Launching a PWC
Personal watercrafts (PWCs) are a fun way to spend a day on the water. They can also be extremely useful to people who work in the water with some frequency. And while many PWCs are streamlined and easy to use, getting them into the water requires a little bit of maneuvering. Even if you have experience in the water, launching a PWC, especially for the first time, can be tricky and a little nerve-wracking. To help this task run smoothly, try having a plan in place or sticking to a routine that works, but most importantly, keep a level head. Jet Ski of Miami has listed out some helpful tips to guide you through the process, but if you find our way doesn’t work for you, stop by to get some alternative tips from our experienced staff. We serve Miami, Hialeah, Aventura, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Key Biscayne, and Key Largo, Florida.
Practice First
Keep in mind the best way to improve your skills for launching a PWC is to practice ahead of time. Find a parking lot with clear lane markers that might make a good substitute launching area. Try several techniques and bring someone along in case you realize it’s easier for you to launch with someone to help you. Don’t be pressured by what’s easy for other people if it’s not easy for you. If you can’t find a good enough parking lot, make your own lane with cones or bottles. Just be sure to practice, repeatedly.
Be Prepared
When you reach the docking area, before you can launch, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any preventable problems. Check for obstructions from the road to the ramp. Maneuvering around traffic and other obstacles may be difficult, so you’ll want a clear path before you start. Keep in mind, you’ll probably have to wait in a line before launching, so a lot of prep work can happen as you’re waiting. This also includes making sure the ramp is free of obstruction and damage. Also check the water depth, ramp width, and steepness, so you know how you’re going to move into the water or if you need to find another place to launch.
Before you back up onto the ramp, make sure you remove any covers on your PWC and undo the rear tie-down straps. Also, check that the drain plugs are tight and unplug any electrical hookups. You may want to consider loading any items you’ll want to carry along ahead of time rather than trying to mess with them while you’re in the water. Test your PWC’s engine before going in to make sure it’s going to start, but don’t leave it running out of water. If you have four-wheel drive, use it to make backing in easier. Finally, attach a short rope to the handlebars for later use.
Time to Launch
As you begin the launching process, keep in mind that you’ll want to keep your tow vehicle running, but don’t go too deep to avoid flooding. You’ll want to back up as straight as you can and, as an added precautionary measure, put your tow vehicle in neutral to avoid accidents with the accelerator. If you’re working alone, use your mirrors for all they’re worth. Stop when your PWC is halfway in the water. Put your car in park and engage the handbrake. Undo the chain connecting your PWC first and then let out the winch. Make sure you do it in that order.
This is where that rope comes back into play. You don’t want to let your PWC float away so climb on and quickly take it to the nearest tie off area to secure it. If you’re on your own, don’t worry about hurrying back to your car. If you’re with a friend, have them do this while you move the car and get out of the way of other people (unless you have multiple PWCs). Take as much time as you need to do all of this. Even if you have impatient people waiting, let them wait. Better to launch correctly than hurry through and risk damaging either vehicle
Once you’ve finished all this, you’ll be ready for your day on the water. But don’t forget, if you find a way that’s easier for you, go for it. Whatever gives you confidence in this tricky maneuver is what will help you the best as long as safety is your priority. If you need more tips or service on your PWC, stop by Jet Ski of Miami, serving Miami, Hialeah, Aventura, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Key Biscayne, and Key Largo, Florida.