Reversing from Slip and Operating on One Engine

[FlyboyZR1]

As a new boater (and new to jet boats) I'm curious what's the best way to reverse from a slip? Should you first remove the tie-downs and then start the engines, or first start the engines and then remove the tie-downs? Since there is forward movement in neutral I'm not sure the best way to go about it. Also, is there any harm in operating on one engine when docking? Seems like the boat does just fine on one engine. Back in my airline pilot days we would routinely shut down one engine to save on fuel/operating costs when operating on the ground - figure it might apply here too.

 

[gb387]

We leave our boat tied up then start it, move the controls to as close to neutral as possible and release the ropes. We have found on out 210 Challenger you need both engines for full control in tight situations such as docking. Now if your in a slip you can back in you won't have any issues!

 

[JPass]

I unhook everything and usually shove the boat off the trailer while my driver then starts the boat and gets underway. Sometimes we unhook everything and then fire her up and drive off. It only moves forward a couple of inches before we go into reverse and drive it off.

If I were in a slip, I'd push off the bow and once I had some clearance, I'd fire up the motors and revers out. You could always leave a fender out to keep you from hitting the sides while reversing as a precaution.

 

[10forty2]

And if you're truly new to jet boats, as I was last season.... remember that when reversing if you turn the wheel to the right, the boat will go left...... yeah, I got that hard lesson first time at the ramp backing off the trailer. Needless to say, there was a slight impact with the rear of the boat and the nearby dock. My brain didn't make the correction fast enough to avoid the hit. Fortunately there was no damage.

 

[FlyboyZR1]

Appreciate the advice - still getting the hang of operating in tight quarters at slow speeds. I think the biggest challenge is trying to keep the boat "still" which seems to be achieved by going back and forth between neutral and reverse. I haven't tried docking mode yet but maybe that will make it even easier.

 

[gb387]

Appreciate the advice - still getting the hang of operating in tight quarters at slow speeds. I think the biggest challenge is trying to keep the boat "still" which seems to be achieved by going back and forth between neutral and reverse. I haven't tried docking mode yet but maybe that will make it even easier.

As you get used to the boat you will find the"sweet spot" and hold your boat in neutral with small adjustments of the throttle giving you little to no movement.

 

[TK-6790]

And if you're truly new to jet boats, as I was last season.... remember that when reversing if you turn the wheel to the right, the boat will go left...... yeah, I got that hard lesson first time at the ramp backing off the trailer. Needless to say, there was a slight impact with the rear of the boat and the nearby dock. My brain didn't make the correction fast enough to avoid the hit. Fortunately there was no damage.

Me Too... Done exactly the same thing. ;-)

 

[JPass]

As you get used to the boat you will find the"sweet spot" and hold your boat in neutral with small adjustments of the throttle giving you little to no movement.

Depending on wind and current, the sweet spot for ours is just out of neutral in reverse. Stays perfectly still.
On calm days, I can get with an inch of the dock and dock like a champ. When the wind blows, and having nothing to act like a skeg to give you some bite, jetboats get a little sketchy. But with time and practice, and hopefully no trips to the local gel coat guy, the OP will figure it out.