How to launch a Sea Doo by yourself

Launching your Sea Doo (PWC) for the very first time can be a daunting, especially if you have none to little experience.
Well that was me 8 months ago when I started my Sea Doo Life Adventures. With that said, let me show you how I typically launch my Sea Doo and hopefully help you with your first launch.
In this video I will show you how typically launch my PWC, starting with the at home preparation and then ending with the actual launch in the water.
I have taken what I have observed in person by the water as well as those online videos along with tips from other riders that I have been out with and I have incorporated them into my routine.
First off, I strongly suggest that if you are a new Sea Doo (PWC) owner that you do not launch on your own for the first time.
For safety reasons, try and have another rider with you, if that fails just have someone there to assist and observe.
For those that want to launch from where I am located (near Crystal Beach) on Lake Erie, I would be happy to assist you on your first launch.
Intro: (0:00)
How to Launch? (00:22)
At Home Preparation (01:17)
Inspection before towing (03:55)
Pre check Boat Ramp (05:09)
Set up Sea Doo for launch (06:15)
Ready to launch - reverse trailer (08:21)
Launch Sea Doo (09:44)
Final check before riding (11:23)
Time to ride (13:10)
Sea Doo GTX 170 - www.energypowersports.ca/en/

[@epicjk5509]

Great video. Best on KZbin on how to launch a sea doo.

[@NigelHay]

Thanks for that, appreciated

[@andreabta]

I got to 5:13 and I have to tell you that you have missed the MOST IMPORTANT PART BEFORE LEAVING HOME... ALWAYS START YOUR SKI HOME MAKE SURE IT STARTS BEFORE YOU DRIVE AWAY..... I have seen so many people drive for 1hr to the boat ramp and they're battery is flat or the ski does not start 😂😂 Come on Nigel.... You should know that.... Add to the list... START YOUR ENGINE MAKE SURE SKI IS ACTUALLY RUNNING BEFORE GET TO THE RAMP. After years of taking my ski out is the main thing I check befor leaving every time

[@thegeorgehammon]

haha, dont listen to him. The new skis start every time Nigel

[@NigelHay]

I'll hold my hands up to that one, you are quite right. An over sight as i have been riding so frequently.

[@andreabta]

@@NigelHay all. Good don't want to be annoying but is a frequent issue at my boat ramp so I thought I shared my thoughts 😂 I have a new ski as well and I ride often so I don't have this issue but other always do... In any case I always start it up at home to be sure 😉

[@centralcal6604]

Facts! I always fire it up and charge my batteries before heading out 😅

[@californiadave9454]

Came to the comment section to look for this exact comment 😂 None the less, good vid.

[@savvycontractor1910]

Great Video! Two more recommendations besides testing engine start though... 1.) I recommend walking the ski down to the end or around the other side if the dock allows so that others could launch or load, depending on the dock, while I am parking the vehicle and trailer. Never know how long you might be held up before getting back to the ramp. 2.) Use bumpers and take a quick look to see if anything on the dock where in intend to tie up might cause damage to your ski. Screws, nuts, bolts, anything. I learned this the hard way. Even in relatively calm water, your boat or ski with rub against the dock, trust me! Tip: I Used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on my trim to remove residue from old dock bumpers with amazing results! However, I would be hesitant to use on painted areas without further research.

[@Wesley-ol8vd]

I'm in uh nkn 0:30 0:30 0:32

[@Wesley-ol8vd]

2:26 2:27 2:27 2:27 2:28

[@EVERYDAYBEACHLIFE]

Super impressive! Great job. Just subscribed!!!

[@shotbychristo]

Beste best one I've seen. Thanks for sharing this. 👍

[@maxflight777]

You can only use your technique with a bed type trailer ! Do it with a roller trailer and the ski will end up on the slipway ( the dry part) ! Ps your Garmin is superb.. I wish I had one on mine.

[@NigelHay]

The rope technique? why? curious

[@Choctaw415]

Great video. Simple easy to understand. Thanks.

[@NigelHay]

The basics. There was one or two things I forgot. Hoping to do a safety video again soon

[@ronn6788]

I like the rope technique!. I just got a new Gtx170, definitely using a rope....as long as it isn't windy...:)

[@chrisbaise4333]

Great video. We just ordered ours today. Nice clean launch from what looks like Crystal Beach. Can’t wait for late spring

[@NigelHay]

I am already counting down the days till April so i can head out again, I hope to be out on the Lake for the Solar eclipse on April 8th. Yes it's Crystal beach. Which one did you purchase?

[@chrisbaise4333]

@@NigelHay oh that would be something to see out on a big lake. Hope to see a video. For us we are getting a ‘24 GTI 130 SE. I’ve been told it can be tuned to 170 down the road when our son is a bit older.

[@BattleScar09]

Awesome video Nigel, it is really daunting doing it for the first time and I saw just this weekend what dicks other inpatient PWC riders can be waiting their turn at the ramp. Not everyone is confident and they need time.

[@NigelHay]

It's brutal at times, last spring, ice cold water but first nice day, people launching, not dressed appropriatly at all, then no ettiquete at the ramp either

[@Dr_Flankensteinn]

Great Video - I am still learning and getting better/faster each time! I don't fixate on getting it perfectly down the ramp :)

[@NigelHay]

same here, practice makes perfect, the key for me is just be prepared and don't rush

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice video. I'd like a list of all that stuff you carry.

[@mikecunliffe9036]

Great video and a massive united fan by looks off it 😎😎😎

[@NigelHay]

lets not talk about that right now shhhhh bad season ...... again

[@febsat]

Hi Nigel. Very informative video. Most commentors have mentioned a few other little important steps that also help out. I am a new owner this year and the toughest thing that I find is backing in an empty trailer to pick up the PWC after a days outing. The trailer is so short that it is almost invisible, except for what can be seen in the backup camera of my truck. I rigged up two little wood blocks that I clamp to each taillight bracket. The blocks have a small diameter hole drilled into them, into which I insert one of those reflective 'lollypop' driveway markers. Makes seeing the trailer backend so much easier. Then I just pull the markers out of their holes for the ride home. Cheers. from a fellow Ontario rider.

[@NigelHay]

when i had my F150, i couldnt see the Sea Doo at all, with the smaller truck i can just about see the mirrors in my mirror

[@caseywilson5812]

Love how many black trucks there are in the loading lot. Haha!

[@paulpuglia8480]

Happy New Year Nigel and to your family hope this will be a better year for everyone

[@NigelHay]

Happy New year Paul, the countdown is on for spring, lets hope we all have a great 2022

[@korclo]

Here in the uk, Plymouth, we do not have decent pontoons near slipways on the public slips, so I’m wondering how I’m going to manage this without actually getting in the water. Get my gtx 170 in April and my first ski so going to be nervous lol.

[@NigelHay]

@@korclo Hi Korey, i know Plymouth very well, I lived in Looe for 10 years. I have to launch my seadoo from just a slip early in the season as the floating docks often don't go in until May. I hope to be on the water early April and launching from that particular spot, i'll add it into that video how i launch.

[@korclo]

@@NigelHay thanks. Il be hoping to take a couple trips down to looe in the summer, get some chips and that lol. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming 👌🏻

[@boandjill]

@@korclo Don't worry about it because your feet ARE going to get wet, no matter what you do.

[@acenewholland564]

When your pwc (boat or jetski) is on wood and carpet, you can speed a little bit by removing every clips for transport,even the hook at the front,because it won’t slide down. Unfortunately,if it sits on those rollers,you can’t,it will just slide…

[@PJCVideo]

Great video thx ~ No engine test before you launch.. at home or at the ramp?? What are your thoughts there..

[@ebswv8]

Thanks for the video. Can you provide details on your gps and mount? I like it.

[@Lonestaraerials]

Great video. I learned a lot being a newbie this year. Quick question. How did you load your sea doo onto the trailer and secure the bow without getting your feet wet?

[@NigelHay]

I will be covering that in this springs video lol, trick is to get truck and trailer in a good position close to the ramp, then i can just step onto the step over the wheel and step on to dock.

[@letsgosieurs]

4:13 that was amazing haha

[@James-oh1wp]

Great detailed vid ! Curious … was the launch at Sugarloaf marina in Port Colbirne ?

[@NigelHay]

This was filmed at Crystal Beach boat ramp

[@TheDroneOperator.]

Great video, awful reg plate 😉 How did you manage to move out there if you don't mind sharing?

[@justinrutter1914]

Good day Nigel. Very nice little step by step video for launchin Seadoo. I showed a Buddy he just got a new Waverunner & knows nothin. So I told him what I know & showed him your video. Hey by the way. You ever thought of sellin your NCV stickers or shirts? Would love to get some & promote you. Just a idea. Thanx Justin

[@NigelHay]

Justin, My neighbour is always harassing me about that. I hope to have some t shirts and hoodies done soon. NCV logo and i'm looking to add possibly a Seadoo on Lake Erie graphic of some form.

[@geoffbough8645]

Just one thing to point out, noticing your Ontario plates. Drain plugs but be out when transporting a watercraft on land to help prevent the spread of invasive species, and you can be fined for it doing that under the invasive Species Act (January 1, 2022)

[@NigelHay]

I was advised to have them in when driving, especially on longer journeys, minimize the risk of them breaking. That said I usually undo them once I get out and then when I get home. I'll have to look into that again though

[@NigelHay]

I have read up on this and it does say keep plugs out but it does not state PWC, I'll see if i can get an answer from the MTO

[@deplorablechump8758]

Did you install the Garmin fish finder? If yes, did you post the installation? Thanks

[@StephenSeligson]

Good video. I have a few questions for you . 1) when do you detach the bow line? Before you back up? Are you concerned that the ski can fall off the trailer on a steep ramp before you get to the water? 2) It was good to watch how you did not get your feet wet. When backing job where did you attach the blue rope? Was it to the truck? So you are in the truck backing down. The ski then floats off the trailer- where is that lone attached?

[@NigelHay]

Hi Stephen, good questions. 1st answer, When i am using a ramp for the first time I often detach the bow line just before the trailer goes in to the water, so basically reverse, stop, disconnect and then reverse the last 6-10ft or so. This will also tie into your second question, usually when I detach the bow line that is when i grab the other rope and basically i just open the rear door over the top and close it, that holds the ski as it slowly floats free.

[@StephenSeligson]

@@NigelHay WDYM open the rear door over the top?

[@NigelHay]

@@StephenSeligson yes and then it's caught tightly and is hard to be pulled from

[@user-rw2ov5ow2r]

When I launch my seadoo I usually don't back it all the way in, I back it up so that the water just touches the rim on the wheel. Cause if I drive the whole trailer in, it'll rust because of the salt water. But it's a pain in the ass to push it off because I don't have rollers, so I need to be 2 people to launch it because it's way to heavy to push off

[@maxflight777]

Key thing to take with you is the SeaDoo key 🔑

[@letsgosieurs]

8:25 a real Canadian!

[@lucasfillman5965]

Nice Video but I think I would like to see what You do with the Winch. That was not covered. Also nice too see would be how to get the PWC back on the Trailer without getting your Feet wet

[@NigelHay]

Ok, April, I'll do another video covering it all, the water temp though will be around 3c/36f brrrr

[@gnd111]

I woulda been out on the water as slow as you are....leave it unattended....lol

[@mikehaney3743]

What type of tie down straps are you using on the back??

[@NigelHay]

I am using the SeaDoo shorturl.at/oMTVY

[@moetchandon7391]

@@NigelHay the link is not working anymore? Can you please repost it?

[@Mossrod]

Also make sure it starts before you put it in the water.

[@maracoonmaracoon4259]

Can you tell me, if snorkel/diving fins fits into the storage?

[@NigelHay]

yes, i can fit two tall 20L fuel cans in it

[@NavaraTahi]

Great video, however you omitted one critical step, turning on motor whilst still on trailer to ensure it will actually start before launching.

[@NigelHay]

shush lol, i realized that after i edited it as i was going to narrate that bit in but it was to late

[@StephenSeligson]

Are you still riding this time of year?

[@NigelHay]

Sadly not, I managed to ride up until Min November, I could of gone another few weeks as we had a mild early December but i was concerned about taking my Sea Doo to the dealer in below freezing conditions. Next season I might hold off until mid December. As of right now the Ice is just starting to form on the Lakes

[@steela1309]

Always start your motor BEFORE you un tie. Boating 101

[@luke9076]

what is the radio you use?

[@NigelHay]

sorry for the really bad delay. Cobra - MR HH350 FLT 6 Watt Floating VHF Radio, Grey

[@jordancampos1934]

What specific Sea Doo move trailer is this?

[@NigelHay]

Good question, My invoice shows SeaDoo Move I250 extended, but i think she changed it becuase the wheels are different and i have step over the wheel

[@jeffreylonghr]

#1 Make sure skis battery is charge #2 Take off seat at home and fire up ski #3 Look at engine bay tighten any loose bolts #4 Look at outside of ski, pump check any loose bolts #5 When at launch ramp seat off and out of water fire up ski #6 While ski in water still on trailer and front still attached to trailer seat off fire up ski check for water leaks inside #7 Never go alone ADD this to your list.

[@kz2s-kevin330]

You forgot to disconnect the winch strap

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

Lol all these comments a about not getting your feet wet lol Why on earth did you buy a jetski if you’re scared to get your feet wet lmao First thing I do when I arrive at the boat ramp is dive in off the dock and cool off I couldn’t imagine launching the ski dry lol

[@NigelHay]

LOL, I had neoprene boots on, I don't think the water was that warm when i did this.