Launching a PWC
Launching a personal watercraft can be complicated. The good news is that the more you practice it, the better you’ll become. If you’re having trouble getting started, this guide from Anderson Powersports Bullhead will walk you through the process.
Practice in Advance
Many PWC owners struggle when it comes to lining up their trailers correctly. You can make things easier on yourself by finding an open space to practice. Use cones to approximate the launching ramp. With a little practice, you’ll have the alignment down!
Arrive Prepared
Once you arrive at the dock, pull over and make your preparations. Don your life jacket, attach the top rope (if you’re using one), and do one final check on your PWC. If you have any additional preparations to complete like applying sunblock, setting up the killswitch, and inserting the drain plug, do them now.
Next, you’ll need to loosen the winch straps and safety chains so that your PWC can float once you get back into the water. Now is a good time to test the throttle as well. Doing these preparations will help you minimize your time spent using the dock so that others don’t have to wait as long.
Release Your PWC Into the Water
Start your PWC’s engine to make sure that you won’t get stalled on the ramp. If there’s a line, take your place and wait until it’s your turn. Make sure everything is clear before you slowly reverse your trailer into the water. When your trailer is submerged enough that your PWC can float, park your vehicle. If you’re alone, pull the PWC out and tie it up somewhere so that it doesn’t float away while you’re looking for a place to park. If you have help, one of you can park while the other handles the PWC.
Pull Away From the Dock
Don’t climb aboard your PWC and hit the starter until the water is at least three feet deep. You don’t want the intake to suck up debris and get clogged! Slowly maneuver your way away from the dock, giving others as much space as they need. Once you reach open water, hit the throttle!
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