How Do You Drive A Ski Boat?
Combine knowledge and common sense to drive a ski boat safely. Familiarize yourself with your boat and every piece of equipment on it. Learn about the body of water where you’ll be steering the ski boat. Be aware of any currents, underwater obstacles and shallow areas. Develop a checklist that you review before each outing that includes what to do in an emergency. Communicate with your skiers. Agree upon speeds, lengths of rides and skiing areas. Agree on hand signals and verbal signals for important communications. Know your skier’s skill levels and adjust accordingly. Designate an “observer” at all times. It’s easy to rotate throughout the day, but make sure the designated person knows he is “it.” It’s the observer’s job to watch the skier at all times so that the driver can look forward and concentrate on driving the boat. Start skiers by accelerating gradually until the desired speed is reached, then back off gradually to settle at that speed. Know how to land a skier and how to re
