Towing a jetski

[tyetune]

Good evening, have recently bought a jetski as a toy, would like to tow it behind my Bayliner 2858 for short distance out into the bay, seadoo say max 15mph and to clamp off the water supply pipe to the engine, I understand this and have fitted a tap rather than fanny about trying to fit a clamp, however what sort of distance behind the boat should I tow it, and is the 15mph recommended a bit on the carefull side, obviously don't want to swamp it in the wake, any advice gratefully received, thanks, Nigel Tye.

 

[timgriffin]

You will flood the engine if you tow it too fast with water getting in and up through the exhaust and into the engine.slower you go the better why can't you just drive it out to where you want to play? . I would recommend doing a course as well as they are great fun but dangerous in the wrong hands, you will learn how to control it safely and reright it if you capsize.
Tim

 

[aquapower]

I have had jetskis for the past 15 years now but have never towed one at sea yet, I would usually take the boat out and have someone follow me on the jetski as when I have towed them slowly across a lake they tend to go off in all directions so would definatly not want to tow too far. I looked up in my seadoo manual and it says to clamp pipe, it also says if you are stranded and dont have a clamp to stay well below the 15 mph limit.
The RYA course is definatly worth it, its a great day out and the insusance companys love it.

 

[sundancer9000]

Towing a jet ski

Forget towing a jet ski, it will end in frustration and disaster. The main problem here is the jet ski as a 'toy'. I understand your enthuiasm and lightheartness however these are not toys and should never even be refered to as this. I had a seadoo RXP 215 BHP toy that i totalled last year(thank god for no injury and insurance) i jst hit a piece of floating wood with a big nail in it enough to delaminate/completely hole 1 fifth of the hull!!!!
Meanwhile back at the ranch toss the idea of towing if it dosent do a submarine impression it will mess the engine up with water.

 

[sarabande]

I doubt very much whether the jetski is designed for being towed at speed. You would need a substantial towing point at the bow, and I haven't seen a ski thus equipped. The eye normally there is for lashing down to a trailer.

The hull shape and short length could lead to the ski inverting if towed across a wake or a wave without the motile ballast of the driver or the hydrodynamic stability of a planing hull.

 

[Elessar]

what's it weigh Nigel? Why not drag it up on the bathing platform? - it's wide and low to the water. Bit of carpet over the side should aid dragging with no damage.

I trust Evenstar is behaving herself?

 

[MRC]

No chance. My hydraulic platform struggles with a big 3 seater.

Possibly a smaller yamaha superjet could be hauled onto the platform and supported with special chocks

 

[Wiggo]

Forget it, you just can't tow the things! We spent ages shadowing a broken down jetski while his mate tried to tow him back up Southampton Water. It won't go in a straight line, it won't stop nosediving and it won't stay the right way up. We were at the point of offering to crane it aboard and let him follow us in our rib, but the HM took over.

 

[JamesTT]

I have tried to tow our RXT several times, using different techniques and various bridles. None of them work very succesfully.

We only tow as a last resort now, not much fun and as stated earlier, intake must be clamped unless at idle speed.

 

[Doug_Stormforce]

Towing Jet Skis

Have towed Jet skis many times, in fact its part of the RYA course.

In answer to your question the 15MPH quoted in the manual should be observed. Failure to do so may cause damage

I like your tap- might nick that idea.

As already stated they do not travel in a straight line. The solution is to tow a weight or a small drogue behind the ski. I have used a small grapnel anchor and chain. I have also used a small home made drogue that was made using 2 of the small drogues originally intended for use on a horseshoe MOB bouy. Failinmg that any weight/line/chain out the back will help.

As with all towing a good length line is essentail.

Secure the bridle end to the tug higher than on the jet ski, this will help lift the bow slightly.

Best of luck

 

[tyetune]

Thanks guys

I think we will go with the general concensus that it is not a good idea to tow the ski, it's a nice bit of kit and don't want to risk damaging it.
Yes Mark, Evenstar is good, however not had the use out of her in 2009, but intend to make more time this year.