The sponsons on a jet ski work like the keel on sailboats or fins on wakeboards. They are metal or plastic fins that are bolted onto both sides of the hull. Sponsons grip the water, which results in better traction in the turns. ... The lower the sponsons the sharper the turns you can do with your jet ski!

Do sponsons help with stability?

Sponsons aid in the balance and stability of jet skis. They extend out from the sides of a jet ski to provide stability for the vessel. Sponsons provide lateral drag to keep skis stable during cornering. At high speeds, sponsons become vital safety features that help keep riders from losing control.

What does a jet ski ride plate do?

Personal Watercraft (PWC) come with a metal plate called a "ride plate" which is located behind the intake grate. It's function is to protect a portion of the hull and the jet nozzle from abrasion, and also assists the impeller to draw in water.