How to Block a WaveRunner’s Visibility Spout [Rooster Tail]
The best way to block the visibility spout (rooster tail) on a WaveRunner is to install a ball valve into the system. This simple valve gives you the control to engage/disengage the water spout on your WaveRunner based on your needs. (Permanently removing the system is definitely not recommended since it’s a safety feature!)
If you want to find out more about this modification, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
Why does Yamaha WaveRunners have Rooster Tails?
Yamaha WaveRunners feature a rooster tail (visibility spout) for safety reasons, as it makes the machine more visible to other boaters and PWC riders. It’s safe to say that this water spray acts like the dune flags on ATVs and buggies.This feature is known by many names such as:
- Visibility spout
- Rooster tail
- Pisser
- Vertical water spout
- And many others
When the engine is running, a tiny stream of water squirts out of this nozzle. The more throttle the rider applies, the higher the WaveRunner shoots the water vertically.
This is because this water is pressurized and coming directly from the jet pump. The higher engine RPM causes higher pressure in the pump, resulting in a higher “rooster tail,” which can reach a height of 10 feet at full speed.
Therefore, contrary to popular belief, this visibility spout is not connected to the cooling system or the bailer/bilge pump.
This safety rooster tail is exclusive on Yamaha WaveRunners as no other manufacturer offers this feature on their models.
Can You Turn Off the Water Spray on a Yamaha WaveRunner?
Let’s face it; this water spray can be annoying in many situations, such as:- Riding in a group or in front of a boat
- Towing a wakeboarder/tuber
- Operating around the dock and the ramp
- Carrying items on the rear platform
What’s more, the water spray can easily spray down people walking or standing on the dock or near the ramp.
Wakeboarders and tubers also don’t appreciate the constant spray of water, which virtually acts like horizontal rain.
The positioning of the outlet also causes a lot of headaches if you want to carry a fishing rack or some extra fuel cans on the rear platform.
If this feature annoys you too, don’t worry!
The good news is that you can easily block the visibility spout on your WaveRunner. However, completely removing it is not recommended since it’s a safety feature intended to increase visibility.
How do You Disable the Waterspout on a WaveRunner?
You can easily disable the waterspout on a WaveRunner by installing a simple ball valve into its supply hose.If you drop down the reverse bucket on your WaveRunner, you can see a rubber hose connecting the pump and the nipple on the bottom of the swim platform.
All you need to do is to remove this hose and install a plastic ball valve into it. Make sure to secure it with some stainless steel clamps. Here’s a great tutorial on how to disable the rooster tail on a WaveRunner:
It would be wise to purchase a plastic valve, as metal valves are prone to rusting and can damage the paint on the ski. Best practice is to invest in a cheap Rain Bird 1/2” barb valve.It costs just a few dollars, and the entire modification can be done in 10 minutes. When you re-install the hose, ensure that the reverse gate can fold up properly.
This setup gives you the option of turning the rooster tail on and off on your WaveRunner, depending on your needs!
If you are looking for some fun, you can also turn the system into a flexible sprayer that you can use to soak your riding buddies: