3-22
E
EJU00484
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 when trying to steer away from
objects—you need throttle to steer.
●Practice reboarding in shallow water
before riding in deep water.
E_F0P71-3.fm Page 22 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:16 PM
3-30
E
EJU00621
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
105 m (345 ft) after the throttle is released
and the engine is stopped, although this dis-
tance will vary depending on many factors,
including gross weight, water surface condi-
tions, and wind direction. The watercraft
slows down as soon as the throttle lever is
released, but will coast for a distance 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.
WARNING
Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or
impact the handlebars.
E_F0P71-3.fm Page 30 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:16 PM
