Jetski behavior

[bkwapisz]

I don't own a jetski, but have driven a few in my time. Apparently I am not doing it right, because I noticed as of late that the proper form is to do endless tight circles in these at full throttle next to shore. I was watching some dwip Sunday do this next door to my dad's place and after about 20 revolutions he almost smashed into his boat which was on a lift.

What is the reason for doing these stupid 'donut' maneuvers? That would make me dizzy.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Jetski behavior

FWIW you have to remember who you are talking about. I too have ridden on a few jetskis, never figured out the allure. The circles are one thing, but when they sit and ride my wake not 15 behind me, thats enough for one of them to catch a full can of pop in the melon!!!

 

[barman84]

Re: Jetski behavior

Never really figured it out as well. Jet skis to me are just a simple way to say look I can get on the lake too! Not much you can really do after that. Now the guys who ride my wake... Simple fix for that is to just un tie your tube and let it go makes a good 30 foot hangline behind the boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Jetski behavior

somehow they think a series of donuts makes them look cool and the chicks will dig them. Just calling attention to themselves like the 4 year old at the pool who pulls down his trunks.

 

[hubbard53]

Re: Jetski behavior

Why does the bass boat anchor in the middle of traffic?
Why does the pontoon go diagnally across the lake?
Why does the cruiser just sit there doing nothing?

 

[Tig]

Re: Jetski behavior

I've noticed that jetskis can have the allure of a noisy kids toy. So much fun that the person pulling the trigger becomes oblivious to the world around. To the casual observer this is simply annoying and inconsiderate. If it were to happen in the middle of the lake it wouldn't bother me. I'll go fish somewhere else.
On the other hand some people do use jetskis much like a boat and go places on them. When used like that they are barely noticed because they blend in and then fade away in the distance.

 

[cheetah90]

Re: Jetski behavior

Hate those things id vote yes for a ban!

 

[brick75]

Re: Jetski behavior

I guess I'd just say...to each their own. Everyone likes something different. As someone that both boats and rides jet ski's, I can see both sides of the argument. When I'm on a jetski, there's no way in hell I'm just gonna go off in a straight line.....BORING. They're made to ride much more aggressively than you would with a boat. Jumping, fast turns etc. are what make them fun to ride.

That said, I do see a lot of complete idiots out there that obviously shouldn't be allowed to ride one. I'm always very concious of what is around me and am sure not to get to close to a boat that is underway or cross it's path. There will always be idiots out there no matter what activity you're talking about. I've just accepted that I need to be careful "for" them to ensure my (and my family's) safety.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Jetski behavior

Most of the lake lice around here think they own the lake. Some know the rules & regs, but many are renters and don't have a clue.
When I had my jet, I used to LOVE the lake licers that would get too close to my stern. It was a heavy 23' hull, and had a big wake they loved to jump across.
But, if they got too close - I'd trim her up, hit the throttle, and see if I could knock them off the jetski with my rooster tail. One soaking was enough to keep them away after that.

 

[nuboat2me]

Re: Jetski behavior

Used to own lake property a few years back.

We were just putting along in the Bass Boat, not even on plane.. I'd say 5 - 10 MPH. Two kids on Skis and one motioned me to slow. I thought there was a problem. I pulled in to neutral, he came alongside.

This was the kicker...

"Sir would it be okay if we rode your wake for a little bit since you are going slow and giving us some wake?"...

SInce we were the only vessels on that side of the lake, I said, "Sure, just stay back about 50 yards or so..." After all, I wasn't in a hurry... Just boating...

They rode our wake, jumped hooted and hollared, had a good time. No problems to me... when they were done, the "Asker" paralled us and gave a wave of thanks, turned about and went on their way back down the lake...

Didn't bother me...

THe ones that do... are just as the OP stated...

Anyway...

Cheers!!

J

 

[PGFISHER]

Re: Jetski behavior

With a PWC or any boat; if you continuously endanger others, you should be made to cut off the deck, gut it, and install oar locks. boat responsibly or get out of the water.

 

[Red Snappa]

Re: Jetski behavior

One of the happiest days of my life was the day that I learned that jet skis had been banned from my favorite ski lake.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Jetski behavior

It seems like there is some force on a jetski that drops the drivers IQ about 20 points.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Jetski behavior

Why does the bass boat anchor in the middle of traffic?

That's where the bass are.

Why does the pontoon go diagnally across the lake?

To get to the other side.

Why does the cruiser just sit there doing nothing?

They are relaxing and enjoying being undisturbed on the water.

 

[tburda]

Re: Jetski behavior

I learned how to ride a jet ski when I was only about 13 years old, ever since I've been old enough to stand, I've been on watercraft. I spend more time boating than I spend on my ski (and I dont own my own boat yet oddly enough) and I HATE HATE HATE seeing the people that drive like idiots on jet ski's. They can be fun, but it's just like trying to be a motorcyclist in the world of cars...it's small fast, and noisy, you have to use every bit of discrescion you have for the safety and courtesey of yourself and those around you. Unfortunately, there's a large majority of riders that lack that.

 

[slag]

Re: Jetski behavior

Its the same as with just about anything

I hate those cyclists who think they own the road, but then drive 15 mph everywhere, holding up traffic. If you can, stay close to the curb, or ride on the sidewalk where legal.

I also dislike those motorcyclists who think they need to be loud and dart in and out of traffic.

I have owned jetskis for the past 12 years and love them to death. Its not the jetskis that are a problem, its the people they attract who have no regard for others. They are cheap barriers to entry to get on the water that are uber maneuverable and fun as heck. However, when improperly tuned, they smoke like crazy and with the multitude of aftermarket parts, its cheap and easy to make them faster and louder than they already are.

Now, being a boater, I just stay away from the jetskiers. They're only out to have a good time, and one of those ways is to jump wakes that boats make, however, I agree, they should be smart enough to stay back at least 50 yards.

 

[SangerTom]

Re: Jetski behavior

Had 3 seadoos for 6 years. Had a safety meeting with everyone in my doo party for the day or weekend there to give the rules. All 3 of my kids learned to drive them respectfully and safely.

After we had them about 3 years we were on the Colorado river and saw two seadoos (rentals) flying down the river side by side (we were beached for a bit). Mom's driving each of them with 2 kids on the back. They were trying to splash each other by trying to slide towards each other side by side. Recipe for someone to loose a leg. We all watch in horror as they collide. 6 people (4 kids) go flying. Unbelievably no one hurt. Hole in one Seadoo. We go down river to help. Tell them they are idiots and to go back and return them.

Kids respected my words of safety after that.

Now I have a boat. Realize I was in the minority. Seadoos are great fun but 95% of the riders leave their judgement in their cars.

 

[RicMic]

Re: Jetski behavior

The problem is that they are one of those mindless toys that aren't really good for anything. After ten minutes the fun turns to boredom and then its "who can I impress with my going in circles". "Oh there is a fisherman minding his own business in a bay on the far side of the lake, I should impress him with my going in circles skills".

 

[slag]

Re: Jetski behavior

The problem is that they are one of those mindless toys that aren't really good for anything. After ten minutes the fun turns to boredom and then its "who can I impress with my going in circles". "Oh there is a fisherman minding his own business in a bay on the far side of the lake, I should impress him with my going in circles skills".

Try a standup. They are easy to learn, but take years to master and, you'll work muscles you never knew existed. I'll eventually get a few standups again when my kids are old enough to ride, but until then, its boating--something the whole family can enjoy.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Jetski behavior

The problem is that they are one of those mindless toys that aren't really good for anything. After ten minutes the fun turns to boredom and then its "who can I impress with my going in circles". "Oh there is a fisherman minding his own business in a bay on the far side of the lake, I should impress him with my going in circles skills".

Obviously your slightly biased opinion... Sometimes those mindless toys are exactly what you need! There are a fair number of boats that could be applied to also, btw. (as well as MANY other vehicles... how many motorcycles are actually driven for practical purposes? Most people driving a cycle might spend the vast majority of the miles just aimlessly driving around, just 'because'...)


pwc's are entertainment by going around in circles if you will, but they can also be simple transportation, as well as a cheap way just to get out on the water.