What happens to steering control when the throttle on a PWC is released?

When the throttle on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is released, the craft does not stop immediately or change direction abruptly; instead, it continues to move in the last direction it was going. This behavior is due to the principle of inertia, which states that an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

In the case of a PWC, when you release the throttle, the engine power decreases, but the watercraft still maintains momentum. This means that, although you may be reducing speed, the PWC will continue gliding through the water in the direction it was heading until friction from the water and drag slow it down naturally.

It's important for operators to understand this characteristic of PWC handling, as it emphasizes the necessity of maintaining control and steering while operating the vessel, especially since the watercraft does not have traditional braking systems like those found in cars.