It was a fling with a personal watercraft that first made Daryl Johnson fall in love with boating two decades ago. "I'd gotten myself a Sea-Doo, but I found that the fun ended as soon as the sun went down," he said. "So then I bought a mother ship to go with it."

And the romance hasn't fizzled. These days Johnson has a Sea Ray 52 Sedan Bridge. But he still doesn't go anywhere without his Sea-Doo, a new GTI, which he launches and retrieves with the help of a MarQuipt davit.

"I stuck with the personal watercraft because I wanted something more exciting than a traditional tender," he said. "It's also more slender than an inflatable, so it fits well on the swim platform."

Walk through almost any marina and it's clear that Johnson isn't the only one using a personal watercraft, or PWC, to augment or even replace the standard inflatable tender. Though they may not be for everybody, there's no denying that these water-bikes are an increasingly common accessory on boats 38 feet and larger.

Traditionalists may snort, but there are many advantages to a powerful, shoal-draft runabout that operates without a propeller. A PWC can make it convenient to hop ashore or to another boat. It can make is possible to explore shallow water. It can open up a large world of water sports, and allow the captain of a slower boat to blow back his hair once in a while.

Of course, adding a PWC does take planning. There are scores of models out there, all with varying capabilities. There are also many different systems to store and launch these craft, from cradles on the swim platform to cranes up on deck. Anyone interested is in for several weeks of shopping, intense preparation and more than a little expense. What follows are some thoughts to help sort it all out.

TENDER ALTERNATIVE

First things first: A personal watercraft is not a tender in the truest sense. While they excel at white-knuckle thrills, these hot rods can carry only two or three people at once – fewer than even the smallest "rubber boat" – and they're not exactly known for dry rides. Most PWC cannot truck groceries and equipment like a tender, nor are they surrounded by the forgiving inflatable tubes that take the worry out of bumping into yachts and docks.

They should also never be used to replace safety equipment such as a life boat or canister raft on any cruiser, particularly those headed for coastal or offshore passages. In an emergency situation, a personal watercraft should not be your designated ride home.

On the other hand, short of a water-jet-powered rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which can cost twice as much, few vessels are more versatile. The absence of an exposed prop makes PWC safer around swimmers and in shallow areas. They're ultra-maneuverable and easy to drive. Plus they can tow wake boarders and water toys. The brawnier models can serve double duty as a miniature tugboat if the need arises.

Most watercraft fall into one of three categories: muscle, deluxe/touring or general recreation. Models in the first group sport arm-straightening speed, though maybe not the best handling. The second group is designed for comfort and luxury (relatively speaking) and can include digital instrumentation, adjustable steering and boarding ladders. Vessels in the final group generally cost less, but offer less power and fewer accessories. (See table for a comparison of four different models).

CHOOSING A WATERCRAFT

Under the hood, all of these boats are conceptually similar. A PWC uses an impeller to move a large amount of water from underneath the craft through a steering nozzle at the stern. The jet pump and impeller are run by either a two- or four-stroke gas engine and controlled by a finger throttle. Handlebars connected to a steering cable move the steering nozzle, which changes the direction of the water stream.

All that power and technology does not come cheap. Boaters buying new gear and having it professionally installed can expect to spend from $7,000 to $12,000 on the watercraft itself, plus another $6,000 to $20,000 on a mounting system. And that's without any installation costs.

As with all boats, what PWC you should buy depends on how you intend to use it. If you plan to use it primarily as a water sports towboat, for instance, you should look at models like the Sea-Doo Wake ($10,699), which has a tow pylon, removable wakeboard racks and rearview mirrors. A budget conscious approach might be Yamaha's VX ($7,399), the industry's cheapest four-stroke watercraft.

It stands to reason that larger engines produce more horsepower and speed. But the hull design also has a big influence on performance. Short, narrow hulls are quick and reactive. Wider, longer designs are more stable and deflect spray better, but have reduced maneuverability. Before signing on the dotted line, it's always smart to test drive the PWC to make sure it's what you want. Though most dealers don't do one-off sea trials, they do sometimes offer demo weekends where you can try out a variety of models. Call your local dealership to ask when these might be scheduled.

Buying used and doing the work yourself can cut costs, but this is a job for skilled experts only – and it will still classify as a major expenditure for most boaters. "The number one thing to check on a used watercraft is the jet drive," said John Hollis, product service technician with Kawasaki Motors Corp. "Look up inside the pump through the bottom grate and visually inspect the impeller and the casing."

A worn impeller can cost between $200 and $300 to replace; a damaged pump casing can run $500 to $600 to grind smooth if there are nicks, scrapes or rough edges from objects being sucked inside and bounced around. In general a clean, well-cared-for craft is a good indication that the owner was responsible and dutiful about servicing. Corrosion should throw up a red flag.

It's imperative that a buyer test drive a used PWC before purchase, because many problems will only be seen once the vessel is in the water under load. Gauge the watercraft for any abnormal vibration or engine noise, and make sure it performs at an acceptable level to suit your needs. The biggest mistake a buyer can make is to buy a used craft because it appears to run well when started up on a trailer.

Remember that personal watercraft, like inflatables or any other boat, also tend to need accessories (only premium models come with anything beyond the structural and mechanical equipment). Simple items might include dock lines, fenders, a cover, a lock and cable, or an anchor with rode. On the high end, owners may find themselves looking at a GPS, electronic security system, and other gizmos and toys.

STORING AND LAUNCHING

Owners who plan to take their personal watercraft with them aboard a larger boat need to keep in mind two other important factors before making a purchase: fuel economy and weight.

How much gas the watercraft guzzles determines how long you can ride, of course, as well as how much fuel you must bring to refill it. Luckily, most of today's new models boast miserly four-stroke power plants, which average about 50 percent better fuel economy than their two-stroke counterparts. A typical four-stroke PWC holds from 15 to 20 gallons and can run 80 to 90 miles at cruise speed under optimal conditions.

Weight is a more substantial factor. A 10-foot PWC can tip the scales at 900 pounds, whereas a RIB of the same size may weight only 300 pounds. That's a big difference, one that necessitates adding significant equipment for hauling and stowing.

"By the time you figure in all the hardware, you may be adding twice the weight of the watercraft to your boat," said Rick Thomas, vice president of sales for Nautical Structures. "You have to ensure that the infrastructure and reinforcement is adequate. But I've never seen a significant problem with a properly engineered system."

Many personal watercraft can be towed just like an inflatable. However, just like an inflatable, towing is generally not a long-term solution for storage. When not in use, small boats should come out of the water to avoid wear.

Unless you own a yacht with a tender garage – and most people don't – you'll need a lift or deck crane (davit) to get your PWC safely in and out of the water. These come from either your boat manufacturer, who installs them during the build, or from an after-market vendor, who installs the equipment in-house or sends you to a full-service yard.

Although lift designs differ from vendor to vendor, the basic tenets are the same. Mounted behind the transom, these systems use either hydraulic arms or a moving swim platform to raise and lower the PWC at the push of a button. The watercraft is simply floated on or off the lift, and stored right there with chocks, tie-downs and a boat cover.

The optional hydraulic swim platform/lift system on the Formula 40 Performance Cruiser, for example, costs about $25,000. By contrast, an after-market lift runs from $10,000 to $17,000 – not including installation, which will be an additional 20 to 30 hours in labor.

Deck cranes are just what they sound like: small motorized hoists that use a harness, cable and winch to lift the PWC from the water and deposit it on board. Though they sound like "big boat" accessories, cranes are not uncommon on 40-foot vessels; entry-level models have a capacity of 800 to 1,000 pounds, making them suitable for a personal watercraft.

The factory-installed davit on Johnson's Sea Ray 52 Sedan Bridge cost $27,500. In general, the equipment cost of an after-market davit ranges from $6,600 to $12,000, plus 25 to 35 hours of labor for installation.

In any application, whether lift or deck crane, you must first find the maximum load capacity of the swim platform, foredeck or wherever else you play to store the PWC. The installations may call for fiberglass reinforcement, and the added weight of the hardware and watercraft can affect how the vessel operates.Glen Justice

Always check with your manufacturer before making any modifications, to see what the impact on performance may be. It's also a good idea to talk with another owner who has completed a similar installation. The list of do's and don'ts might save a great deal of frustration – and perhaps some money too.

"The best advice I can tell anyone is to contact the yacht builder directly. Just ask them straight up what they suggest for your particular model," said Thomas. "Chances are they've been asked before, and every reputable builder will have a naval architect that can answer questions and give guidance. You may need to re-pitch the props or re-vamp the running gear."

MAINTENANCE

Also remember that, like any other new piece of equipment on your boat, a PWC is one more thing to take care of. Manufacturers suggest an initial service with your dealer after 10 hours of use, at which time they will perform the first oil change. After this most builders recommend an oil change and check-up every 50 hours. They also recommend their dealers do the dirty work.

"Whereas four-stroke outboards have a lot of shared components and can be worked on by almost any qualified person, there are not a lot of similarities between PWC engines," said Hollis. "There are turbochargers, superchargers and entirely different nuances and configurations between models. Typically it's only the dealer or manufacturer that has the right diagnostic equipment, tools and parts."

Each time before heading out on the water, you should make it a habit to inspect your PWC internally and externally. Be sure the throttle and all switches are working properly, that fuel and battery lines are securely fastened, that no fuel is leaking, and that cables and steering are functioning.Glen Justice

Checking for hull damage is crucial because unnoticed cracks can take on water once away from shore. Likewise, make certain the jet nozzle and intake are free of damage and debris before and after you ride.

The work associated with installation and maintenance may seem like a lot. But the efforts are worthwhile to those who own personal watercraft. A typical weekend for Johnson, who lives in Delray Beach, Florida, includes a boatload of friends and family and a three-and-a-half-hour cruise to Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island.

There are watercraft rentals on the beach there, but they're all older models, and they have time limits and other restrictions," he said. "It's really nice to have your own PWC to go where you want, when you want."

Especially in the Bahamas, where the islands are flung out like nautical stepping stones. "We spend a lot on time on the watercraft exploring places that we can't get to by boat, and finding secluded areas where we can run it wide-open," he said. "Riding the Sea-Doo is one of the most popular things for me and my guests to do."

Brad Kovach has spent almost a decade as a marine journalist, holding staff positions at Motor Boating and Caribbean Travel & Life magazines before embarking on a freelance career from his home in Florida earlier this year.