How to Dock a Jet Ski

When you're using a jet ski, it's important to know how to bring it back to shore. You can't just drive it up onto the beach, and you can't park it near a dock like you would a boat. The good news is it's possible to dock a jet ski using a number of different options, whether you choose a portable dock or even just a jet ski trailer.

Things You'll Need

• Dock
• Portable dock (optional)
• Trailer

Instructions

1. Approach the dock from as straight an angle as possible. For the best line, approach the dock from beyond 100 feet. This gives you plenty of time and distance to make adjustments.

2. Slow down to less than 10 mph. Approaching the dock faster than this can make it far more difficult to maneuver.

3. Maintain a steady speed as you approach the dock. Speeding up can increase the need for corrections as you close with your target.

4. Line up the front of your jet ski and the angle of its draft with the angle of the dock (if the dock is designed to specifically fit your jet ski according to its shape).

5. Speed up slightly as you close with the dock. During the last 10 feet or so, you'll want to build some momentum to carry the front of your jet ski up onto the dock.

6. Power down and decelerate once the chassis of your jet ski has cleared the water.

7. Dock your jet ski directly onto a trailer whenever possible. This makes it easy to load and unload your jet ski directly into the water. Simply ride your jet ski close to the shore and position it over the trailer rack. Then secure it to the trailer and drive it out of the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a portable dock for your jet ski. Portable docks allow you to raise your jet ski out of the water when not in use, but they can also be transported along with your jet ski to and from the water. Best of all, they can accommodate a multitude of different jet ski models so you're sure to find a portable dock to fit your need.

• Do not, under any circumstances, approach a dock with a jet ski at full speed. Your jet ski will either continue to cruise onto the ground which can cause extensive damage to the chassis or it will end up coming to an abrupt stop at the edge of the dock, launching you clear of the jet ski and causing serious injury.