12 replies to this topic

[DownbeatDave]

As a beginner speedster owner, I don't know the limitations of the boat. What are some cool maneuvers that can be done with a speedster? Is there any danger to either passengers or to the boat by doing it? I am afraid of breaking something, and it would help to know what others have experienced. If you have any photos or links, that would also be helpful.

[tiggerman]

Personally, I think the biggest limitation is the handling in very rough water. The short hull makes the boat prone to porpoising. On the other hand, the length makes it very responsive to steering. You can spin it on a dime. You better be holding on though, and have everything secured.
The size and capacity of the boat makes for cramped quarters if you have a large group. I have had 5 people in mine with no problems, only space constraints.
Running wide open only sucks gas, but there again, any boat does that.
I wouldn't be afraid of breaking anything by playing hard, that is what it was designed for. I do high speed turns all the time, and can make the boat spin in the blink of an eye. I have done a "sub" manuever before too. The only thing I worry about there is possibly breaking the reverse bucket. Hasn't happened yet, though. You can fill the deck with water doing it, and that can be interesting in itself.
Get out in it and play. Once you get used to the boat and figure out how it handles when turning at speed, jumping wakes, etc.... you will find out for yourself what you can and can't doo.

[DownbeatDave]

Is there any danger of flipping it? Does it matter if the water is glass or chop? I've noticed that it's so light that you have to compensate for bouncing off of waves, wakes that are not hit at 90 degrees. It seems very easy to get air.

In Hood River, the Columbia River often has 6 foot rolling (sometimes breaking) waves that go on for miles. How well does the speedster surf? Then on calm days we have glassy water that's a mile across and goes for 20 miles in each direction WITH NO OTHER BOATS OUT!

[tiggerman]

I've only read of one instance of a flipped Speedster. Doesn't mean it can't happen. They are built wide with a low center of gravity for a reason.
It is very easy to get air like you say. I haven't experienced big water like you describe, so I'm not qualified to answer that. I know that the boat is prone to bow steering in heavy chop/waves , and I generally slow down myself. On glass, it can be as fun as you make it. I have done powerslides in chop and on glass, and it is a blast. It felt like I would be thrown out of the boat from the centrifugal force, but the boat never felt as if it would capsize. If you notice, there are "oh sh*$" handles placed strategically in the boat. That's what they are for.

[DownbeatDave]

Is it possible to go full speed ahead and crank the wheel fully into a slide? Do you use only one engine in the turn?

[tiggerman]

It's possible, but I don't know if I would want to doo it. You would be surprised how tight they turn and how easily they slide. Try whatever you are comfortable with, short of being a hazard to yourself and your passengers........
When I try a tight turn, I let off a little on the engine inside the turn, and open up the outside engine. Experiment, but be careful.

[cAn'T sWim]

I don't have the twin engines but I agree with what you have learned and what tiggerman is saying. First of all, don' try to find the limits of the boat until you have spent sometime getting used to it as well as understand the handling of a small, very powerful craft. THis boat can easily get 10feet out of the water.........trust me!!! I got extremely cocky one day and was jumping the wake of a Cruiser ......the Cruiser was having fun watching so decided to do some circles and stir the water. I figured I would put on a bit of a show .......nailed a few good ones and thought I would finish off with a good one. Holy s!#@! I launched the sucker into the air and it felt like I was out of the water forever! When I hit the water it felt like I just hit concrete and my ribs felt as if they were going to come out of my stomach!

A buddy of mine was on shore watching and he thinks I was close to 10feet out of the water...... Even if I was only 5 or 6 feet.......it startled me enough to relax for a bit. Oh ya.... I was pretty close to getting the boat vertical..!

Take it easy and don't get crazy with a boat full of people......you are responsible for them.

[tiggerman]

Take it easy and don't get crazy with a boat full of people......you are responsible for them.

Well put. Everyone remember that one little line. Even if you don't remember anything else.

[DownbeatDave]

How fast can you go with the bimini up?

[tiggerman]

Well, I don't have a bimini so I can't answer. Anyone?

[TexasA&MSpeedster]

The bimini should be rated for full speed... I just started using mine at the begining of this season, but so far I haven't had any trouble with it at WOT. It does create a little more drag though, so it does take a couple of MPH off the top end.....

[pokefan]

I've have done turns at full speed. No problem. I have found that I don't do it as much as I did at first. It is certainly hard on the body (nuts). I have had passengers slam into to me and vice versa. So now I do spins a little slower. Play around w/ the 2 engines. I like to go fast as pos. the lay off a little, start the spin and gun it. Everyone is different. We have got some serious air and it is fun. Never 10 ft. But a few ft. I enjoy that the most. Be careful. Watch for young ones on jet skis is the best info. I can give you. Except the lake patrol is always looking out for me!

[Bob86ZZ4]

I can offer another bit of advice. Don't do any spin turns with small ones sitting up in the front seat. The first time out in my boat I launched a 9 yr. old kid outa the front. I turned it a bit too hard and it spun and the kid flew overboard. She had a life jacket on (all riders on my boat always doo). The next day I took the boat out again and darned if I didn't doo the same thing again. This time my then 6 yr. old flew out. I learned my lesson there. I sure doo love that there are no props too.