8 replies to this topic

[hirvy]

Hey guys, I'm totally new to boating. I'm selling my motorcycle and a guy offered to trade me his 96 Speedster. I wish there was an hour meter on these things. Anyway he said he's owned it since 98 and only takes it out 1 or 2 times a year. From what I can tell they are worth about the same ammount. I've decided to do the trade this weekend. I guess what I'm asking is, Is there anything that I really need to know. Again I've never owned or had friends that have owned boats at all. I've got a couple of friends that have seadoo's PWC's but other than that no body. I'm really excited about this experience I'm going to have.

[tiggerman]

Hey guys, I'm totally new to boating. I'm selling my motorcycle and a guy offered to trade me his 96 Speedster. I wish there was an hour meter on these things. Anyway he said he's owned it since 98 and only takes it out 1 or 2 times a year. From what I can tell they are worth about the same ammount. I've decided to do the trade this weekend. I guess what I'm asking is, Is there anything that I really need to know. Again I've never owned or had friends that have owned boats at all. I've got a couple of friends that have seadoo's PWC's but other than that no body. I'm really excited about this experience I'm going to have.

Sup hirvy, and welcome!
Appears you are like we all were once- new to boating. I would recommend that since you have never operated a boat of any kind, that you find out what requirements your state has in regard to recreational boating. They should have a guide for the rules of the water.. Check to see what certification you need before hitting the water. Jetboats are alot of fun, and handle a great deal differently than a normal prop boat.
First things first- ALWAYS do a complete check of things before you ever leave your driveway: will the boat start?, got gas?, oil?, life vests for everyone in the boat?, trailer tires aired up?.... the list is longer than these items, but you get my drift.
Since you have never operated a boat like this, I recommend once you do get to the water, take it somewhere away from everyone and get a feel for it. Like I already said- a jetboat is an animal all its own, and handles differently than a normal boat. The first thing you need to know is that if the engines arent running, you have absolutely NO steering control at all , just like a PWC, so be careful. Start out slow and get a feel for the controls. The second thing you need to know is that if everything is just right, your boat will SCREAM, and will turn on a dime. The steering will be very responsive. Turns at speed will be fun, but can injure passengers if they arent ready for them.
I could go on and on--- one important thing to remember is: TAKE YOUR TIME getting used to your new toy. Don't rush into running wide open until you know exactly how to handle it. Also, don't let others at the ramp rush you in or out of the water. Take your time- it's your money and boat, not theirs. Docking and getting back on the trailer were the 2 hardest things I found getting used to. Be careful, have fun, and ask more questions while you're here!

[hirvy]

Thanks Tiggerman. Know of any good links that have the requirements for boating in Oklahoma? I've ridden on a couple PWC's on the lakes here and haven't really been told much. I've taken it for a drive once and totally fell in love. The steering was hard to get used to espically at speed. The guy that owns it had me to a 360 going full speed. I put him in the front of the boat. lol It was super fun and can't wait till I am a proud owner of it.

[tiggerman]

Sure, here ya go:
http://www.boat-ed.com/ok/handbook/
These guys do pretty much all 50 states, and they offer our vessel operators test on line. They have the test for OK too.

The 360's are a great deal of fun, and thats what I was talking about making your passengers aware of BEFORE you do it. You can put yourself in the water as well. They are a blast!! Sub-moves are fun too, as long as you get back underway quickly to empty the water from the boat. I'll let you figure that one out.
I sold my 97 Speedster 2 seasons ago, and haven't purchased another yet- just a ski.

[foundation]

Hey guys, I'm totally new to boating. I'm selling my motorcycle and a guy offered to trade me his 96 Speedster. I wish there was an hour meter on these things. Anyway he said he's owned it since 98 and only takes it out 1 or 2 times a year. From what I can tell they are worth about the same ammount. I've decided to do the trade this weekend. I guess what I'm asking is, Is there anything that I really need to know. Again I've never owned or had friends that have owned boats at all. I've got a couple of friends that have seadoo's PWC's but other than that no body. I'm really excited about this experience I'm going to have.

Sup hirvy, and welcome!
Appears you are like we all were once- new to boating. I would recommend that since you have never operated a boat of any kind, that you find out what requirements your state has in regard to recreational boating. They should have a guide for the rules of the water.. Check to see what certification you need before hitting the water. Jetboats are alot of fun, and handle a great deal differently than a normal prop boat.
First things first- ALWAYS do a complete check of things before you ever leave your driveway: will the boat start?, got gas?, oil?, life vests for everyone in the boat?, trailer tires aired up?.... the list is longer than these items, but you get my drift.
Since you have never operated a boat like this, I recommend once you do get to the water, take it somewhere away from everyone and get a feel for it. Like I already said- a jetboat is an animal all its own, and handles differently than a normal boat. The first thing you need to know is that if the engines arent running, you have absolutely NO steering control at all , just like a PWC, so be careful. Start out slow and get a feel for the controls. The second thing you need to know is that if everything is just right, your boat will SCREAM, and will turn on a dime. The steering will be very responsive. Turns at speed will be fun, but can injure passengers if they arent ready for them.
I could go on and on--- one important thing to remember is: TAKE YOUR TIME getting used to your new toy. Don't rush into running wide open until you know exactly how to handle it. Also, don't let others at the ramp rush you in or out of the water. Take your time- it's your money and boat, not theirs. Docking and getting back on the trailer were the 2 hardest things I found getting used to. Be careful, have fun, and ask more questions while you're here!

Hirvy and Triggerman, thanks for the question and information.
Like hirvy I just bought a 1997 Speedster. I also own a PWC with pontoon custom fit on the ski (for safety because I also work with youths). I have not used the boat yet (need to transfer registration). If it is like my PWC I'll be very happy.
I live on the island of Kauai in Hawaii and more than half the island cannot be seen unless you have a boat and not a PWC (illegal around many areas of the island).
I cannot wait to drive my own craft (instead of on a large boat with many people) around the isolated parts of the island.
We are trying to develop a vacation rental that has boats, PWCs and automobiles anytime for personal use. From all the friendly people I read in the Sea-Doo chats this might be the best place for a vacation. (Besides, the Travel and Leisure survey rated our island #2 in the world.)
Take care all.
Bob

[hirvy]

Thanks Tiggerman. I can already tell this site is going to help me tons.

[hirvy]

Foundation, That sound like an awesome idea. I bet you'll make a lot of money on the vacation idea. Good Luck.

[hirvy]

I am now the owner of the boat!

[tiggerman]

YaY!