Being an experienced PWC rider, I’m embarrassed to screw up. But this blog is like reality TV – you get to see the smart and not so smart. Hope I don’t qualify for the latter category too often! And just so you don’t think every riding day goes perfectly for me, here’s one I’d rather forget…

I had just finished a perfect Sea-Doo tour when I learned three important lessons about trailering and launching. I had loaded my 2011 RXT  iS 260 and GTX iS 215 Sea-Doo PWC’s back on to my 2-bed trailer at the launch and started to pull it ahead out of the water. I must have pushed the accelerator pedal on my tow vehicle too forcefully, because I heard a distinct “pop” behind, followed by a sickening swoosh of pressured air bubbling up through the water. Apparently, the underwater part of the ramp had a lip on it that scrunched my tire when it hit too hard.

So lessons one and two: always scout a launch carefully before launching so you know what it’s like. And pull out gradually (in 4-wheel drive if you have it) to avoid hard impacts like this one that actually bent the wheel rim slightly where it meets the tire rubber. Seal broken, no more air.

As usual, bad things come in three’s. I confidently pulled out my properly sized lug wrench and fully inflated spare, only to discover that the tire was the right size, but on the wrong rim. It’s tough to replace a 5-holer with four-holer! Need I say more about Lesson three? Always check your spare carefully for fit and size (and correct pressure)!

Fortunately, I quickly found a local garage that banged my rim back into shape and it was as good as new for the 180-kilometre (112 mile) drive home. The next day, I picked up the right spare. Talk to you next time!

For more information about the Intrepid Cottager, visit: http://www.intrepidcottager.com/