Sales of personal watercraft (PWC) hit an all-time high in the year 1995, with 200,000 units sold. The numbers have tapered off a bit, with only 79,500 PWC sold in 2004. Even though the numbers are down for new units sold, it's estimated that 20 million Americans ride PWC each year.

The Kawasaki Jet Ski was made available to the public in 1973. When first introduced, they were only available in a standup model. A lot of people found them hard to maneuver, so initially they didn't attract a large following.

In contrast the Sea-Doo, which was introduced by a Canadian company called Bombardier in 1968, was a sit-down PWC. The very first models were equipped with 320 cc engines that were capable of going 35 miles per hour. It took a few years for the concept of a personal-sized boat to catch on, but the Sea-Doo went on to become one of the largest-selling watercraft in the world.

Although a set of water skis were the first PWC, the most popular type are the multi-passenger watercraft. Yamaha WaveRunner is a good example of a PWC designed for use by more than one person. In fact, the 2005 WaveRunner was named the Watercraft of the Year by WaterCraft World Magazine.

The new VX110 WaveRunner Series features a new four-stroke engine which has lower emissions and reduced noise levels, and unless you buy a used watercraft, a smaller price tag than competing models. Plus, the VX110 is available in a VX deluxe model which is the first fully loaded three-passenger PWC in its class. The VX110 is perfect for families who want to have fun on the water but is also powerful enough to pull a water skier.