What is the difference between a 4 stroke waverunner and a 2 stroke waverunner?

Question

I am planning on going to ocean city this summer and want to know about waverunners. Do I need to take classes before ridding one or a special license? Im completely clueless about this sport, so any help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Guy above me got you on that 2/4 stroke waverunner.  To ride a waverunner, you either need a driver's license or a certificate in your state's boater's safety class (ages 12-15).

Answer 2

As far as renting one, the differences that you'd be concerned with is a 4-stroke doesn't have any visible smoke coming from the exhaust at low speeds, while a 2-stroke will.  A 4-stroke will also give you better fuel consumption than a 2-stroke of similar power. A 4-stroke is noticeably quieter than a 2-stroke, especially at wide open throttle. The other differences won't really matter much if you're just renting them.

Your best bet is to call a couple of rental places in advance and see what their rental policy is.  Where I live on the west coast, you have to be 18 years old to operate a pwc, need a valid driver's license, and take a 10 - 15 minute familiarization course on basic operation ( how to start, steer, reverse, stop,  basic rules of the waterway, etc. )

They're a lot of fun, the most common mistake for first timers is that they're suprised that theres no "brakes" on waverunners and some models can only steer when power  is going through the jet pump. Newbies will sometimes panic, let off the gas and twist the handle bars when something is in front of them only watch in horror as they continue to crash into the dock or whatever. Some safety tips to remember:

1) alcohol and pwc's don't mix well

2) Avoid being behind the jet pump while the pwc is on,  some gruesome accidents have happened from the force of the water coming out of the jet pump.

3) wear a life jacket, sun glasses or goggles will help keep the spray out of your eyes. A shorty wetsuit will help keep you from getting too chilled ( yeah, even in summer )

4) Keep aware of what's behind or around you before you change directions.

Answer 3

A 4 stroke W/R has a 4 stroke engine in it and a 2 stroke has a 2 stroke engine. In a 2 stroke, you have to mix gas and oil to fill the tank and has the tendancy to smoke a bit more. You're better off with a 4 stroke.