3-21
E
EJU00485
Starting the watercraft
WARNING@●Scan constantly for people, objects
and other watercraft. Be alert for con-
ditions that limit your visibility or block
your vision of others.
●Operate defensively at safe speeds
and keep a safe distance away from
people, objects and other watercraft.
●Do not follow directly behind water-
craft or other boats. Do not go near
others to spray or splash them with
water. Avoid sharp turns or other
maneuvers that make it hard for others
to avoid you or understand where you
are going. Avoid areas with sub-
merged objects or shallow water.
●Take early action to avoid collisions.
Remember watercraft and other boats
do not have brakes. Do not release the
throttle lever when trying to steer away
from objects—you need throttle to
steer.
●Practice deep-water starting near
shore before riding in deep water.
@
The watercraft is less stable when at a
standstill or at slow speed. It takes skill to
keep the watercraft upright when starting.
Even though it is easier to start in shallow
water, you must learn deep-water boarding
first. You will inevitably fall off, so be sure
you know how to get back on the watercraft
once you are away from shore.
E_GM6-3.fm Page 21 Tuesday, July 11, 2000 10:52 AM
3-29
E
EJU00620*
Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sep-
arate braking system. It is stopped by water
resistance when the throttle lever is
released. From full speed, the watercraft
comes to a complete stop in approximately
90 m (300 ft) after the throttle lever is
released and the engine stopped, although
this distance will vary depending on many
factors, including gross weight, water sur-
face conditions, and wind direction. The
watercraft slows down as soon as the throt-
tle lever is released, but will coast for a dis-
tance before fully stopping. If you are not
sure you can stop in time before hitting an
obstacle, apply throttle and turn in another
direction.
WARNING
●Allow adequate stopping distance.
●Take early action to avoid collisions.
Remember, watercraft and other boats
do not have brakes.
●Operate defensively at safe speeds
and keep a safe distance away from
people, objects, and other watercraft
to give you time to stop.
●Do not shut the engine off when slow-
ing down in case you need engine
power to steer away from a boat or
other obstacle that comes into your
path.
E_GM6-3.fm Page 29 Tuesday, July 11, 2000 10:52 AM