fidel-bat amerikkka

  • InevitableSwing [none/use name]
    ·
    edit-2
    9 months ago

    Besides the fact that you're have to be crazy to drive a jetski in the open ocean - how long would it take to go that distance on a jetski? Also is it far enough that he'd need to carry extra fuel?

    Edit: Of course he could have ridden in a boat nearly the whole way. But that's not funny.

    • tactical_trans_karen [she/her, comrade/them]
      ·
      9 months ago

      This sent me down a rabbit hole. Apparently stock US market PWCs are limited at 65mph via GPS. A little tinkering can get them over 70, and some more dedicated mods and power will push 80+. But you need some major retooling if you want to get over 100. But that would be worthless on open ocean because the forced induction parts wouldn't be very reliable when you're in the air then slamming into the next wave for half the time.

      I rented a PWC in the Gulf of Mexico once and it was miserable. When you're in open water and going 50+mph normal swells become ramps that launch you pretty high up, and every landing feels like being punched in the gut. So you really need to go slow, probably less than 35 ish. So if you figure he probably started further north than the most southern point of FL, he probably had over 100 miles to ride. Couple that with the up and down distance of the waves and it was probably pretty grueling. Unless he managed to get perfect weather of course. But the vehicles themselves are capable, if they don't break down on you. Every person I've known who's had one has them in for repairs constantly. I'm glad it didn't break down on him though, otherwise we wouldn't have this hilarious story.

      • InevitableSwing [none/use name]
        ·
        9 months ago

        Thanks.

        I just accepted the likely reality he and the jetski were on a boat. But now I can dream he actually did a Florida man dialed up to 11 and rode his machine at ~35 mph all the way to Cuba.