New Toys - Jetski project.

[Hurricane]

Just added another video to youtube to show the kids.
Mainly to give them an idea of how fast it is.
So here it is

 

[TheOrs]

I'm really quite concerned that this is a bit of kit that can hurt someone if not managed safely.

These things are only dangerous when used inappropriately. The very fact that you've made the above statement shows that you're likely to be using it correctly.

 

[aquapower]

These things are only dangerous when used inappropriately. The very fact that you've made the above statement shows that you're likely to be using it correctly.

You also get the learner kill cord for inexperienced users.

 

[scubaman]

Thank's Hurricane for the thread and pics. Informative and entertaining at the same time.

I too had a long look at the Spark at the Helsinki show couple of weeks back. I've never really looked into the jet skis but that got me interested, it would be a great alternative for a small rib. I'm only really concerned about the material which feels like will show every scratch really clearly and perhaps it being a bit of a moped with two adults on. A really interesting alternative all the same.

 

[Hurricane]

Thank's Hurricane for the thread and pics. Informative and entertaining at the same time.

I too had a long look at the Spark at the Helsinki show couple of weeks back. I've never really looked into the jet skis but that got me interested, it would be a great alternative for a small rib. I'm only really concerned about the material which feels like will show every scratch really clearly and perhaps it being a bit of a moped with two adults on. A really interesting alternative all the same.

I wouldn't worry about the ABS style material.
In fact it is more robust than gelcoated fibreglass.
Our Walker Bay's hull is made of the stuff.
It is kinder to the mother ship - softer etc

When I was Commodore at Datchet Water Sailing Club, we bought several of these
http://www.rigiflexboats.co.uk/
Datchet Water is a concrete bunded reservoir and these ABS plastic boats took a massive hammering.
I don't remember a single leak and they were regularly dragged up the concrete beach.
They did the job admirably - strong robust safety craft which were, above all, safe.

So, this material isn't new - its been in use for a long time and is well proven.
Yes, it will scratch but imagine how much gelcoat will scratch/damage with the same impact.

As I said above - I have a real concern with the old style Seadoo that I have - in it damaging both itself and the mother ship when coming alongside.
I'm sure that the plastic of the Spark would be softer and less susceptible to knocks.

 

[jfm]

Good going Hurricane! I had a brief flutter with a Seadoo when I sold Match 1: the base spec for sq78 includes the 130hp SE version so we put on one as part of the deal with the chap who bought her. It felt very fast and the brake was great fun, so your 215hp version must be an absolute hoot! Seadoo seems to be far and away the best jetski these days

The one I bought came with 2 keys - a full power key plus a depowered key that you could surreptitiously give to guests - maybe worth looking for a second depowered key for yours?

I must say I think you did the right thing not using the Seadoo lifting cradle thin,g and fitting eyelets instead. I used the cradle and didn't get it perfectly centred one time, and with the lubrication from the water the jetski just slid out. Very unnerving!

The Spark looks very interesting, especially the compact size and light weight. I agree with you that the polyprop hull will be nicer to the mother ship when you come alongside. I see it is listed at £6400 inc uk VAT for the 2 seater with the bigger engine and optional fly by wire brake bucket. You've got me thinking...!

 

[RogerRat]

Oh yes - here are the pics from the other thread


Apart from an unfortunate experience when RogerRat got stuck hanging on it (turned out to be a sticky valve), it has been reliable.
I can't remember what he was doing - maybe he can explain if he sees this thread.
(Sorry Roger - I couldn't resist posting the pic!!)

Ha, If I see this thread? I was waiting for it. As always, excellent post, and very entertaining.

Thanks for putting it up. I love the look of fear in your eyes with the ski flying along at over 30 ish.

I was looking forward to seeing the Ski on my crane tho!

The way I remember it was that I was lucky that there was technical hitch as you and Derek were determined to give me a dunking! :ambivalence:

Good day tho. :encouragement:

RR

 

[crazy4557]

Good going Hurricane! I had a brief flutter with a Seadoo when I sold Match 1: the base spec for sq78 includes the 130hp SE version so we put on one as part of the deal with the chap who bought her. It felt very fast and the brake was great fun, so your 215hp version must be an absolute hoot! Seadoo seems to be far and away the best jetski these days

The one I bought came with 2 keys - a full power key plus a depowered key that you could surreptitiously give to guests - maybe worth looking for a second depowered key for yours?

I must say I think you did the right thing not using the Seadoo lifting cradle thin,g and fitting eyelets instead. I used the cradle and didn't get it perfectly centred one time, and with the lubrication from the water the jetski just slid out. Very unnerving!

The Spark looks very interesting, especially the compact size and light weight. I agree with you that the polyprop hull will be nicer to the mother ship when you come alongside. I see it is listed at £6400 inc uk VAT for the 2 seater with the bigger engine and optional fly by wire brake bucket. You've got me thinking...!

2seater version weighs only 184kg's dry.
At the Boat Show the dealer was offering £6400 for the High Output 2 seater with brake, boarding step and dry storage locker and throwing in a road trailer to sweeten the deal.
From what I hear they sold 17 off the back of this special offer including mine.
I see that they offer as an accessory 'snap on' fenders so I'll get those too.

Being so light it won't have much impact on the boats performance or extra fuel consumption and also much easier to handle in and out of garage too. My only concern is that it's too fast for my kids to use without supervision. One consolation is the higher output is only available by pressing a dashboard button two or three times but how long can that be kept a secret.
Not a problem for you guys though!

 

[Hurricane]

2seater version weighs only 184kg's dry.
At the Boat Show the dealer was offering £6400 for the High Output 2 seater with brake, boarding step and dry storage locker and throwing in a road trailer to sweeten the deal.
From what I hear they sold 17 off the back of this special offer including mine.
I see that they offer as an accessory 'snap on' fenders so I'll get those too.

Being so light it won't have much impact on the boats performance or extra fuel consumption and also much easier to handle in and out of garage too. My only concern is that it's too fast for my kids to use without supervision. One consolation is the higher output is only available by pressing a dashboard button two or three times but how long can that be kept a secret.
Not a problem for you guys though!

It will be interesting to hear how you get on with it.
Please post some pics and a report when you get it going

 

[Hurricane]

Good going Hurricane! I had a brief flutter with a Seadoo when I sold Match 1: the base spec for sq78 includes the 130hp SE version so we put on one as part of the deal with the chap who bought her. It felt very fast and the brake was great fun, so your 215hp version must be an absolute hoot! Seadoo seems to be far and away the best jetski these days

The one I bought came with 2 keys - a full power key plus a depowered key that you could surreptitiously give to guests - maybe worth looking for a second depowered key for yours?

I must say I think you did the right thing not using the Seadoo lifting cradle thin,g and fitting eyelets instead. I used the cradle and didn't get it perfectly centred one time, and with the lubrication from the water the jetski just slid out. Very unnerving!

The Spark looks very interesting, especially the compact size and light weight. I agree with you that the polyprop hull will be nicer to the mother ship when you come alongside. I see it is listed at £6400 inc uk VAT for the 2 seater with the bigger engine and optional fly by wire brake bucket. You've got me thinking...!

Yep - this one came with the two keys - but I was trying to "keep it a secret" - the kids are reading this thread