Tres Martin’s Safety Corner: Drive It Yourself
 

While this may ruffle a few feathers, Tres Martin makes one valid point after the next, http://speedonthewater.com/in-the-ne...-man-operation.

I think the Driver/Throttleman setup is more for Racing in Rough water. In the past (Before sitdown canopy boats) it took one hand to hold you in the boat, the other to throttle or drive. Smooth water races don't require that. It would be better if the Driver was working the throttles going fast around turns. That way he is feeling everything. I recall after some rough races I had the throttle levers bent over towards me where I was using them to stay in the boat. :)

Not to mention, you're putting everyone around you's life in each others hands.

Good article, I agree 100%.

I agree 2 performance boat guys in 1 boat whould take years to master!

I believe it depends on the speed and water conditions. Many of today's poker run attendees run 140 mph plus. 2 hands on the wheel at all times is crucial. I don't think it is important at 70-80 But at higher speeds 2 people are better than 1, providing BOTH are experienced in running a boat as a 2 man team. I'm lucky enough to have a close group of friends with some of the fastest boats in the world. We switch boats and almost never run our boats solo above 120 mph . Maybe my opinion is not accepted by some but until you sit in a V bottom at 140 mph by yourself and it starts to walk around you wouldn't understand .

I agree. I have to hold my beer with two hands at that speed so how could I throttle?

Just joking. If the mission is to run fast in a strait line like the Shootout at LOTO I think a throttle man and driver is much safer.

If you are just running, weaving and bobbing, reading the waves, then a one man show is definitely better.