1-14
E
Do not attempt to modify this watercraft!
Modifications to your watercraft may
reduce safety and reliability, and render
the watercraft unsafe or illegal for use.
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off. After riding, remove the
engine shut-off cord from the watercraft to
avoid accidental starting or unauthorized
use by children or others.
Scan carefully for swimmers and stay
away from swimming areas. Swimmers
are hard to see and you could acciden-
tally hit someone in the water.
Avoid being hit by another boat! You
should always take the responsibility to
watch for traffic; other boaters may not be
watching for you. If they do not see you,
or you maneuver more quickly than other
boaters expect, you risk a collision.
Maintain a safe distance from other boats
or watercraft, and also watch for boats’ ski
ropes or fishing lines. Obey the “Safe
boating rules,” and be sure to check
behind you before making a turn. (See
Safe boating rules on page 1-18.)
EJU01382
Recommended equipment
The following items should be carried on
board your watercraft:
Sound-signaling device
You should carry a whistle or other sound-
signaling device that can be used to sig-
nal other boats.
Visual distress signals
It is recommended that an authority-
approved pyrotechnic device be stored in
a waterproof container on your watercraft.
A mirror can also be used as an emer-
gency signal. Contact your Yamaha
dealer for more information.
Watch
A watch is helpful so you will know how
long you have been operating.
Towline
A towline can be used to tow a disabled
watercraft in an emergency.
UGU571.book Page 14 Tuesday, July 10, 2001 2:25 PM
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A second person should be on board as a
spotter to watch the skier; in most states it
is required by law. Let the skier direct the
operator’s control of speed and direction
with hand signals.
The spotter should sit securely on the
passenger seat and hold onto the hand-
grip with feet firmly on the footrest for
proper balance while facing to the rear to
watch the skier’s hand signals and his or
her condition.
1
Handgrip
Your control while pulling a skier is
affected by the skier’s ability, as well as
water and weather conditions.
When preparing to pull a skier, operate
the watercraft at the slowest possible
speed until the watercraft is well away
from the skier and slack in the towrope is
taken up. Make sure that the rope is not
looped around anything.
After checking that the skier is ready and
that there is no traffic or other obstacles,
apply enough throttle to raise the skier.
Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft
is capable of very sharp turns, which
could exceed the abilities of the skier.
Keep the skier at least 50 m (150 ft),
about twice the distance of a standard
towrope, from any potential hazard.
Be alert to the hazard of the towrope han-
dle snapping back at the watercraft when
the skier falls or is unable to get up on the
skis.
Towing heavy or bulky objects other than
skiers, such as another boat or watercraft,
can cause loss of steering control and
create a hazardous condition. If you must
tow another boat in an emergency situa-
tion, operate slowly and cautiously.
UGU571.book Page 17 Tuesday, July 10, 2001 2:25 PM
