Seems like alot of Jet Boats sink?

[Bryan Rose]

Seems like a stupid question here, but why is this? I am new to jet boats and would like to take every precaution possible to prevent this. I know it is stupid but what is the main reason they sink? Best ways to prevent this? I bring this up only because I was over on another site and some one predicted three boat sinkings for OP6. what is up with that ? Please forgive my ignorance, new to jets not to boating...Help out the FNG here... argue argue

[Bense468]

#1 thing to for before launching is the plug. Other then that its either transom adapter leaks, a hole in the bottom of your boat, or you take a big wave. If you are smart and pay attention you will limit your chance of these happening to a very slim margin.

[Cas]

Bryan Rose:
I know it is stupid but what is the main reason they sink? Best ways to prevent this? argue argue The main reason? you touched on it yourself....stupidity :D (and we've all been stupid at one time or another)
Other than someone being new to boating, I think the biggest reason is just flat forgetting to do the things necessary to prevent sinking.
ie: not putting the plug in, not facing the bow out when on the beach, not knowing how to hit a wave, etc.

[Jet Hydro]

(and we've all been stupid at one time or another)
No, Never...Not me.... :D

[hoolign]

It's easy...just don't install a splash gaurd, then slow down real fast,let the roller do the rest :p

[Bryan Rose]

Thank for the replies guys, keep em coming.... Now if I can just figure out how to post pictures. followed the directions from the FAQ to no avail. help....

[cave]

Bryan Rose
If its not running right dont take chances out in the middle of the lake. Fix the problem then take it out. I had a new Biesemeyer that the factory Engine just wouldnt run right. As I was new to jet boats I took it out and the motor stopped. I was in the middle of the lake Waahlaa Instant roller from a Malibu. No chance to save it. No one told me they hate jetboaters at The lake I go to. If it aint working keep it out of the water. Fix it. then go jetting wink
Check your hoses. Make sure there in good shape Dont want one to blow in the boat.
cave
[ June 20, 2003, 06:24 PM: Message edited by: cave ]

[Taylor LP]

And if you have an E/F pump, make sure the accordion boots on the steering / control cables are in good condition and not torn.

[Snorider]

Another tip to keep from sinking: DO NOT drop the reverse gate at any speeds above idle... If you do this, it will do one of 2 things:
1.) Break your reverse nozzle
2.) Stuff the bow of the boat and fill it with water.
(Either one is bad... unless its really hot out)
And once you get to know the boat, you will be better at it. Personally, i know my boat will sink if i leave it in the lake for about 3 days straight. 2 days, its fine (after a lot of bilge pumping). After that, it starts to get to the point where the blower vents are near water level. Usually leaks from the shift cable.
[ June 20, 2003, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: Snorider ]

[Bryan Rose]

Like I said not new to boating but new to JETS... I went through the boat and glassed up the holes left in the boat by the retard who I got it from who put screws through the bottom to mount the seats etc ... I went through it it to find any holes that I thought would be a problem found a few. Also i went underneath at the grate and sealed it up at the pick up with some marine sealant, I dug out all the old caulk and began to fill it in with new marine grade sealant... hope it holds? Also made sure the bilge pump was fully operational and all seems well. Just do not want to go out and sink it right off the bat, after a few no problem it is insured.The boat is solid and I know it does not leak but want to make sure I am not overlooking anything, Boat comes back from the interior shop on wednesday and off to the lake on Friday , Keeping fingers crossed... I have done all I think I can do. I have one other ? the pump bowl is filled with grease , what is the best way to get rid of the grease and get gear oil in it with out pulling the bowl? or do I have to do this?Who can I email pics to to post? I can't get my computer to work right with images , something about the wife and a new router not working properly with images? argue argue

[77468sleekcraft]

I WOULD SAY THE BEST WAY IS TO STOP REAL FAST AND NOT TURN AROUND AND WATCH THE WAKE COME INTO THE BACK OF THE BOAT..CAUSE WHEN YOU STOP YOU SHOULD BLIP THE THROTTLE TO GET A LITTLE AHEAD OF THE WAKE CATCHING UP WITH YOU. eek!

[TX Daytona]

Much of it Bryan boils down to the obvious, two words "Low Profile". Just use a lot of, not so common,common sense and you'll be fine.

[68 hallett]

In other words -HERES YOUR SIGN-

[Cas]

Bryan,
My email address is squirtboat21@juno.com go ahead and send me the pictures and I'll post them up for you.

[Bryan Rose]

Once again , thanks for all the replies, suck to be the FNG but I guess we were all there once. Steve , I will send some pics to you soon and thanks for all the help.
Bryan smile_sp

[Cas]

not a good thing to wake up to. Not sure who's boat this is but it was posted on one of the boards awhile back and I just found it again on Barney's site.
http://www.havasubarney.com/iB_html/uploads/post-5-01139-34underwater.jpg

[JEThro]

Here's a good way to check your boat for leaks. While its on the trailer,fill it up with about a foot of water. If there is a leak,you'll see it real quick. Jethro

[Moomawnster]

Bryan .... I have been running grease in my berk j/e for 5 yrs now with no trouble, just be sure to give it a squeeze or 2 after each trip . I actually have a pin hole in the impeller cone so that I can see the grease when its full ...... Moo
also ...use low modulus grease so it flows in the cold ....
[ June 22, 2003, 02:01 AM: Message edited by: Moomawnster ]

[Bryan Rose]

Thanks again for all of the advice , I will be taking this to heart. You guys are Great... sleeping

[Mandelon]

The combination of the typical low freeboard of the smaller boats and wake or wave coming in over the back is probably the main cause.
My carrera will take in about 4" of water if left in a slip over night. There are an awful lot of connection points in a jet and any through hull opening can let water in. I don't have a low freeboard so the only place I can take in water is over the open bow. Its happened a few times!
You may want to consider an extra bilge pump, float actuated if possible. A second battery too. :cool: :cool:

[pops1]

Mandelon:
The combination of the typical low freeboard of the smaller boats and wake or wave coming in over the back is probably the main cause.
My carrera will take in about 4" of water if left in a slip over night. There are an awful lot of connection points in a jet and any through hull opening can let water in. I don't have a low freeboard so the only place I can take in water is over the open bow. Its happened a few times!
You may want to consider an extra bilge pump, float actuated if possible. A second battery too. :cool: :cool: If your Clean out is inside WAIT for DRY LAND!