I had a go on a jetski...

[sighmoon]

... and can now explain why they all drive like idiots:

1) They are very unstable when off the plane: a smallish wave can tip you in. (if you are moving fast, and you stop, your own wake could be enough)
2) You can't steer at all unless the throttle's open.

 

[Elemental]

... and can now explain why they all drive like idiots:

1) They are very unstable when off the plane: a smallish wave can tip you in. (if you are moving fast, and you stop, your own wake could be enough)
2) You can't steer at all unless the throttle's open.

Plus.... they are outrageous fun...

Not all are driven by idiots.

 

[prv]

1) They are very unstable when off the plane: a smallish wave can tip you in.

Ah, you must have been on one of those big jetskis that require no skill

A family friend used to own a couple which we used on holidays in West Wales. One of the stand-up type, the other sit-down but with only enough buoyancy to hold itself afloat. In both cases you had to start the engine, mash the throttle, and pull yourself on board as it took off. If you tried to sit on it stationary (even in calm water) it would either roll over or just sink straight down. We used to look down on people with "boats" that you could start from a sitting position

We only used to use the jetskis in the evenings, when the beaches were deserted, to avoid disturbing anyone.

Pete

 

[snowleopard]

Most yotties' opinions of jetskis are formed from them screaming through quiet anchorages. Last winter I saw the other side of the coin - driving along the cliffs above Whitsand bay I saw a couple of them playing in the surf, coming in among the breakers then powering out to sea jumping off the tops of the waves. It was an epiphany - I could at last see what it was all about! It didn't make me any more sympathetic to the morons who charge into Cawsand bay every evening.

 

[prv]

Most yotties' opinions of jetskis are formed from them screaming through quiet anchorages.

Indeed. I don't remember ever having experienced that - though I'm sure it goes on - and don't have any automatic animosity towards jetskis. When I do come across them, eg the entrance to Langstone Harbour, I make a vague attempt to look "non-disapproving" to counterbalance all the sourpuss yachties out there

Pete

 

[snowleopard]

Can anyone who has ridden one explain the reason for the jet of water out of the back that always reminds me of small boys seeing who can get the highest up the wall in the school toilets?

 

[fireball]

I always thought that was for visibility - they are so low in the water that they quickly disappear in a swell ....

 

[prv]

Can anyone who has ridden one explain the reason for the jet of water out of the back that always reminds me of small boys seeing who can get the highest up the wall in the school toilets?

Don't think it serves any practical purpose. The ones we used in Wales didn't have them.

Pete

 

[alanabnala]

Can anyone who has ridden one explain the reason for the jet of water out of the back that always reminds me of small boys seeing who can get the highest up the wall in the school toilets?

Not been on one for years now, but used to go most Sundays... No reason for the vertical jet of water, other than "it looks cool" ? ? ? some will argue......

 

[snooks]

Indeed. I don't remember ever having experienced that - though I'm sure it goes on -

Swanage may 23rd this year

It goes on.....

 

[Ubergeekian]

Can anyone who has ridden one explain the reason for the jet of water out of the back that always reminds me of small boys seeing who can get the highest up the wall in the school toilets?

Same as the jet of water down from under most outboards?

 

[Tremlett 15]

was on one once.........took the power off to "overtake" a lake fishing boat..hit the large wash from the lake fishing boat............ended up about 40 feet in a field in the middle of a herd of cows.........!!!




BUT on Lough Erne we have a "good one"

 

[prv]

It goes on.....

Looks like an opportunity for a paintball gun. Or a net

Pete

 

[Spyro]

Same as the jet of water down from under most outboards?

Yes, cooling water. Yamaha choose to point it out the back up in the air. Other manufacturers are a bit more discreet.

 

[Doghousekeeper]

Yes, cooling water. Yamaha choose to point it out the back up in the air. Other manufacturers are a bit more discreet.

No, the previous post was correct - it's for visibility. You can choose to turn it off, but not many do (I think few people realise that is an option). The cooling water telltale comes out separately, and often further forward on the hull

 

[Elessar]

Ah, you must have been on one of those big jetskis that require no skill

A family friend used to own a couple which we used on holidays in West Wales. One of the stand-up type, the other sit-down but with only enough buoyancy to hold itself afloat. In both cases you had to start the engine, mash the throttle, and pull yourself on board as it took off. If you tried to sit on it stationary (even in calm water) it would either roll over or just sink straight down. We used to look down on people with "boats" that you could start from a sitting position

We only used to use the jetskis in the evenings, when the beaches were deserted, to avoid disturbing anyone.

Pete

Some years ago I did a windsurfing course in Dale, West Wales. To do the advanced class you had to take a jet ski out in the exposed surf in february - yes part of the windsurf course!

 

[oceanfroggie]

... and can now explain why they all drive like idiots:

1) They are very unstable when off the plane: a smallish wave can tip you in. (if you are moving fast, and you stop, your own wake could be enough)
2) You can't steer at all unless the throttle's open.

So like a bicycle then, don't stop peddling or you'll fall over

 

[prv]

So like a bicycle then, don't stop peddling or you'll fall over

On a bike you can put your foot down

Pete