⛵⚓⛴✔ New Jet Boat Owner? Read this before you go out!!! ⛵⚓⛴✔

[Julian]

This post is intended to give new boat owners, or ones who've not boated in a while, a summary of things they should know BEFORE they go out on the water with their boat. I'm happy to add/modify this first post, so PLEASE tell me things that I have missed and I'll add them and build this up to a comprehensive list. I'm thinking I'll create 2 sections, things you MUST know, and things you should know. Many will include links for further details, and many link to our FAQ.

THINGS YOU MUST KNOW:

1. I strongly recommend reading the manual for your boat before taking it on the water. Most if not all of this post will be in the manual. Yamaha manuals are available free on Yamaha's website. Scarab User manuals are here.
2. Know what drowning looks/sounds like - its not like the movies - it is quiet and deadly.
3. Make sure you have all the required safety equipment on board (life jackets, throwable floatation device, visual flares/signaling device, audible signaling device etc). A marine radio is a must if you are on the ocean. A good anchor is critical (see #11)
4. Passengers should never sit on the seats on the swim platform while the engines are on. You risk killing people who sit there via carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Just because there are no props doesn't mean the jetwash isn't dangerous - all boats have a sticker on the transom warning about it. If your boat is used and is missing the sticker here it is:
   
6. Bow riding, although less dangerous with a jet boat is never the less, still dangerous. Bow riding- or sitting on the gunnels (edge of boat) at the front (bow) of the boat is dangerous because if you fall forward, you will be run over by the boat. With a prop boat that can be deadly. But you could catch clothing, life jackets etc in the jet pump and drown. (it is also illegal in most places)
7. Understand the operation of your bilge pump. Does it work? Have you tested how it works? Do you know when it should be on, auto, off? Short rule- the bilge pump should always be in "Auto" mode while the boat is in the water - ALWAYS!
8. Always open your engine hatch before starting your boat. You are looking for 2 primary things -1) the smell of gasoline (this would be bad), 2) the presence of water (also bad). Remediate either and understand WHY before operating your boat. If you smell strong gasoline fumes-you MUST fix that BEFORE EVER using the boat.
9. How to install the drain plugs in the transom - IE don't forget to put them in before launching.
10. You must know the basics of navigation on the water. This can be accomplished by reading materials, or a boaters safety course. The latter will also give you a discount on your insurance.
11. How to use your anchor and get it to hold.
12. DO NOT get towed on the water without clamping off the water intake line(s). If you do get towed anything above idle speed, you risk flooding your engine(s) with water. Explanation of why is here
13. If your jet pump is clogged (with weeds for example), it will prevent your engine from getting cooling water, and will overheat that engine (which can cause damage). You need to avoid clogs and weeds. Also, running with weeds will cause cavitation and dramatically reduce your fuel efficiency and range....learn what that sounds like and clear weeds as soon as you can safely do so. (See what you should know #2 for how to clear weeds)

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

1. How your engine works - what might cause it not to start.
2. How to clean stuff out of your jet pump.
   • A simple first approach to clearing weeds out of your jet pump - AKA "The Reverse Maneuver"
3. What tools you should have on board.
4. Know what is good voltage for your batteries -for example 12v is 50% discharged.
5. How your running lights work, when they should be on, and what lights shouldn't be on when in the open water (for example docking lights)
6. Have a launching and retrieving checklist. Don't be that guy/gal on the ramp who is loading their boat ON THE RAMP - only enter the ramp once you are READY to launch.
7. A jet boat is a giant vacuum - it can and will suck stuff up....like sand (which is bad for engine cooling passages). I will happily suck up tow ropes...so ALWAYS have a spotter responsible for the rope! And if a rope gets injested it can be dangerous to those near the rope as it will get pulled in fast possibly causing burns and if tied off, pinning persons or anything.
   Also, don't power off beaches etc - this will stir up sand and rocks and potentially 1) jamb your reverse gate(s), 2) get sucked into your cooling system.
8. How loading and positioning of people in your boat is important. Too much bow weight will change how your boat drives - and will actually mean you can't turn as fast as you normally can. So don't be afraid to tell your passengers to move around - you are the captain. In general, jet boats are not prone to porpoising-but it is an example of a dangerous condition that can be caused simply by too many people sitting in one area. Learn how YOUR boat responds and ADJUST.
9. How to disconnect and connect the jet pump gate from then end of the cable using the quick connect on a Yamaha. You need to know this if you make the mistake of powering off a beach and jamb your gate with sand or pebbles (#8 above)
10. That jetboats without close loop cooling systems (All Yamahas) cannot be towed (or run on one engine in twin engine models) over no wake speed without clamping off the cooling water intake line or you will flood the engine with water - this is in your manual (So see #1 at the top!)
11. Be careful with sunscreen - many will stain your seats - especially spray sunscreens. The same with brand new swim suits - they can leak dye onto the seats!
12. How your bilge pump works and how to maintain it (an extension of Must know # 7).
    1. Do the battery switch(es) need to be on or off?
    2. Have you cleaned the intake screen (you should check it annually)?
    3. Do you know that if the intake screen is clogged your pump won't work?
    4. Could you remove the pump in an emergency by feel alone (ie its underwater) to clean the screen? (most new pumps have two clips on each side holding it to the base)
13. General boating etiquette.

I'm sure I've missed something, so please point those out and add them! I have added this as a sticky and also add it to the FAQ as its own standalone item.

Lastly, you will get a routine set up, and like all routines, when interupted bad things can happen. So when friends or family come out and offer to help, or just start helping, STOP, and explain to them that although well intentioned, their help might actually cause you to miss something critical. So politely ask them to hold off, and only do things when asked - that way, your routine won't be interupted and a good day will ensue. Many people put together their own checklists - we have one on the fridge for before we leave the house. Things on it like: Keys, cooler, towels, snacks, sunscreen, Keys, tubes, inflator, boards, skiis, charge cords, phones, and did I mention KEYS! LOL

 

[Babin Farms]

1. Understand the operation of your bilge pump. Does it work? Have you tested how it works? Do you know when it should be on, auto, off? Short rule- the bilge pump should always be in "Auto" mode while the boat is in the water - ALWAYS!

I feel this should be in bold and underlined, maybe even larger print. I see way too many posts of not having the pump in auto while in the water. If it's off, by the time you realize that your taking on water with most boats it's too late and the water has already gotten up to the electrical or in the engines and then there's a thread started with "I flooded my engine bay with water"

 

[Julian]

I feel this should be in bold and underlined, maybe even larger print. I see way too many posts of not having the pump in auto while in the water. If it's off, by the time you realize that your taking on water with most boats it's too late and the water has already gotten up to the electrical or in the engines and then there's a thread started with "I flooded my engine bay with water"

This is actually what triggered me to author this list in the first place. Far too many new boaters not knowing/understanding the importance of their bilge pump.

Added #8 & 9 to the "Should know" section.

 

[rad1026]

Bow riding, riding on gunwales is not only dangerous it is illegal while the boat is under way.

nicely done!

 

[Julian]

I can't believe I didn't miss any important points.....????

 

[Trevor Shipman]

Great stuff here new boater or not. I would also note small things about right of way, not following closely to other boats especially if they are doing water sports. Nothing is cooler to me than a knowledgeable captain. Most boating stuff is common sense, but what Julian has listed out is great reminders.

 

[Coult45]

Maybe add a third section...Things You Should Do...

1. Take a Boating Safety Course, even if it's not required in your state.

many free and on-line options are available.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I can't believe I didn't miss any important points.....????

Boater Safety Course, Maybe? Not sure if it would go here.

 

[zipper]

Well done, hopefully the new owner is familiar with the basic USCG regs. of the waterway and/or at least completed a boater safety course.

Navigtion Rules

 

[RobbieO]

Over the last few days I weighed all my gear so I can distribute the weight evenly. I have 135 lbs in my ski locker and the rest of my gear is split port to starboard. All my gear comes to approx 425 lbs, that includes my batteries. This amount of weight is not typical, as I have a bunch of beach gear for this trip. (I.E 10x10 EZ-UP, beach chairs, floating island, big mable, etc.) I'm always super concerned about the weight. My passengers for this trip (6) weigh approx 950 lbs. According to the weight label, I'm still under by 800 lbs. My boat is packed to the gills. Makes me nervous.

 

[Julian]

@zipper @HangOutdoors @RobbieO added all your points - all great things for new boaters to know!

 

[RobbieO]

Boater Safety Course, Maybe? Not sure if it would go here.

Agree. I earned my California Boaters Card in the spring. Excellent course. I need to review.

 

[Trevor Shipman]

A general rule that was passed on to me a long time ago that I think about often is never approach anything faster than you are willing to hit it.

 

[2kwik4u]

When we bought our first boat, we took a vacation day on a random Tuesday. Just her and I. No kids. No friends. No pets. No crowd. Took the boat to the local ramp early in the morning (10am or so), and practiced launching, docking, retrieving. I bet we had the boat on/off the trailer about 10 times that day. I was learning the depth to set hte trailer, how to park it, and how to get back OUT of the parking spot. She was working on speed/direction/throttle for getting the boat on the trailer, as well as how to approach the dock to pick me up after parking the truck. We spent a good 4 hours doing "practice" that day. Had lunch on the water, and generally enjoyed the day as well.

That "practice day" has made all the difference in the world at the ramp. We don't argue/bicker at all. Each of us knows what the other is supposed to do, we do that, and we have some checks/balances in there to make sure the other is doing the stuff. She asks if plugs are in and straps are off. I ask if the battery is on and the blower is running. We launch and retrieve with surgical precision now. We're in/out with very little time on the ramp or at the courtesy dock. Absolutely ZERO drama to start or end our day.

Having a "practice day" as a new boater is easily one of the least expensive, and easiest things you can do to improve your comfort level around the boat. It's well worth the time and effort IMO.

*edit*

Also, I don't see any mention of launch etiquette on that list. I know this is a highly contested topic, but some basics on the list might not be a bad idea. We want to "raise" not only safe boaters, but conscientious boaters as well right

Here's a good "top 5" list of ramp ettiquette.

Boat Ramp Etiquette 101

The idea of good boat ramp etiquette involves boaters practicing "good manners" at the launch ramp. These unwritten boat ramp rules include prepping your boat in a staging area before launch, and getting your boat in and out quickly and efficiently.

www.discoverboating.com

 

[NewBoater]

A general rule that was passed on to me a long time ago that I think about often is never approach anything faster than you are willing to hit it.

Best advice I ever got also. Creep into the dock with bumps of the throttle into forward back to neutral back to forward back to neutral then one good bump of the throttle into reverse and a turn of the steering wheel away from the dock and you should kiss the dock very lightly. Couple bumpers thrown out before approaching and you should be good to jump out and tie off your lines. I’ve seen so many people over correct at docks and slam throttle so far forward and mess their boat up
bad. Remember slight bumps in and out of gear.

One other thing Do your own maintenance (oil changes and spark plugs each year). It’s so easy and will save you a ton of money over letting dealerships do it. I think I paid $350 or more my first service and now it’s the easiest thing to do and takes an hour or so and it’s whatever the cost of the oil and filter and spark plugs are (maybe $75)?

 

[tdonoughue]

I second @2kwik4u 's "practice day" idea for the outing before you take everyone out. I suggest it as a must. Add to it: Throw out a fender and practice picking it up as if it were a downed skier/tuber.

Add to #8 of the must know: How to install the cleanout plugs (if equipped)...

Additional must know: Proper cleat knot.

Additional must know: If boating in salt, how to flush with Salt Away.

I'm sure I will think of more as soon as I hit post on this...

 

[Trevor Shipman]

@Julian you’ve created a monster!

This could be a long list and a list that could quickly become over whelming for a first timer. If nothing else, hammer home the things Julian has listed out and you’ll 80% better than the majority of boaters out there. And if you don’t know something, always ask!

 

[Nightmare]

Bow riding,

I assume you specifically mean sitting on the very nose of the bow, with feet hanging over the water?
YES, that is extremely dangerous. My wife handles some boating insurance claims. Dad had the kids riding on the bow of a pontoon boat. A kid fell into the water and was run over by the prop.

She also handled a claim where someone thought they could stop the boat from hitting the dock by sticking their leg out. Boat's Mass + Momentum + Stationary dock >>> Leg. Very bad crush/fracture.

I could go on. Take it slow and don't do STUPID things.

 

[Beachbummer]

What equipment should you are to have on board. Check you are compliant with your state requirements for Day/Night signal (Day Flag does not expire, flares work both day and night.) and your Fire Extinguisher indicates it is charged and will pass inspection. Enough life vests for all and a throwable pfdevice to appease the authorities.

Don't forget the anchor.

 

[Beachbummer]

She also handled a claim where someone thought they could stop the boat from hitting the dock by sticking their leg out. Boat's Mass + Momentum + Stationary dock >>> Leg. Very bad crush/fracture.

I always tell my passengers that the fiberglass and gelcoat is not self healing, while their limbs and bones are, so when in doubt always sacrifice their limbs and bones to prevent boat damage. They get the point quick.