Best way to Loading the 06 Seadoo Challenger 180 onto its trailer

[seadoo4]

so I bought this 06 Seadoo Challenger 180 took it out and found it was hard to load it back on its trailer it was very windy out and the water was choppy but it was hard to control it to get it back on its trailer, I had it in Forward and no gas but it didnt want to steer left or right onto the trailer, little bit of gas and it wanted to jump, putting it in reverse the back end only wanted to go left or right not straight? any thoughts or guidance on how to make it an easy load and im new to the jet and Im used to the inboard out board and easy to just shift forward back to control it? thanks

 

[CSager]

Hey I have the same boat and it takes a little bit to get use to. I came from an outboard I have found if it's a little windy out I don't put the trailer is quite as deep because I use some throttle to keep it straight and I come onto the trailer a little quicker. You can get it to reverse straight but you are constantly adjusting be cause it's always moving water against the gate and the slightest movement will move it to one side or the other quick. But once you get use to it you'll love it! Around docks close quarters it's a dream to maneuver just takes a little stick time lol. I see your in Alberta me too! Which area? It's a fun boat I love the jet idea!

 

[seadoo4]

I bought the Boat in edmonton and its still in edmonton but im bring it to Calgary Next week? where are you from? does yours rev at the full 8000 RPM when your driving it? where do you like taking your boat? maybe we can race them lol im joiking my friend

 

[cheappc]

You know it took me a long time to learn how to put it back on the trailer what I do is leave the throttle at the lowest level and slowly put it in forward backward just a little bit playing with it and doing it very slowly and taking my time maneuvering it forward reverse but never touching the throttle.

 

[CSager]

Nice I'm out in Okotoks! Yes mine hits 8000 then settles in around 7800-7900 at WOT I'm usually down at little bow or Nanton I'm just finishing the sound system amps and sub and speakers along with the dual battery system. Oh and if the water is calm and no wind then cheappc is exactly right!

 

[Cslucas34]

I've got a 210sp but similar in style enough to be relevant to this topic I think. I was having the same problems as you and I came from an I/O to jet as well. So far the best method I've found is to go from neutral to forward and back only until it engages. I just make sure the bow is lined up if the current is strong and I'm able to just put it in fwd enough to engage and drive it into the bunkers. I back the trailer into the water until about 2 inches of bunker is above water line and once you set it on the bunkers just power it up and drive it up the rest of the way. This is the easiest way I have found but before you try it keep in mind you only want to do this method (power loading) if there is sufficient room under your intake grates and the water is clean enough to not suck anything up. If your not comfortable doing that the other way I do it is a long lead rope tied off to the bow and one person helps guide the nose and then shit engines off about 4 feet from trailer and pull it into place by hand but this is slow, requires repositioning sometimes and you get wet. That's my two cents.

 

[Coastiejoe]

The one thing I will suggest is, not to have the trailer to deep. This will allow you to get to the trailer while you are moving, hit the bunkers with a little speed on and yet not run up the rails and hit the winch stop. Once the boat stops, just give a little throttle and you will work your way to the winch stop. Plus, this will keep the boat nice and square on the trailer.

 

[go_panthers]

I agree with Castlejoe. If the boat is still floating when you get to the winch stop, it will be a very frustrating exercise. I have the front edge of the bunks out of the water, ride the boat up onto the bunks (just making contact) and let it center itself. Then I run it up onto the trailer with a few bursts of power.

 

[James.Moon]

I had similar problems the first time I loaded at the Shuswap BC channel which has a side current. Another guy at the ramp said I should move the trailer a little further out of the water. It worked much better and really best if you have to power it up as you have some steering control that way - the next year I also added side guides to the trailer which helps to keep the boat from coming on really crooked. I have to envy the guys with regular boats when it comes to loading, but I would never trade my jet boat for one of them!

P.S. The best place for a southern Alberta boat & boater is the Shuswap in BC - Less than 5 hours from here.