6 EASY Steps for Launching a PWC By Yourself: The Watercraft Journal Ep. 104

With more than half of all new PWC sales going to first-time buyers, we at The Watercraft Journal thought it pertinent to provide some very easy-to-follow steps for when it comes to launching your watercraft. By following these steps, you'll have nothing to worry about next time you pull up to a busy boat launch.
And make sure to read the whole article with extra details and links at The Watercraft Journal HERE:
watercraftjournal.com/video-s...
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#pwcjournal #launchramp #boatlaunch

[@dylangrigg5179]

You explain everything super well and it’s easy to follow. I’m getting my seadoo and I will be watching this again 😂🙌🏼🫡

[@stonkmark941]

@dangriggs5179 How is it going so far?

[@taylorakin2584]

Great tutorial man. Appreciate the effort. Borrowing my brother's ski and taking up to Lake Lanier for a family vacation for the week. We do coastal boating all the time down in Tampa but havent launched and recovered ski's before, especially behind a suburban. This was helpful with the basics checklist to not be "that guy" at the ramp. Cheers

[@mattcorwonski4124]

Would love to see more videos like this. Love the content as a newbie.

[@watercraftjournal]

More to come!

[@ThomasNappo]

Nice n simple

[@AdiAsaf]

Great video mate, very informative

[@oldjeep225]

Great video and definitely needed for the newbies and a good reminder for us who have been boating for years. Thank you.

[@watercraftjournal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jefffoust6064]

Cool stuff. Thanks!

[@jamesrollins8411]

Love your channel! Very informative on a wide range of topics relating to PWCs.

[@rfreddy]

Thank you very much for this video Kevin! I'm going to get my 22 FX Cruiser HO this Friday and I'll follow your instructions for a safe launch.

[@watercraftjournal]

Wonderful!

[@what-it-do2855]

Appreciate all of your knowledge you share here.. 👍

[@watercraftjournal]

And we appreciate your comment!

[@erikkpritchard]

Thoughtful, useful, well-done video. Thanks.

[@keiranninjaspirit]

Excellent,clear instructions 😊iv subscribed 🎉

[@jobe0505]

But, You didn't leave the dock on launch control, spray a family on the pontoon boat and give us all a bad name.

[@khalilkenouche2063]

Great video like usual. Thanks kevin. I would like to see more vidéos like this 😊

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks! Will do!

[@markusplatzer8300]

Kevin you even make the simple things look cool. Nice shirt!

[@watercraftjournal]

I appreciate that! And you can get one of the WCJ jerseys HERE: watercraftjournal.com/product/wcj-long-sleeve-riding-jersey/

[@edgardoiturrino1379]

When you put your sunglasses 😂💪🏼on

[@robertbarel896]

very helpful . thank you !

[@watercraftjournal]

You bet!

[@Bueno566]

I'm new with watercraft love your videos thank you sr

[@wolverineg1795]

Thank you! I just picked up a new GTX 300 and this is really helpful Information. I have pwc experience but, this is the first time I buy my own.

[@duffydorner9968]

Love your videos. I’ve been riding for many years. I launch the exact same way. Last year had my life jacket in the foot well backed my Sea-Doo off the trailer approximately 20 feet shut the engine off tied it up and got a ticket for operating a watercraft without a life jacket. No lie. you know as well as I do there’s no arguing with the department of natural resources.

[@watercraftjournal]

Revenue collection at its best.

[@Jay_Hall]

Duffy, that is why cops etc. are so disliked! :(

[@maxflight777]

Upsetting… Such imbecile behaviour from the “officials”

[@900stx7]

You were operating a vessel without a life jacket ? You can still drown next to the dock, it's actually one of the spots that you will most likely fall in.

[@seamusmcfadden994]

If your vehicle has a key pad entry, I suggest leaving your keys hidden inside. I'm always at a nice safe campground though.

[@MsMaurice69]

Good presentation mate

[@watercraftjournal]

Glad you liked it

[@mimiwalle7215]

Thank you

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice step-by-step

[@watercraftjournal]

Trying to make life easier!

[@davideckhoff3869]

It will probably depend on local law and the authorities but, it is possible to get ticketed for riding a jetski from the trailer to the dock without having your personal flotation device zipped and clipped. The key lanyard must also be clipped onto the PFD.

[@watercraftjournal]

Sounds like you live in a sh***y state.

[@relaxation2380]

Damn that a nice trailer I get mine this weekend we'll see if it's half as nice

[@watercraftjournal]

Yeah, she's the nicest one we've used.

[@alcifrerdewich2323]

thank youuuu

[@watercraftjournal]

👍🏻

[@rpaige360]

Good Job

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks!

[@johngadget]

Mate always enjoy your videos. What are those ratchet straps mounted to trailer? They look real easy to use.

[@watercraftjournal]

They're incredibly easy. They're called Strappinos - we did a quick installation video a little over a week ago.

[@Rick-tp3sg]

Do you disconnect your trailer wires before launching? Great stuff. Keep it coming 👍

[@watercraftjournal]

Never.

[@jasonmekush5280]

Very nice vid, hopefully something soon on preventative maintence on trailers in salt water......

[@watercraftjournal]

Your article will be published on www.watercraftjournal.com next week!

[@jasonmekush5280]

@@watercraftjournal It's your article, you have the skill and created it. I just tried to help out w content ideas.

[@mekuranda]

I read somewhere or another video that it is good to remove the seat to allow fuel vapours to vent. Do newer skis have fuel vapour sensors to prevent starting if an explosion risk exists. My older Yamaha has a smell of fuel sometimes so I tend to check before I hit the ignition....I always ran the bilge blower on a previous Gasoline Trailer boat...so for me it is almost second nature. And since Jet ski's are reasonably well sealed from water ingress, how does the engine get good air to operate?

[@watercraftjournal]

Typically, that's how we store our PWC (with the seat partially off/cracked). While yes fuel vapor is less of an issue with modern PWC, you also want to leave the seats off when stored to circulate fresh air to help dry any trapped moisture.

[@relaxation2380]

You gotta be careful with someone in the newer Yamaha's they've got a rubber seal on top of the gas tank where the fuel actually enters and during production they put a metal ring over that seal and every once in a while that rubber seal will get folded allowing fuel to spill out if your tank is too full and also allowing vapor to come out you can research it if you want

[@streetfighteralpha9891]

@@relaxation2380 I made sure to check the tank after my first ride to see if any fuel leaked by feeling the tank for any wetness on the outside and smelling for gas. So far so good. First ride I didn’t fill the tank all the way too. I always leave the seat off in the garage and vent one more time real quick before launching.

[@savvycontractor1910]

Love The Watercraft Journal and Great Video! I would like to add just a couple more things I wish I knew as a NOOB... ;) Before heading to the ramp to launch... 1. Check Drain Plugs - Oregon and Washington require transport with drain plugs out. Be sure to get these back in. I have bought extras to keep in the vehicle or on trailer in case of loss. I plan on drilling holes in hand turn portion and attaching to my ski key as a reminder before launching. You can't miss them when you test start prior to heading down the launch. 2. Place bumpers to avoid dock rash - "Sea-Doo Fenders" also provide some protection for the top and bottom edge of your ski but, they can also come off if they catch from the bottom. If the water is really rough, you may be better off asking for someone to help hold the rope and keep it away from the dock, or anchor away from the dock and plan on getting wet unless you plan to beach it. See Tip #1 regarding keeping your stuff dry 3. Tie rope/bungee to ski so you only have to tie to the dock. 4. Locate the ski on the dock out of the main thoroughfare, at the end or around the non launching side of the dock if at all possible. "People LOVE unattended boats sitting in the way of the launch!" 5. Look for anything on the dock that might damage your ski before tethering to it. Hardware, nuts, bolts, metal framing, even old dock edge guards, or the dock itself. Remember, your ski sits lower in the water and lacks the tall sidewall of a boat and can actually get under the edge of many docks so have a good look!!! (Speaking from experience here) BTW: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works miracles to get off old rubber dock guard scuffs but, research use on your surface prior to using ;) Tip #1: Double Ziploc bag your phone and your keys if you don't have waterproof storage ( I always bring extra Ziploc bags as backup and for friends who don't come prepared, besides a dry bag kept in storage) Tip #2: Circumstance Dependent - Keep your wallet and ski key with you when you leave your ski at the dock. Especially, if it may take a while to get back to the dock!!! I don't trust folks! Remember to be careful when placing into storage upon returning to your ski. I.E. Don't drop your stuff, jump in, or wade into water with them in your pocket!) Tip #3: Just because you waterproofed/protected your stuff, this doesn't mean it will float. Tie flotation devices to anything you are going to play with on the water that has potential of being dropped or lost in a crash or turnover event. I recommend testing buoyancy prior to real world use.

[@watercraftjournal]

All quality suggestions!

[@seamusmcfadden994]

That trailer is really nice too! Make and model?

[@efthimios]

Does anyone have regrets buying a ski? I love the water and always go to the beach- I love looking at the boats and skid go by, my dad would take us boating and fishing off green port Long Island in the 80s he was hardcore with only a 24 foot bay liner Cuddy cabin! Those were the best childhood memories ! So debating ski or a boat maybe a Yamaha 25 jet boat I don’t know

[@shavonbogan9342]

What were those tie downs that looked like they were bolted to the trailer? Is there a link?

[@stangmanshelby5330]

Great video. As a new first time owner of (2) RXTX’s, any recommendation on a cold water launch (keeping your feet dry) with a double trailer? Here in Canada the water can be pretty cold at the launch in the early spring. Thoughts on pulling the ski’s off the trailer using a long rope from tied to the stern or handlebars while standing on the launch dock?

[@watercraftjournal]

No, that’s not a good idea- have you seen what’s holding those steering necks on? Either install some runways to your trailer, wear some watertight boots or don’t go out at all.

[@mikebritton2084]

I launch two skis all the time. Even in cold water I step in the water. Hook a lanyard to the front tie down of the first ski. Then run a second lanyard from the rear of the first to the front of the second. Back in, push the second off the trailer then the first hanging on to the lanyard. Both safely launched and no run away floaters.

[@someguy7993]

Get some hip boots or chest waders. That way, you can walk in the water and stay dry. I use my chest waders in October and early November here in Michigan, and I'll be wearing the waders in April up to late May.

[@garyclough8231]

Hi, were is this please ? Those lucky people in those big houses around that lake. Heaven.

[@Nosaj-dt1ij]

Great short outtake on launching. My 2020 RXPX didn’t come with waterproof phone box can I add it? Also I think as someone who has forgotten the drain plugs a ton of times I almost need a note on my dash that says “hey dummy, check the drain plugs!!” What happens when we don’t close those? As someone who ONCE made the mistake of not securing the bow line when I was loading to pull out of the water, you should make a video on THAT! Pretty embarrassing at a busy launch to have my ski sitting on the pavement scratched up and have to have help getting it back in the water - #nubie. Thank god it was the older ski, not my shiny new one. One more question…for those of us who can’t ride year-round do you recommend disconnecting battery leads on the ski when I pickle it for the winter, or just using a trickle charger in the spring summer lead up to first trip?

[@watercraftjournal]

Great questions! 1. No, you can't add it. Just buy a waterproof box. 2. Ouch, sorry to hear that. 3. In most cases, especially if the ski is kept indoors, a trickle charger is all you'll need.

[@Jay_Hall]

@@watercraftjournal Get a Battery Tender brand with the permanent leads and connect when not in use.

[@factoryrep8811]

Do you travel at highway speeds with covers on your wave runners? I ordered 2 Sea Doo 170 GTI SE machines that will be here in a couple of weeksand also purchased Sea Doo model specific covers. Thoughts?

[@watercraftjournal]

Personally, I’ve had nothing but bad experiences towing with covers on. (In fact, very bad experiences.) But I do tow with them on around town. Highway speeds are a different issue.

[@Richie-Dibz]

Do you recommend the Sea doo bumpers on a newer sea doo like on the Apex, but like me, I dont want to drill holes. Is there a solution, or is it safe to drill ?

[@watercraftjournal]

Of course its safe, it's official Sea-Doo products!

[@arnoldolivas7940]

Thats very helpful info. I really like your trailer what brand is it?

[@watercraftjournal]

Magic Tilt

[@arnoldolivas7940]

@@watercraftjournal thank you

[@BasedGod89]

You drove with the cover on haha... dont beach it ;)

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes I drove it the 2 blocks from my house to the ramp.

[@diveranytime]

Hey why were you trailering that ski with the cover on? Funny fact, my 2019 Yamaha GP 1800R went in to get winterized on 10-04-2021 and the hood latch needed to be fixed. I just got it back last week, the dealership has been waiting on Yamaha to send the replacement parts. My word, is it ever going to get better? Anyway great video, have fun this weekend. Thanks for all you do.

[@watercraftjournal]

...because it was 2 blocks from my house smartypants.

[@TeeJayG]

I realize this is an old video. But… Another tip to add is to take the jet ski’s lanyard key with you when you go to park your vehicle so someone else doesn’t jump on it and ride off with it.

[@gregberg6350]

where can I get that tie down system .... Looks so much easier than the rachet straps I currently use .....

[@watercraftjournal]

These are Strapinno ratchets. We did a video installing them.

[@paulpuglia8480]

Kevin, thank you for showing us the proper way of launching your watercraft every little tip helps. That water must have been cold. OH! I've seen people on KZbin make homemade Watercraft fenders/bumpers out of pool noodles what are your thoughts on those?

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes it was. Yes, we've seen those. They're cheap and easy but don't hold up for very long.

[@triplec3217]

I’ve never seen those retractable back trailer straps before? What are they?

[@watercraftjournal]

They're called Strappino Retractable Straps. We did an "UNCUT" video installing them with a hyperlink to the store.

[@henrytischbein155]

What about us on standups will these tips apply to us

[@msgirl01]

Where was the rope tied to on the ski?

[@gfox731]

Surely that's shallow starting as you take it off the trailer?

[@watercraftjournal]

Yup. You're right. NEVER LAUNCH YOUR SKI EVER. :P

[@gfox731]

I was waiting for you to bite but you took it well!🤪🤣

[@TheBradKear]

Would it be a good idea to place a fender guard on prior to launch so when you pull up to dock you don’t mar your fender on the hull? I’m a newbie and just thinking ahead.

[@watercraftjournal]

That's a fair idea, especially if you're concerned about impacting the dock.

[@TheBradKear]

@@watercraftjournal Im sorry to be off topic but do you have a jet ski cart you might recommend for a GTR 230 Seadoo. I am thinking of purchasing one.

[@watercraftjournal]

www.aquacarts.com

[@carloszarco3361]

Question do I need to take my ski for maintenance after the 10 hours of break in or 20?

[@watercraftjournal]

Neither. The Sea-Doo manual says 50. If you're not doing you're own maintenance or modding the PWC in any way, follow the manual to a T.

[@carloszarco3361]

@@watercraftjournal I won’t be doing nothing for now other than a catch can

[@3-2-1-.]

Just picked up a couple Yamaha FX Cruiser HOs, and the dealer service guys said to change oil at ten hours, because the factory fills them with break in engine oil. After the first ten hours, change oil and filter to normal Waverunner oil. Then it's every 50 hours or so for maintenance. Don't know about the other manufacturers.

[@vintagemxer9165]

I would have liked to see him climb on board.

[@cG-es8mb]

If I unload jet ski and the water isn’t 4 feet deep or better shouldn’t I pull jet ski with rope to the dock instead of cranking it, since cranking it will pull debris into the jet ski?

[@watercraftjournal]

Fair question. 3-feet is the recommended minimum, but thankfully most launch ramps are pretty clear of debris that would hinder you from making it up the trailer.

[@silversorcerer9316]

wait a sec, Hey Big Boss I just got a brand new Ski Seadoo 170Gti se ...I dont have 2 drain plugs I have only 1 on the right side , theres a female hole on the left (for a hose) and one on the right (for a hose)..which side do I use when I flush the engine? does it make a difference?

[@watercraftjournal]

Look again.

[@silversorcerer9316]

@@watercraftjournal I did theres 1 drain plug and 2 hose holes

[@philmark1788]

Great tips, but I am a bit confused. Don't you recommend never to trailer with a cover on? Now I'm not sure what to do. Also, love your channel!

[@watercraftjournal]

That’s our suggestion for loooong drives.

[@therealmitch-a-palooza7262]

If you have a PWC that has paint instead of Gel-Kote, is it still recommended to reverse off the bunks like this?

[@watercraftjournal]

Good question! Normally, we'd say "yes" but it might be better to set the trailer a little deeper in the water so there's less friction.

[@therealmitch-a-palooza7262]

That's what I was thinking as well. I'll probably spray down my bunks with silicone spray too. Thanks!

[@watercraftjournal]

Of course, the best would be those plastic bunk runners.

[@therealmitch-a-palooza7262]

@@watercraftjournal which brand bunk runners have you had the best results with?

[@096085]

where can I buy those strap connected to your trailer going to your Jetski?

[@watercraftjournal]

Strappino!

[@mustangracer5124]

I tied my Sea Doo to the dock on a 'wavy' day last week and wandered of to B.S. .. came back and it had floated away with all my stuff on it!.. I didn't tie it tight enough Be aware they can break free with a decent wake or wind wave.. don't be like me.( I waited by the shore and the wakes brought it to me)

[@watercraftjournal]

Sorry to hear that!

[@gsxjiffy6076]

No disconnecting the trailer lights before entering water?

[@watercraftjournal]

No, absolutely not necessary for marinized trailers.

[@EvanCullinane]

Jet Skiing for Dummies! Tremendous

[@watercraftjournal]

Lots of new buyers coming in who simply don't know.

[@rebeccagonzalesfinley5751]

How do you get on jet ski from deck without losing balance

[@watercraftjournal]

Not sure what you're asking.

[@brentpoplawski]

I would check battery at homee

[@watercraftjournal]

Smart

[@aimvee45]

You should also unplug trailer lights

[@watercraftjournal]

When? When backing in? That's moronic.

[@JohnSmith-dh3kx]

@@watercraftjournal That prevents the water from popping the bulbs, unless you use LEDs

[@connosps4656]

😁👍🏼

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks!

[@DonziGT230]

Launching without your vest on like he did can land you in trouble if there's any law enforcement around, and you don't always see them.

[@willthompson4442]

But Kev, isn’t that a shallow water start? Lol. JK.

[@watercraftjournal]

I haven't seen a trailer than carries a PWC above 3 feet, have you?

[@willthompson4442]

@@watercraftjournal lifted trailers are the new lifted trucks!

[@watercraftjournal]

HA! Boy I can't wait to see those trying to launch at Destin.

[@Threefiddyz]

@@willthompson4442 next they'll be squatting trailers!

[@watercraftjournal]

They're already throwing dubs on them with neon lights. So why not, right?

[@boandjill]

1. Should have the PFD on anytime you're operating the ski, even just to pull it off the trailer. An unexperienced rider could mistakenly grab the throttle and get ejected. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eom6loeqp89ggMU 2. By law, the lanyard must be attached to the rider.

[@watercraftjournal]

GOOD ADDITIONS! 1. Very true. We've all seen the launch ramp disasters. 2. This is true and should've been included in the video. It's been added to the article.

[@justthisguy1948]

You back it up and launch it there is nothing difficult about launching a jet ski

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL clearly you’ve never sat and watched a public launch ramp

[@kelseywedge7167]

I do it myself every weekend with no problem where is your watercraft stickers

[@watercraftjournal]

Good

[@zeake13]

You crank you jetski out of the water!? Yeah NO! Also life vest should be put on before getting in the water.

[@brabham74]

I have lived on a lake for 58 years. Launching a pwc is as easy as it gets. If you can't launch one safely, then you should not be driving one.

[@watercraftjournal]

Sadly, "would/could" has very little factor on reality.

[@crdjeep123]

First mistake I saw was the ram.

[@watercraftjournal]

Why? It's got 250K miles on a second set of plugs. The truck runs tight still to this day. (Not my daily anymore though.)

[@crdjeep123]

@@watercraftjournal it was a light joke. But that’s great for you if you get that many miles. Up here those trucks have a tendency to rust out quick

[@watercraftjournal]

For sure. Heck, you should see some of the good ol' boys' Fords down in the South! They're like rolling Swiss Cheese! (Too much muddin', not enough cleaning!)

[@3-2-1-.]

My Power Wagon don't care. I could launch off the side of a mountain, and leave it there all day while I go cruising. It will still be there when I return. We'll just crawl right up on out of there. I've owned Ford and GM trucks most of my life, but this RAM is the best truck I've ever driven. We won't talk about fuel economy, because Power Wagon don't care.

[@kawertz]

Not bad, but you missed one very annoying and important point. Do not dock on the ramp side, this way you are not in the way of anyone else trying to launch while you park your vehicle.