What's in a number? Maybe less than you think. The number on the hull of a PWC, or the cowl of an outboard, never says "horsepower" because it's just a label, not an indicator of real power output.

What's in a number? Maybe less than you think. The number on the hull of a PWC, or the cowl of an outboard, never says "horsepower" because it's just a label, not an indicator of real power output.



The United States Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety has recognized Bombardier Recreational Products with its Boating Safety Award, according to a press release from the agency. The award was given to BRP for its commitment to improving boating safety through the introduction of an unprecedented electronically controlled hand-braking system on two of its most popular and biggest selling 2009 Sea-Doo personal watercraft.

This intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR trademarked) braking innovation adds tremendously to the safety provided by the off-throttle and off-power steering systems that have been introduced to the personal watercraft arena. It allows the operator to stop the personal watercraft within a remarkably shorter distance and maintain much better control of the vessel.

According to the release, Coast Guard officials are optimistic that this innovative braking system will decrease the number of personal watercraft accidents.

"The braking capability of this new design is not just an evolutionary improvement but a revolutionary improvement to the safety of these vessels," said Capt. Mark Rizzo, chief of the Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. "Although this new braking system should help prevent some accidents, the Coast Guard continues its efforts to educate PWC riders to keep a safe distance from other vessels."

For more information visit www.USCGboating.org.