Jet Sled Practice

[Buck Rub Jr]

Hey folks, we just picked up a a 21’ SuperVee pro last weekend and I’m lookin to get her out this Friday on the lake for some practice as I’m brand new to the sled game. I’m a little concerned that the lake we normally hit has little too gradual of a launch for an easy launch. Any recommendations for a lake within an hour or So of Tacoma? Or would you suggest to just stick with where I know and pack some waders for the launch?

[Alchase]

Alder, American, Lake Washington, Riffe, Mayfield, etc...

[Katmai Guy]

Congrats on the new sled!  Go where you know, just drive it off the trailer.

[bear]

Congrats!  Nothing is better than driving a sled!

[Alchase]

I don'y want to side track your thread, I was just curious what makes a "Tiller" better when running rivers on a sled?
Obviously I do not know much about Sleds, I have been curious about this for awhile.

[Skillet]

That's a great fish killer, right there. 

I'd imagine you don't need much water to float her - probably be able to launch that boat in a heavy dew.  Go where you know for the shakedown run and enjoy!

 

[Skillet]

I don'y want to side track your thread, I was just curious what makes a "Tiller" better when running rivers on a sled?
Obviously I do not know much about Sleds, I have been curious about this for awhile.

Tillers rule for nearly instant lock-to-lock steering

[bear]

I don'y want to side track your thread, I was just curious what makes a "Tiller" better when running rivers on a sled?
Obviously I do not know much about Sleds, I have been curious about this for awhile.

Tillers rule for nearly instant lock-to-lock steering

 

[Alchase]

I don'y want to side track your thread, I was just curious what makes a "Tiller" better when running rivers on a sled?
Obviously I do not know much about Sleds, I have been curious about this for awhile.

Tillers rule for nearly instant lock-to-lock steering

Thanks for the explanation!

[h20hunter]

Seriously....couldn't have stepped up bit more just getting into a sled? Psh. 

Ps. Hell of a rig you got.....getting 'er done with that!

[MADMAX]

got my sled Back in 96
I used to practice in rich passage on a big outgoing tide
Just sayin

[Alchase]

got my sled Back in 96
I used to practice in rich passage on a big outgoing tide
Just sayin

Jeez throw him into the fire right away, LOL

Rich Passage can get testicle quick during tide change.

[MADMAX]

It’s big enough to hover in the current
Back down and jet out of trouble
And do the curly shuffle
And no rocks in the middle
Could have sent him to deception pass
Skinny side backwards

[Alchase]

It’s big enough to hover in the current
Back down and jet out of trouble
And do the curly shuffle
And no rocks in the middle
Could have sent him to deception pass
Skinny side backwards

 

[bear]

FYI you’ll soon learn upriver is much easier than down river!  Just got to keep enough speed to keep on a good plane.

[7mmfan]

  Getting a feel on the lake is good and suggested if you are brand new to sleds and tillers. I'm sure you know, but you will find that the boat handles quite differently in current, and different going up vs down stream. Pick a big open river to run around in and learn how it acts. Great boat by the way! I was THIS close to buying the same boat, color and all a couple years ago. Held off. Sometimes I kick myself.

[duchunter]

Well if you are new to owning and running a sled i would suggest running on a lake for the first time or two just to get use to how the boat handles and turning when on plane, second I would then go to a river like the Snohomish, on the lower part and do some running in the soughs, as you will be able to run with some current and also learn what to look for with dead heads in the water, (logs) they will mark the water. Then move up river on the Snohomish and get into some different currents and running around more logs and such. I have a drift boat and if there are some smaller rivers I want to use my sled on then I will float in the drift boat just to get an idea where the shallow spots are and rocks gravel bars ect.

I just up graded to a 21 foot super vee and they can run in shallow water! Good luck with the new boat!

By the way nice boat!!

[huntnnw]

for a pure fishing boat a tiller is king.. way more room and less wind drag on windy days trolling. more people can fish easily side drifting

[Buck Rub Jr]

Well I can’t pretend to be cooler than I am...my dad is the one who bought it, he loves fishing and wanted to get one so I made him a deal that if he got a sled I would learn how to run it so that he could always be fishing with his friends when he took it out, not motoring them around. Can’t wait for all the memories she brings us! I appreciate all the advice, I’ll check back in Friday afternoon if I make it off the lake in one piece lol

[millerwheeler]

Head to the mouth of the nisqually , there is no slow heading up river and like no others have stated going down is a whole different ball game o and have insurance 

[Blacklab]

Fun!!! Congrats 😉🥃🇺🇸 

[huntnphool]

 Take it to Coulon, good ramps with plenty of room for you to practice.

[allen]

Waders work.  I'm about 10 minutes from the launch so I put them on at home & throw my shoes in the boat.  Back er down the ramp, wade in, unhook & slide er back.  Climb in the boat, over the bow, slide it back more if needed then tie up.  Powering off works too but seems to take longer & I want to expedite if others are waiting.

[Buck Rub Jr]

Well took her out today. Went pretty good, love how it handles when running the jet. Still need some more time spent practicing. Hardest part was getting it back on the trailer with the little amount of space at the launch. Little different than the ol 14’ with a trolling motor lol can only imagine it’s more difficult in river current.

[Buckjunkie]

Congratulations on you’re new boat. Should be a lot of fun.

I have had two sleds. One with a windshield and a steering wheel and one with a tiller. Tillers are the way to go because you’re next to the kicker when you get to the top of the run.

I learned the hard way. Beached the first boat twice learning to read water. When the seam splits while drifting, you’re boat can have a mind of its own. Broke my kicker off once hitting too many rocks as a rookie...all in the Cowlitz. Good memories😂😂

My suggestion. If you know someone with experience, let them drive a couple times and watch what they do. It’s like riding a bike. You’ll be a pro in no time!

[hollymaster]

Learn to read the water. Impellers and lower units are expensive. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

 

[buckfvr]

Well took her out today. Went pretty good, love how it handles when running the jet. Still need some more time spent practicing. Hardest part was getting it back on the trailer with the little amount of space at the launch. Little different than the ol 14’ with a trolling motor lol can only imagine it’s more difficult in river current.

You learn to hit the trailer the first time under adequate power to get on the skids.  Try not to cut your teeth on summer low water as in the Cow, Used to love the mouth of the Cow fishing on the inside of the first island below the bridge.....in low water, make sure you allow for getting up on plane ahead of sand bars and shallows, allowing at least a boat length for that or more depending on your load.