Dr Honda
Well-Known Member
Hi Guys,
Once in a while, I hear guys talking about docking a jet-boat, and how it's "Hard" or "Not as controllable" as their old I/O or Outboard. Well... I'm here to say FOOY on that.
OK... I've had countless years sitting on PWC's... and I've owned a few smaller jet boats. But, I've only had this big Islandia out a few times. So, while on vacation, I got up early to practice docking maneuvers, since I didn't want to ram into anyone with +4000 Lbs worth of boat.
First... Generally speaking... I don't like anything that is "Automatic". So... when my new engine got installed... I was lazy, and didn't hook the steering assist control up again. (the cable isn't easy to get to on the islandia) Second... since there are known random issues with the "Mercury Watcher" I disconnected it !! Both of these things have lead me to Perfect control of the boat !!
Why you may ask?? It's simple really... there isn't anything telling me I can't do something... or that I have to do something.
With the Watcher disconnected, I can get more RPM in reverse. This is a double edged sward. If you give it full throttle... you are liable to cause damage. BUT... a quick burst to 3000 RPM will stop you dead in your tracks!!! Also, this allows you to have a little better reverse. (not great, but better) Along with that... I can turn my wheel to it's lock... and not get an automatic burst of power. This allows me to time when I want that steering to happen.
With these 2 things disconnected... I can get the boat to rotate on it's axis, and stop exactly where I want it. I'm not telling everyone to do what I did... but I find it easier to control without them.
HOW TO DO IT:
All the maneuvers will start with forward momentum, and will be controlled (or pin pointed) using reverse, and a little throttle.
Docking in line: You will start by aiming at the dock at about a 45 degree angle, and point the nose just behind of where you want to be. Enter under control, and keep your speed in check by rocking the lever from forward to neutral as needed. (but remember, we need some momentum for this to work, so don't go too slow) Then, as the nose approaches the dock, turn away from the dock... put it into reverse... and give it a shot of throttle. This will stop your forward movement, and swing the ass end into the dock. With the Merc drive... it kind of works like a directional thruster.
Docking into a regular Slip and/or rotating on it's axis: If you are rotating... just remember to carry a little sped into this maneuver. Basically, in a straight line... at idle speed... turn the wheel in the direction you want so it just starts to turn... then shift into reverse, and give it a shot of throttle. The boat will come to a dead stop, and continue to rotate. To hold it in one spot... you may have to shift back into forward for a second, and then back into reverse. (but no more throttle should be applied after the initial blast to stop forward movement, and starting the rotation)
Using that to dock in a tight spot... you will simply shift into forward... turn the wheel in the opposite direction to stop the spin... and gently enter the slip.
Trying to hit the docks in Deep Creek MD on a holiday weekend is worse than any "Ocean" situation I've been in. And with a little practice... I was able to use the "Jet" to my advantage. Trust me... I saw a bunch of other big boats just crush the dock, as they were trying to enter a slip on this VERY choppy weekend. Not to mention... the sound of a grinding gear box is awful.
Oh... last thing... with either of the above things hooked up... it would have made it harder to dock. The Mercury watcher is only there to keep people from causing damage... and the steering throttle is there to make it easier for the novice to keep control at low speed.
That's my 2 cents... take it for what it's worth.
Once in a while, I hear guys talking about docking a jet-boat, and how it's "Hard" or "Not as controllable" as their old I/O or Outboard. Well... I'm here to say FOOY on that.
OK... I've had countless years sitting on PWC's... and I've owned a few smaller jet boats. But, I've only had this big Islandia out a few times. So, while on vacation, I got up early to practice docking maneuvers, since I didn't want to ram into anyone with +4000 Lbs worth of boat.
First... Generally speaking... I don't like anything that is "Automatic". So... when my new engine got installed... I was lazy, and didn't hook the steering assist control up again. (the cable isn't easy to get to on the islandia) Second... since there are known random issues with the "Mercury Watcher" I disconnected it !! Both of these things have lead me to Perfect control of the boat !!
Why you may ask?? It's simple really... there isn't anything telling me I can't do something... or that I have to do something.
With the Watcher disconnected, I can get more RPM in reverse. This is a double edged sward. If you give it full throttle... you are liable to cause damage. BUT... a quick burst to 3000 RPM will stop you dead in your tracks!!! Also, this allows you to have a little better reverse. (not great, but better) Along with that... I can turn my wheel to it's lock... and not get an automatic burst of power. This allows me to time when I want that steering to happen.
With these 2 things disconnected... I can get the boat to rotate on it's axis, and stop exactly where I want it. I'm not telling everyone to do what I did... but I find it easier to control without them.
HOW TO DO IT:
All the maneuvers will start with forward momentum, and will be controlled (or pin pointed) using reverse, and a little throttle.
Docking in line: You will start by aiming at the dock at about a 45 degree angle, and point the nose just behind of where you want to be. Enter under control, and keep your speed in check by rocking the lever from forward to neutral as needed. (but remember, we need some momentum for this to work, so don't go too slow) Then, as the nose approaches the dock, turn away from the dock... put it into reverse... and give it a shot of throttle. This will stop your forward movement, and swing the ass end into the dock. With the Merc drive... it kind of works like a directional thruster.
Docking into a regular Slip and/or rotating on it's axis: If you are rotating... just remember to carry a little sped into this maneuver. Basically, in a straight line... at idle speed... turn the wheel in the direction you want so it just starts to turn... then shift into reverse, and give it a shot of throttle. The boat will come to a dead stop, and continue to rotate. To hold it in one spot... you may have to shift back into forward for a second, and then back into reverse. (but no more throttle should be applied after the initial blast to stop forward movement, and starting the rotation)
Using that to dock in a tight spot... you will simply shift into forward... turn the wheel in the opposite direction to stop the spin... and gently enter the slip.
Trying to hit the docks in Deep Creek MD on a holiday weekend is worse than any "Ocean" situation I've been in. And with a little practice... I was able to use the "Jet" to my advantage. Trust me... I saw a bunch of other big boats just crush the dock, as they were trying to enter a slip on this VERY choppy weekend. Not to mention... the sound of a grinding gear box is awful.
Oh... last thing... with either of the above things hooked up... it would have made it harder to dock. The Mercury watcher is only there to keep people from causing damage... and the steering throttle is there to make it easier for the novice to keep control at low speed.
That's my 2 cents... take it for what it's worth.
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