Jet Drives

[alant1]

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

[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,

[alant1]

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]

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]

Found this useful site

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

[Chris]

Yes their driving game is just like the real thing

[Mollers]

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]

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]

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]

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?