radio to enjoy your tunes on the water. |
| Hydration pack |
Using your PWC can be physically taxing, especially on hot days. A hydration pack helps keep drinking water nearby. |
Luxury PWC accessories
Once you have all the standard accessories, it's time to dream big. The luxury accessories you choose will depend on what you want from your PWC, which means cost will vary depending on your preferences.
If you're chasing big waves and extreme stunts, focus on performance upgrades. Depending on whether you're doing the work yourself or having the pros do it, upgrades to make your PWC faster can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. You may also want cutting-edge decals and a GoPro®-style camera to capture your moves.
If you’re looking to protect your investment, you might want a lift that can keep your PWC out of rough water and help avoid damage. Then there's the ultimate PWC accessory: a second PWC so you can ride with your friends.
Financing PWC accessories
When we talk about financing PWC accessories, this could include a wide range of items. When you go to an enrolled powersports dealership and apply for a Synchrony installment loan, don't just consider your PWC. Also think about everything else you need, from accessories to storage to ongoing maintenance plans, also known as service contracts. If you roll the cost of your PWC and related accessories into one loan at the time of PWC purchase, you can make one convenient payment a month.*
And if you’ve already purchased your PWC, consider using the Synchrony Outdoors credit card at enrolled powersports retailers to purchase accessories, parts, services and even fuel.** It acts as one dedicated card for powersports purchases to help you get the accessories you need for your PWC with ease.
Whatever the weather and whatever the gear, the Synchrony Outdoors credit card can help you kickstart your next great escape. Activate your adventure and apply today.
*Offer subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.
**Subject to credit approval. See Synchrony Outdoors | Synchrony for details.
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