Jet boats were once mostly hairpin-­happy thrill rides, with the reflexes of a slot-car. Today, they’ve matured into hot-selling family models, viable alternatives to craft propelled by propellers.

LEWISTON, N.Y. (WIVB) — For thousands of years, a natural whirlpool has swirled downstream from the mighty Niagara. The white water rapids rip at speeds most people wouldn’t want to catch themselves ...