Before the modern jet ski, which was pioneered by Kawasaki in the 1970s, there were several precursors and early designs that contributed to the development of personal watercraft.

Here are some notable predecessors to the jet ski…

• Water Scooter – The Water Scooter, introduced in the 1950s, was one of the earliest attempts at a personal watercraft. It was essentially a small motorized watercraft designed for recreational use on lakes and calm waters.
• Motorized Surfboard – In the 1960s, various motorized surfboards were developed, such as the “Surf-Jet” and the “Jetboard.” These were powered surfboards that allowed riders to maneuver on the water with the aid of a small motor and propeller.
• Ski Bob – The Ski Bob, invented in the 1960s, was a small, lightweight watercraft resembling a motorcycle with a small motor and ski-like runners. It was designed for use on water and was a precursor to the jet ski in terms of recreational use on lakes and calm waters.
• Bombardier Sea-Doo – In 1968, Bombardier (now known as BRP) introduced the Sea-Doo, which was an early attempt at a personal watercraft. The original Sea-Doo models were designed for two riders and were powered by an outboard motor.

These early watercraft laid the groundwork for the development of the modern jet ski, which combined elements of speed, maneuverability, and compact design to create a versatile and popular recreational vehicle for water enthusiasts. The introduction of the Kawasaki Jet Ski in 1973 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of personal watercraft, leading to the diverse range of models and designs that exist today.