PWC Towing

[Bill Z]

Has anyone had expierience using the Toadster system. We have an older 2 passenger PWC we would like to bring with us on our 2003 320 V drive twin 6.2 Hoizons for our 14 yr old who doesn't want to hang with mom and dad anymore! Sad but true, we knew it was coming. Our sons are now 31, 25 and 14. Finally time with the admiral. But I forgot we have a new grandaughter now it's Grandpa time !!! Any feedback on toadster system would help.

Thanks and Happy Holidays to all of CSR members and visitors !

 

[Bill Z]

Would like to keep post going just in case someone has seen this system in use.

 

[ziekman@cox.net]

There was a recent thread, with extensive discussion on this topic. I don't remember the name of the thread, but a search may help. Recently, however, I heard that towing a PWC could be problematic as it may force water into the engine.

 

[skolbe]

You have to shut off the water intake in many cases - A friend made his own toadster system like you have referenced and he was able to tow easily- I ended up selling the PWC and buying a dinghy - which I find fun as well. But, I am not sure it is cool to a 14 year old.

 

[Vince_nj1]

our 14 yr old who doesn't want to hang with mom and dad anymore!

I have a 13 year old that would like the same freedom, however he needs to be 16 in NJ. I didh't realize that the age was only 14 in NY.

NEW YORK STATE Requirements- Persons required to complete the course
- You operate a personal watercraft (regardless of age, you must complete the course).
- Youth Operators - Required to Complete the CourseIf you wish to operate a motorboat independently and are between the ages of 10 and 18 years of age, you must hold a boating safety certificate (complete one of our courses listed). If you are less than 10 years old you may operate a motorboat (non-PWC) only if someone over 18 or someone between the ages of 10 and 18 who holds a safety certificate, is on board with you. Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old is riding on the craft and they hold a safety certificate.

NEW YORK STATE - Personal Watercraft - Minimum Age of Operation
Amended NYS law which took effect January 1, 2006 raised the minimum age of operators of PWC to fourteen (14). As of January 1, 2009, PWC Operators must be 14 years of age to operate a Personal Watercraft.

NEW JERSEY STATE Requirements- Persons required to complete the course
As of June 1, 2009, all power vessel operators, regardless of date of birth, are required to possess a boat safety certificate.
Exemptions: A boat safety certificate is not required for non-powered vessels.

NEW JERSEY STATE Minimum Age of Operation
There are two minimum ages, 13 years old for vessels powered by electric trolling motors, or vessels 12' or longer with less than 10 total HP.
Operators of all other power vessels, including personal watercraft, must be at least sixteen years old, this includes out-of-state residents.


CONNECTICUT STATE Requirements- Persons required to complete the course
To legally operate any boat with an engine or motor, other than a personal watercraft, or a sailboat 191/2 feet in length or longer, the following persons must obtain a Safe Boating Certificate:
- Residents of Connecticut
- Owners of real property in Connecticut
- Anyone using Connecticut waters more than 60 days in a year.
A person who has a valid vessel operator license by the United States Coast Guard does not require a Safe Boating Certificate. They must have a copy of the license on board the recreational vessel on which they are operating.

Operators of a personal watercraft, regardless of state residency, must possess a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation to operate on Connecticut waters. The Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate and Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation are accepted in many states. Connecticut recognizes certificates from New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island for use upon our waters.

ALL COURSES LISTED by us in CT are "Combination Courses" and include both the Safe Boating Certificate and Certificate of Personal Watercraft operation. Take the course and you meet the requirements for boating and PWC operation.

CONNECTICUT Minimum Age of Operation
No person under 16 years of age, who has been issued a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) after March 9, 2004, may operate a personal watercraft without the onboard supervision of a person who is at least 18 years of age and in possession of a CPWO. Operators between the age of 12 and 16, who were issued a CPWO on or before March 9, 2004, may operate a personal watercraft by themselves, although the DEP recommends that they be accompanied by a person 18 years or older who possesses a certificate. All out of state boaters must be 16 to operate a personal watercraft by themselves.

No person under 12 years of age shall operate a vessel with greater than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by a person at least 18 years old. Both persons must have certificates to operate.

 

[jmunro123]

Hi Bill,
here is a thread on towing. I let my 14 year old drive the jetski when we get near the harbour. We have met the police once and they said nothing about it. Its not legal but they did not give him a hard time. Bottom line as far as I am concerned is the Police have bigger fish to fry than a 14 year old going slow and being safe on a jetski. If he was fooling around and being careless then ya I could see a problem. But he can drive that jetski and is safer than almost anyone I know. He shows great respect for the power, especially in close quarters. They are looking for drunks. Here is some info I posted on towing but I do now use a Towster.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33402&highlight=lost+jetski

 

[Vince_nj1]

We have met the police once and they said nothing about it. Its not legal but they did not give him a hard time. Bottom line as far as I am concerned is the Police have bigger fish to fry than a 14 year old going slow and being safe on a jetski. If he was fooling around and being careless then ya I could see a problem. But he can drive that jetski and is safer than almost anyone I know. He shows great respect for the power, especially in close quarters. They are looking for drunks. Here is some info I posted on towing but I do now use a Towster.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33402&highlight=lost+jetski

In NJ, they are looking for ticket revenue. My friend was stopped 50 ft from the marina at an idle. Good news is that a 14 year old is legal in NY.:thumbsup:

 

[fc3]

I have three towdsters. I wrote about my experiences. It works. It's rather inconvenient, but it does work okay. You have to do some experimenting to see what works best with your boat.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[jmunro123]

I have three towdsters. I wrote about my experiences. It works. It's rather inconvenient, but it does work okay. You have to do some experimenting to see what works best with your boat.

Best regards,
Frank

How is it with docking? Not backing in, I think that would just not work.

 

[fc3]

Forget docking and undocking without having a really oversized slip. One of two things works.

1. Give the PWC to someone who will rendezvous with the boat on the way out or dock the PWC on the way in leaving you free to handle the boat.
2. Tie the PWC to a unused pier or dock where you can approach abeam such as a fuel or pump out dock. Snag the towdster with a boathook and off you go. Reverse when returning.

 

[Bill Z]

Thanks for the link and the info from all.

My son is legal in NY and has taken the necessary course. Very conservative and cautious young man.

Sounds as if it would be easier to rendevuos with him.

That's O.K. and he would have fun with it.

So here is the plan. He drives it to meet us. Asks for breakfast. Leaves to ride again. Comes back for fuel. Leaves again and returns looking for lunch. Leaves and meets us back at the marina asking when we will be having dinner !

Thank you all and Happy Holiday's to you and yours !!

 

[jmunro123]

Thanks for the link and the info from all.

My son is legal in NY and has taken the necessary course. Very conservative and cautious young man.

Sounds as if it would be easier to rendevuos with him.

That's O.K. and he would have fun with it.

So here is the plan. He drives it to meet us. Asks for breakfast. Leaves to ride again. Comes back for fuel. Leaves again and returns looking for lunch. Leaves and meets us back at the marina asking when we will be having dinner !

Thank you all and Happy Holiday's to you and yours !!

Who did he learn that from!! Man it sounds like a perfect time for everyone!