Major Problems, Ski runs away, doesnt come back

[btmboards]

So I just got my new ski today, spent all day tuning it up and getting it ready to take out. Just before dark I got a chance to take it out for a few minutes just to run it out. found one major issue that is going to keep me off the water. I do not have a kill switch so I would need the ski to return, but it doesnt, it just goes straight. this is my first ski so my best trick is falling off and would really like to not loose my ski. Any suggestions.

 

[btmboards]

by the way, it is an 89 kawi 650

 

[deftons56]

you can install a lanyard but the easiest thing to do would be just don't let go.

 

[btmboards]

ya thats what I did for today but when you fall off the side at speed that starts to get tough and when the result could be never seeing your ski again I would like to find a better fix, will try a lanyard till I find a better solution.

 

[Charlie_Hustle]

If youre gonna ride surf tomorrow the way your boat is I would turn the idle down so it dies when youre not on the throttle (my surf boat is set up that way anyway). And I agree 100% with what deftons said, dont let go. Especially in the surf.

 

[motozachl]

Hold on! But yeah that's what I do is just keep the idle down so that it dies when I'm not on the throttle. Had mine run away on me once went over a mile away couldn't even see it anymore....some nice boaters finally picked me up and dropped me off to it at which point it was finally off lol

 

[btmboards]

Ya I will turn it down before I go out tomorrow. Has anyone ever done a kill switch like whats on a sit down ski with a key and lanyard?

 

[tor*p*do]

all you need to do is find a faceplate cover for a couch
and put it onto you ss switch and you will have a lanyard
just do it

 

[227]

If your ski won’t circle when you fall off then your steering has to be binding in some way. An old or worn steering cable will do this, even though it seems to be working properly when you’re riding. The steering should be loose enough that the engine idle speed will turn the nozel. (all skis naturally want to circle because of the rotation of the impellor) Which brings up my next point. Turning your idle down will lessen this effect. The higher the engine idle, the quicker the ski will return to you. As already mentioned, you can purchase an aftermarket lanyard-kill switch.

 

[Tyler Zane]

ya thats what I did for today but when you fall off the side at speed that starts to get tough and when the result could be never seeing your ski again I would like to find a better fix, will try a lanyard till I find a better solution.

im getting the impression that you are thinking lanyard like a surf board. they mean lanyard kill switch. dont tie yourself to your ski lol

 

[btmboards]

Ya my steering is definatly binding. It is loose and smooth for the normal rang of motion but when you turn full clock one way you fell it grab. Nothing that affects ridability but definatly hard enough not to let the ski circle back, even if the idle is high. I was just looking steering cables up to see about getting a new one. Are all the brands pretty much the same quality wise or are some crap and others real good. I dont want to spend a ton but will spend a bit more if it will last
tzane, just to prove how rookie I am thanks for the clarification, I was thinking somthing like that, just not quite as secure since I want to be able easily cut away/ rip off if needed in an emergancy.
I think I am going to order a kill switch this week unless I can find a junked couch to steal it from.

 

[227]

Try Havasu Watercraft Salvage. Despite the name, they are located in Escondido, CA which is close to you. Good luck

http://www.watercraftpartsonline.com/

 

[tor*p*do]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/440-550-750-800-Kawasaki-jetski-Killswitch-kill-switch-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3358b9734cQQitemZ220531880780QQptZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts

 

[btmboards]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/440-...20531880780QQptZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts

Ya I actually looked at that exact one, not real sure why they say it wont work on the 650 though, and for the 650 one that they are selling it is $90 instead of $30.
either way no one is going to ship anything till at least tuesday or wendsday so by then havasu will be open and I will check with them and if they dont have it I will have to order one.
thanks guys.

 

[btmboards]

have one more issue I found. At the base of the pole there are two ratational springs, the pole spring towards the front and another about 3 inches closer to the hood. what does the back one do. Mine is broke so I cant tell where it used to spring off of.

 

[Motorheads5]

You don't see any of the good surf rider's running lanyard's for a reason, You don't have time to fumble around with a one in the surf.
Like already mentioned turn the idle down so it will die when you let go.
Flatwater is a different story.

 

[grahammy]

The simplest way is to turn the idle down.
This though is a pain to ride in surf because every time you jump a wave, the engine dies unless you feathering the throttle. Also when you surf a wave, the engine can also stall.
I've seen several riders with zip tied lanyards lose skis in waves, waiting for the ski to turn and idle back when the next wave takes the ski back to shore...
I personally prefer to always ski with a lanyard

 

[djkorn1]

I went back to a lanyard too....

 

[Matt_E]

x2.
I am not a good enough surf rider to go out in surf big enough where a 2 second lanyard fumble is a concern.
In six seasons of occasional surf riding, I haven't had that situation occur even once.
However, I have had my throttle stick open more than once for one reason or another: a broken carb spring, a pinched throttle cable, and ice on several occasions.
I'll take the risk of getting pummeled because I was too slow with the lanyard over the risk of a lose, high dollar 300lb missile that I am liable for.


DISCLAIMER: If you ride surf big enough to swallow you up and keep you down a long time if you make a mistake, then I suppose a runaway ski would be the lesser concern. I've been held down for a while and it seemed far too long.

 

[Scorn800]

Yes, always use a lanyard. I was riding BL this weekend where someone had a run away ski do to not using a lanyard. He was lucky no one got hurt and ski was fine.