The most important thing to remember when bringing a jet ski to a dock is to approach at a very slow speed.
When I say slow, I mean moving so slow that it might feel uncomfortable or like others judging you.
The worst mistake you can make is moving too quickly or trying to play with the throttle excessively.
Shut Off the Engine
If you ever find yourself uncertain, the best practice is to shut off the engine.
Simply press the “START/STOP” button if you’re in a tight spot or unsure of what to do. It’s advisable to leave the safety lanyard on, just in case you need to quickly restart the engine.
Other Considerations
Jet skis operate with a direct drive system, meaning that as long as the engine is running, the impeller is spinning, keeping the unit active. Unlike boats, personal watercraft lack a “true” neutral; instead, neutral is simply the balance point between forward and reverse, offering greater control and even the ability to steer while in this position.
Whether you’re in forward or reverse, the nose will follow the direction of the handlebars, which can feel unfamiliar to those accustomed to operating boats.
When you’re close to the dock and holding on to it, make sure to turn off the engine completely. Since jet skis don’t have a true neutral, leaving it idling in neutral isn’t safe.
Also, be mindful of NO-WAKE ZONE laws, marked by white buoys or when you’re within 100 feet of the shore. These zones require idle speed and no throttle use. It might feel inconvenient, but it’s necessary for your safety and the safety of others.
While some boating experts suggest leaving the engine on at the slip for traditional boats with neutral gear, this doesn’t apply to watercraft. For jet drives, shutting off the engine is the only way to completely stop movement, giving you better control in such situations.
Steps for Docking a Jet Ski Safely
Before attempting to bring your jet ski to the dock, start by shifting into neutral. Pay attention to the wind direction and observe how other watercraft are handling their approaches.
Once you’ve assessed the wind, approach the dock at an angle, using the wind to help guide your movement. Maintain control by alternating between forward and neutral using the forward and reverse/brake levers. Refrain from accelerating; focus instead on slow, controlled movements, similar to a precise connection in outer space.
If your approach feels too fast, use the reverse lever to reduce your speed. The objective is a gradual, controlled glide toward the docking point.
When you’re close to the slip or navigating a tight space near it, turn off the engine to halt all movement.
At any point, if you feel unsure or uneasy, shutting off the engine is always the safest option. Because jet skis don’t have a true neutral, turning off the engine is the only way to completely stop all motion.
(A video to show you the way and what I mean about going back and forth on the levers.)
No Reverse
Docking without reverse can be more challenging but is still manageable. The key is to avoid using any throttle near the slip or in no-wake zones. About 20 feet before reaching your desired area, execute a slow circle.
Before starting the circle, check for obstacles nearby. Rotate the watercraft gently without engaging the throttle to stop your forward movement.
Point the handlebars in the direction you need to go, and as the craft naturally regains momentum, approach the slip. Once close, turn off the engine. Make sure to maintain idle speed throughout the process for better control.
Video
Tips & Tricks
Improving your skills at maneuvering a jet ski near the dock requires practice. Start by approaching a buoy in the water, ensuring you don’t make contact with it. A no-wake buoy is ideal for this exercise.
Practice using the throttle and reverse levers at idle speed to gain better control. Repeat this exercise several times to build confidence and refine your technique more quickly.
Getting on A Drive-Up Lift
Most manufacturers recommend keeping them on a lift and out of the water when not in use. One type of lift, the floating drive-up lift, allows you to drive your machine directly onto it. This lift may seem intimidating, but it’s considered one of the best options available.
There are also lifts that elevate your craft in the air, which is suitable if your slip requires it. However, the drive-up lifts are generally easier to use and less complicated. The lifts that elevate in the air need precise centering and take more time to lift out of the water.
Drive-up Lift
Maneuvering a jet ski onto a floating drive-up lift is very similar to securing it at a boat slip. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Before reaching the lift, shift into neutral and check the wind direction while observing others.
- When it’s safe, and you’ve noted the wind direction, approach the lift, making use of the wind’s assistance.
- Gently tap the center of the floating drive-up lift.
- Try to center yourself with the lift if you’re not already aligned.
- Give it a little throttle to get on top of the lift.
- Wait a moment to ensure you don’t roll backward. If you do, simply try again; it’s not a big deal.
- If you don’t roll backward, turn off the engine and tie everything up.
If you’re worried about overshooting the lift, just remember to go slow, lightly touch the lift, and keep yourself straight. With a little bit of gas, you should not overshoot it, but it may take a few attempts.
This is why waiting before turning off the engine is important to ensure you won’t roll back off and have to start over.
Tying up
After securing your watercraft at the dock, it’s important to tie it properly to prevent it from drifting away.
Regular docklines work fine, but stretchy docklines are more convenient for securing watercraft. Most models have a tie-down point near the handlebars where you can loop the rope. Alternatively, you can use the bow hook or rear hooks, though they might be harder to access.
Avoid wrapping the line around the handlebars directly, as this can damage them. Always secure the rope to the designated hook to prevent any issues.
If you’re at your home dock and want extra security, consider using a cable lock along with a regular dockline. Keep in mind that while the lock can deter thieves, it won’t withstand severe weather conditions.
