Jetski/Boat to Work (Dromana to Melb CBD)?

buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 17:18
Last edited 31/05/2021 - 17:48 by 1 other user

There must be a number of reasons why this is probably an absolutely terrible idea but am interested to know them, or hear from someone else who has considered this!

This journey would be 1-2 days a week max, to work standard hours in the office (9-5, could easily to 8-4 as well). I work near the corner of Latrobe and Swanston street, so ideally would moor at docklands and catch the Latrobe tram up.

I have a mooring at Dromana should be able to use or a worst if there's no space (already a cruiser moored), rent part of a friends/neighbours mooring.

I've also (probably no surprise due to this question!) got zero boating experience (or clue really), so I'd need a licence and start as a completely clueless amateur.

Reasons why this is a bad idea:

  • Impractical with the modes of transport - need to get to mooring with (specialist) wet weather gear, boat/jetski across, tram to work, shower etc.
  • Pretty exhausting, very cold and subject to weather - could get stuck in the CBD if the weather turns bad, specialist wet weather gear required that could be incredibly uncomfortable
  • Generally dangerous having to navigate the port/yarra river with commercial boats/ships
  • Would need to pay for mooring (i.e. at NewQuay Marina) - likey to be prohibitavely expensive, even for 2 days a week.
  • Cost of fuel/maintenance on the jetski/boat doing the number of Ks.
  • Not for boating n00bs like myself

Good things:

  • Faster, more reliable than driving (i.e. no traffic, delays) - still subject to weather though!
  • An amazing way to start/finish the day
  • Get to dress like a sailor

So hit me with your thoughts, and be kind, I'm an idiot :)

Automotive

Comments

  • epkh on 31/05/2021 - 17:20
    +23

    Damn must feel like a true chad when someone asks how you get to work and you say via speedboat.

  • brendanm on 31/05/2021 - 17:21

    When you say mooring, do you mean swing mooring, or at a marina?

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 17:26

      mooring at dromana is a marina, don't know what my options are in melbourne port. would want to walk off the jetski/boat onto dry land/pier though!

      • brendanm on 31/05/2021 - 17:29
        +2

        No worries, I'm not a melbournian so have no idea about any of those places, but I am a marine mechanic.

        You are picking the worst time to try to buy a boat/jetski, they are very expensive at the moment.

        If you keep a boat in the water, you need to antifoul it, which needs to be redone every year or so. The marina will probably have those plastic jetski dock ramp things if you get a jetski.

        Have you thought about how many "no wake" or 6 knot zones you would have to go through on your journey?

        What sort of boat are you after, what is your budget?

        • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 17:44

          no, haven't considered the 6 knot zones, are there any maps that indicate this? Any idea of how much on-water time it would take? There was as esimate for a ferry to take 1hr 25 mins from Dromana to Melb, but that was to Spirit Station Pier, I imagine chugging down the yarra to NewQuay could take some time - so maybe still a 1:45 hr activity - mooring to mooring?

          in terms of budget for jetski/boat and operating costs, I haven't got one, but 7-8K for the vessel and 1K op costs would be fine, would like to understand what kinda of $ would be required (esp. around op costs) - as I said, I'm not a boater.

          • brendanm on 31/05/2021 - 18:04
            +1

            @buckerooni: You aren't going to get a boat for that money. You will get an older jetski. Just a mooring at a marina will be at least $2-3k for a jetski per year. Plus fuel, plus servicing.

            Boating is not a cheap hobby.

        • Some Guy on 31/05/2021 - 17:49

          "Have you thought about how many "no wake" or 6 knot zones you would have to go through on your journey?"

          Bahahahahahaha!!!

  • MS Paint on 31/05/2021 - 17:22
    +10

    Do it

  • holdenmg on 31/05/2021 - 17:24
    +10

    This has got Weekend at Bernies, Titanic and Gilligan's Island written all over it…

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 17:30
      +1

      lol, no mention of Jaws so all good!

      • holdenmg on 31/05/2021 - 17:43
        +1

        duunnn dunnn… duuuunnnn duun… duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnn dunnnn.

        • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 17:46
          +1

          I'll interpreting that as a typo!

  • 2jzzzz on 31/05/2021 - 17:28
    +8

    Melbourne traffic must be (profanity) for this thread to even get posted.

    Docklands mooring would be expensive

    • pharkurnell on 31/05/2021 - 18:36
      -1

      its not… the roads are dead at moment with lockdown

      and with lockdown #39042304983 on the horizon - it will stay that way

    • SlickMick on 01/06/2021 - 08:27
      +1

      When I lived there I looked into whether a jetpack could get me to work.
      (They didn't seem to be commercially available at the time.)

  • Euphemistic on 31/05/2021 - 17:29
    +1

    Do you mean mooring at a marina, or a buoy on a rope out off shore? Getting out to a local mooring would be a pain.I’d want to be able to tie up to a jetty at both ends. My old man has a boat on a mooring and we need to collect a dinghy, push it out to enough depth then row out, transfer to the boat, tie everything off etc. it’s not a quick thing to do and you get frozen ankles in winter wading out. You’d probably want a shower at each end too.

    Yes, it’d be totally James Bond stepping out of your dry suit on shore and striding to the office carrying a briefcase but has quite a few drawbacks.

  • Pelicannn on 31/05/2021 - 17:49

    Jetski sounds like a bad idea if you lose your balance. I barely like jetskiing with my mobile let alone anything i'd need to take to work like a laptop :/

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 17:51

      that's a good point, I will have to carry a laptop, will have to add waterproof bag to the list.

      • Euphemistic on 31/05/2021 - 18:48

        There was a Top Gear race once against a JetSki, it looked a lot less than pleasant!

  • Presence on 31/05/2021 - 17:54
    +3

    Its 60km each way if you go as straight as possible. I dont think a jetski would have the range.

    Boats use a heap more fuel than you might think. Especially when you go fast.

    You would be in the dark in winter.

    If you have a decent boat then you wont get wet.

    I think the biggest barrier will be finding somewhere to park in the city.

    • PinzVidz on 02/06/2021 - 10:53
      +1

      Its 60km each way if you go as straight as possible. I dont think a jetski would have the range.

      Some PWCs are fairly economical these days. I have a WaveRunner SVHO (Supercharged) and if I'm not getting stuck into the throttle, it'll do about 180km on a full tank. Some of Yammie's non-supercharged WaveRunners (EX, VX etc.) are even more economical and will do 200km+.

      Boats use a heap more fuel than you might think. Especially when you go fast.

      Very true. But dang it's great having something that does 0-100 around the same time a Tesla does it in Ludicrous Mode.

      OP could maybe go electric? :)

  • Baysew on 31/05/2021 - 18:10
    +2

    It is an intriguing idea. Starting looking at actual distance and travel time. Found this article Harbouring doubts - are ferries for Melbourne viable?. Whilst it is about commercial ferries, it had some useful thoughts.

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 23:00

      I hadn't read all the comments on that article before now, and yes quite useful. Tthat's where I got the travel time from originally, thinking a jetski/small boat should be able to go 40-50% faster than a ferry, but would travel into the yarra to moor, which is probably really slow going and might work out around the same time, even longer for the jetski/boat.

      • Baysew on 01/06/2021 - 11:49

        Found this clip from Top Gear. Alfa Romeo 4C vs Gibbs Quadski.

        Jeremy Clarkson is riding a Quad bike which turns into a Jetski. It's not that smooth on a lake, imagine it on the bay!

  • pharkurnell on 31/05/2021 - 18:38
    +1

    what happens when you break down 45klms into your 60klm journey? RACV will be slow

    also what do you do with boat/jet ski while at work ?? thieves will love it

    • holdenmg on 31/05/2021 - 18:49

      Maybe do a sub-lease in office hours to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium?

      Melbourne Property w/Yarra convenience, must see, won't last, seller says Buy.

      Tram along Elizabeth St…

    • Jetstream on 01/06/2021 - 04:21
      +10

      You use the r.a.sea.v

  • New Chump on 31/05/2021 - 18:49

    I windsurf on Pt Phillip, I don't jetski. But riding one of those things or a boat Melb to Dromana head on in a 20+ knot south-westerly with big swell in winter (or even in summer) isn't going to be pleasant. Bon voyage.

  • pegaxs on 31/05/2021 - 19:03

    I threw this idea around years ago when I lived in Melbourne. I worked down in Southbank but lived out past Werribee. I thought it would be an awesome way to get to work in summer. Winter… not so much.

    I vote for “yolo!”, go for it.

  • pao2x on 31/05/2021 - 19:21
    +1

    Get this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKQUlLelTls

    Hydrofoil ebike

  • Nugs on 31/05/2021 - 19:26
    +1

    no mooring needed
    https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=4tZdf0…
    .

  • bazingaa on 31/05/2021 - 19:31
    +2

    I would just get a myki, 788 + Frankston line

    • pharkurnell on 01/06/2021 - 09:46

      with how few people are on public transport now its almost a given!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 31/05/2021 - 20:11

    There was a challenge involving commuting into the CBD via bike, car, jetski etc. and I believe the jetski came 1st or 2nd. Did a quick google and can't locate the article unfortunately.

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 22:31

      damn, that would be an amazing reference I could show the bank manager when applying for the personal loan!

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 01/06/2021 - 15:06
        +1

        Found it! My memory wasn't great. It was a boat not a jetski and it beat cars but didn't beat cyclists.

        https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wyndham-councils…

        https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/fix-this-mess--ra…

        Other words - do it!

        • buckerooni on 01/06/2021 - 15:28
          +1

          ha ha! The cyclist one got me thinking, I'm a keen mountain biker and commuter cyclist but the 30K ride to franga station isn't really of interest.

          I think an e-bike to franga station and then train is probably the best bet. Kinda the best of both worlds, I've already got all the cycling gear, just need to shell out 5-6K for a good pedal assist bike.

          thanks for the links!

          • JIMB0 on 02/06/2021 - 09:45
            +1

            @buckerooni: Where are you going to park your $5k bike in Frankston?

            • buckerooni on 02/06/2021 - 12:30
              +2

              @JIMB0: I'm assuming at the upgraded Franga station, there are not only individual lockups for locals, but ones for bikes too! surely!

              • JIMB0 on 02/06/2021 - 18:47

                @buckerooni: I don't think they have individual ones anymore. All I've seen is the big cage that anyone can get a key to for a $50 deposit.

  • SydStrand on 31/05/2021 - 20:46
    +1

    Completely impractical, but you seem to already know that. There's a reason you don't see people riding jetskis in winter. Have you considered wind chill? Even on a motorbike, it's unpleasant, now add ocean water on a jetski. And will it actually be a shorter commute vs the freeway? Have you factored in the time you'd definitely need to change and shower before clocking in?

    • Euphemistic on 01/06/2021 - 05:53
      +1

      Don’t need to include shower time, unless you wouldn’t shower before going to work normally.

      When I was cycle commuting driving was 10min door to desk without a shower, but cycling was 30min with a shower. It was only 5-10min slower accounting for home shower time.

  • Davo1111 on 31/05/2021 - 21:11

    rent if youre going to try it.

    Make sure you read up on the speed limits/rules etc

  • Tightmike on 31/05/2021 - 21:33
    +6

    This is the most ridiculous proposition for a commute I have ever heard. I like it.

    Hopefully you can source a JetSki which couples with a docking station type device which converts it to a road going vehicle, cutting down on land travel time.

    Consider Melbourne weather over the last couple of weeks. Assuming a 9AM start time, upon mooring at Docklands you still have 45 minutes to reach office and refresh after at best a 1:45 journey. So a 6:30 AM departure at 2 Celsius across the bay which includes a very busy shipping channel crossing your route, in the dark choppy bay crossing the heads which can be treacherous, in a pleasure craft meant for joy rides. Carrying valuable electronics, with little seamanship. It is preposterous. I like it.

    Please don’t perish.

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 22:44

      sounds reasonable, but would a jetski that couples with a drone be better?

      seriously though, would I have to cross the heads?

      • Tightmike on 01/06/2021 - 05:42

        Like you I’m not too well aquatinted with the sea and uncertain of the currents. Sticking to the coast, I’m sure you’d be spent by the time you reached Frankston. Try a trip to Frankston on a rented craft a few times and I’m sure you’ll realise the challenges outweigh any benefit.

    • md333 on 01/06/2021 - 12:48

      I've read of a couple of people swimming to work. I think one was down the Avon river in Christchurch. I think that makes a jet ski look quite practical.

  • netjock on 31/05/2021 - 21:36
    +4

    Alternative is hand glide. I am pretty sure you can land on the Lonsdale St if there is a gap in the traffic. Wouldn't recommend many of the other streets due to overhead tram wires that would give you a bad slice if not risk electrocution.

  • nowlan on 31/05/2021 - 22:31

    The weird part is I've had 2 bosses who lived in Mt Martha.
    First would stay in hotel during the week during peak period.
    Second had an apartment in Eureka Tower he stayed in during the week, and leased over weekend.
    Don't think Jetski ever occurred to either.

    • buckerooni on 31/05/2021 - 22:49

      that's not a good sign - staying in the CBD! I do have a warehouse in the north I can crash at (own business), but this question was more about getting back home on the same day.

      I know the columbian drug cartels had good results with old soviet subs, but I fear the black market rates for these are out of my price range.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 01/06/2021 - 08:34
    +1

    I used to do this in Brisbane occasionally. It was faster than by car (morningside to cbd) but finding a mooring for an 8 hour day could be a problem. I was lucky in both where I worked and where I lived that I could score a spot that nobody cared about. My days were 4 hours at worst though.

    This was 15 years ago too. It’s possible, but certainly not really practical!

    It’s expensive though, orders of magnitude more than driving just in fuel costs.

    It’s got the James Bond vibe going for it though.

    • buckerooni on 01/06/2021 - 09:04
      +1

      wow, you did it! that's amazing, really good to hear your story!

      it looks like this isn't going to save me time due to the impracticality of the whole thing, nor save me money due to the mooring and buy/operational costs or add any convenience at all.

      I need to get a sponsorship from Sea-doo, Gillette or some other rugged brand, if only Peter Stuyvesant were still allowed to advertise, their sailing/smoking ads were epic! I could have become the Marlboro Man of Port Phillip Bay…

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 07/06/2021 - 08:33

        Haha. Beings sponsored would be mint. Granted my trip was using an 80s model evinrude 90hp, but I would’ve used around 20L for the return trip of about 20km give or take. Not efficient at all!

  • pharkurnell on 01/06/2021 - 09:48
    +1

    Have a word to Lindsay Fox, see if he can drop you off when he flies his chopper across… might cost you a slab a week

    • GG57 on 01/06/2021 - 10:51

      This is the most reasonable response in this whole forum post.

  • Waltervp on 01/06/2021 - 09:55

    I think motorbike would be the quickest. Investigate a scooter. Much more comfortable and often cheaper and more fun and safer for City traffic. Maybe not the 007 look but tell people your agent 008.

    Especially 1-2 days per week a scooter would be great. They are much more comfy in the rain than a motorbike (or any boat/jetski). But the ferry probably sounds the best option! Read the paper and have a coffee, relax…

    • GG57 on 01/06/2021 - 10:53

      With respect, a scooter from Dromana towards Melbourne is probably not going to get up the hills around Mt. Martha / Frankston.

      • Tleyx on 07/06/2021 - 21:43
        +1

        You can buy 700cc Scooters that do 180kmh

    • buckerooni on 01/06/2021 - 12:26

      Unfortunately there's no ferry. I used to have a motorbike/motard and loved it but I couldn't stop myself taking risks and definitely felt like a 'temporary Australian' !
      So a motorbike is not an option for me unfortunately.

  • ozbjunkie on 01/06/2021 - 10:58
    +1

    If it's 1:45 mooring to mooring l, I'd say that will be fun precisely 1 time.

    Sitting in traffic with air con, music, shade, and a roof, on a flat road, with power steering, is a whole different thing to over an hour of bumpy windy sea spray in your face as you clap up and down across the choppy waters.

    If it storms during your afternoon, imagine trying to work out if you could pay for longer "parking" or instead of you didn't have the option, finish a 6am start to the day with a 2 hours jetski home in the rain 5-7pm.

    You must be a triathlete or something.

    I'm tired just reading all that.

  • JIMB0 on 01/06/2021 - 12:24

    A sea plane would be a better idea.

    • buckerooni on 01/06/2021 - 12:27

      How hard are they to fly?

      • Euphemistic on 01/06/2021 - 12:34
        +4

        Flying is easy. Landing is the hard part.

        • holdenmg on 01/06/2021 - 15:08

          Spruce Goose?

  • OzHunterNSW on 01/06/2021 - 13:48
    -1

    Where are you gong to keep it? Where are you gong to change from your wet cloths? The list goes on and on

  • panorama on 01/06/2021 - 20:03

    BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand……. self explanatory really……….

  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2021 - 15:36

    Hm… I am having a similar problem, thinking which helipad to use in the CBD.

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