This video from Sea Doo gives a great overview of what you'll need to know to make your way to the water with your jet ski rental.
Take note of the different sections:
Scroll Down for more details in each section
You'll need a few things in order to safely tow your rental jet skis to your destination:
We'll verify these are equipped on your vehicle before you head out to ensure you have the correct set up.
We're happy to assist with any questions you may have and will orient you to our trailers, and how they connect and interact behind your tow vehicle.
Of course, towing a trailer requires more vigilance in stopping, turning and general awareness, but we're confident that you can do it. Start cautiously and slow down or have a friend spot for you when in doubt while backing up or turning.
Lower the trailer with the lever, ensure the hitch is seated all the way onto the ball, and close and lock latch. For security and safety while towing, we find it best to slide and lock a padlock through the hole in the latch.
Next, connect the safety chains and wiring (make sure they're crossed, we'll show you how). Test the brake lights and turn signals.
Ensure the front of the jet skis are connected to the winch and the winch is locked. Then, ensure the rear of the jet skis are secured to the trailer with tie down straps.
Test start the ski before you leave but do not leave the engine running for more than a second or 2. We'll do this with you when we're going over the controls before you leave.
Keep in mind as you're driving that there is now added weight behind your car, and added length as well. This necessitates greater following distance between you and the cars in front of you as well as greater stopping distance and a greater turning radius.
If you're not familiar with towing, hook up your trailer and head to a wide open area like a big parking lot so you can practice backing up before you hit the boat ramp. It's a straightforward task, but some practice repetitions can help keep the process smooth and stress free.
Remove rear tie down straps, ensure the drain plugs are tightly installed, disconnect the electrical connection.
It can be easier to load the jet ski storage compartments before you hit the water, so now may be a great time to put water bottles, etc in the storage bins as well as removing a mooring rope from the storage for use on the ramp. If you like, prepare the mooring rope now ensuring it won't fall off or drag as you approach to the ramp.
Remember that the goal is to back down the ramp in a straight line. This is best done by turning wide on your approach to the ramp (as seen in the video around (02:35)
If you need to change your angle while backing down, use small steering movements. If the trailer becomes misaligned on the ramp, simply pull forward to straighten out and back down again (a spotter is really handy if you're a beginner and simply slowing down can help as well).
The trailer is in the proper position when the transom/hull of the boat is just beginning to float. Remember this position for later when you're re-loading the ski. Engage the parking brake and ensure your vehicle is in Park before getting out to launch the jet skis.
Now that the jet ski is starting to float but still on the trailer, attach a mooring rope to
one of the eyelets at the base of the handlebars. Unwind the winch until you have released enough tension to release the hook.
Use the mooring rope to pull your jet ski to the dock and secure it there until you're ready to ride.
Repeat same process for 2nd ski, if necessary.
Release the parking brake, and slowly pull forward off of the ramp to the trailer parking area (03:42)
Approach the ramp the same as before (disconnect wiring). Since there won't be jet skis on the trailer, be cautious of the trailer position using your mirrors and a spotter if available. (03:43)
Back down the ramp, aiming to place the trailer in the same position as it was when you launched. When in the correct position, engage the parking brake, and put in park.
Use a mooring rope, attached as before, to pull jet ski onto trailer and connect hook to the front/bow ring and winch the jet ski up onto the trailer.
Ensure winch's safety lever is locked before pulling slowly away from the ramp.
Once safely away from the ramp, pull the drain plugs, re-connect the trailer wiring and secure the rear of the jet ski to the trailer as before. Go through trailer checklist (we'll provide) before getting back on the road.
This video from Sea Doo is a perfect overview of how to operate a Sea Doo Spark.
This is a great resource for anyone preparing for a jet ski rental with us here in beautiful Austin, TX.
Whether you're riding all day on Lake Travis, or making the long haul to your favorite country lake, you may need to fuel up your rental jet skis while you've got them.
We'll go over this with you before you head out, but here is a great video from Sea Doo describing the process if you need a reminder.
For your safety, the safety of your family/guests, and the safety of others, please take a few moments to watch this video and then visit this link:
Water Safety Act - to read and review the Texas Parks & Wildlife - Water Safety Act.