It depends on a lot of things. To maintain on water you really need something close to a 500 liquid. That being said you can still run a fair stretch with smaller machines but you will feel yourself slowing down. The biggest thing when running long distances of water is making sure your bellypan is sealed. As soon as the spray works its way into the clutches you are going down. The other thing to watchout for if you are a first timer is a big lip/drop off onto the water. You only get a few good bounces before you go down as well unless you can get them under control.
Waterskipping
I have a 93' Mach1 and a 96' Mach z...Would these sleds have any problem carrying themselves across a large open body of water?
I never really had the nerves to try it, but when ever I see a video of it I just want to try it..It looks so fun!!
Can any sled over 400cc do water?
I never really had the nerves to try it, but when ever I see a video of it I just want to try it..It looks so fun!!
Can any sled over 400cc do water?
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Another thing to watch for is the type of rear wheels your sled has. My brother found out the "wet" way that solid idlers have a tendancy to leave. Apperently the water built up at the back and actually blew both outside wheels off leaving him in waist deep water. Make sure your idlers are of the spoked type.
That's some good information there, I did not know that.Another thing to watch for is the type of rear wheels your sled has. My brother found out the "wet" way that solid idlers have a tendancy to leave. Apperently the water built up at the back and actually blew both outside wheels off leaving him in waist deep water. Make sure your idlers are of the spoked type.[/b]
I just try to avoid water... but if I ever do encounter it hopefully I'll manage.
That's some good information there, I did not know that.
I just try to avoid water... but if I ever do encounter it hopefully I'll manage.
His new sled is equipped with spoked idlers. I guess we learn from our mistakes sometimes LOL
your just saying if the idler wheels have some kind of whole to evacuate the water
youll be good
youll be good
Another thing to watch for is the type of rear wheels your sled has. My brother found out the "wet" way that solid idlers have a tendancy to leave. Apperently the water built up at the back and actually blew both outside wheels off leaving him in waist deep water. Make sure your idlers are of the spoked type.[/b]
Thats rediculous. I don't know what you are talking about. I run a lot of water and have never had my bogie wheels blow out. The water was not what caused his wheels to blow out.
As for having to have a 500 liquid,,, that isnt true either. We ran a 78 trailfire 440 FAN right across the pond. Of course it wasnt a mile and a half, but the video has been posted on here before.
As for the lip,,, thats VERY VERY true. I have been wet a couple of times crossing on a 94 vmax 600 liquid,,, and the main reason was the foot drop into the pond. I tried hitting it everywhere from 20 mph up to just over 60 mph the last attempt. At 60, the entire side panel of the sled let go and hammered the side of my leg,,,, I was running fast enough that I made it to the other side, but couldnt get it to climb back up out of the pond,,,,
As for the lip,,, thats VERY VERY true. I have been wet a couple of times crossing on a 94 vmax 600 liquid,,, and the main reason was the foot drop into the pond. I tried hitting it everywhere from 20 mph up to just over 60 mph the last attempt. At 60, the entire side panel of the sled let go and hammered the side of my leg,,,, I was running fast enough that I made it to the other side, but couldnt get it to climb back up out of the pond,,,,
As for having to have a 500 liquid,,, that isnt true either. We ran a 78 trailfire 440 FAN right across the pond. Of course it wasnt a mile and a half, but the video has been posted on here before.[/b]
Sorry, what i meant by the 500 liquid was just a guidline as thats what you need to really run water. As in don't stop until you want to. But there are always exceptions. You can skip water with pretty much anything, its just a question of how far you are going to get.
I don't know about that idler thing either. I think he might have had a previous condition.......
I try to avoid water at all cost. I like to watch. I like to laugh myself silly when they sub too. I have a 00 Mxz 700 w/ 1.25" track and for all intents and purposes I should be able to ride to Toronto from Rochester better than the Fast Ferry ever did, but I'll pass thanks. I've been under water on my old '94 Fz and besides the numb stumps you have to stand on and operate the controls with, the headaches aren't worth it. Do you know how long it takes seat foam to dry? Or how many seat cover's stitchings rot in the process.
This summer put on your full compliment of gear (ie: snowboard boots, helmet, backpack, gloves, etc.) and go for a swim..........bring a buddy.
I try to avoid water at all cost. I like to watch. I like to laugh myself silly when they sub too. I have a 00 Mxz 700 w/ 1.25" track and for all intents and purposes I should be able to ride to Toronto from Rochester better than the Fast Ferry ever did, but I'll pass thanks. I've been under water on my old '94 Fz and besides the numb stumps you have to stand on and operate the controls with, the headaches aren't worth it. Do you know how long it takes seat foam to dry? Or how many seat cover's stitchings rot in the process.
This summer put on your full compliment of gear (ie: snowboard boots, helmet, backpack, gloves, etc.) and go for a swim..........bring a buddy.
floater suit is alaso a good idea. I love mine.
I know the liquids or any engine that has decent horsepower can do the feat. Rider size has got to make a difference as well, as does experience. I know a fellow around 260 pounds who will start a 600 L/C with the ski tips in the water and jump on the throttle and make it work. The same guy has a Polaris 550 - the sporty version from a couple years back - and he runs water with that...not from a standing start however. It helps not to have the thin trail track too.
As for the wheels, the wheels don't matter. Bearings that are in good shape do, however, as does having the track not be sloppy loose.
As for the wheels, the wheels don't matter. Bearings that are in good shape do, however, as does having the track not be sloppy loose.
I've run miles and miles and miles of water with solid idlers. I've no idea what spoked idler wheels even would look like. You don't need them to run water.Thats ridiculous. I don't know what you are talking about. I run a lot of water and have never had my bogie wheels blow out. The water was not what caused his wheels to blow out.[/b]
As for the horse power, I'd recommend at least a 500 liquid as well. Depending on the year that's giving you 90 hp or better, and that's lots to play with. I've run water with a 340 fan, and seen people do it with a 250, but it's asking for trouble. You need that extra comfort level.
As for those old Ski-Doo's, they're as good as a boat. Just don't stop, and you'll be fine.
your 96 mach will run till you run out of gas. up on the good old georgian bay area we run till there is no ice. so in the channels your running water for like 3 miles at a time. I ran my 600 edge all the time no problem no hesatation. Ive also ran with my 440 pro x. I wouldnt be doing no stretchs with afan cooled sled. they have no balls!
Most big wheel kits have spoked rear idlers as do most mountain sleds now. Given that the sled was next to new and all three idlers gave up the ghost with the outside ones leaving entirely and the bearings still on the shaft we could only figure that there was a build up of water pressure in the back of the track. He had went about a quarter mile down the beach then turned around and headed back when it quit going ahead. Maybe we're wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, but it was about all we could figure. But I do know that there are spoked rear idlers for sure since my 700RMK big wheel kit has them and my bro's King Cat does too.
Most big wheel kits have spoked rear idlers as do most mountain sleds now. Given that the sled was next to new and all three idlers gave up the ghost with the outside ones leaving entirely and the bearings still on the shaft we could only figure that there was a build up of water pressure in the back of the track. He had went about a quarter mile down the beach then turned around and headed back when it quit going ahead. Maybe we're wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, but it was about all we could figure. But I do know that there are spoked rear idlers for sure since my 700RMK big wheel kit has them and my bro's King Cat does too.[/b]
My guess would be the circlips weren't installed right. I think they were going to fly off no matter what he was running on.
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