Throttle play

[Smitty244]

First time using sx195 and it seems to have a few inches between when you put it in gear and when it starts to actually change the rpm’s. Is this the normal way to be set from Yamaha? It’s pretty annoying when docking.

 

[d_coyne1984]

Yes that is normal. The first throttle detent doesn't add throttle, but shifts the bucket from the neutral position to forward position, but keeps the same idle RPMs. These aren't like stern drives where the prop stops spinning when you are in neutral. The impeller is always spinning on jets. They achieve a "neutral" position by directing just enough thrust forward and reverse at the same time to balance out. The bucket position will often need to be adjusted over time to maintain a neutral position. You'll know because when in neutral the boat will creep forward of back more than normal.

 

[Smitty244]

Definitely going to take some getting used to. I had about 20 years owning a 26’ sea ray and felt that I was pretty good with it. I used this one time and I did horrible lol.

 

[mwalker4]

Definitely going to take some getting used to. I had about 20 years owning a 26’ sea ray and felt that I was pretty good with it. I used this one time and I did horrible lol.

Yep I'm with you. It takes a change in psychology. The no wake mode definitely helps with the throttle play,.

 

[d_coyne1984]

Yeah there is definitely a learning curve. I'm glad a jet was my first boat so I didn't need to relearn how to drive a boat. Once you get it though, you will never want to go back. I could park my jet anywhere. The trick is to use small pulses of throttle back and forth. There is no transmission to wear out so be shift happy.

 

[212s]

First time using sx195 and it seems to have a few inches between when you put it in gear and when it starts to actually change the rpm’s. Is this the normal way to be set from Yamaha? It’s pretty annoying when docking.

As stated yes it sounds normal. We came from many years of boating with outboards and I/O's, and this was a new learning curve for us too. But don't worry, it only takes a few outings to get the feel of it. After a few weekends I didn't even think about it anymore. I find the whole jetboat experience much better than prop, and docking has been easier since there's no gears involved. Steering lock to lock is so much faster too which helps with dock handling. I found turning around at idle speeds in about 1.5 boat lengths makes reverse docking so much easier. Just takes practice to get a feel for how she handles and where she goes with steering and throttle input. Wind will always make this harder of course, but on days with light wind, no issues at all.

 

[Sean R]

I've had a 180 Searay, Ar190 and now a 212. The 212 is by far the easiest boat at the dock I have had. Its also 100% stock, i dont have vectors.

 

[dbfl]

I'm not new to jet boats but new to Yamaha. I noticed that same "play" and problem when docking, very frustrating at first.

Then I saw a tip about using the no wake mode when docking and formerly didn't know it'd stay engaged. There's not enough thrust on my SX190 even with TVXs to usefully steer at idle, especially in reverse or with a little wind. Docking with a couple clicks into no wake mode has made all the difference. The engine stays throttled up just enough to have the needed thrust and steerage. Clicking back and forth between forward first detent, neutral and reverse first detent controls speed, and with even three clicks of no wake engaged on a breezy day is so far working very well. The only tricky bit is if turning, the wheel has to be quickly swung opposite when going to reverse or back to forward. In this respect I feel BRP's (opposite) reverse bucket design is much better, allowing the wheel to remain turned the same way when maneuvering.

My small BRP Sportster had usable thrust at idle - good thing because that same clicking fwd/neutral/rev technique I also used with it can only be done at idle in those boats, at least for my 2004.

 

[Betik]

You are in for a long learning curve, but when you get there you will see it was worth it.