Hi All,

I am keen to explore these elusive outer reefs of Perth. I previously was thinking a decent boat would be the best bet, however was wondering if anybody takes their jetski with a tow setup out towards Rotto etc.

To me it would seem riskay, however if a few mates all had skis with a sled, flares, jackets, anchor etc perhaps it would be okay? Those big skis are like boats nowadays with all the gear you can fit into them. Is it an uncomfortably rough ride all the way out there?

Any experiences shared are much appreciated.

Cheers,

In WA you cant take any vessel less than 3.75m more than 5NM offshore. That puts Rottnest and many 'elusive offshore reefs' out of range.

Also remember if you are Towing in, you can't be within 200m of any other water user, or the shore and anyone involved (ski operator or tow-ee) need to have their recreational skippers ticket.

In addition to the safety equip you mentioned, a tow ski also has to have an approved sled, marine radio, Two kill-switch lanyards, a first aid kit and a mask, fins and knife within easy access.

In terms of comfort when the sea is rough, you'll have no worries with handling, and a skit is much more manouverable than a boat. Just expect to get a lot wetter and remember that if something does go wrong, its a long swim home...

That does not help much.

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Kiting said...

That does not help much.

Its what you asked about. Truth hurts dont it

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LateStarter said...

In WA you cant take any vessel less than 3.75m more than 5NM offshore. That puts Rottnest and many 'elusive offshore reefs' out of range.

Also remember if you are Towing in, you can't be within 200m of any other water user, or the shore and anyone involved (ski operator or tow-ee) need to have their recreational skippers ticket.

In addition to the safety equip you mentioned, a tow ski also has to have an approved sled, marine radio, Two kill-switch lanyards, a first aid kit and a mask, fins and knife within easy access.

In terms of comfort when the sea is rough, you'll have no worries with handling, and a skit is much more manouverable than a boat. Just expect to get a lot wetter and remember that if something does go wrong, its a long swim home...

Yep, with a sled a big ski satisfies the length test

Yeah was aware of those aditional regs and have ticket etc. I am usually fairly cautious when it comes to distance offshore in boats re size of boat one motor etc, so would def want at least another ski for peace of mind.. That is my primary concern I suppose. I am not sure if you have had a ski swallow a rope in the heat of the moment, but is a pain to get out at the best of times, let alone 10km offshore.

I suppose what I meant with respect to comfort is how fast can you cruise along at in a decent swell. I have only ever had to go a reasonable distance alone Melville water etc in chop and that gives the old spine a shake up at speed, I was thinking a decent swell may bend ones spine permanently..

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doggie said...

Kiting said...

That does not help much.

Its what you asked about. Truth hurts dont it

Sorry, was referring to the computer comic man whatever that means..

Got a mate who took his ski over there pretty often leaving from Hillarys. Runs the risk of coping a fine during the travel but he still went anyway. I guess if your happy with that risk then just make sure the weather forecast and your confidence is favourable before ever doing it and keep an eye out for those stealthy niaads!

Have heard of crew doing a rotto run on skis too, I think you would really want a second vessel to travel with or an epirb / plb. They have a pretty good range and speed eh but not much comfort factor!

is it worth the risk or costs if something goes wrong? be wise

i take my ski roughly 5 km's either side of the boat ramp i use and normally not further out than 400 mtrs. Loads of fun to be had, sure when the wind comes up and were punching into to a 20 - 30 knot southwester squall, it's daunting at first, but chuck the sunnies on have good laugh all the way back to the boat ramp.
I think my biggest fear so far is that the tow rope gets sucked into the intake. i haven't had it happen yet...
I made my own sled for under $350 and it's probably the most important bit of equipment i've got, it's sure pulled us out of some extra poundings we didn't deserve!
A couple of ski's at one spot is definitely beneficial.

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fuall said...

is it worth the risk or costs if something goes wrong? be wise

The taxpayer will foot the bill

There is 2 blokes that do it quite often, seen them heading out the river heaps, mostly on a big swell.

Buy a boat skis are gay.

ive been exploring and surfing offshore reefs since 91 and sunk at least 2 boats.
skis are great for surfing new spots but have also had to paddlle my old ski for miles . definately try and team up with others.