How much force can the hull/motor take?

[Nosnibor]

Hey all,

I had a successful first weekend without experienced person's on board! Had one scare where I almost sucked up a rope that had flown out but luckily it only got tore up a bit from the front of the impeller.

ANYWAY, out in the bay we have waves and when I am riding fast we are jumping. Seems like I'm just catching the top of each wave. I tried hitting them at 45 degrees but it seems like waves come from all directions out there. My Fiance'e was concerned how hard we were hitting down on the water. To me it was fun. So my question is how hard can the boat take it? One friend of mine mentioned the hull should be Okay but the motor could "get loose" or something from the force.

I'd like to hear what y'all know/think. Also is it Okay when I'm up jumping high enough that you don't hear the motor because it's not touching the water?

 

[xintersecty]

With strong chop on my lake I have gone airborne with my boat. I personally don't like it as the landings beat the crap out of you on the boat. The jet ski is way different! You will here a increase in motor pitch as the pump unloads.

 

[Nosnibor]

If I can stand the beating is the boat ok though? That is mainly what I am trying to figure out.

 

[pete63]

same as a four wheel drive car/truck, sure it can take it but sooner or later some thing will give some where....

 

[Nosnibor]

The reason I am asking is because I just don't know. I have no idea what is a good speed to cruise at. How fast/how bumpy...is there a greater risk by going more bumpy or will it all fall apart sooner or later anyway. Just looking for insight.

 

[xintersecty]

The reason I am asking is because I just don't know. I have no idea what is a good speed to cruise at. How fast/how bumpy...is there a greater risk by going more bumpy or will it all fall apart sooner or later anyway. Just looking for insight.

Now that's a good question. I live on a lake so I get between 1 to 3 foot chop. Some of it wind but mostly boat wakes. I let my body be a guide. If it starts hurting me, then I back off. That means between 20 and 35. Above 35 I prefer the water to be smooth.

Every once in a while I hit a wake and bounce up. It's kinda fun up to a point. What I worry about in the boat, is the landing impact tearing up stuff mounted on the boat. Not the hull but all the little things mounted on the sides.

 

[pete63]

The reason I am asking is because I just don't know. I have no idea what is a good speed to cruise at. How fast/how bumpy...is there a greater risk by going more bumpy or will it all fall apart sooner or later anyway. Just looking for insight.

i suppose the point is playing in swell or bow waves is different than smashing into choppy water. the idea is to smooth the ride takes skill but you can still play in the waves.
smashing choppy waters is a constant frequency of jarring, but the 180 is a fair size boat so that should help. over time things will start to rattle, loosen up etc. batteries dont like it too much, that why there are marine batteries.
in the end its up to you, as xintersecty says your body usually tells you what is enough.

 

[pwgsx]

If this guy can do it, it should be fine!! :facepalm:

 

[xintersecty]

If this guy can do it, it should be fine!! :facepalm:

That picture is awesome. I would hate to be on that landing! Now if I can get my jetski that high....

 

[Nosnibor]

If this guy can do it, it should be fine!! :facepalm:

haha that is crazy

 

[moochy]

insane. :facepalm:

 

[go_panthers]

When I had my LRV, after wave jumping and rough ocean riding, I would always check the engine compartment to make sure nothing had broken loose. The only issue I ever had was the MPEM mount breaking free and bouncing around. I reinforced that with some fiberglass.

I jumped the Sportster 1800 a little bit, never had any real issues.

I'm not as rough with the Challenger.

My main concern would be for those who have installed a second battery with some kind of modified mount. I can't imagine the dame a battery bouncing around the bilge could do.

 

[moochy]

When I had my LRV, after wave jumping and rough ocean riding, I would always check the engine compartment to make sure nothing had broken loose. The only issue I ever had was the MPEM mount breaking free and bouncing around. I reinforced that with some fiberglass.

I jumped the Sportster 1800 a little bit, never had any real issues.

I'm not as rough with the Challenger.

My main concern would be for those who have installed a second battery with some kind of modified mount. I can't imagine the dame a battery bouncing around the bilge could do.

a good idea when doing dual battries ontop of getting the right size tray is to ratchet strap the two batters together, thats what the guy who did my batteries did.

 

[TheMachin0]

if anyone is planning to jump like that guy I would worry more about having your medical insurance all up to date not what is going on under the hood "can anybody say trip to the emergency room with a broken back ouch"

 

[TimIHB335]

I jump waves in the surf and behind other boats alot. The only thing that i have broken is 2 motor mounts. Check them often if you are doing rough water. I think the easiest way to check is a visual inspection along with rocking the motor with your hands to make sure it is secure with not too much play. I have had my boat for 4 yrs and have always driven it like it was a regular ski. Love it. Just be prepared to pay when it breaks, which is true of all my toys.

 

[Nosnibor]

I jump waves in the surf and behind other boats alot. The only thing that i have broken is 2 motor mounts. Check them often if you are doing rough water. I think the easiest way to check is a visual inspection along with rocking the motor with your hands to make sure it is secure with not too much play. I have had my boat for 4 yrs and have always driven it like it was a regular ski. Love it. Just be prepared to pay when it breaks, which is true of all my toys.

Thanks for the info. I'm not too sure where the motor mounts are but I will check to see if it rocks any. I was checking my battery yesterday and noticed that the bolts to hold it down were almost all the way off! I had to screw them down....How much is it to replace a motor mount?

 

[pete63]

Thanks for the info. I'm not too sure where the motor mounts are but I will check to see if it rocks any. I was checking my battery yesterday and noticed that the bolts to hold it down were almost all the way off! I had to screw them down....How much is it to replace a motor mount?

its not only the mounts, the pump shaft has to be checked for alignment. otherwise damage in the pump, drive or engine can happen.

 

[TimIHB335]

The dealer back then charged me 700.00. They had to do something with the drive shaft as well. I have an indy now and it probably would have been half that. The dealer did tell me that using silicone spray other than Seadoo spec probably helped deteriorate the rubber on the mounts. The Indy agrees.