Utopia stays in gear

[don't sink]

Finally got the boat in the water yesterday! Ran great- love the turning capabilities of this thing!

The only issue I had was I noticed the boat was slightly still trying to go forward when idling and tied at the dock. Just enough to make an easy launch difficult.

Should I be adjusting the clamshell or looking elsewhere?

 

[kustomkarl]

It will do that as it is a direct drive where the jet pump is always spinning to pump cooling water into the cooling system. The Gate in the rear of the jet pump only directs the water to allow forward or reverse direction, while the impeller is always spinning, pushing water out the nozzle.

Karl

 

[ssmedt]

:agree: just play with the F-N-R stick and you will learn where the best position for N is; just takes some practice

 

[JeromeM]

As they said, if you want to stay "parked" you'll have to put it in reverse a little and then it will stay somewhat stable but there isn't really a "neutral"

 

[kustomkarl]

The rule of thumb is don't stsrt it till your in it and ready to go. I wouldn't take a chance and leave it tied to the dock running, while you park you car and trailer...it might leave without you...:rofl:

Karl

 

[don't sink]

Well.. Guess I learned something today! I did find that there is no clear defined neutral as in my I/O boat. I thought something was off adjustment but now i'll just have to see where the sweet spot is. Thanks for all the replies- quite helpful.

 

[kustomkarl]

Once you get to learn the way it handles, you'll never want a "Prop" drive boat again. My 200 speedster turns a 360 in its own space. It's real easy to dock it too after you get the hang of it.

Karl

 

[ssmedt]

:agree: i don't think that i would want to go back to a regular prop driven v-hull

 

[don't sink]

So far here is what I like- ability to drive much closer to shore than I had been doing in my prop boat.
Turning capability is amazing- still wanting to try a 180 but not there yet!
Looking back and seeing that roostertail!

What I do not like: docking is rather interesting isn't it?
You have to turn the wheel which way when you back up?! Can't tell you how many times I have screwed that up!
Low speed channel driving is a pain in the as*- No wake=no steering!

 

[rookie101]

Docking is easy once you get the hang of it. The low speed handling on the Sea-Doo is really pretty good for a jet. If you want bad try a Yamaha, they are terrible! If you're still struggling with low speed, you could look into Cobra Steering fins. Just Google them. As for reverse, you get used to it. It probably is the week point in handling, but its just a something that takes time to learn.

Aaron:cheers: