Putting Bumpers on while in water

[madmanjf]

I've got a GTI 130 SE and have the bumpers for docking (ie, when getting fuel). I've got short arms and have found it very difficult to get to them in the front storage bin while at sea. It's also someone difficult to get the pin in the tiny holes, especially the rear one.

Curious what people do, if anything, to make this a little easier.

I was thinking of putting a hook on the underside of the storage bin lid that I could have a string attached to which I could yank on to pull the bumpers out of the bin.

Anyone here come up with other ideas?

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I guess that would work, or just let the strings for the bumpers dangle a couple inches outside the front of the hood so they are within easy reach....

when I do use bumpers (very rare) or get anyting out of the front bin, I just stand up, lean over and grab what I need an i'm 5'9" not overly tall.

again, very rare that I use bumpers, I almost never bring them on the ski. < I should bring them more often because I do have some dock rash, but I consider that part of pwc ownership. <battle scars

 

[madmanjf]

Ha, yeah and I'm 5'5 so you can imagine the issue :lol:

 

[Spimothy Leary]

ya, I can see that, your losing a few inches in torso and 2 inches on the arms, just enough so its hard to reach in there...

I'd let the cords for the bouy's hang out a few inches, (on the handlebar side) maybe tie a knot at the end so they don't slip back inside the storage bin?....

or, do what I do, get lazy and never use the bumpers, make more room for cold beverages and turkey sammiches

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

I made my own bumpers (fenders) from "noodles". Those things the kids hang onto and swim around. 18" long, paracord through a Stainless Steel fender washer siliconed in place. 1 1/2 lb of BB's in the center, siliconed fender washer on top. I stand them up in the corners of the forward compartment (no insert). I am 5'9" and I can stand up, pop the hood and the top of the units are just below the lid.

 

[red2blue]

Pics.....?

 

[benjilafouine]

Do some stretching exercises every morning! Same for me: I have to lean on the side of the ski to reach in the bottom of the bin to get my small anchor! I am 5'8". But hey, what wouldn't I do for a cold beer. Never drink and drive...

Benji.

 

[red2blue]

Aside.... The older skis, pre '11.... The removable front bucket from an '05 Limited fits. I think I bought a used one yrs ago for like $50. Well worth it.

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

Pics.....?

Here is the bumper:

Bottom:

Top:

Stored in forward compartment:

 

[jammin777]

i have bumpers with suction cups. i put them on before i launch, ride away from doc to to shore, get off ski, place the bumpers in front storage, enjoy a day riding, pull up at beach next to docs, put bumpers on ride slowly to doc, load ski.
go home.:thumbsup:

 

[seadoo aussie]

Davesnothereman Looks good but what are BBs Ball Bearings?

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

BB's that are used in BB guns. I guess it stands for ball bearings; I buy it from my local WalMart. Package is 2400.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daisy-2400ct-BB-Ammo/15729970

 

[seadoo aussie]

Davesnothereman Looks good but what are BBs Ball Bearings?

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

BB's are shot that is used in BB guns.

See this:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BB_gun

 

[seadoo aussie]

Is that for giving the noodle a bit of wieght be pushing to find some thing like that in Australia and were do u tie them on the.ski (I've got a 2012 gti)

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

Yes. Weight the noodles. Even with 1 1/2 lbs, there is not enough weight to keep them underwater. They are designed to hang over the side of the ski. Let the bottom of the noodle touch the water and locate and tie them off for the best protection. The weight keeps it in place. I have a 2011 GTI, so I think it is the same ski. I also use carabiners in the steering column slots to make it easier to tie off.

Some guys have used small plastic bottles filled with sand on the bottom of the noodles for weighting.

 

[Hawk388]

Here is the bumper:

Very nicely done. I shall copy this design with no monetary reward to you. :cheers:

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

Wait! You didn't see the trademark on the bottom? Just kidding. Hope they work well for you too.

BTW, you can use fishing weights to do the same thing. Some guys melted the lead down and shaped it more into a cylinder if you don't have enough room in the center of the noodle.

 

[seadoo aussie]

Got the Mrs. To get me noodle and came back with one with no hole in the guts of it. That's all she could get. I'll have to tackle it another way.