Docking a jetboat

[thebulldog]

Hello
i bought a jetboat about a month ago,
i have heard some say they are a pain in the ass to dock,

Why so ???

Many Thanks

 

[Owen Birch]

Because they require throttle to turn so you need to be careful not to overdue it. Reverse is also pretty sensitive (which is just a gate to redirect the water flow). You can't kill power and still steer for the final 15 feet upon approach like a prop boat. AND, when you have one in neutral (which means the impeller is still turning), you must keep the steering wheel straight or the boat will 360 (found our the hard way, which ended up with a new reverse bracket).

It's doable, just a little tricky.

 

[BMANN06]

I find it easier now than my relatives 20ft searay. Its really nice because when you want to slow down or stop or backup, you don't have to wait for the rpms to drop, just stuff the buckets down. In an I/O etc. you should (some don't .. horrible sound) wait for the rpms to come down then shift in reverse.

After a few years you won't think twice about it.

 

[Dr Honda]

It's really not harder... it's just different, and you need to practice a little.

 

[ssmedt]

I find it easier now than my relatives 20ft searay. Its really nice because when you want to slow down or stop or backup, you don't have to wait for the rpms to drop, just stuff the buckets down. In an I/O etc. you should (some don't .. horrible sound) wait for the rpms to come down then shift in reverse.

After a few years you won't think twice about it.

It's really not harder... it's just different, and you need to practice a little.

I agree you just have to be skilled with the throttle and the forward/reverse lever. once you get the hang of it you will be able to pull sideways off the dock and rotate on an axis

 

[Rickbaro]

Having had standard boats, I agree with Kevin. It just takes finessing the forward/ reverse lever. On my Sea-Doo I can simulate a sideways movement by manipulating the handlebars and the lever. Back and forth and the Sea-Doo moves sideways with minimal forward motion.

My wife on the other hand...well, let's just say it's really a matter of practice!