Towing the Jetski behind boat

QBhoy

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Mar 10, 2016
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Hopefully I'm allowed to keep this post in this section, as it is a boat related topic...and the PWC section isn't that well read, by the looks.
I have a 2002 Yamaha wave runner. Old 2 stroke type with raw cooling.
Having had a seadoo years ago (yuch), when towing I had to pinch the water intake pipe to stop the engine flooding under tow...anything above 4/5mph.
Just asking if others with boats have a yam similar and if it's required ? Isn't a great deal out there about them being affected.
I also ask, because when I had the seadoo, I often didn't tow it fast or really feel the need to, because I had a larger heavy built Sealine cabin cruiser.
Now I have the Campion 18ft....it's clearly affected by towing the ski and just not happy at slow speeds. The ski had an effect on it and is obviously causing a lot of drag.
I honestly think it would be more efficient to tow it on the plane with a long rope way back. In displacement mode the ski is so bow heavy and tends to submarine.
I believe I can fit an ball valve on the intake pipe.
Fastest I've been was about 10mph and she didn't start when I got her back to the marina, but there was later evidence of moisture on the plugs when back at the garage, so guessing a bit of water got in there. Don't want to further increase the risk of what already is a ticking time bomb...associated with older 2 stroke jet ski engines....even the yamahas.
Any experience out there ?
Ps...currently, it also means I have to have the better half drive the boat up to the islands whilst I'm in the jet ski....she seems unable to keep a happy medium in terms of either just keeping the boat on the plane or bloody rocketing off at 60mph. Nothing in between seems possible !
Thanks.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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you need the solid tow arm when towing a jet ski, and you need it mounted high. have seen too many of them become submarines when being towed with a rope regardless of speed. if they submarine when your on plane, it is usually disastrous for the ski as the instant force usually removes the windshield, seat, and splits the pwc hull before the tow rope snaps.

you could have your wife drive the PWC and you drive the boat.
 

jkust

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Aug 2, 2008
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I only see one pontoon on my lake regularly tow a waverunner around on a rope and it is an old one as well. The usual logic i tend to hear for the Yamahas is the ball valve to close the intake off. Given your machine is an oldy, is the engine toward the front more causing the submarining? I can't imagine my waverunner submarining by being pulled but haven't ever though to try.
 

QBhoy

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Mar 10, 2016
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Thanks All...very good points. Not sure I'd ruin the boat just for the sake of this old jet ski.
To be fair...I've never seen it actually take a dive under the water, but it's certainly bow heavy looking. Probably to do with the 60l fuel tank. A little more speed and she lifts up nicely.
Perhaps I'll keep the fuel on the boat instead and top up when needed. Don't intend to tow all the time really. Just on the odd time we are up for the full day or weekend.
I've actually found and ordered a tow valve from wave eater. Exactly as mentioned above...just a simple ball valve.

Thanks All.
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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Not sure I'd ruin the boat just for the sake of this old jet ski.

Thanks All.


Not sure how clipping a harness onto the stern eyes would ruin the boat.

Think to the future.
If you have a decent tow setup, you can replace the pic with a new one when the old one dies. :D
 

QBhoy

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Sorry Roscoe, I thought you meant getting a bracket bolted onto the boat to tow....get what you mean.
I had originally thought about using the two transom towing eyes with a ski bridle.....but I think the towing point would be too low and make the ski ride lower in the water.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
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Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,750
Something rigid, like 3" pvc pipe, with clips on each end.
That will keep pic from smashing into boat.
about 4 or 5 feet long and it should stay close enough to keep the bow up
 

QBhoy

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Thanks Roscoe. I'll give that some thought for next season. B
 
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