Towing a Jetski with a 242 Limited S-E

[Krabi Sunset]

When I get my new boat I will also consider getting a nice big Yamaha Jet-Ski to go with it.

Would you just tow the Jet-Ski behind the boat? How far behind? and would you have any concerns going WOT in a straight line on the ocean with fairly calm waters, with said Jet-Ski behind you being towed?

 

[zipper]

No way would I consider towing a jet ski above no wake mode. @Jgorm was just talking about putting a mount for a stand up ski on the swim platform. I suggested putting removable dinghy davits back there to lift the ski out of the water and set on the mounts. https://jetboaters.net/threads/standup-ski-on-the-swim-step.17081/#post-294458

 

[Krabi Sunset]

No way would I consider towing a jet ski above no wake mode. @Jgorm was just talking about putting a mount for a stand up ski on the swim platform. I suggested putting removable dinghy davits back there to lift the ski out of the water and set on the mounts. https://jetboaters.net/threads/standup-ski-on-the-swim-step.17081/#post-294458

Do you think Dinghy Davits will hold a 750lbs 3 seater PWC?​

 

[zipper]

The right ones could certainly lift it, but you would want to set it on a cradle on the swim platform. But not sure a 3 seater will fit up there.

 

[Krabi Sunset]

I think I'll stop pretending my 242 is a superyacht and that I can bring all my toys with me.

 

[Jgorm]

You can tow it just fine. Add a water shut-off on the ski. Wot will be tricky, especially in the ocean unless it's flat. You'll want 100' of line to attempt that . The only rule when towing fast is never ever let the tow vehicle cross the wake. Never ever! Have enough line, and keep an eye on it. I would keep it under 30, probably 25. There is no way you can fit a 3 seat ski on the back without making tracks and a large hoist. I'd estimate $5k+ to have a mount made. I wouldn't do that, but I'd tow it somewhere if i was going to be there a while. You'll need a helper to pull it in and manage it while in as marina or docking.

I'm taking about a small 300lb ski, only 7'x<2'. A 3 seat , 11'x4' 900+ lb ski is a different beast.

 

[Julian]

Some interesting points in this article to consider....

https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/towing-fundamentals

Like reinforced towing tackle and tow points, "Remember that once you get under way with this rig, the yacht becomes a tow boat under the Rules of the Road navregs and the tender a towed vessel, so each must display the proper markings and lights for such operation"

 

[boudin]

I've towed skis at 20+mph, but only after blocking off the water intake. Put a fluid line clamp on the intake hose coming off the pump strainer... it'll be the hose on the port side of the motor with the Y flush adapter connected.

Everyone should carry set of fluid line clamps for towing of your boat, or another ski/boat should it be necessary. These work:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-fluid-line-clamp-set-65116.html

-Greg

 

[njmr2fan]

I wonder, couldn't you have some type of semi rigid tow bar off each of the rear rings? Kind of the the way RV'ers tow their personal vehicle?

 

[njmr2fan]

http://www.towdster.com/

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

I sense a homemade towdster thread shortly. Pics of pvc pipe and pool noodles will likely be involved.

 

[Krabi Sunset]

http://www.towdster.com/

Boooo Ya

My friend, I owe you a beer.

I sense a homemade towdster thread shortly. Pics of pvc pipe and pool noodles will likely be involved.

LOL. Very true. They are not exactly cheap. But I don't mind, as they serve a wonderful purpose.

I think you could hack one together really fast with PVC pipe and some hammocks, but I am the guy who buys the Towdster and tips his hat to the creator for being so smart.​

 

[Jgorm]

http://www.towdster.com/

I would be incredibly nervous with that on plane. Ever seen what happens when the towed boat his the wake? It can get crazy real fast.

 

[MidnightRider]

http://www.towdster.com/

That is cool option, although I'd wonder a bit about the force of the jets on the ski compared to a outboard or IO prop that is significantly lower under water.

 

[Krabi Sunset]

Seems to work just fine.

I emailed Towdster and asked them which of their products they recommended for my 242 and a 750lbs 3 seater 12' long PWC. They said they Y shape not the V shape and sent me the above YouTube.

 

[Krabi Sunset]

Here is another option

https://www.magicmarinetow.com/products/self-installing-kit?variant=1026565341204

@ $3,400-$3,700 Canadian it's not for me.

 

[Jgorm]

Just be careful. I've towed a lot of things on plane. It can get wild real quick whenever it decides to go down the wake . If they go side to side it can also generate extreme forces.

 

[AlphaKap]

I can just imagine the jet ski breaking free and flying through the back of the boat. No thanks.