Reverse???

[Zeus2013]

Sooooo...

I have no issue with low speed maneuvering....forward. I was doing ok backing into a slip. This past Saturday was a complete no go backing into the slip. Could not line her up for Sh** after five times. Barely any current and no wind.

How well do the fins work for reverse maneuvering?

 

[Bennie]

@Zeus2013 - I don't have any fins but I will tell you that I've found that I have to bump up the "No wake" buttons when operating in reverse. A little extra gas usually makes the maneuver work.

 

[ToddW850]

I have Thrust Vectors and have virtually zero issues backing up with no wind and no current. However, throw the wind/current in the mix and the struggle is on. So, just my opinion, I don't think the fins/TV help much in reverse. Might be the fact they are "technically" at the front of the boat while backing up. Not sure on that though. Reason for saying that is when I back off the slip, I can turn the wheel all the way to port/starboard, and the boat will go straight back for the most part. Some times the bow of the boat swings toward the dock, but I'm backing the other way.

 

[Zeus2013]

@Zeus2013 - I don't have any fins but I will tell you that I've found that I have to bump up the "No wake" buttons when operating in reverse. A little extra gas usually makes the maneuver work.

Thanks...I tried that..but if I am not dead enter with the slip... It won't help.

 

[Zeus2013]

I have Thrust Vectors and have virtually zero issues backing up with no wind and no current. However, throw the wind/current in the mix and the struggle is on. So, just my opinion, I don't think the fins/TV help much in reverse. Might be the fact they are "technically" at the front of the boat while backing up. Not sure on that though. Reason for saying that is when I back off the slip, I can turn the wheel all the way to port/starboard, and the boat will go straight back for the most part. Some times the bow of the boat swings toward the dock, but I'm backing the other way.

That's my problem, if I turn the wheel, it takes 1000 times longer and swings badly.

 

[Bennie]

Guys I feel your pain. My boat goes into a slip maybe 5 times a year. Around here is mostly docks and beaches.

I will say I usually have to watch this video a few times each season. (Quite a few, lol)

 

[Ronnie]

Backing up has always been a chore for me even with find/cobra jets. Using the no wake modes helps. Also o recently added cobra fangs to the fin set up and those help as well but it is still not easy for me anyway, just need more time on task to get used to the speed/power needed and that I'm comfortable with.

 

[Bill D]

I was playing around on the lake this weekend and noticed in reverse, I can only get to about 2,500-3,000 rpms before I start getting cavitation. I believe the turbulent water from the thrust comes back into the intake and cavitates after a certain speed. I also noticed that turning to starboard I got a lot of reaction, turning to port got way less. I'm not sure if that is unique to my boat or if it is a common thing.

 

[Zeus2013]

Guys I feel your pain. My boat goes into a slip maybe 5 times a year. Around here is mostly docks and beaches.

I will say I usually have to watch this video a few times each season. (Quite a few, lol)

Yeah they make it appear easy.

 

[captras]

Sooooo...

I have no issue with low speed maneuvering....forward. I was doing ok backing into a slip. This past Saturday was a complete no go backing into the slip. Could not line her up for Sh** after five times. Barely any current and no wind.

How well do the fins work for reverse maneuvering?

I am new to jetboats. I have had some issues with slow speed maneuvering, but am getting the hang of it. One thing you very well may know, but I didnt, was that you can leave the boat in the NO WAKE mode and cycle back and forth from neutral, to fwd to reverse and it stays in the NO WAKE mode. That made a big difference for me.

 

[MNdrifter]

When I'm in reverse, I'm moving very slowly. The less speed, the less effective a fin or rudder will be. Your thrust stays effective at slow speed. When backing into my slip, I leave the wheel straight and only use the 2 throttles to steer. If there is any wind, then I hit the no-wake mode too.

 

[Matt Phillips]

The few times I back into a slip (its just not feasible at my regular slip) I find I have better luck with forward-reverse thrust than actually turning the wheel...

 

[rkluck]

When I'm in reverse, I'm moving very slowly. The less speed, the less effective a fin or rudder will be. Your thrust stays effective at slow speed. When backing into my slip, I leave the wheel straight and only use the 2 throttles to steer. If there is any wind, then I hit the no-wake mode too.

I had to back into my slip all the time. I found the best control are the throttles. I will also use steering to really pin point or assist the control. I used the throttles for any slow steering control. If you picture the throttles as two parenthesis ( and ) you know going forward (top half) and reverse (bottom half) what direction the boat will go. I used both to really control where she was heading and what speed. With just a little practice you will find you can really control the boat very easily when going very slow. Keep in mind don't go any faster than you are willing to hit something. HA!

 

[Zeus2013]

Thanks guys. I never tried the throttle control method at a slip. Will do it this weekend.

I did try it once leaving a dock just to see how well she turned but was not impressed. Maybe it is what I need at the slip for small adjustments.

 

[ncnmra]

One trick that I've learned vs a regular prop drive is that a quick blast of the throttles goes a long way. I'm not talking 9000rpm, but a quick burst to 3k or 4k will re-position the boat without adding forward momentum. That, and it is quick and easy to move between forward and reverse vs a prop drive so don't be afraid to add quick bursts in either direction. I try not to reverse too often because the control is obviously much worse than forward.

The video is very good; that guy is sure confident, I don't know if I'd be comfortable approaching the docks at that speed, especially with other boats around.

 

[Jasonsbiz74]

Reverse takes practice and patience. I usually back my boat in the slip. I usually leave the steering wheel center and use just the throttles to back in. I just go slow and take my time, when I rush or get nervous I fall of course. Take your time and practice, even with a little wind I can get it in the (with a little help from my dock friends)

 

[Bennie]

Of course he's confident @ncnmra ...none of those boats are his!

 

[Nick Hughes]

I back into my slip everytime because its easier to put the cover on. After 1/2 a season, I'm better but still suck. My marina is tight too, so i have to come in perpendicular, then i spin 90 degrees, go a little past if the wind is blowing in, or stop short for the opposite. Try to get the wheel straight and give a blast in reverse, as soon as the swim deck is beyond the dock, someone jumps off and pulls us in, engines off. I rarely make it all the way back without help, no shame there. At the bars i only go in straight to avoid the staring from patrons.

 

[Bennie]

At the bars i only go in straight to avoid the staring from patrons.

Lmao! Been there - done that! I feel your pain.

 

[Nick Hughes]

Lmao! Been there - done that! I feel your pain.

It was windy on Sunday and this one bar has about 30 slips, most are doubles with no dock between. Every down wind dock was occupied and over a few hours, we watched dozens of boats come in, try to get that near spot, fail once or twice and leave. Luckily I got a single shooter earlier.