BRP GTX Series Manual

SERIES
219 000 588 CA
OPERATORS GUIDE, GTI, GTX, RXP, RXT, WAKE SERIES / ENGLISH
GUIDE DU CONDUCTEUR, SÉRIE GTI, GTX, RXP, RXT, WAKE / ANGLAIS
FAIT AU / ADE IN CANADA U/ :P.C.
2009
OPERATORS GUIDE
Includes
Safety, Vehicle and
Maintenance Information
® AND THE BRP LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. OR ITS AFFILIATES.
TRADEMARK OF CASTROL LIMITED USED UNDER LICENSE.
©2008 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN CANADA. 219 000 588
GTITM
/ GTX
/ RXPTM
,
RXTTM
/ WAKETM

WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator’s Guide,
SAFETY DVD and on-product safety labels could
cause injury including the possibility of death!
WARNING
This watercraft may exceed the performance of other boats you may have
ridden in the past. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new water-
craft.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
Knight’s Spray-Nine†is a trademark of Korkay System Ltd GTX†is a trademark of
Castrol Ltd. Used under license
This is a non-exhaustive list of trademarks that are the property of Bombardier
Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates:
XP-STM O.P.A.S.TM SEA-DOO®
T.O.P.S.™ Ro tax®Sea-Doo LKTM
DESSTM RXPTM 4-TECTM
GTITM VTS™ RXT™
WAKE™
smo2009-001 en JPM
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2008 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

FOREWORD
Congratulations on your purchase
of a new Sea-Doo®personal water-
craft (PWC). It is backed by the BRP
warranty and a network of authorized
Sea-Doo personal watercraft dealers
ready to provide the parts, service or
accessories you may require.
Your dealer is committed to your sat-
isfaction. He has taken training to per-
form the initial setup and inspection of
your watercraft as well as completed
the final adjustment before you took
possession. If you need more com-
plete servicing information, please ask
your dealer.
At delivery, you were also informed of
the warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST to ensure
your new watercraft was prepared to
your entire satisfaction.
Know Before You Go
To learn how to reduce the risk for you
or other persons being hurt or killed,
read the following sections before you
operate the vehicle:
–
SAFETY INFORMATION
– VEHICLE INFORMATION .
We highly recommend that you take
a safe boating course. Please check
your dealer or local authorities for avail-
ability in your area.
In certain areas, an operator compe-
tency card is mandatory to operate a
pleasure craft.
Safety Messages
This Operator’s Guide utilizes the fol-
lowing symbols and words to empha-
size particular information:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in serious injury or
death.
The Safety Alert Symbol
indicates a potential personal
injury hazard.
CAUTION Indicates a hazard
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction
which, if not followed, could se-
verely damage vehicle components
or other property.
Please read and understand all
warning/safety labels on your Sea-Doo
PWC, your Operator’s Guide, all other
safety documents, and watch properly
your
SAFETY DVD , before operating.
Always keep in mind that the ““
symbol, the Warning symbol, iden-
tifies an instruction which, if not fol-
lowed, may cause serious personal in-
juries including the possibility of death.
About this Operator's
Guide
This Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
or passenger with this personal water-
craft and its various controls, mainte-
nance and safe riding instructions.
This guide is indispensable for the
proper use of the product and should
be kept in a waterproof bag with the
watercraft at all times.
Note that this guide is available in sev-
eral languages. In the event of any dis-
crepancy, the English version shall pre-
vail.
Ifyouwanttoviewand/orprintan
extra copy of your Operator's Guide,
simply visit the following website
www.operatorsguide.brp.com.
The informations contained in this doc-
ument are correct at the time of publi-
cation. BRP, however, maintains a pol-
icy of continuous improvement ofits
products without imposing upon itself
_______________ 1

FOREWORD
any obligation to install them on prod-
ucts previously manufactured. Due
to late changes, some differences be-
tween the manufactured product and
the descriptions and/or specifications
in this guide may occur. BRP reserves
the right at any time to discontinue or
change specifications, designs, fea-
tures, models or equipment without
incurring any obligation upon itself.
This Operator's Guide and the
SAFETY
DVD
should remain with the watercraft
when it's sold and in a waterproof bag
with the vehicle at all times.
2_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1
Know BeforeYouGo............................................................. 1
SafetyMessages................................................................. 1
About this Operator's Guide .................................................... 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS.......................................................... 8
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ............................................. 8
Avoid Gasoline Fires andOtherHazards ....................................... 8
AvoidBurnsfromHotParts ..................................................... 8
SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES .................................................... 9
Reminders Regarding Operation ............................................... 9
WaterSports .................................................................... 11
Hypothermia..................................................................... 14
SafeBoatingCourses........................................................... 14
SAFETYEQUIPMENT.............................................................. 15
Required Safety Equipment .................................................... 15
AdditionalRecommendedEquipment ........................................ 17
SAFE BOATING PRACTICES ...................................................... 18
Drugs and Alcohol............................................................... 18
SafeOperation .................................................................. 18
RULESOFTHEROAD.............................................................. 21
OperatingRules................................................................. 21
FUELING PROCEDURE ............................................................ 23
Recommended Fuel ............................................................ 23
Fueling Procedure............................................................... 23
TRAILERING......................................................................... 24
Launching/Loading.............................................................. 25
LOCATIONOFTHEIMPORTANTLABELS....................................... 26
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION............................................................ 33
Hull ............................................................................... 34
JetPumpWaterIntake ......................................................... 34
Bilge.............................................................................. 34
Battery ........................................................................... 34
Fuel Tank ......................................................................... 35
Engine Compartment........................................................... 35
Engine Oil........................................................................ 35
Engine Coolant .................................................................. 35
SteeringSystem andSide Vanes (O.P.A.S.)................................... 35
ThrottleSystem ................................................................. 35
ShifterSystem .................................................................. 35
Variable Trim System (VTS)..................................................... 36
StorageCompartmentCoversand Seat ...................................... 36
WakeboardRack ................................................................ 36
_______________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION (cont’d)
Ski/Wakeboard Post ............................................................ 36
BallastTanks..................................................................... 36
DESS Postand Engine Start/StopButton..................................... 36
VEHICLE INFORMATION
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENTS .................................. 38
DESS Post(Engine StopSwitch) .............................................. 41
Handlebar........................................................................ 42
ThrottleLever ................................................................... 43
Engine Start/StopButton ...................................................... 43
Variable Trim System (VTS)..................................................... 44
ShiftLever ....................................................................... 46
InformationCenter Gauge...................................................... 46
GloveBox........................................................................ 49
GPSReceiver (GlobalPositioningSystem) ................................... 50
FrontStorageCompartment ................................................... 51
RearSeat Latch ................................................................. 54
SeatLatch ....................................................................... 55
RearStorage Basket ............................................................ 56
Frontand Rear(bow/stern) Eyelets............................................ 56
MooringCleats.................................................................. 57
Boarding Step ................................................................... 57
BilgeDrainPlugs ................................................................ 57
Ski/Wakeboard Post ............................................................ 58
WakeboardRack ................................................................ 59
RecessedCargoCleats......................................................... 61
BallastSystem .................................................................. 61
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 65
PrincipleofOperation........................................................... 65
Boarding theWatercraft........................................................ 70
Starting........................................................................... 72
Riding ............................................................................ 72
RearGrabHandle ............................................................... 73
OperationwithWakeboardRackandBallastTanks.......................... 74
Rough Water or Poor Visibility Operation . .................................... 74
CrossingWaves................................................................. 74
Stopping/Docking............................................................... 74
Beaching......................................................................... 74
ShuttingOfftheEngine......................................................... 75
Post-OperationCare ............................................................ 75
SPECIAL PROCEDURES ........................................................... 78
JetPumpWaterIntakeandImpellerCleaning................................ 78
CapsizedWatercraft ............................................................ 79
SubmergedWatercraft......................................................... 79
Water-FloodedEngine.......................................................... 79
4_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIAL PROCEDURES (cont’d)
Towingthe WatercraftinWater................................................ 79
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE...................................................... 82
10-HOURINSPECTION ............................................................ 86
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .................................................. 87
Engine Oil........................................................................ 87
Engine Coolant .................................................................. 88
Throttle Body .................................................................... 89
ThrottleCable ................................................................... 90
Fuses............................................................................. 90
RidePlateand WaterIntake Grate............................................. 92
Ski/Wakeboard Post (if so equipped) . . ........................................ 92
Bodyand Hull.................................................................... 92
STORAGE AND PRESEASON PREPARATION.................................. 93
Storage........................................................................... 93
Preseason Preparation ......................................................... 97
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS.................................................... 100
Hull ............................................................................. 100
Engine.......................................................................... 100
ENGINE EMISSIONSINFORMATION.......................................... 101
Manufacturer's Responsibility............................................... 101
Dealer's Responsibility . ...................................................... 101
Owner Responsibility......................................................... 101
EPA Emission Regulations ................................................... 101
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 102
TROUBLESHOOTING
TECHNICALGUIDELINES ....................................................... 114
MONITORINGSYSTEM ......................................................... 118
PilotLamps andMessage Display Information............................. 118
Beeper Code Information .................................................... 119
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY – USA AND CANADA: 2009 SEA-DOO®PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT .................................................................... 122
_______________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY
STATEMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 2009 SEA-DOO®PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
WITH 4-TEC®ENGINES.......................................................... 126
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2009 SEA-DOO®PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT..................................................................... 130
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA: 2009
SEA-DOO®PERSONAL WATERCRAFT........................................ 134
PRIVACY INFORMATION/DISCLAIMER....................................... 138
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 139
6_______________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 7

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car-
bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu-
sion and eventually death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas that may be present
even if you do not see or smell any en-
gine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can collect rapidly, and you
can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can linger for hours
or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated
areas. If you experience any symp-
toms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
leave the area immediately, get fresh
air and seek medical treatment.
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide:
Never run the watercraft in poorly
ventilated or partially enclosed ar-
eas such as boat houses, seawalls
or other boats in close proximity.
Even if you try to ventilate engine
exhaust, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
Never run the watercraft outdoors
where engine exhaust can be drawn
into a building through openings
such as windows and doors.
Never stand behind the watercraft
while engine is running. The per-
son may inhales exhaust fumes in
concentration. Inhalation of con-
centrated exhaust fumes, which
contain carbon monoxide, can re-
sult in CO poisoning, personal injury
and death.
Avoid Gasoline Fires and
Other Hazards
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive. Fuel vapors can
spread and be ignited by a spark or
flame many feet away from the en-
gine. To reduce the risk of fire or explo-
sion, follow these instructions:
Refuel outdoors in a well ventilated
area away from flames, sparks, any-
one smoking and other sources of
ignition.
Never add fuel with engine running.
Never top off the fuel tank. Leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
Wipe up any spilled fuel.
Never start or operate the engine
with the fuel cap removed.
Use only an approved red gasoline
container to store fuel.
Do not carry gasoline containers in
the front storage compartment or
anywhere else on the watercraft.
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause
injury or death.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth.
If you swallow gasoline, get any in
your eye or inhale gasoline vapor,
see your doctor immediately.
If gasoline spills on you, wash with
soap and water and change your
clothes.
Avoid Burns from Hot Parts
The ride plate, exhaust system and
engine become hot during operation.
Avoid contact during and shortly after
operation to avoid burns.
Do not make unauthorized modifica-
tions, or use accessories that are not
approved by BRP. Since these changes
have not been tested by BRP, they
mayincreasetheriskofaccidentsor
injuries, and they can make the water-
craft illegal for use on water.
See your authorized Sea-Doo dealer
for available accessories for your wa-
tercraft.
8________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Reminders Regarding
Operation
The performance of this watercraft
may significantly exceed that of
other craft you may have operated.
Make sure you read and understand
the content of the Operator's Guide
to become completely familiar with
the controls and operation of the
watercraft before embarking on
your first trip or taking on a passen-
ger(s). If you have not had the op-
portunity to do so, practice driving
solo in a suitable traffic free area and
feel the response of each control.
Be fully familiar with all controls be-
fore accelerating above idle speed.
Do not assume that all PWCs han-
dle identically. Each model differs,
often substantially.
Always keep in mind that as the
throttle lever is returned to the idle
position, less directional control is
available. To turn the watercraft,
both steering and throttle are nec-
essary.
Like most watercraft, this water-
craft has no brake. Stopping dis-
tance will vary depending on ini-
tial speed, load, wind, and water
conditions. Practice stopping and
docking in a safe, traffic-free area to
have an idea of how long it will take
to stop the watercraft under vary-
ing conditions. Do not release the
throttle when trying to steer away
from objects. You need throttle to
steer. Do not use the watercraft's
reverse to stop.
Do not start or operate the water-
craft if any person is not properly
seated or if a person is nearby in the
water.
The personal watercraft's jet thrust
can cause injury. The jet pump may
pick up debris and throw it rearward
causing a risk of injuring people or
damaging the jet pump or other
property.
Observe the instructions on all
safety labels. They are there to help
assure that you have a safe and en-
joyable outing.
Riding with passenger(s) or pulling
tubes, a skier or a wake boarder
makes the PWC handle differently
and requires greater skill.
Certain PWCs may come equipped
with tow eyelets or a ski pole which
can be used to attach a tow rope for
a skier, tube or wakeboarder. Do not
use these attachment points or any
other portion of the watercraft to
tow a parasail or another craft. Per-
sonal injury or severe damage may
occur.
Combustion engines need air to
operate; consequently this PWC
can not be totally watertight. Any
maneuvers such as figure eights
that cause the upper deck to be un-
der water may cause severe en-
gine problems due to water inges-
tion. Refer to the
SPECIAL PROCE-
DURES
and WARRANTY sections
contained in this Operator's Guide.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which can cause
injury or death if inhaled in sufficient
quantities. Do not operate the PWC
in a confined area or allow CO to
accumulate around the PWC, or in
enclosed or sheltered areas. Such
as when docked, or when rafting.
Be aware of risk of CO from exhaust
of other PWCs.
Before Getting Underway
For safety reasons and proper
care, always perform pre-operation
checks” as specified in your Oper-
ator’s Guide before operating your
watercraft.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 9

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Do not exceed the payload or pas-
senger capacities for your water-
craft, which are listed on the capac-
ity plate and in the specifications.
Overloading can affect maneuver-
ability, stability and performance.
Also, heavy seas reduce capacity. A
payload or person capacity plate is
not an excuse for failure to use com-
mon sense or good judgment.
Regularly inspect the PWC, the hull,
engine, safety equipment, and all
other boating gear and keep them in
safe operating condition.
Be sure you have the minimum re-
quired safety equipment, PFDs and
any additional gear needed for your
cruise.
Check that all lifesaving equipment,
including fire extinguisher, is in
safe operating condition and eas-
ily accessible. Show all passengers
where this equipment is, and make
sure they know how to use it.
Keep an eye on the weather. Check
local weather broadcasts before de-
parture. Be alert to changing condi-
tions.
Keep accurate and up-to-date charts
of the boating area on board. Before
getting underway, check water con-
ditions in the planned boating area.
Keep enough fuel on board for the
planned trip. Always verify fuel level
before use and during the ride. Ap-
ply the principle of 1/3 of the fuel to
reach your destination, 1/3 to return,
and keep 1/3 in reserve. Allow for
changes due to adverse weather or
other delays.
Operators and Passengers
Read and understand all WARNING/
SAFETY labels on your Sea-Doo
PWC, your
OPERATOR’S GUIDE ,all
other safety documents, and watch
properly your
SAFETY DVD , before
operating. Always keep in mind that
the ““ symbol, the Warning sym-
bol, identifies an instruction which,
if not followed, may cause serious
personal injuries including the pos-
sibility of death.
Check local and federal boating laws
applicable to the waterways where
youintendtouseyourwatercraft.
Learn the local rules of the road.
Know and understand the appli-
cable navigation system (such as
buoys and signs). Know the waters
in which the watercraft is to be oper-
ated. Current, tides, rapids, hidden
obstacles, wakes and waves etc.
can affect safe operation. It is not
advisable to operate the watercraft
in rough or inclement weather.
For safety reasons and proper
care, always perform “Daily Pre-
operation Checks” as specified in
your Operator’s Guide before op-
erating your watercraft. Keep the
safety lanyard attached to the oper-
ator’s PFD at all times and keep it
free from handlebars so that engine
stops if operator falls off.
After riding, remove DESS™ key
from its post to avoid unauthorized
use by children or others. If opera-
tor falls off the watercraft and safety
lanyard is unattached, the water-
craft will not stop
Never operate a PWC while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol
they slow reaction time and impair
judgement. It is also a Federal of-
fense. Allow only qualified drivers
to operate your watercraft.
Remember that sun, wind, fatigue
or illness may impair your judge-
ment and reaction time.
10 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
At least one passenger should be
able to operate the watercraft in
case the operator is unexpectedly
unable to do so.
Operation of this PWC by a person
under 16 years of age or a person
with a disability that impairs vision,
reaction time, judgment, or opera-
tion of the controls is NOT recom-
mended.
Always use the safety lanyard when
operating the watercraft and ensure
that all passengers are familiar with
its use.
Ensure that any operator and all pas-
sengers know how to swim and
how to re-board the PWC from
thewater. Boardingindeepwa-
ter can be strenuous. Practice in
chest-deep water before operat-
ing or embarking your watercraft
in deep water. If a passenger does
not know how to swim, ensure that
passenger wears a PFD at all times
and take extra precautions when
boating.
Water Sports
WARNING
Avoid personal injury! Your PWC
is not designed for and should not
be used for pulling parasails, kites,
gliders, or any device which can
become airborne. Use watercraft
only for appropriate water sports.
Water skiing, wakeboarding, or riding
a towed, inflatable apparatus are some
of the more popular water sports. Tak-
ing part in any water sport requires
increased safety awareness by the par-
ticipant and the watercraft operator. If
you have never pulled someone be-
hind your PWC before, it is a good idea
to spend some hours as an observer,
working with and learning from an ex-
perienced driver. It is also important to
be aware of the skill and experience of
the person being pulled. Always have
a second person on board to observe
the person in the water so the driver
can concentrate on operating the wa-
tercraft.
Both the operator and observer should
monitor the location of the towrope
when participating in watersports. A
slack tow rope can become entangled
with person(s) or objects on the PWC
or in the water, particularly when mak-
ing a tight turn or circling, and cause
serious personal injury.
Everyone participating in a water sport
should observe these guidelines:
Allow only capable swimmers to
take part in any water sport.
Always wear an approved personal
flotation device (PFD). Wearing
a properly designed PFD helps a
stunned or unconscious person stay
afloat. A Type-IV water-ski vest is an
approved and practical PFD.
Have a second person aboard to
observe the person being towed
and inform the driver about the par-
ticipant's hand signals. The driver
must give full attention to operat-
ing the watercraft and the waters
ahead.
Be considerate to others you share
the water with.
Do not tow a person in any water
sport on a short tow rope such that
the person inhales exhaust fumes
in concentration. Inhalation of con-
centrated exhaust fumes, which
contain carbon monoxide, can re-
sult in CO poisoning, personal injury
and death.
Give immediate attention to a per-
son who has fallen. He or she is
vulnerable in the water alone and
may not be seen by other boaters.
Approach a person in the water from
the lee side (opposite the direction
of the wind). Turn off the motor be-
fore coming close to the person.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 11

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Participate in water sports only
in safe areas. Stay away from
other boats, channels, beaches,
restricted areas, swimmers, and
heavily traveled waterways and un-
derwater obstructions.
Turn off engine and anchor the wa-
tercraft before swimming.
Swim only in areas designated as
safe for swimming. These are usu-
ally marked with a swim area buoy.
Do not swim alone or at night.
F00A2LY
SWIM AREA BUOY
Do not water ski between sunset
and sunrise. It is illegal in most
states.
Do not drive the watercraft directly
behind a water skier, tuber or wake-
boarder. At 40 km (25 mi) per hour,
the watercraft will overtake a per-
sonwhofallsinthewater60m
(200 ft) in front of your watercraft
in about 5 seconds.
Shut engine off and remove ignition
key when anyone is in the water
nearby.
Stay at least 45 m (150 ft) away from
areas marked by a diver down float.
F00A2MY
DIVER DOWN FLOAT
WARNING
Avoid personal injury! Do not al-
low anyone near the jet pump or
intake grate, even when the en-
gine is off. Items such as long hair,
loose clothing or personal flota-
tion device straps can become en-
tangled in moving parts resulting
in serious injury or drowning. In
shallow water, shells, sand, peb-
bles or other objects could be
drawn up by the jet pump and be
thrown rearward.
12 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
F00A2NL
FASTER -
Palm of one hand pointing
upward.
SLOWER -
Palm pointing down.
SPEED O -
Arm upraised with thumb and
finger joined to form circle.
RIGHT TURN -
Arm outstretched pointing
to the right.
LEFT TURN -
Arm outstretched pointing
to the left.
RETURN TO DROP-OFF AREA -
Arm at 45 degree from body
pointing down to water and
swinging.
CUT MOTOR -
Finger drawn across
throat.
STOP -
Hand up, palm forward,
policeman style.
S IER O .
AFTER THE FALL -
Hands clenched
together overhead.
PIC ME UP
OR FALLEN S IER,
WATCH OUT -
One ski extended
vertically out of water.
SKIING SIGNALS
For more information about water skiing, please contact the American Water Ski
Association, 1251 Holy Cow Road, Polk City, FL 33868 (1 863 324-4341).
INTERNET WEB SITE: www.usawaterski.org/
E-MAIL: [e-mail]
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 13

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, the loss of body heat
to the water, is a significant cause of
deaths in boating accidents. After an
individual has succumbed to hypother-
mia, he or she will lose consciousness
and then drown.
PFDs can increase survival time be-
cause of the insulation they provide.
Naturally, the warmer the water, the
less insulation one will require. When
operating in cold water (below 4.4°C
(40°F)) consideration should be given
to using a coat or jacket style PFD as
they cover more of the body than the
vest style PFDs.
Some points to remember about hy-
pothermia protection:
– While afloat in the water, do not at-
tempt to swim unless it is to reach
a nearby boat, fellow survivor, or
a floating object on which you can
lean or climb. Unnecessary swim-
ming increases the rate of body heat
loss. In cold water, drown-proof
methods that require putting your
head in the water are not recom-
mended. Keep your head out of the
water. This will greatly lessen heat
loss and increase your survival time.
– Keep a positive attitude about your
survival and rescue. This will im-
prove your chances of extending
your survival time until rescue. Your
will to live does make a difference!
– If there is more than one person
in the water, huddling is recom-
mended while waiting to be res-
cued. This action tends to reduce
the rate of heat loss and thus in-
crease the survival time.
– Always wear your PFD. It won't help
you fight off the effects of hypother-
mia if you don't have it on when you
go into the water.
Safe Boating Courses
Many countries recommend or require
a boating safety course. Check with
your local competent authorities.
Check local and federal boating laws
applicable to the waterways where
youintendtouseyourwatercraft.
Learn the local rules of the road. Know
and understand the applicable naviga-
tion system (such as buoys and signs).
14 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Required Safety
Equipment
Always carry the regulatory safety
items and have them conveniently on
board available for use. Check the local
regulations or consult your authorized
Sea-Doo dealer. Such required safety
items usually include, without limita-
tion, a sound signaling device such as
a whistle, a watertight flashlight or ap-
proved flares, a buoyant heaving line,
an anchor and rope*, a bailer*, and
an appropriate fire extinguisher*. The
items marked with a “*” are not re-
quired in Canada if all persons on board
a PWC are wearing a PFD.
The operator and passenger(s) must
wear a Coast Guard approved Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) that is suitable
for PWC use.
The operator and watercraft’s pas-
senger(s) should have ready access
to shatterproof glasses should riding
conditions or personal preference war-
rant. Wind, water spray and speed
may cause a person’s eyes to water
andcreateblurredvision.
The operator and passenger(s) of
PWCs must wear protective clothing,
including:
– A wet suit bottom or thick, tightly
woven, snug fitting clothing that
provides equivalent protection.
Thin bike shorts for example would
not be appropriate. Severe inter-
nal injuries can occur if water is
forced into body cavities as a result
of falling into water or being near jet
thrust nozzle. Normal swimwear
does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into the lower
body opening(s) of males or fe-
males.
– Footwear, gloves and goggles/
glasses are also recommended.
Some type of lightweight, flexible
foot protection is recommended.
This will help reduce possible injury,
should you step on sharp underwa-
ter objects.
F00A12A
Eye
protection Vest-type
personal
flotation
device
Gloves
Wet s it
or wet s it
bottom
Foot
protection
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
In many countries, regulations require
that you have at least one approved
personal flotation device (PFD) for
each person on a recreational water-
craft and require that all children under
13 years of age wear a PFD at all times
when the watercraft is underway. You
may not use your watercraft unless
all PFDs are in serviceable condition,
readily accessible, legibly marked with
the approval number, and of an appro-
priate size (within the weight range and
chest size marked on the PFD) for each
person on board.
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep
your head above the water and to help
you remain in a satisfactory position
while in the water. Body weight and
age should be considered when se-
lecting a PFD. The buoyancy provided
by the PFD should support your weight
in water. The size of the PFD should
be appropriate for the wearer. Body
weight and chest size are common
methods used to size PFDs. It is your
responsibility to ensure that you have
the proper number and types of PFDs
on board to comply with federal and
local regulations and that your passen-
gers know where they are and how to
use them.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 15

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
PFD Types
There are five types of approved PFDs.
PFD Type I, Wearable has the greatest
required buoyancy. Its design allows
for turning most unconscious persons
inthewaterfromfacedownpositionto
a vertical or slightly backward, face-up
position. It can greatly increase the
chances of survival. Type I is most
effective for all waters, especially off-
shore when rescue may be delayed. It
is also the most effective in rough wa-
ters
F00A2CY
TYPE I — WEARABLE
PFD Type II, Wearable turns its wearer
in the same way as Type I, but not as
effectively. The Type Il does not turn as
many persons under the same condi-
tions as a Type I. You may prefer to use
this PFD where there is a probability of
quick rescue such as in areas where
other people are commonly involved in
water activities.
F00A2DY
TYPE II — WEARABLE
PFD Type III, Wearable allows wear-
ers to place themselves in a vertical
or slightly backward position. It does
not turn the wearer. It maintains the
wearer in a vertical or slightly back-
ward position and has no tendency
to turn the wearer face down. It has
the same buoyancy as a Type Il PFD
and may be appropriate in areas where
other people are commonly involved in
water activities.
F00A2EY
TYPE III — WEARABLE
PFD Type IV, Throwable is required
in addition to the PFDs previously dis-
cussed. The most common Type IV
PFD is a buoyant cushion or ring buoy.
It is designed to be thrown to a per-
son in the water, grasped and held by
the user until he or she is rescued. A
Type IV PFD should always be in ser-
viceable condition and immediately
available for use. Grasping this PFD
may be difficult if the rescue is delayed
or if the user is overcome by hypother-
mia (loss of body heat).
F00A2FY
TYPE IV — THROWABLE
16 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
PFD Type V, Wearable must be worn.
When inflated, it provides buoyancy
equivalent to Type I, Il or III PFDs.
When it is deflated, however, it may
not support some people.
Helmets
Some Important Considerations
Helmets are designed to offer some
degree of protection in case of im-
pact to the head. In most motorized
sports, the benefits of wearing a hel-
met clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
However, in the case of motorized wa-
tersports such as riding personal wa-
tercraft, this is not necessarily true as
there are some particular risks associ-
ated with the water.
Benefits
A helmet helps to reduce the risk of
injury in case of a head impact against
a hard surface such as another craft,
for example, in the case of a collision.
Similarly, a helmet with a chinguard
might help prevent injuries to the face,
jaw, or teeth.
Risks
On the other hand, in some situations
when falling off the watercraft, hel-
mets have a tendency to catch the
water, like a “bucket”, and put severe
stresses on the neck or spine. This
could result in choking, severe or per-
manent neck or spine injury, or death.
Helmets may also interfere with pe-
ripheral vision and hearing, or increase
fatigue, which could contribute to in-
crease the risk of a collision.
Weighing the Risks vs Benefits
In order to decide whether or not you
should wear a helmet, it is best to con-
sider the particular environment you
will be riding in, as well as other fac-
tors such as personal experience. Will
there be a lot of traffic on the water?
What is your riding style?
The Bottom Line
Since each option minimizes some
risks, but increases others, before
each ride you must decide whether
to wear a helmet or not based on your
particular situation.
If you decide to wear a helmet, you
must then decide what type is the
most appropriate for the circum-
stances. Look for helmets that meet
DOT or Snell standards, and if possi-
ble, choose one designed for motor-
ized watersports.
Racing
Due to the nature of competition and
the proximity of other crafts, BRP rec-
ommends wearing a helmet in close
quarter PWC racing activities. Always
follow the helmet requirements of the
sanctioning organization.
Additional Recommended
Equipment
It is recommended that you acquire
additional equipment for safe, enjoy-
able cruising. This list, which is not all
inclusive, includes items you should
consider acquiring.
– Paddle
– First aid kit
–Charts
– Sunblock
– Emergency supply of drinking water
and food.
A cellular telephone in a waterproof
bag or container has also been found
to be beneficial to boaters when in dis-
tress or just for contacting someone
on shore.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 17

SAFE BOATING PRACTICES
YOU are responsible for your own
safety, the safety of your passengers,
and the safety of fellow boaters. Ride
smart from the start and we all win!
Drugs and Alcohol
Do not use drugs or drink alcohol while
operating a PWC. Like driving a car,
driving a watercraft requires sober, at-
tentive care. Operating a watercraft
while intoxicated or under the influ-
ence of drugs is not only dangerous,
but it is also a Federal offense carry-
ing a significant penalty. These laws
are vigorously enforced. The use of
drugs and alcohol, singly or in combi-
nation, decreases reaction time, im-
pedes judgment, impairs vision, and
inhibits your ability to safely operate a
watercraft.
WARNING
Alcohol consumption and boat-
ing do not mix! Operating un-
der the influence endangers the
lives of your passengers and other
boaters. Federal laws prohibit op-
erating a watercraft under the in-
fluence of alcohol or drugs.
Safe Operation
Always keep in mind that as the
throttle lever is released to idle posi-
tion, less directional control is avail-
able, and as the engine is off, di-
rectional control is lost. You need
throttle to steer.
Know the waters in which the wa-
tercraft is to be operated. Current,
tides, rapids, hidden obstacles,
wakes and waves etc. can affect
safe operation. It is not advisable to
operate the watercraft in rough or
inclement weather.
Keep the safety lanyard attached to
the operator’s PFD at all times and
keep it free from handlebars so that
engine stops if operator falls off. Af-
ter riding, remove DESS™ key from
its post to avoid unauthorized use by
children or others. If operator falls
off the watercraft and safety lanyard
is unattached, the watercraft will
not stop.
Ride within your limits and level of
riding ability. Avoid aggressive ma-
neuvers to reduce the risk of loss
of control, ejection and collision.
Understand and respect the perfor-
mance or your watercraft.
Always ride responsibly and safely.
Use common sense and courtesy.
While your watercraft has the ca-
pacity of operating at high speeds,
it is strongly recommended that
high speed operation only be ap-
plied when ideal conditions exist
and are permitted. Higher speed
operation requires a higher degree
of skill and increases the risk of se-
vere injuries.
The forces generated on the body
of riders while turning, negotiat-
ing waves or wakes, operating in
choppy waters, or falling off the wa-
tercraft, especially at higher speeds,
may cause injury including the pos-
sibility of broken legs and other
bones or more serious injuries. Re-
main flexible and avoid sharp turns.
In shallow water, proceed with
caution and at very low speeds.
Grounding or abrupt stops may re-
sult in injury. Debris may also be
picked up and be thrown rearward
by the jet pump onto people or prop-
erty.
Do not use the watercraft’s reverse,
if so equipped, to stop. You or your
passenger(s) could be violently
ejected forward onto the handle-
bars or even off the watercraft onto
the hazard.
PWCs are not designed for night-
time operation.
18 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________