First time boater

[n33d45p33d]

hi guys, I'm hoping to purchase a Yamaha 212X sometime between the end of the year and early next year. This is going to be my first boat ever, I have had jet skis but never a boat.

I'm getting as much information as possible and tips from this forum and I really appreciate the help.

I did the State of Florida safety education course a couple of weeks ago, and just this weekend I did a Safe Powerboat Handling course up in Ft. Lauderdale where I was on the water most of the day with an instructor on an outboard boat, I felt pretty comfortable being it was my first time handling and driving the boat and the instructor said I did great.

But I still would like to do a training or course on a jet boat, do any of you from around the south Florida area know of any?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Julian]

I've never heard of a Jetboat handling course anywhere....there really isn't a lot of difference besides the primary "use thrust to help you turn" difference....and that doesn't take an BA or MBA to figure out.

Just take her out on a quiet day during the week the first time. And if you can, bring a helpful buddy who has boated before.

You might also get lucky and have a member here volunteer to take you out for a spin....

 

[Eric Popper]

hi guys, I'm hoping to purchase a Yamaha 212X sometime between the end of the year and early next year. This is going to be my first boat ever, I have had jet skis but never a boat.

I'm getting as much information as possible and tips from this forum and I really appreciate the help.

I did the State of Florida safety education course a couple of weeks ago, and just this weekend I did a Safe Powerboat Handling course up in Ft. Lauderdale where I was on the water most of the day with an instructor on an outboard boat, I felt pretty comfortable being it was my first time handling and driving the boat and the instructor said I did great.

But I still would like to do a training or course on a jet boat, do any of you from around the south Florida area know of any?

Thanks for the help!

Welcome aboard! When I bought my Yamaha, which was my first boat, I got most of my information from this (and other lesser) forums. The first half a dozen times that I went out, I was sure to take a friend who had years of boating experience. While he didn't have any jet boat experience, it greatly increased safety by having him there for his general experience and knowledge. As far as the jet boat goes, read as much as you can, use the checklists available on this website, takes things slowly, and understand that it isn't good as a deep water boat unless the conditions are perfect.

Most importantly have fun!

Eric

 

[BlackandTan]

Check with your local dealer. I think my dealer offers a test drive in the boat you are buying and offers a safety course, perhaps in the boat that you've purchased. My dealer has several guys who work there that own Yamahas. They've been extra helpful over the years.

 

[Zonie]

There are also a few YouTube videos out there that are helpful. A a few guys have their own channels that show how to do lots of things from winterizing to pulling a pump to remove an object stuck in the impeller. The more you can learn, and the more you understand the systems on the boat, the better off you'll be and the better your experience will be. Most of all, have fun!

 

[n33d45p33d]

Thanks for the information. My local dealer does offer test drives on the boat you are buying so definitely going to do that. Not sure if they have a course but I will check with them.

I have watched a lot of YouTube videos already and will continue to see as many as possible until I purchase it.

 

[VONCE]

I agree with the YouTube videos. I watched one about docking a jet boat and it was very informative. If you've had jet skis you probably understand how the thrust and steering works. Any time that engine is on, you'll be moving somewhere (even if only slightly). Remember there is no true neutral. Reverse is a little goofy so don't launch on a crowded ramp for the first time. You really just have to get out on some open water to play around and figure it out for yourself. And I totally agree about bringing a competent friend or two. I tried taking my 210 out on a solo trip last fall. Could be partly due to my pristine (HAH!) health history, but it's a lot of work for a wore-out dude like myself to do all by your lonesome.

So, why are you waiting? Get out and buy that boat!

 

[n33d45p33d]

Having a baby in June and at the same time I don't currently have a vehicle that can tow it, my lease is up at the start of the year. So once I get the tow car I can get the boat and the baby won't be such a newborn as well.

 

[buckbuck]

Sounds like a well planned life.

 

[n33d45p33d]

Ha! If that was the case I would have had the boat two years ago.

 

[Earfixr]

It might sound funny but the best teaching case for driving your boat may be to go rent a Yamaha waverunner. It will teach you a lot about how jet drives handle. Practice low speed turns and leanring how to back up in reverse is always fun for newbies. The engine noise and razor sharp turns will be real close to what's ahead on your 212. Your boat will basically be just a 21' jet ski anyway. You can learn and have fun at the same time.

 

[n33d45p33d]

Yup that's what I figured and I've had a Yamaha jet ski before, so I should be ok!

 

[MrMoose]

hi guys, I'm hoping to purchase a Yamaha 212X sometime between the end of the year and early next year. This is going to be my first boat ever, I have had jet skis but never a boat.

I'm getting as much information as possible and tips from this forum and I really appreciate the help.

I did the State of Florida safety education course a couple of weeks ago, and just this weekend I did a Safe Powerboat Handling course up in Ft. Lauderdale where I was on the water most of the day with an instructor on an outboard boat, I felt pretty comfortable being it was my first time handling and driving the boat and the instructor said I did great.

But I still would like to do a training or course on a jet boat, do any of you from around the south Florida area know of any?

Thanks for the help!

@n33d45p33d, I think that @chris24 might be able to help you out with a handling course.

 

[Matt Phillips]

One tip I recommend is on your first trip, find a quiet location without current or waves. Toss a fender (without a line on it) into the water. Practice driving both left and right around the fender, both forward and backward. I always figure it's better to hit a fender in the middle of the lake than the dock.

I also use this method when teaching someone how to pick up a down skier. The difference is while they are driving the boat at about 25mph, I toss the fender overboard and then tell the driver to "go pick up your down wakeboarder." Again, this gives them a good opportunity to practice slow maneuvering without worrying about running over someone.

 

[n33d45p33d]

Matt this is exactly what we did in the handling class I took over the weekend. We were practicing doing a man overboard scenario. We also did the maneuvering around the fender.

 

[Chase Worthington]

If you are willing to spend $300, Captain Nick down at Blind Pass Marina in St. Pete will take you out for a 2hr charter with full instruction. I believe his boat is the 242 Limited S.

 

[FloJet]

Welcome and congrats. You will love the new toy!

 

[merlinjet]

Welcome to the forum...and happy boating!

 

[Glen]

#1 rule of boating, and particularly docking (most pressure due to 'audience'), "SLOW IS PRO".

I takes a bit of time and experience to develop the instincts of accounting for the influence of wind, current and your velocity/thrust. GO SLOW.
Very few things hurt the boat or its people, when taken slow.

(Yes, there are a very few occasions when you need to use thrust to overcome wind and current, but the VAST majority of accidents are from inexperience and going too fast.)

 

[Bennie]

@n33d45p33d - have you checked out our "User Map" on the top left of any page on this forum?

You can add your own "anchor" to the map by going to your profile page and putting in your city/state or zip. That will let others near you see you and be able to join up with you as you dive into jet-boating.

As most have said though - just take it slow and have fun. You'll need to go slow as you do your break in anyway.
After 3 seasons with this boat, my family are pros at the dock ---- however the first time (or four) my wife would leave the dock in tears. It just takes time to get used to the way it works. But these boats are a blast!!! Everyone will love it!!