Jet Drives

alant1 · 18 May 2009, 15:57

Is there a 'useful' handbook/manual available on the 'best' way to drive these?

tonka · 18 May 2009, 23:12

there aint really any books that can teach you to drive jets , just need to practice plenty or go out in a boat with someone that knows what there doing,

alant1 · 19 May 2009, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonka

there aint really any books that can teach you to drive jets , just need to practice plenty or go out in a boat with someone that knows what there doing,

"or go out in a boat with someone that knows what there doing,"

Doesn't this just mean or go out in with someone who 'thinks' they know what their doing?

How can you tell the difference?

They might be making a complete 'dogs breakfast' of it & just getting away with it.
Somewhere, there must (even if its based on a manufacturers handbook) be something which is more informative.

SeaSkills · 19 May 2009, 11:06

I haven't seen a good published book on driving jets (and it's really only the "peculiarities" of the drive unit that make it any different - apart from that it's still a boat and subject to all the conventional boat-driving stuff), but some of the places where they teach people to drive in jet boats have produced their own material and may be prepared to share if you ask them nicely.

In Scotland, I would approach organisations like Falcke Nutec, or RGIT, or MRI at Stonehaven and talk nicely to them. I don't have the local knowledge for the south coast, but I'd maybe start with Warsash and if they can't help they may at least point you in the right direction.

If you don't get anywhere, feel free to pm me and I can send you my own thoughts on driving jets. There are really only 2 key things you need to get your head around, and if you understand those the rest comes with practice

alant1 · 19 May 2009, 17:43

Found this useful site

http://www.hamiltonjet.co.nz/

Chris · 19 May 2009, 22:58

Yes their driving game is just like the real thing

Mollers · 19 May 2009, 23:15

Surely it's get in one and get on with it 'til you get the hang of it?

I've driven a jet, I found close quarter handling a bit of a nightmare at first. Remembering the bucket is the tricky bit.

Rogue Wave · 20 May 2009, 04:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by alant1

"or go out in a boat with someone that knows what there doing,"

Doesn't this just mean or go out in with someone who 'thinks' they know what their doing?

How can you tell the difference?
.

surely after all your years at sae you'd know when someone was winging it?

Look at discharge books and relevant documentation to see if a pro has the relevant experience. 2 best local drivers I know to you are Johhny tug boat. Got an OD by the timver wharf in Pole or Jasper Andersen in Southampton.

Once you get your head round a jet's capability and you get a few hundred hours in the control they offer you is stunning.

Call me if you want and I'll talk you trough a few things

bencymru · 15 July 2009, 12:37

I just got in on friday and got on with it. i've never driven a boat before anywhere, i have all the safety kit and extensively researched launching etc.

1 spent 2 hours at various speeds and to be honest, theres not a lot to it. high speed is easier than low as you have far more drive to utilise. low speed was a bit hairy at first, i zig zagged my way out of the harbour but after some practice with coming along side the jetty etc i got the hang of it.
basically - no drive - no steer!

you need to blip the throttle to get the best out of manouverability at slow speed.

more experienced people may disagree with my comments above but this is just my opinion so please go easy on me!

another 8 hours plus training and i'll be taking my family out too!

ben

Cookee · 15 July 2009, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by alant1

Is there a 'useful' handbook/manual available on the 'best' way to drive these?

Where are you on the south coast? If you're anywhere near Salcombe you can come out in our demonstrator and play if you like?

willk · 15 July 2009, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by bencymru

I just got in on friday and got on with it. i've never driven a boat before anywhere, i have all the safety kit and extensively researched launching etc.

Another graduate from The School of Life! And it saved paying a Consultant/Instructor who probably just trained themselves anyway

.

Maximus · 15 July 2009, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by alant1

Is there a 'useful' handbook/manual available on the 'best' way to drive these?

Matt h is trying out his Jetrib this weekend, it will no doubt get the same carefull measured get to know you, tried and tested protocol of all his new craft...turn it on,point it, open the throttle[TO MAX!] and ...GOOOOOO!

bencymru · 15 July 2009, 20:03

well, didn't want to look like a fool but that sounds like me 2 mins after leaving the harbour..... 32 mph with 1.5 ft waves.... soon slowed down.

the biggest issue i had with the rib was how the hell to slow down when i'm holding nto the wheel so tight!!!!!

maybe a floor throttle?

ben

JSP · 15 July 2009, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by bencymru

well, didn't want to look like a fool but that sounds like me 2 mins after leaving the harbour..... 32 mph with 1.5 ft waves.... soon slowed down.

the biggest issue i had with the rib was how the hell to slow down when i'm holding nto the wheel so tight!!!!!

maybe a floor throttle?

ben

Hold on to the base of the remote box and use your thumb and finger to control the throttle. Top tip passed on to me when I first started using a boat with an outboard that could do more than 8 knotts.

I've never driven a jet drive. What are the different characteristics compared to outboards and stern drives?

Dirk Diggler · 15 July 2009, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Hold on to the base of the remote box and use your thumb and finger to control the throttle.

And how do you trim the motor?

JSP · 15 July 2009, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

And how do you trim the motor?

Quickly

Pete7 · 15 July 2009, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

And how do you trim the motor?

Well, if you buy the right jet drive you get one with a bucket that not only moves from side to side but also up and down to trim the boat. Curiously enough I might just have one under my desk, now where is that JSP chap it would be just right for an Avon 5.4m.

Of course anyone who wants to know how one works could do worse than read the famous Ribnet Jetboats thread, which ran to 195 posts and entertained us one dark winter

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...&highlight=jet

Pete

.

JSP · 16 July 2009, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Well, if you buy the right jet drive you get one with a bucket that not only moves from side to side but also up and down to trim the boat. Curiously enough I might just have one under my desk, now where is that JSP chap it would be just right for an Avon 5.4m.

Of course anyone who wants to know how one works could do worse than read the famous Ribnet Jetboats thread, which ran to 195 posts and entertained us one dark winter

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...&highlight=jet

Pete

.

Wish I could Pete, I'll buy your desk though, must be bloody huge!!

willk · 16 July 2009, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

turn it on,point it, open the throttle[TO MAX!] and ...GOOOOOO!

... Recently I overheard someone discussing the throttle settings on our local 85 - apparently there are two:

1. Go
2. No Go

Delta Rich · 16 July 2009, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by alant1

Found this useful site

http://www.hamiltonjet.co.nz/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Yes their driving game is just like the real thing

It is if you were at Seawork this year - they had it linked up to a couple of big 292's (iirc) and you stood at a helm position with real controls - was an effective marketing tool