waveblaster 1 trouble riding ...uggh!

svttodd · 08-23-2009, 06:06 PM

I recently bought a really nice 1994 WB1. One the first ride I had trouble riding it. The good news: a) price was right, b) a pipe, prop, ride plate and some other mods c) runs awesome, starts easily (thank God), nice and powerful!

The bad news: a) I stink at riding this thing!!!
I had a heck of a time in the no wake zones, and I had big time trouble re-mounting the ski in deep water. I tried kneeling on the back, side mouting under power, etc I was just starting to get the hang of riding it at speed (like a motorcycle), then I fell off and it took ALL of my energy to re-mount the dang thing!

Does anyone have any tips on re-mounting and riding this ski in general? I used to have a ton of X-2s and standups (years ago... I was younger and more fit!), and I never had trouble. It has been years since I have ridden a ski. I just bought this WB1 and a X-2, but I was too tired to even try the X-2 today after fighting with the Blaster. Riding tips please. Thanks. -Todd

fastlife23 · 08-23-2009, 07:20 PM

practice practice practice just got to get the hang of it. Another thing i've noticed is that if you have a bunch of water in the bilge whether it be from falling or fooling around the blaster its going to be alot more difficult to remount from the water sloshing around. Make sure you got a bilge on that thing. Dont worry if you dont get it the first time but if you can go to a lake where there isnt that much wake or just go really early to try the catch the lake when no one is on there.

FLWAVEBLASTER · 08-23-2009, 07:58 PM

just like a standup--- throttle is your friend !

fastlife23 · 08-23-2009, 08:03 PM

edit my post bilge pump*

svttodd · 08-23-2009, 10:18 PM

I was suprised that compared to the X-2s the Blaster was very dry inside, even after a few roll overs, dumps, and splash-downs there was almost no water inside the ski! I have not yet added an aftermarket bildge, but I will get one soon when I get one for the X-2.

When you are in a 'no wake' zone, do you stand up? Someone told me that a Blaster should almost always be ridden standing up. Does that mean when I am going slow too? I forgot to even try to stand up today. This thing got the best of me this time! -Todd

fastlife23 · 08-23-2009, 10:49 PM

i sit during no wake zones no problem just like riding a couch, well a real couch that is

FLWAVEBLASTER · 08-23-2009, 11:43 PM

the further up on the seat that you sit the more stable it will be also...

you said you didnt stand all day riding a blaster? how do your kidneys feel??? lower back? ouch!!!!!!!!

svttodd · 08-24-2009, 12:19 AM

Well, my kidneys don't hurt too bad, because my ride really wasn't that long. I spent most of the time treading water and trying to climb aboard. I couldn't figure out the re-mount. It wanted to immediately tip no matter what I tried. Do you start it while you are in the water then 'jump' on? Or do you get on, balance, then start it? I even tried a side mount under power, but by that time I was too beat to do it (I think I could have done the side mount if I wasn't so tired). The no-wake zone wasn't too bad, it was just really sketchy. I was VERY embarrassed (and tired) at my first ride. I think I will get the hang of the actual ride, but the re-mount I am not too sure about. On a slow turn, I would nose dive, and the front of the ski would dig into the water and dump me. I figured out that if I gassed it, I could ride out of this after a while.

Yamabooeey · 08-24-2009, 12:41 AM

The easiest way to mount is on the back. Get your knees on the deck and reach over the bars, start and throttle. More throttle you give , easier it gets to mount. You will get the hang of balancing after a little while.

FLWAVEBLASTER · 08-24-2009, 08:49 AM

when i first got my blaster it was tough as well.. it took me a few weeks to get it down--- i found that if i put the key on the start/stop switch then swam around to the back, got onto the rear deck, keeping my but low then starting the ski, as i started it i would then go to stand up. but dont worry, as you get better you can easily side mount it and even get onto the ski while sitting still. in chop or larger waves it will be tough.. also if you are in larger waves turn the ski away from the waves that way the waves are not crashing over the bow of the ski--- as a side note if the ski has a full tank of fuel or is full of water it is alot tougher!!! mine would fill up alot just because of stabs and half rolls ect....