SoCal Jet Boats

Discussion => The No Wake Zone => Topic started by: steves86ta on June 04, 2015, 09:05:23 AM

Title: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: steves86ta on June 04, 2015, 09:05:23 AM
Okay, So it looks like the Weiman is done and ill  be taking it out Saturday or maybe Sunday to Elsinore.

Besides the obvious things (checking for leaks and what not). What else do i need to know?

I have NEVER driven a jet boat. Only props. So ill listen to any and all advice you can give.

Obviously not going to just mat it and hang on for dear life. Gotta learn the boat plus give it some time to break in. Just asking so i know somewhat what to expect.

I dont expect to have much if any reverse. The ride plate is directly infront of the reverse chute. So im expecting that to work worse than using a paddle

thanks
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: mobboss on June 04, 2015, 09:20:45 AM
I have owned both myself! And to be honest jet is easier to drive. You'll like it more! My reverse actually works better than I thought!! Just think of it like a learning curve ,oh they turn really fast in the dock area just idling around. Good luck and have fun!!!

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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: mobboss on June 04, 2015, 09:23:42 AM
Oh almost forgot if you have a place diverted you use it to keep the front down on take off!

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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: jimpen on June 04, 2015, 09:41:03 AM
Main thing to remember no steering without thrust.  You will catch on quick watch gauges close for a bit. :thumbup:
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: mash on it on June 04, 2015, 09:41:33 AM
Power steering- No power, No steering... (The true meaning, not power assist)

That lever on your left is Forward and Not Forward. Reverse? Not so much. Neutral? Somewhat, But that's what the Key is for.

Coming off plane- watch the wake surge...It can swamp some low boats.

Gas (missing on your other list)

Dan'l
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: jet fever on June 04, 2015, 11:51:53 AM
Another good rule of thumb for reverse is just like backing a trailer

Keep your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel while backing and whichever way you want the Ass end to go turn the wheel to that side
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: seapat on June 04, 2015, 02:18:09 PM
Another good rule of thumb for reverse is just like backing a trailer

Keep your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel while backing and whichever way you want the Ass end to go turn the wheel to that side
Excellent advice, Have fun congrats on getting boat finished.  Tooth pick to get bugs out of teeth. :-)
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: B.CR33CH on June 04, 2015, 04:09:39 PM
Never go head on to a dock ether, if your approaching to fast you can run the nose straight into the dock causing fiberglass or rub rail damage. No reverse, always have a side/ Angled approach so you can load passengers without damaging your boat.


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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: Chad krieger on June 04, 2015, 04:35:59 PM
Steve really. Back the boat into the water,if u are the only person back the boat trailer into the water up till boat is in the water a bit, put the truck in park, push the boat off to the dock, tie it up with a rope through the steering wheel to the dock, park truck be careful parking your trailer not to hit another trailer with yours,  walk your happy ass back down to the boat dock, push off from the dock so your boat is going straight towards open water from the dock to open water in a no wake zone, now start going out to open water look at your gauges make sure everything meaning gauges looks good look back and see if any leaks from motor, pump, if not Cruze around and stay by the shore line if any problems u don't have to row far, yuddha,yuddha, o ya look for fuel leaks and have a lot of fun and be careful bro.


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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: steves86ta on June 04, 2015, 04:39:31 PM
Thanks everyone... I think i need to clarify....

what differences will i notice/not expect coming from a boat with a drive/outboard to a jet... I know how to drive those and drive those very well.

I guess it sounds like its all more or less the same. Just less low speed manuverability
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: B.CR33CH on June 04, 2015, 05:06:59 PM
If your not on the gas you can not turn. You will feel it out and catch on, have a blast.


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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: 81sprint on June 04, 2015, 07:02:47 PM
Low speed idling you won't be taking your hands off that steering wheel lol
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: TrollerDave on June 04, 2015, 08:31:17 PM
If your not on the gas you can not turn. You will feel it out and catch on, have a blast.


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This is probably the biggest difference.

Also be careful that you don't oversteer without the gas and then mash on it too hard possibly causing a spin-out.

I don't know about anybody else but, when I do reverse, and give it too much gas, it'll spray water from the jet into the boat.

You should be able to get used to it pretty quick.  :thumbup:
Good luck Steve. Hope it all goes good.
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: GT Jets on June 04, 2015, 08:48:18 PM
In my decades of driving a jet boat, this is what I have for you.

ALWAYS keep the boat pointed into the wind and upstream.
NEVER rely on reverse.
Get in the habit of blipping the throttle to get the hull to start turning.
And most important, even going back to the trailer, keep the trailer shallow and let the bunks do their job.
And finally,  keep the load in the boat as level and balanced as possible, a listing boat handles like crap.

Good luck. Pretty exciting really. Have some fun and be safe.
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: jimpen on June 04, 2015, 08:56:24 PM
Most important....... Tool bag and tow rope.


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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: steves86ta on June 05, 2015, 08:25:33 AM
I have some tools packed, stuff to change carb jets, rope for the doc, also a rope i can use as a tow rope.

I think im ready to go lol
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: LoLo1080 on June 05, 2015, 09:06:30 AM

I have some tools packed, stuff to change carb jets, rope for the doc, also a rope i can use as a tow rope.

I think im ready to go lol
Good luck Steve! You're gonna love it! When we bring our boat back from the river we need to plan a trip to Elsinore!


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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: steves86ta on June 05, 2015, 09:10:05 AM
Good luck Steve! You're gonna love it! When we bring our boat back from the river we need to plan a trip to Elsinore!


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Thank you Lorie!

for sure! I was texting Darrel (or is it darryl?)  about it. Sounds like good times. we will get something planned for sure.
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: blender on June 05, 2015, 09:55:36 AM
If your pump "clean-out" is on the inside of your boat, do NOT unbolt unless the boat is on the trailer. ^-^
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: capogniracing on June 05, 2015, 10:08:38 AM

If your pump "clean-out" is on the inside of your boat, do NOT unbolt unless the boat is on the trailer. ^-^
or if you have about 10 guys to help you put the ass end up on the shore lol


"RTCP"
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: steves86ta on June 05, 2015, 10:29:22 AM
lol... yeah its halfway in

didnt plan on unbolting it lol
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: roost on June 05, 2015, 11:26:54 AM
Don't forget to put the bilge plug in before launching.....
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: SoCalPSD on June 05, 2015, 01:00:59 PM
Don't forget to put the bilge plug in before launching.....

+1


And like everyone else said no throttle no steering.

When in doubt throttle out directly applies to jet boats or anything with a jet. Watched a few people panic on jet skis and turn with no throttle and bam. Its always sad to see but funny to watch.

Leave it strapped to the trailer and back the rear in. Let it idle and hit the gas periodicly to find any leaks in the plimbing or hull....make sure the clean out is tight and seated all the way. Me and jordan had some fun with that after we put his jacuzzi jet back in his last boat.....one of us over looked it and the other didnt double check.... then when your comefortable tie it up at the dock and wait a while checking for leaks again and double checking clamps and water lines. Then when your ready to head out make sure you have your tow rope, a paddle and your life vest on......just incase..... and if you can go with 2 boats rhats best.

And most importantly.......make sure you have the damn keys to the boat and gas in the tanks...


Jet boating 101v3
Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: jyeager on June 05, 2015, 01:03:41 PM
Also one major thing. If your on the river by yourself, go up river not down. Lol!!!


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Title: Re: Its a shame i have to ask.... But How to drive a jet boat
Post by: tpltrbl303 on June 05, 2015, 01:57:08 PM
Don't fall out and remember that loud=fast
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