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EJU01289
Boarding and starting in shallow
water
Be sure to learn the deep-water starting
method before operating the watercraft in
water where it is too deep for you to stand.
Do not try to start the watercraft in water
less than 60 cm (2 ft) deep.
1. Launch the watercraft into water.
2. Attach the engine shut-off cord to your
wrist. Attach the clip to the engine
shut-off switch.
3. Grip the handlebars with both hands.
Place one knee on the riding tray and
balance there.
4. Start the engine and begin to accelerate.
5. Pull your other knee up onto the riding
tray as the watercraft speed increases.
6. Move as far forward as possible without
interfering with the movement of the han-
dlebars. Keep your body perpendicular
to the water, with your weight forward
and low.
NOTE:@ The watercraft will become easier to bal-
ance as the speed increases, because jet
thrust provides stability as well as directional
control.
@
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EJU01290
Operating positions
After you are underway, you may choose
to kneel or stand, depending upon water-
craft speed, your skill level, and your prefer-
ence. Here are some guidelines.
EJU01291
Kneeling
It is easier to maintain your balance when
kneeling than when standing. This position
is suggested when traveling at sub-planing
speeds. (At sub-planing speeds, there is a
wake, but the watercraft is moving through
the water rather than skimming on top of it.)
NOTE:@ At very slow speeds, it may be necessary to
support your upper-body weight with your
elbows resting on the gunwales, trailing your
legs in the water.
@
EJU01292
Standing
After you are comfortable handling the
watercraft from a kneeling position, try
standing as the watercraft gains speed. Sta-
bility increases when you are traveling at
planing speed. When you are moving slowly,
or preparing to stop, you will probably need
to return to the kneeling position to maintain
your balance.
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EJU01293
Capsized watercraft
If the watercraft capsizes, follow the pro-
cedures below carefully to prevent damage
or injury.
CAUTION:@ Make sure to remove the clip from the
engine shut-off switch, otherwise the
engine will overheat and damage may
occur.
@
1. Shut the engine off by removing the clip
from the engine shut-off switch.
2. Swim to the rear of the watercraft and
upright it by turning it clockwise only.
CAUTION:@ Do not turn the watercraft over counter-
clockwise, otherwise water may leak into
the carburetor and engine and cause
damage.
@
3. Start the engine, and then head for
shore to inspect the engine for water
damage.
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EJU01294
Turning the watercraft
Steering control depends on the combi-
nation of handlebar position and the amount
of throttle.
Water sucked in through the intake grate
is pressurized by the impeller in the jet
pump. As the pressurized water is expelled
from the pump through the jet thrust nozzle,
it creates thrust to move and steer the
watercraft. The higher the engine speed, the
more thrust is produced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the
position of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces high thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.
B. Less throttle produces low thrust, so the
watercraft will turn more gradually.
C. Releasing the throttle lever completely
produces only minimum thrust. If you are
traveling at speeds above trolling, you
will have rapidly decreasing ability to
steer without throttle. You may still have
some turning ability immediately after
releasing the throttle lever, but once the
engine slows down, the watercraft will no
longer respond to handlebar input until
you apply throttle again or you reach a
trolling speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
D. If the engine is stopped while riding,
there is no thrust. The watercraft will go
straight even though the handlebars are
turned.
You need throttle to steer.
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E
To maintain your balance, lean into a turn.
How much you lean depends on the tight-
ness of the turn and your traveling speed. In
general, the higher the speed or the sharper
the turn, the more you lean.
WARNING@ Do not release the throttle when trying to
steer away from objects—you need throt-
tle to steer. A collision could result in
severe injury or death.
@
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EJU01080
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 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.
@
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EJU01081
Beaching the watercraft
1. Make sure no obstructions, boats or
swimmers are near the beach. Release
the throttle lever about 90 m (300 ft)
before you reach the intended beaching
area.
2. Approach the beach slowly and stop the
engine before reaching land.
Remember: you need throttle to steer.
3. Get off the watercraft and pull it up on
the beach.
CAUTION:@ Small pebbles, sand, seaweed, and other
debris can be pulled into the jet intake
and impair or damage the impeller.
Always stop the engine and get off
before beaching the watercraft.
@
EJU01295
Rough water operation
The force of landing after jumping can
cause a strong impact on both the watercraft
and the operator. It is possible for the opera-
tor to hit his or her chest or jaw on the water-
craft body or handlebars and be injured. Do
not operate the watercraft with your chin
right above the handlebars or with your feet
outside the watercraft. Operating in rough
water or jumping waves can also crack the
watercraft body or damage internal parts.
Avoid operating in rough water or bad
weather conditions.
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EJU01894
Post-operation checks
Always perform the following post-opera-
tion checks after operating the watercraft.
1. Remove the watercraft from the water.
2. Wash down the hull, steering pole, han-
dlebars, and jet unit with fresh water.
3. Remove the hood and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, turn the watercraft on its port (left)
side. If necessary, turn the watercraft
upside down to drain water completely.
CAUTION:@ Place a suitable clean cloth or carpet-
ing underneath the watercraft to pro-
tect it from abrasions and scratches.
Always turn the watercraft over onto
its port (left) side.
When turning the watercraft onto its
side or inverting it, support the bow
and secure the steering pole, other-
wise the steering pole and handlebars
could be bent or damaged.
@
NOTE:@ This watercraft is equipped with an auto-
matic bilge-draining system that removes
water from the engine compartment while
you are underway. However, some residual
water will remain.
@
4. Put the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
5. Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(See page 4-1 for flushing the cooling
system procedures.)
6. Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds while the engine is running.
UF1N71.book Page 31 Tuesday, June 4, 2002 3:34 PM
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