Jul 23, 2019
JET SKIS and THE LAW
Stand-up PWC
State & Federal law has a lot to say about how you operate your Jet Ski.
Keep 100 feet apart
Many people don’t realize there are legal ways and some NOT so legal ways to operate a PWC or jet ski.
Beyond the usual title and registration that everyone expects, there are specific laws that apply to PWC’s.
Who can operate a jet ski?
In Wisconsin, a person younger than 12 years of age, may not operate a PWC or jet ski.
12-15 years olds may operate a pwc ONLY If they have completed a boating safety course. The Wisconsin DNR must accept the course. Sorry, you can’t substitute parental supervision for this course.
A person at least 16 years old may operate a PWC only if they have completed an accepted boating safety course.
Were you born before Jan 1, 1989?
You are exempt from the course requirement.
No one under 16 years old may rent or lease a PWC.
Remember if you have taken the proper courses, you must carry a copy of the certificate with you and make it available to law enforcement officers when requested.
In addition to the U.S. Coast Guard, Wisconsin conservation wardens, county sheriffs, and municipal police enforce the laws.
Boat Safety Rule #3- Don’t get a visit from him
Just like driving a vehicle, it is illegal to:
- refuse to follow the instruction of a law enforcement officer.
- A pwc operator must slow to “no-wake” or “slow” and give way to a patrol boat if it’s emergency lights are on or if they signal you to stop.
- You must stop when requested or signaled by a law enforcement officer or patrol boat.
- Furthermore, you must reduce speed to “slow” or “no-wake” and stay at least 100 feet from a patrol boat with its emergency lights activated. It’s similar to pulling into another lane when you see an emergency vehicle on a roadway.
You must have the legally required equipment on board at all times including:
Boat Safety Rule #1- Everyone needs one
- PFD (personal flotation device or life jackets) even on canoes and kayaks.
- Kids under 13 must WEAR their PDF while underway on a pwc on federally controlled waters.
- EVERY person on a pwc MUST wear an approved PDF.
- You must wear the proper size PDF, and it must be in good and serviceable condition. No tears, rips, broken straps, or snaps.
Do I need a sound-producing device (Horn) on a PWC?
No! UNLESS you are on federally controlled waters like Lake Michigan.
Are we done? Not Really!
It is against the law to operate a vessel in a negligent or reckless manner such as in a manner that causes danger to life or limb.
Here are some examples:
Operating a vessel within 100 feet of the shoreline, a raft or pier at speeds higher than “no-wake” or “Slow.”
Jumping the wake of another vessel that is towing someone;
Operating a pwc within an area which is marked off for swimming;
Weaving your craft through congested waterways;
Causing hazardous wave or wake conditions while passing another vessel;
Steering toward another object or person and swerving at the last moment; or chasing, harassing or disturbing wildlife.
Overloading your vessel
If you have a pwc rated for two people, that is the maximum number you can have on it at any time regardless of weight or age.
These are just some of the laws you must follow.
Think of operating a vessel like you would a car. If it’s not legal in a car or truck, don’t try it on the water. Example – Do NOT drink and drive!!
Visit the DNR website at www.dnr.wi.gov and enter “boat safety” to find acceptable boating courses. Also, look for https://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/le/le0301.pdf
To read part one of this series go to https://wisconsinpws.com/pwc-jet-ski-users-guide
Keep us all safe, and we’ll all enjoy the water more on a PWC.
Do you have a friend that might be interested in this post? Please forward it to them.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Or – for more information, you can call Jerry @ 920-493-4404.
Jul 16, 2019
Are there different Styles?
Yes, they come in two styles: Stand-Ups and Sit-Downs.
Both styles use water to create thrust to provide propulsion. The propulsion also controls the steering. Therefore, the motor has to be running to use either or both features.
Stand-up jet skis require a great deal of balance as any experienced operator will tell you. I suggest that your first jet ski ride happens on a sit-down unit.
Stand-up PWC
Stand-ups are not easy to control, and a strong wave can easily throw you off balance. That means you are going for a swim, whether you want to or not!
You have greater control on a sit-down from a slow idle to full speed ahead. The sit-down type is more comfortable to ride, and, if maneuvered correctly, you don’t even have to get wet! But who wants that! The wetter you are, the better.
Before your first trip on a PWC (here comes the checklist)
Jet ski riders do get injured; which makes it important to familiarize yourself with the specific watercraft you’ll be riding.
Injuries?? From what?! How about getting thrown off your ride for one. It’s very easy to do when you are turning at full speed. It’s exciting also.
Despite this, safety should be your first concern – both for you, your passenger, and people in the immediate area.
Know your machine’s controls and capabilities! Know your abilities as well. Different brands will have different controls, so make sure you know what’s the throttle and what’s the emergency shut off. Throwing the wrong switch could be very embarrassing (and dangerous).
Make sure you have enough fuel and all the proper safety equipment too.
My First Jet Ski Ride – what do I need to take with me?
The U.S. Coast Guard considers a PWC to be a Class A vessels. Therefore you must follow all rules and regulations for boats under 16 feet. Before that ride, make sure you have the required safety equipment. Not only to satisfy the Coast Guard but for your own safety as well.
Boat Safety Rule #1- Everyone needs one
Wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets/PFDs at all times. It’s a law that you and passengers can live with! Dress appropriately in a wetsuit, if possible. Wear simple feet protection and don’t forget eye protection. In most cases, your face will be pelted with stinging water while on your ride.
Check if your state requires a license while operating a PWC. If so, you may have to take a jet ski safety course to qualify for your license. The course may make you eligible for a PWC insurance discount too! Carry the proper documentation, such as vessel registration. It’s wise to have some form of identification also in case you are incapable of responding.
Secure a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher onboard if possible.
What else should I have?
Carry an audible signaling device, such as a whistle or horn. Don’t forget to check your fuel gauge. You will forget the time (a good thing for most of us) but bad if you run out of daylight or fuel! The driver of the jet ski must wear a lanyard around their wrist, which is attached to the key in the ignition. It’s known as a kill switch cord. The kill switch will turn off the engine in case the driver gets thrown off the unit. Some models may shut down if the throttle is released (as you go flying through the air).
Back at the dock, don’t forget to remove the cord! It stops any unauthorized use, whether preventing theft or safely securing the jet ski from daring young teenage riders.
What do I do if I fall off?
No doubt you will fall off, so here’s what you do.
Don’t panic. Re-boarding is a breeze if you follow these steps!
1. Turn the unit over from the side but watch the steering. It might hit you if you’re not careful.
2. Swim to the stern (back) to re-board. Re-boarding from the side may cause the unit to flip over, right on top of you.
3. There are handles or straps on the back of the seat. Use them to pull yourself up.
4. Move forward to the seat and don’t forget to re-attach the safety lanyard.
5. Of course, you were wearing a life preserver all this time.
Riding a Jet Ski with Passengers
It’s no surprise you will become very popular with your friends and family. They all want to ride on, or better yet, drive it themselves. If so, there are some extra steps to follow:
Carry only the permitted number of passengers that the jet ski allows. Don’t pile the kids on even for a slow speed ride. Make everyone wait their turn. Don’t forget there is a weight limit also. You must follow that limit.
All passengers must sit behind the driver.
Whenever the jet ski’s moving, have passengers secure themselves onto the seat straps provided. They will be the first to get thrown off the unit in a sharp turn at high speeds.
Make sure no one places their feet in the water while you are moving.
Demonstrate the basics of driving a jet-ski to all passenger’s. Why? If the driver becomes injured, it could come in handy! Make sure they know how to re-board if they are thrown off and you are injured.
Lookout for blindspots while turning.
Riding jet skis is a fun-filled summer pastime, but only if you do it correctly and safely. It takes practice. With practice, you’ll be ready when your time comes.
Be safe but have fun. Get out there and ride!
Next week we will talk about jet skis and THE LAW! https://wisconsinpws.com/jet-skis-the-law/
Do you have a friend that might be interested in this post? Please forward it to them.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Or – for more information, you can call Jerry @ 920-493-4404.
Jul 9, 2019
HOW TO SAFELY STEER A BOAT
The boating season is underway. You are either a Newbie or a returning “veteran” to boating. Maybe you need a few reminders about how to steer a boat into a lift.
Newbies – we recommend that you wait for a calm day with very little wind to start practicing your technique. If you practice these maneuvers without the stress of winds or waves, it will be a lot easier to understand what you have to do. Initially, practicing in waves will only result in damage to your boat or equipment.
Your ability to steer into a boat lift correctly is critical. It can mean the difference between damage or no damage. Even an experienced boater has to constantly adjust his docking technique each time he/she approaches a lift. Factors, like wind and the changing waves and current, will force you to make adjustments continuously.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
FIRST – Know how deep the water is around your boat lift. How far can you lower your motor while you maneuver into your lift? Did the ice bring in any boulders this past winter? Reminder – the lower your motor is, the better overall control you have of the boat.
Consider this – if your prop is near the surface, you will have little or no control of direction or speed. If the surface water is being churned up by the prop, you have limited your control of the boat.
SECOND, as you approach your lift, ALWAYS have the motor in neutral BEFORE you turn the motor. This way, when you re-engage the motor, you will immediately go in the direction you intended to go. It is recommended that you lower your speed, shift into neutral and then turn the motor before re-engaging the throttle.
THIRD – Watch your boat speed. Always steer into the lift with a controlled speed. How slow? How much damage do you want to incur?
That’s the determining factor. At the same time, the slower you are moving, the less control you will have. It’s a delicate balance.
If you apply too much (or even too little) power, it can also be a problem. You must maintain enough speed to overcome the wind and waves. The best approach to take is to approach your lift at a steady pace by applying short bursts of power. This technique allows you to change directions and steer easily without losing control.
WATCH FOR MOORING LINES & PEOPLE
Watch for any mooring lines hanging over the side and aft of the boat. How about those lines from the dock?
Remember, mooring lines on a dock can move with the wind and currents. They can seriously damage your prop if they become tangled.
Don’t forget to watch for people (especially kids) in the water. The prop can do terrible damage to a body. NEVER allow someone to be near the stern of the boat while in the water. Kids get excited and want to “help” you bring your boat in. People may want to help you by hanging over the side of the boat or dock. Don’t allow it.
POSITION YOUR BOAT
Need to adjust your direction? Reduce engine speed, shift the motor into neutral, turn the motor, then apply short bursts of power. Short bursts help you to maintain controlled movement, forward or back.
Correctly positioning your boat on the lift is very important. See this article for more information.
How to steer with waves
FACTOR IN THE WIND AND WAVES
When you steer, allow for changing winds coming from either side. Your boat acts as a big “sail,” and it will follow the direction of the wind, so adjust for it. Waves and winds are the tricky part of maneuvering your boat into a lift. You will seldom have a perfectly calm day with no wind or waves. The early evening might be the best time to practice your boating skills.
USING THE PIVOT POINTS
Unlike a car, a boat will literally “slide” across the surface of the water sideways. A boat has no grip on the water, unlike car tires on a road. A power boat is steered by a motor located at the stern instead of in a car by the front wheels.
Think of a boat as a wheelbarrow but without a steerable wheel. A boat acts like a wheelbarrow in that, instead of turning the front wheels, you change the direction at the rear of the boat much like a wheelbarrow. In reality, the front of the boat acts similar to a pivot point while the stern is the steering point.
One more thing to remember – the boats “pivot point” is usually about 1/3 of the way back from the bow of the boat. It is not at the bow. Notice that the boat is pivoting at this imaginary point so that the bow goes one way and the stern the other.
Try this – On a calm day with the boat drifting, take the motor out of gear and turn the wheel for a hard right or left turn. Next, shift into forward and give the engine a short burst of power. Watch where the pivot point is. It won’t be at the bow. The only time the bow is the pivot point is if you have side thrusters or are tied to a fixed point.
If you do the same procedure but shift into reverse the pivot point shifts to 1/3 of the way from the stern of the boat. Watch the position of the bow because it is now swinging the most.
DOES THE WIND AFFECT HOW YOU STEER INTO A BOAT LIFT?
Wind affects boat handling in two ways:
1) The bow always drifts downwind because it has less drag than the stern where the motor is located. The motor produces drag, therefore it acts as an “anchor” of sorts.
2) A slow-moving boat will drift downwind. You must be aware of the strength and direction of the wind at all times.
The simplest way to hold the position in the water when stopped is to reverse the motor gently and keep the stern to the wind. By going in reverse, you move the pivot point to the stern enabling the bow to swing downwind.
Slide
A car on an icy road can cause a loss of control. When a car loses control like this, you must turn in the OPPOSITE direction of the skid. When changing the boat direction, the amount of slide depends on :
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- How fast you were going;
- The type of boat, and
- The underwater configuration of the hull.
A slide can be a hindrance, but it can also be used to assist entering a boat lift. How do you ask? By approaching a boat lift so that the slide drifts the boat into the lift.
Summary
Boat safety is essential, not only with your dock but also with how you steer the boat into the boat lift. Don’t forget about the people around it.
Applying these tips will help you to keep your boat from getting damaged and your family from getting hurt.
Do you have a friend that might be interested in this post? Please forward it to them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Or – for more information, you can call Jerry @ 920-493-4404.
Jul 2, 2019
JULY 4 th IS ALMOST HERE
July 4 th is something we all look forward to each year. There are fireworks, family reunions, and making new friends.
Making a new friend on July 4 th
This year we especially look forward to the four day weekend it brings with it. If Mother Nature cooperates with us, it should be a great weekend.
July 4 th Door County Happenings
Check this article out for a list of July 4 th activities.
However, let’s not forget what July 4th also brings with it. Generally, the boat traffic is substantial all through the weekend. There will be lots of water skiing and boating going on. Not to mention the parties.
Safety Tips
Some safety tips that we must all be aware of are:
Boat Safety Rule #3- Don’t get a visit from him
1. Choose a designated driver. It’s not just for cars. The DNR and law enforcement will be out in force trying to protect you.
2. Don’t allow anyone under the influence to swim alone.
3. Be especially mindful of kids. That means your kids or grandkids and also the neighbors. Kids know no boundaries.
4. Fireworks on boats are a real danger. You have fuel and many flammable items on a boat. Besides, people are in close proximity even a pontoon boat. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.
5. The weather to date has been colder than average, and many of the trees are way behind. Did you know, if you are in an area where there are poplar trees, and you see those fuzzy white balls floating in the air and clinging to your lawn, they present danger around camp-fires and fireworks?
How can something so lightweight and harmless be a danger? The author was at campground years back with the ground covered by the fuzz. Someone threw a firecracker on the ground, and the resulting flash instantly caused a fire that moved incredibly fast. Everyone at the campground had to fight the fast-moving flames. It swept rapidly in every direction.
6. Did you know that, in general, the same rules apply when operating a boat as operating a vehicle? You can receive a citation for following too closely, racing a boat or jet ski too closely, driving under the influence, making dangerous maneuvers, not having the proper life preservers (just like a seatbelt), and more.
MANY MORE IDEAS
We could go on and on but if you want more information about safety, consider reading this article. Here are some more 4th of July tips.
We frequently stress safety because it only takes a snap of your fingers for an accident to happen. We don’t want your weekend (or life) ruined by one wrong decision.
Have a safe and enjoyable July 4th holiday
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
Jun 25, 2019
Kayaks are great exercise
Kayaks & Canoes
Kayaks & canoes are a healthy way to see more of the Door County Penninsula. Both outdoor activities provide a quiet way to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Take it from one who has tried kayaking – it is a peaceful way to spend your day. You won’t want to return to shore.
Besides paddleboarding, these two activities bring the splendor of the Door County peninsula right to you. Remember the early morning and evening panoramic views we all love so much about Door County? These are a great way to watch those sunsets and or sunrises.
Canoeing with man’s best friend
What do you do when you return to your dock?
Kayak & canoe rack
What could be easier than walking to your dock and having the canoe or kayak waiting for you? By using the Canoe/Kayak racks from ShoreMaster, your equipment will be ready to go when you are.
With these easily mounted “racks” available at Pier & Waterfront Solutions, you could save a twisted ankle or sprained knee. Keep your equipment right at the dock. There is no need to walk across the rocks and risk a twisted ankle while carrying your kayak up to the house or garage.
Do you have a friend that might be interested in this post? Please forward it to them.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay at the Idlewild Road intersection. Or – you can call Jerry @ 920-493-4404 for more information.
Jun 18, 2019
WALKING PLATFORM FOR JET SKI LIFTS
Walking Platform
A walking platform for your ShoreMaster vertical jet ski lift is an essential add-on from Pier & Waterfront Solutions. These stainless steel walking platforms are made exclusively for the SM 1064 and SM 1264 jet ski lifts (PWC lifts).
The walking platform consists of a stainless steel, perforated platform that mounts securely to the lift rack. The platform never rots and is extremely strong. It’s simple to install – one 9/16″ wrench is all you need. No drilled holes required
A stainless steel walking platform provides a stable platform for loading, refueling, or working on your jet ski.
Duel walking platforms
The platform allows easy access to both sides of the jet ski. With access on both sides, the platform will enable you to put a cover on while high and dry.
Why scramble over your jet ski to put a cover around it? Why get tossed around by the waves while trying to work. There won’t be any more standing on the lift rack where the risk of falling off or injury is the greatest.
Imagine being able to service and refuel your jet ski without having to stand in the water or pulling it up on the rocks. Now you have a loading platform to set your equipment on when working on the engine or re-fueling your unit. You can do all kinds of work and stay dry.
Want more?
ShoreMaster winch tube extension
How about a winch extension post which allows you to reach the winch wheel from your dock? The aluminum extension post comes in a kit and will enable you to move the winch up, so you have better access to the winch wheel. A dock set high out of the water will no longer be a problem. No need to lay on the pier to reach the wheel?
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for more information.
