9 replies to this topic

[pride]

Just bought a new 2004 sportster & it docks way different than my old boat because of no prop. Any tips I should know about?
Thanks,
Jim

[tiggerman]

Welcome to the board!
Doo a search here: http://seadoosportbo...p?act=Search&f=
using keyword docking. Should yield some results. The most important thing to start with is take your time trying to dock, and practice. It will take some getting used to.

[cuejodoggy]

Jim and everyone else.

I have a sportser as well (2004). I"ve had it for almost a year now, and the only thing I can tell you about docking is to remember that you don't have to give extra trottle to turn the boat. When you turn the steering wheel you will notice it automatically throttles up for you. Overall I find it a little confusing seeing that the turning is opposite. I would find a buoy and practice out on open water (when no one is looking of course) Anyhow... I have question for you and anyone else out there... I have EXTENSIVELY searched for a service manual to my boat online, and I can't find jack-crap!!! I'm so surprised that it is not made available any merchants online. If anyone can help, I'm looking for the service manual to the Sea doo 2004 Sportster LE DI. Or even if someone has information on a computer diagnostic tool/equipment, that would be even more interesting... (BTW I've searched Ebay and most search engines as well ) thanks...

Niick

[thumper]

when docking i can control mine shifting between f-n-r and keeping the wheel between 10-2 oclock positions keeps the doo straight, when close to dock i always remove the dess key and generally flaot in the last foot or so - same getting on trailer - as long as there is no wind and tide running it behaves itself - tokk a bit of getting used too tho!!

havent used reverse to reverse yet - have used it to stem forward movement but to go backwards i just let the boat turn itself around then i go forward!!!

im not sure how your boat or anybody elses will handle compared to mine - i guess alot depends upon loads and local conditions - but have a practice somewhere away from granite harbor walls and youll be fine.

[thumper]

just one other thing - when coming off the pontoon heres what i doo - you cant start up while tied up still, these things turn in nuetral, always push off to clear water before starting up, get everthing ready, sit everydody down - push off- start up and clear off.

[jpeezy]

Bumping back and forth between forward and reverse while constantly moving the steering wheel gives you absolute control of the boat. I've had all types of boats and I actually believe I have more control over my speedster200 than any other boat I've owned. The one exception is when you first start the engine/engines. Just be aware that when you first start the engines you are going to instantly begin moving forward. An instant shift to reverse will get you going back to get away from the dock.

I enjoy hovering just inches from the dock with my super control method. Another tip is to always compensate for wind direction and speed. Remember, the rear of the boat is going to move opposite the way you turn when you hit reverse. The real trick is to practice bumping from forward to reverse to master fine control of your boat. Only add throttle if needed. Just take time to practice out in the open water. It's very satisfying once you master your boats movements. Never forget that other boat drivers may suk! Just use common sense and enjoy.

jpeezy

[stevenh]

Bumping back and forth between forward and reverse while constantly moving the steering wheel gives you absolute control of the boat. I've had all types of boats and I actually believe I have more control over my speedster200 than any other boat I've owned. The one exception is when you first start the engine/engines. Just be aware that when you first start the engines you are going to instantly begin moving forward. An instant shift to reverse will get you going back to get away from the dock.

I enjoy hovering just inches from the dock with my super control method. Another tip is to always compensate for wind direction and speed. Remember, the rear of the boat is going to move opposite the way you turn when you hit reverse. The real trick is to practice bumping from forward to reverse to master fine control of your boat. Only add throttle if needed. Just take time to practice out in the open water. It's very satisfying once you master your boats movements. Never forget that other boat drivers may suk! Just use common sense and enjoy.

jpeezy

I'm with you jpeezy. I am very comfortable with my S200's handling. When backing up or going forward, just remember the bow will do in the direction you steer no matter what. Once you remember this, docking is a snap. I love just spinning in place a few feet from the dock. Powering on/off the trailer also works very well as long as you have enough depth. I am always switching from nuetral to reverse while docking.

Steve

[jpeezy]

Bumping back and forth between forward and reverse while constantly moving the steering wheel gives you absolute control of the boat.  I've had all types of boats and I actually believe I have more control over my speedster200 than any other boat I've owned.  The one exception is when you first start the engine/engines.  Just be aware that when you first start the engines you are going to instantly begin moving forward.  An instant shift to reverse will get you going back to get away from the dock. 

I enjoy hovering just inches from the dock with my super control method.  Another tip is to always compensate for wind direction and speed.  Remember, the rear of the boat is going to move opposite the way you turn  when you hit reverse. The real trick is to practice bumping from forward to reverse to master fine control of your boat.  Only add throttle if needed.  Just take time to practice out in the open water.  It's very satisfying once you master your boats movements.  Never forget that other boat drivers may suk!  Just use common sense and enjoy.

jpeezy

I'm with you jpeezy. I am very comfortable with my S200's handling. When backing up or going forward, just remember the bow will do in the direction you steer no matter what. Once you remember this, docking is a snap. I love just spinning in place a few feet from the dock. Powering on/off the trailer also works very well as long as you have enough depth. I am always switching from nuetral to reverse while docking.

Steve

Your right. I really meant switching from neutral to reverse, since neutral really gives you forward motion anyway. It's an art form.

jpeezy

[bangah]

Just bought a new 2004 sportster & it docks way different than my old boat because of no prop. Any tips I should know about?
Thanks,
Jim

come in fast (not too fast) and pull your directional lever into reverse.. then simply use the steering assist at the max of your steering to make corrections. In reverse, if you turn left, essentially it will repoint the front of the boat to your left - and vv for the right.. I personally come in with enough speed so as not to have to use throttle at all, and only the fwd/rev/neu selector to get minimal motion..

[thumper]

when near docks i would always kepp throttle at idle position - right back - you cannot select f-n-r if its slightly forward - keep it at idle and use the shifter only - you should find that the boat moves forward at about 3-5mph at idle.