Need some advise

[Crlos16]

ok guys got couple questions, since I'm new to the jet boat world.

- Is fish tailing normal for a jet boat? Mainly on a busy lake (choppy water)? Since I come from a stern drive never had fish tailing action before.

- Now when loading your boat back on the trailer I noticed that I must power the boat back onto the trailer, once I'm all tied up and bow is in contact with the winch, I pull the trailer out of the water and noticed this 3-4" gap between the bow and the winch, (not sure if the boat slides backwards or what) tried fixing this couple times by going back in the water, but I can't get that gap to go away and sit flush! Pictures below to show what I'm talking about, (had to use a ratchet strap to keep it from bouncing around)

Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Julian]

This is normal for any boat with a winch strap. What I do to prevent it is to release as little strap as possible when launching the boat...as in one rotation of the handle! That way the strap already on the take up reel is taught and tight on there. Then there is no pull out from the strap. So if you power up to the winch stand, then you hook up the winch with just one foot or less of strap played out, there is no way for it to pull any looseness out of the strap.

The other alternative is to put as much back pressure on the strap when you are rolling it up as possible....meaning don't winch it loose, if there is too much strap played out, grab it and lift it up into the air and hold it there while someone winches in the extra strap. Again...the point here is to make sure the strap is on the take up reel really tight.

 

[Gym]

I agree with @Julian. Some other things you might try...Put your trailer in slightly deeper so when you winch up the boat should ride up slightly on the bow roller rather than just touching it. As you pull the boat out mash the breaks (doing about 5mph) when you get on flat ground. This should cause the boat to slide forward onto the bow roller. Then retighten the winch. Does your bow stop post have any free play fore and aft? I had to weld mine to prevent the same issue.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Gotta power up a little more and tighten the winch up tighter while the boat is in forward with a little thrust. The alternative is to put the trailer in deeper but your tow vehicle might be in the water too far and sometimes your bow nose will hit the winch post.

Fishtail feeling is totally normal in a jet. Look into www.cobrajetsteering.com to gain some of the rudder effect that you are used to in your former IO.

 

[Seadeals]

Our MFI trailers have a "flexible" bow stop, which means you really can't winch the boat unless you do the bolt or weld mod. When loading, I run it up strong and keep power on while I winch it tight and keep some power as my wife pulls it out (steep ramps make the slip-back worse).

Fish tailing is normal, especially in the beginning. You are effectively too late on inputs and over steering. In time you pick up the "feel" and make small steering inputs while leading what you know the boat is about to do. With more time you will definitely appreciate the potential handling qualities of these boats. Do you have thrust vectors or cobra fins? They help dampen the effects.

 

[Crlos16]

yes, that was my first mod I have the cobra jet fins (venom) guess I just have to give it more time and get used to the steering.

Thank you all for the advice on the bow stop, I did notice it does have some slack in it, is there a reason for this flex on the bow stop?

 

[Seadeals]

In my opinion, the reason is simply a poor design. Sharp boat and nice tow rig too!

 

[Crlos16]

In my opinion, the reason is simply a poor design. Sharp boat and nice tow rig too!

Thank you sir.