Sean R

Hello everyone,

Thrilled to be a part of the Sea-doo boat owner family. I own a 2008 Challenger 230 SE, and I'm looking forward to years of fun for the family. Any tips you'd have (particularly on operating the boat at slow speeds and in tight quarters) would be great. I'm struggling with how to steer the boat (knowing that I can't be in neutral), and yet then being able to slow the boat down.

Thanks for any insights you can provide!

Sean R

Hello,

HELP!! I am thrilled to be the new owner of a 2008 Sea-doo Challenger 230 SE. It's a great boat and I really look forward to the years of fun that I'll have with my family. Unfortunately, I'm struggling at the beginning to figure out the proper technique to operate/maneuver the boat at slow speeds. I have a Sea-doo PwC that I've driven a little bit (late last summer), so I'm aware that you cannot steer a jet boat in neutral. Problem I'm having is when I have the boat in a slow forward speed (so I can steer), I'm then not sure how to slow it down in tight quarters, etc. For example, when I try to put it on my boat lift I'll go a good deal past the lift versus stopping on top of it. I was wondering if I needed to switch to neutral, and then to reverse, to slow it down/stop it, but that seems to be alot of work and may not slow it down fast enough. I also thought I might be able to have the lift up slightly (as the lift could potentially slow the boat down), but I was concerned that would damage the lift given the weight of the boat. I would love to learn from those who are "pros" at this how to control the boat at slow speeds and in tighter quarters. Your help would be greatly appreciated!!

Sean R from Wisconsin (Newbie)