Freestyle Submarine quesion/air intake help!!

[NewKid]

Im super new to jet ski's. Like Ive never even ridden one. I just got one yesterday (an 86 440 kawasaki i believe) and I see black tubes comming off the front top of the hull on pictures online. I was told it was an air intake, but mine doesnt have a hose. Should I not ride it without the hose? I was wanting to learn how to do a submarine, so would it fill up with water? Anything Helps. Mines the blue one

 

[slamb33]

you are referring to the long black tube on the white ski above?

 

[AtomicPunk]

The black tube on the red/white/blue is the old style exhaust... you have the new style (short black outlet below the bond line). You will get water in the engine compartment, get yourself an electric bilge.

Have fun, welcome to the X

 

[JetJunky]

Were in Cali are you? Does the ski run well? If you do subs you'll want a electric bilge, if your new though it will probably be a little while before you're doing them so just ride it and get the hang of it.

 

[linden]

if you are talking about the black tube on the white ski it is exhaust. if you are talking about the round vent that is painted black on the blue ski that is an intake and it is fine if it is cut and glassed over we just closed my brothers in. as far as water getting in it will get in, get a bilge pump as stated above. my brother is running dual 800s in his 440

 

[NewKid]

Thanks for your help!

Were in Cali are you? Does the ski run well? If you do subs you'll want a electric bilge, if your new though it will probably be a little while before you're doing them so just ride it and get the hang of it.

I live in frazier park, like 15 minutes from pyramid lake. and as far as I know. Me being the noob that I am hooked up the hose full blast without the engine running and filled the engine with water -_- you live and you learn I guess. but I got it running again and it sounds good. hasnt touched a body of water since I have had it and knowing noone that has a trailor or jet ski it might be a while before it does. It wasnt just to do subs I was also worried of it just filling while I was riding it. I have a feeling I might spend some time on its side =P

Thank you to everyone that posted, far faster than I expected. I think Im gonna like it here.

 

[NewKid]

Linden, what where you referring to when you said dual 800's? Was that for the bilge pump? and how hard was it to close it up? Did you fiberglass it yourselves?

 

[btmboards]

I would say that it would be for a learning experience to link up with some other riders locally but even with all the Cali riders I dont know anyone in that area. We have a pretty good community here, I have learned and still am learning a ton here on the X.
Welcome

 

[227]

Dude if you filled your motor with water trying to run it off a hose, then it's really important that you get it to the lake ASAP and ride at least a tank of gas before you store it for any length of time. Just because you got the water out and got it running doesn't mean you've gotten all the small drops of water off the crank bearings. Rust can form on the crank bearings in a very short time. Jet ski motors run between 6-7000 rpms and even very small rust deposits can make your engine come apart prematurely. The only way to be sure is to run it for a while, (preferably a tank full of gas but minimum 30min) You don't want any major engine failures with a ski that old as it will cost you twice what you can sell it for to fix it.

 

[227]

here ya go

 

[NewKid]

I would take it to the lake, but not knowing how to get up on one, not being 100% sure its gonna float, and not having any equipment like a lifejacket or anything, makes it hard. Does anyone here ever go to Buena Vista??

 

[slamb33]

you are going to need a life jacket... and you are going to need to learn how to get up on it and if it floats some time...

you could always fill it up with water on the inside to see if there are any leaks... if not, should float.

 

[linden]

Linden, what where you referring to when you said dual 800's? Was that for the bilge pump? and how hard was it to close it up? Did you fiberglass it yourselves?

yeah he has dual 800 gph bilge pumps

closing it was easy took a dremel to the hood cut a clean square used a thin piece of plastic to fill it and layed the glass over it

 

[Snivilous]

You don't necessarily need a trailer, if you just bought it, how did you move it?

 

[NewKid]

I got it from a guy who helped me throw it in my truck, but wouldnt it get heavier after you ride because of water weight? Forgive me I know nothing lol. Plus I dont wanna have to reply on other people to help me, like if I wanna meet up with someone, I cant load it alone.

 

[mxmark4]

make a ramp,ihad to make one to load my ski when I got it eventually i just started backin truck in a bit deeper and usin a rope thru the front bow eye to pull ski into bed of truck.

 

[NewKid]

mxmark4, Have any pointers from your ramp experience? Maybe some plans on hand?

 

[Snivilous]

Not sure how mark or others do it, but you could rig something like what ATVs and Dirtbikes use to just drive the thing into the bed of your truck. Could also put a winch in the front to winch it up the ramp if your afraid to throttle up it.

Could make something out of 4" PVC

 

[JetJunky]

Look up local riding groups on the forum and try to meet up with some people. I've gone out alone when I first started and you'd be suprised how much help people freely give. I use a Hitch hauler now to load my ski onto the back of the truck, they work great.

 

[Offroadie]

Loading a 440, 550, or even an FX-1 into the back of a pickup by yourself is really not terribly difficult.

1- Lower the tailgate.

2- Position the ski behind the truck at about a 45 degree angle to the tailgate. (the front of the ski has to be far enough forward that when you lift it you are able to rest it on the tailgate) I have used a towel or canvas drop cloth to pad the rear of the ski on the ground.

3- Once the ski is leaning on the tailgate (and square to the bed of the truck... preferably in the center)... you can go to the rear of the ski and lift while you shove it forward.

If you aren't comfortable doing this you can always get someone to help you put it in the truck @ home.



Launching at the ramp is far easier.

1- Back your truck into the water until the edge of the tailgate is at the surface.

2- Unstrap and launch ski

3- Park vehicle and go ride.

4- When finished reverse the process.


Note - Make sure that your rear axle is watertight. If there is a breather fitting on the rear gear housing(like in my '90 Toyota) you need to put a hose on it and run it to somewhere that will remain above the waterline.