Generally Accepted PWC Riding Time - Dawn 'til Dusk?

[Lboogie]

Okay, I'm still a newbie so here goes another etiquette question. I have permission from the war department (a.k.a. my wife) to take the jet ski out tomorrow morning. :hurray: Our son gets up some days at around 6:30. I can load up the trailer this evening and be ready to roll as soon as he wakes up, meaning I can hit the water at 7:00, 7:15.

I realize fishermen hit the water in the wee hours of the morning but is that too early for a PWC? The marina where I launch does have a residential area directly across from the ramp but I'm assuming the neighbors must be used to boat traffic at all hours of the day. Granted a jet ski is much louder than many fishing boats but I don't really ride anywhere near the ramp. The water tends to be calmer first thing in the morning, albeit colder.

Is it normal to ride so early? Though I don't care much of what people think I don't want people pointing and commenting "there goes that idiot riding his ski at the crack of dawn. He must be new." Or something like that. Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[NX EXA]

I would bet they are use to the boat noise all through the hours. I'd say shoot for it. The sound won't be that loud inside the house unless the windows are open. If you don't feel comfortable that early in the morning then just wait an hour. Most people are up by 8 anyway due to work.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

The rule in Michigan is 1/2 hr after sunrise and then you must stop 1/2 hr before sunset.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Ohio law is sunrise/sunset us 1/2 hour each way as it is still bright enough out to be seen.
So I say go for it.

 

[NX EXA]

Each state will be different as far as PWC riding hours. As for Florida it's 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 after sunset.

For you in New York: Hours of operation - between sunrise and sunset, and only when conditions are not classified as restricted visibility. The installation of an after market light kit will not allow you to legally operate a PWC at night.

 

[Lboogie]

Good point NX EXA. This is definitely a working neighborhood so I would expect most folks would be up. Seadoobuddy, I think that is a good rule to follow. I would have to imagine that twighlight docking, even for experienced riders, can be difficult.

 

[Lboogie]

Well the fog rolled in this morning. I didn't hit the water until 9:00 so it was a moot point. Fun ride but somewhat short.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Each state will be different as far as PWC riding hours. As for Florida it's 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 after sunset.

For you in New York: Hours of operation - between sunrise and sunset, and only when conditions are not classified as restricted visibility. The installation of an after market light kit will not allow you to legally operate a PWC at night.

ditto.

Good point NX EXA. This is definitely a working neighborhood so I would expect most folks would be up. Seadoobuddy, I think that is a good rule to follow. I would have to imagine that twighlight docking, even for experienced riders, can be difficult.

actually its not a big deal, i've cut it close before and got back late, but its more of a "rule of law" thing than anything else, where I ride in FL, the cops will pull you over about 45 minutes before sunset just to give you a friendly reminder that its time to head to the ramp, ie: they are pretty dam strict about it. I have done two sunrise rides, and they didn't hassle us then, and i'll admit, it was pretty cool ! and I hate getting up early !

 

[ocod]

ditto.



actually its not a big deal, i've cut it close before and got back late, but its more of a "rule of law" thing than anything else, where I ride in FL, the cops will pull you over about 45 minutes before sunset just to give you a friendly reminder that its time to head to the ramp, ie: they are pretty dam strict about it. I have done two sunrise rides, and they didn't hassle us then, and i'll admit, it was pretty cool ! and I hate getting up early !

ditto!
I can't seem to be at ramp before 10 even if I try and get up at 6:30.
Here's a group that does rides regularly.....

[video=youtube;jgR9-ouX_ng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgR9-ouX_ng[/video]

 

[NX EXA]

Watching that video brought up a question. Whe hitting waves and getting air, is it wise to throttle off or does it not matter since you will only be out of water briefly?

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Watching that video brought up a question. Whe hitting waves and getting air, is it wise to throttle off or does it not matter since you will only be out of water briefly?

throttle off slightly if the opportunity presents itself, I just do it instinctively. not when skipping over waves, say riding in chop, but if hitting slow rollers, yes, no reason to keep it pegged. so if hitting rollers/waves its more of a brap wave brap wave brap wave pattern throttling up when heading into the wave. vs a consistant braaaaaaaaaaap.

 

[Dugout]

NY Law says you can operate between sunrise and sunset, and only when conditions are not classified as restricted visibility. You can find this in the NYS Boater's Guide. This should have also been gone through when you took the boaters safety class that is required by NY state.