I am used to my Parker 630 IB diesel with Z-drive.
In a couple of weeks I'll gonna ride a 9m rib of (to me) unknown make with jet drive on the North Sea. All I know is it's said to have an IB petrol engine.
What are key things to know in terms of using a jet in the ruff and close manouevring?
Jan
Depends on your set up with throttles and bucket controls I guess but...
hardest is to get yourself out of the 'use neutral as a gear' mindset when manoeuvring as the engine is always racing.
I find it best to think of two modes: parking (cos I can't spell manoeuvring consistently) and speed. Parking, set the revs and then only use bucket controls leaving the throttles alone. Applying throttle to fix a problem nearly always the worst possible option. Once parked, buckets to neutral and bring down the revs. Use more revs than you think as it gives you more control. Eg revs to give you 6-7 kts at full forward bucket.
Forwards / astern has no impact on turning. You don't need to flip the steering to do a 3 point turn which messes your head to start with.
Anything above manoeuvring speed, set buckets to full ahead and work the throttle. If it's rough you may lose drive when you don't want as the intake is out of the water which is a bit shit so keep the intake in the water.
Pull back the buckets at speed to dunk the nose and get everybody wet for your party trick.
The hardest part is the close quarter manoeuvring however once you get the hang of it you're away.
+1 for the fact that there is no neutral (at least not with jet tenders I've driven) so get used to having the throttle slightly astern to keep you still.
I have also experienced loss of steering when you leave the water which is to be expected especially in small/ lighter boats.
