Sea-doo 230 Challenger 2008 Manual

SAFETY WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator's Guide, the SAFETY VIDEO and the on-product warning
labels could cause injury, including the possibility of death. The operator
has the responsibility to inform passenger(s) of safety precautions.
This Operator's Guide and SAFETY VIDEO should remain with the boat at
the time of resale.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational Prod-
ucts Inc. or its affiliates.
Sea-Doo®
ROTAX™
Challenger™
Perfect Pass®
LMO2008-006 DR
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2007 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

DOIN'IT ON YOUR NEW SEA-DOO SPORT BOAT
Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a Sea-Doo Sport Boat. Whether
you are an experienced boater or are new to the sport of boating, we ask you to
take the time to view the SAFETY VIDEO provided with the boat, to read this
Operator's Guide on-product warning/caution labels and familiarize yourself with
the contents. This guide contains pertinent information which, if followed, will
provide you with the necessary knowledge to help you fully enjoy the pleasures
of this boat.
We strongly recommend that any boat operator complete a safety boating
course. Check with your local Coast Guard or Power and Sail Squadron in your
area for course availability. More serious boaters may want to obtain CHAPMAN
PILOTING by Elbert S. Maloney, available at most book stores.
When introducing your family or friends to the sport, be sure they fully under-
stand the controls and operation of the boat and the importance of courteous,
responsible riding.
Each boat operator has a responsibility to ensure the safety of his/her passen-
ger(s) and of other water users. Please follow all safety instructions and operate
your boat with care.
We encourage you to have an Annual Safety Inspection of your boat. Please
contact your authorized Sea-Doo Sport Boat dealer for further details.
Finally, we invite you to visit your authorized Sea-Doo Sport Boat dealer for regular
safety maintenance as well as any boating accessories you may require.
Have fun and... Bon Voyage.
Please keep this guide on board. This guide should remain with the boat at
time of resale.
If you want to view and/or print an extra copy of your Operator's Guide, simply
visit the following website www.operatorsguide.brp.com. Alsonotethatthe
guide is available in several languages.
______________________ 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 7
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL............................................................................ 10
TRAILERING......................................................................... 11
SAFE BOATING CHECKLIST...................................................... 12
SAFETY EQUIPMENT.............................................................. 15
CARBON MONOXIDE AND BOATING .......................................... 21
SAFETY LANYARD................................................................. 25
SAFE BOATING PRACTICES...................................................... 26
PASSENGER SAFETY.............................................................. 27
RULES OF THE ROAD ............................................................. 28
FUELING PROCEDURE ............................................................ 31
VOLUNTARY INSPECTIONS...................................................... 32
SAFE BOATING COURSES ....................................................... 33
WATER SPORTS.................................................................... 34
VEHICLE INFORMATION
REGISTRATION NUMBER LOCATION .......................................... 38
LOCATION OF THE IMPORTANT LABELS...................................... 39
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS ..................................................... 44
CONTROLS, COMPONENTS AND INSTRUMENTS .......................... 45
1) DESS Post (engine cut-out switch) ........................................ 51
2) Steering Wheel............................................................... 52
3) Throttle/Shifter Lever........................................................ 52
4) Start/Stop Switches ......................................................... 53
5) Bilge Air Blower Switch..................................................... 54
6) Bilge Pump Switch .......................................................... 54
7) Navigation Lights Switch.................................................... 55
8) Deck Lights/Switch.......................................................... 55
9) Horn Switch .................................................................. 55
10) Fuel Gauge.................................................................. 56
11) Tachometers ................................................................ 56
12) Speedometer ............................................................... 56
13) Monitoring Gauges......................................................... 57
14) Bilge Drain Plug............................................................. 58
15) Grab Handles ............................................................... 58
16) Rear Grab Handles ......................................................... 58
17) Ladder ....................................................................... 58
2_______________________

18) Swim Platform.............................................................. 59
19) Passenger Seats............................................................ 59
20) Bow Seats................................................................... 61
21) Driver/Passenger Seat ..................................................... 62
22) Sun Deck.................................................................... 63
23) Cup Holders................................................................. 63
24) Glove Box/Storage Compartment ........................................ 64
25) AM/FM Radio/CD Player................................................... 64
26) 12-Volt Accessory Jacks ................................................... 65
27) Bow Storage Compartment............................................... 65
28) Deck Storage Compartment .............................................. 66
29) Rear Storage Compartment (engine cover). ............................. 66
30) Jet Pump Water Intakes................................................... 67
31) Bow Lights Socket ......................................................... 67
32) Stern Light Socket.......................................................... 68
33) Mooring Cleats ............................................................. 69
34) Deck ......................................................................... 69
35) Fuel Tank Cap............................................................... 69
36) Deck Drain .................................................................. 70
37) Flushing Connectors ....................................................... 70
38) Ventilation Ducts ........................................................... 70
39) Bow/Stern Eyelets ......................................................... 70
40) Jet Pump Nozzles .......................................................... 70
41) Reverse Gates.............................................................. 71
42) Scupper Valve............................................................... 71
43) Fuel Tank Vent .............................................................. 71
44) Water Sport Towing Attachments........................................ 71
45) Ballast System/Switch..................................................... 72
46) Main Battery Cut-Off Switch.............................................. 75
47) Fuses ........................................................................ 76
48) Bimini Top (not shown) .................................................... 76
49) Storage Nets................................................................ 78
50) Cockpit Table................................................................ 78
51) Windshield/Switch ......................................................... 79
52) Walk-Thru Door/Windshield ............................................... 79
53) Depth Finder ................................................................ 80
54) AM/FM Radio/CD Player Remote Control ............................... 80
55) Speaker System/P.A........................................................ 80
56) Wakeboard Storage Rack. ................................................. 81
57) Heating System/Switch.................................................... 81
LIQUIDS.............................................................................. 83
Recommended Fuel ............................................................ 83
Recommended Engine Oil . .................................................... 83
Engine Oil Level................................................................. 84
Engine Coolant.................................................................. 85
______________________ 3

BREAK-IN PERIOD.................................................................. 87
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ........................................................ 88
Hull ............................................................................... 89
Jet Pump Water Intakes ....................................................... 89
Bilge.............................................................................. 90
Battery ........................................................................... 90
Fuel Tank and Engine Oil Levels . . ............................................ 90
Engine Compartment........................................................... 90
Fire Extinguisher ................................................................ 90
Steering System ................................................................ 90
Throttle System................................................................. 90
Shifter Lever..................................................................... 90
DESS Post and Engine Start/Stop Switches................................. 91
Storage Compartment Covers................................................. 91
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 92
Launching/Loading.............................................................. 92
Principle of Operation .......................................................... 92
Boarding from a Dock .......................................................... 94
Boarding from the Water....................................................... 94
Starting........................................................................... 95
Rough Water or Poor Visibility Operation .................................... 96
Crossing Waves................................................................. 96
Stopping/Docking............................................................... 96
Beaching......................................................................... 96
Shutting Off the Engines....................................................... 96
Post-Operation Care............................................................ 97
Additional Care for Foul Water or Salt Water Use........................... 97
SPECIAL PROCEDURES........................................................... 98
Jet Pump Water Intake and Impeller Cleaning .............................. 98
Capsized Boat................................................................... 98
Submerged Boat/Water-Flooded Engine ..................................... 98
Fuel-Flooded Engines .......................................................... 99
Towing the Boat in Water.................................................... 100
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................ 102
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 107
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
10-HOUR INSPECTION .......................................................... 112
PERIODIC INSPECTION CHART................................................ 113
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES................................................ 116
General......................................................................... 116
Engine Emissions Information............................................... 116
Lubrication ..................................................................... 117
Throttle Lever Cables......................................................... 119
Engine Oil Change and Oil Filter Replacement ............................ 119
4_______________________

Coolant Replacement ........................................................ 119
Fuel Injection System . ....................................................... 120
Steering Alignment ........................................................... 120
Shifter Lever................................................................... 120
Deck Drain..................................................................... 120
Fuses........................................................................... 120
Bilge Air Blower............................................................... 123
Navigation Light Bulb Replacement ........................................ 123
Sacrificial Anodes ............................................................. 124
General Inspection and Cleaning ............................................ 125
STORAGE AND PRESEASON PREPARATION ............................... 126
WARRANTY INFORMATION
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MODEL YEAR 2008 SEA-DOO®SPORT
BOATS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.................... 134
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY
STATEMENT FOR MODEL-YEAR 2008 SEA-DOO®SPORT BOATS
WITH 4-TEC™ 1503 NORMALLY ASPIRATED (NA) AND 4-TEC™ 1503
SUPERCHARGED INTERCOOLED (SCIC) ENGINE(S) ...................... 139
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MODEL YEAR 2008
SEA-DOO®SPORT BOATS...................................................... 143
BRP EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES LIMITED WARRANTY FOR
MODEL YEAR 2008 SEA-DOO®SPORT BOATS............................. 147
DECLARATION CE OF CONFORMITY......................................... 151
PRIVACY OBLIGATION/DISCLAIMER......................................... 153
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/OWNERSHIP ........................................ 155
______________________ 5

6_______________________

FOREWORD
This Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
or passenger of this boat with the var-
ious controls, maintenance and safe
riding instructions. It is indispensable
for the proper use of the product, and
should be kept in a waterproof bag in
the boat at all times. Make sure you
read and understand the content of
this document.
For any questions pertaining to the
warranty and its application, please
consult an authorized Sea-Doo Sport
Boat dealer.
Hazard Statements
As you read this Operator's Guide,
please note the hazard warnings
which alert you to safety precautions
related to unsafe conditions or operat-
ing procedures.
This guide uses the following symbols
to emphasize particular information.

The safety alert symbol is recognized
around the world. In this manual, it
means read this information careful-
ly! Be sure you understand the con-
sequences of the hazards and how to
avoid them. Failure to follow the rec-
ommendations in a hazard communi-
cation statement may result in proper-
ty damage, personal injury, or death.
People often refer to a hazard state-
ment as a warning in a general sense.
This manual uses three kinds of
“warnings” depending on the like-
ly effect of a hazard (minor injury,
severe injury, death).
WARNING
Identifies a potentially or immi-
nently hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, COULD result in
serious personal injuries including
the possibility of death or substan-
tial property damage.
CAUTION: This signal word indi-
cates a potentially hazardous sit-
uation which, if not avoided, may
resultinminorormoderateper-
sonal injury or property damage. It
mayalsobeusedtoalertagainst
unsafe practices.
NOTE: Indicates supplementary infor-
mation needed to fully complete an in-
struction relating to equipment opera-
tion and/or maintenance procedures.
Although the mere reading of such in-
formation does not eliminate the haz-
ard, the understanding and application
of the information will promote correct
and safe use of the boat.
The warnings in this supplement do
not and cannot address every conceiv-
able situation. Always use common
sense! If a procedure, method, tool,
or part is not specifically recommend-
ed, you must satisfy yourself that it is
safe for you and others and that your
boat will not be damaged or made un-
safe as a result of your decision.
Advisory Statements
Advisory statements alert you to con-
ditions that affect equipment opera-
tion, maintenance, and servicing prac-
tices.
An IMPORTANT statement indicates
a procedure intended to prevent dam-
age to equipment or associated com-
ponents.
______________________ 7

The information and components/
system descriptions contained in this
supplement are correct at the time of
publication. Bombardier Recreational
Products (BRP) however, maintains a
policy of continuous improvement of
its products without imposing upon
itself any obligation to install them on
products previously manufactured.
Because of our ongoing commitment
to product quality and innovation, BRP
reserves the right at any time to dis-
continue or change specifications, de-
signs, features, models or equipment
without incurring obligation.
The illustrations in this document
show the typical construction of the
different assemblies and may not re-
produce the full detail or exact shape
of the parts. However, they represent
parts that have the same or similar
function.
It is understood that this guide may
be translated into another language.
In the event of any discrepancy, the
English version shall prevail.
Specifications are given in the SI met-
ric system with the SAE U.S. equiva-
lent in parenthesis. Where precise ac-
curacy is not required, some conver-
sions are rounded off for easier use.
ASHOP MANUAL can be obtained for
complete service, maintenance and
more repair information.
8_______________________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ____________ 9

GENERAL
Your safety and that of your passen-
gers and fellow boaters is YOUR
responsibility. Before launching your
boat, you should completely read and
understand this Operator's Guide,
product warnings and labels, the
SAFETY VIDEO and other informa-
tion provided with your boat or by
your dealer. Heed and follow all warn-
ings, safety precautions and operating
procedures.
BRP strongly recommends that you
take an approved boating safety
course. Always operate your boat
in compliance with safe boating rules,
and with consideration, courtesy and
common sense. Failure to do so could
result in injury, including the possibili-
ty of death, to you, your passengers,
others you lend your boat to, or other
water users.
10 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________

TRAILERING
Refer to the trailer instructions for
proper capacity, operation, mainte-
nance, accessories and warranty.
Check the regulations in your area con-
cerning towing a trailer, especially the
following rules:
– brake system
– tow vehicle weight
– mirrors.
NOTE: An optional brake system is
available for your trailer, contact Kar-
avan Trailers (www.karavantrailers.
com).
WARNING
Never tow a boat with water re-
maining in the ballast bags.
The weight of ballasts increases
the load on the trailer, the axle, and
the tires, which could lead to pre-
mature wear or failure. This also
contributes to reduce the stability
of your vehicle on the road by rais-
ing the center of gravity of the trail-
er.
Always completely empty the bal-
last bags before trailering.
Take the following precautions when
trailering the boat:
Tie the boat to both bow and stern
(front/rear) eyelets so that it is firmly
retained on the trailer.
– Remove stern light (if installed).
– Ensure that ski post is pushed
down (if so equipped).
– Ensure all storage compartment
covers are properly latched.
– Ensure walk-thru door is securely
locked in the opened or closed po-
sition.
–Empty the ballast b
ags (if so
equipped).
– Close bimini top (if so equipped).
– A Sea-Doo cover can protect the
boat, particularly before driving on
dirt roads, to prevent dirt entering
through the air intake openings.
Observe trailering safety precautions.
CAUTION: Always close and se-
curely fasten rear storage compart-
ment lid before trailering.
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 11

SAFE BOATING CHECKLIST
When leaving on a cruise, whether for
an hour or for several days, go through
the following SAFE BOATING CHECK-
LIST.
Reminders Regarding
Operation...
– The performance of this boat may
significantly exceed that of other
boats you may have operated. Be-
come completely familiar with the
controls and operation of this boat
before embarking on your first trip
or taking on a passenger(s). If you
have not had the opportunity to do
so, practice driving solo in a suit-
able traffic-free area and feel the re-
sponse of each control. Be fully fa-
miliar with all controls before accel-
erating above idle speed. Do not as-
sume that all boats handle identical-
ly. Each model differs, often sub-
stantially.
– Always keep in mind that as the
throttle lever is returned to the idle
position, less directional control is
available. To turn the boat, both
steering and throttle are necessary.
– Like any other boat, this boat has
no brake. Stopping distance will
vary depending on initial 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 boat under varying conditions.
Do not release the throttle when
trying to steer away from objects.
Youneedthrottletosteer
. Do not
use the boat's reverse to stop.
– Do not start or operate the boat if
any person is not properly seated in
a seat intended for use when under-
way (not the sun deck or swim plat-
form) or if a person is nearby in the
water.
– The boat's jet thrust can cause in-
jury. Always accelerate slowly, and
decelerate in a controlled fashion.
– Observe the instructions on all safe-
ty labels. They are there to help as-
sure that you have a safe and enjoy-
able outing.
– Riding with passenger(s) or pulling
other boats, tubes, a skier or a wake
boarder makes the boat handle dif-
ferently and requires greater skill.
– Certain boats may come equipped
with tow eyelets, a ski pole or a
wakeboard tower which can be
used to attach a tow rope for a ski-
er, tube or wakeboarder. Do not
use these attachment points or any
other portion of the boat to tow a
parasail or another craft. Personal
injury or severe damage may occur.
– In shallow water, proceed with
caution and at very low speeds.
Grounding or abrupt stops may
result in injury to you, your passen-
gers or others. 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.
– Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which can cause
injuryordeathifinhaledinsuffi-
cient quantities. Do not operate
the boat in a confined area or allow
CO to accumulate in or around the
boat, or in enclosed or sheltered
areas. Such as when docked, or
when rafting. Be aware of risk of
CO from exhaust of other boats.
– Educate all occupants about the
risks and symptoms of CO accu-
mulation and CO poisoning, par-
ticularly from engine and genera-
tor exhaust. Educate them about
where engine exhaust outlets (and
generator outlets if so equipped)
are located. Regularly inspect ex-
haust and generator system and
outlets for component failures or
obstructions.
12 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________

– Combustion engines need air to
operate; consequently this boat
can not be totally watertight. Any
maneuvers such as figure eights
that cause the upper deck to be
under water may cause severe
engine problems due to water in-
gestion. Refer to the SPECIAL
PROCEDURES and WARRANTY
INFORMATION sections contained
in this Operator's Guide.
– Respect no wake zones, the rights
of other water users and the en-
vironment. As the “skipper” and
owner of a boat, you are respon-
sible for damage to other boats
caused by the wake of your boat.
Do not let anyone throw refuse
overboard.
– Between sunset and sunrise, use
the boat's navigation lights and re-
duce speed. Do not operate the
boat in reduced visibility.
– Do not add accessories or equip-
ment that may adversely affect vis-
ibility or alter control of the boat.
– The skipper should personally take
the helm during storms.
Before Getting
Underway...
– Always perform the pre-operation
checks as specified in this Opera-
tor's Guide.
– Do not exceed the payload or pas-
senger capacities for this boat,
whicharelistedonthecapaci-
ty plate and in the specifications.
Overloading can affect maneuver-
ability, stability and performance.
Also, heavy seas reduce capacity.
A payload or person capacity plate
isnotanexcuseforfailuretouse
common sense or good judgment.
– Regularly inspect the boat, 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 easily
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 conditions in the planned
boating area.
– Before departure, file a Float Plan
with a responsible person ashore.
– Keep enough fuel on board for the
planned trip. Always verify fuel lev-
el before use and during the ride.
Apply the principle of 1/3 of the fuel
to reach your destination, 1/3 to re-
turn, and keep 1/3 in reserve. Allow
for changes due to adverse weath-
er or other delays.
Operators and
Passengers...
– Never operate a boat while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It is a Federal offense. Allow on-
ly qualified drivers to operate your
boat. Remember that sun, wind, al-
cohol, drugs, fatigue or illness may
impair your judgement and reaction
time.
– At least one passenger should be
able to operate the boat in case the
operator is unexpectedly unable to
do so.
– Operation of this boat 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.
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 13

– Always use the safety lanyard when
operating the boat and ensure that
all passengers are familiar with its
use.
– Ensure that any operator and all
passengers know how to swim
and how to re-board the boat from
the 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.
14 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
An operator and the boat's passen-
ger(s) should have ready access to
shatterproof glasses should riding
conditions or personal preference
warrant.
Wind, water spray and speed may
cause a person's eyes to water and
create blurred vision.
As the owner of the boat, you are
responsible for assuring that all re-
quired safety equipment is aboard.
You should also consider supplying
additional equipment as needed for
your safety and that of your passen-
gers. Check state and local regula-
tions and call the U.S. Coast Guard
Boating Safety Information Line at 1
800 368-5647 for information about
required safety equipment.
Required Safety
Equipment
Safety equipment required by federal
regulations is mandatory. Personal
flotation devices must be fitted to
the people wearing them. If local
regulations require additional equip-
ment, it must be approved by the
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Minimum
requirements include the following:
– personal flotation devices (PFDs)
– fire extinguisher (classe B-1)
– visual distress signals (VDS)
– navigation lights
– sound producing devices (horn, air
horn or whistle).
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.
Personal Flotation
Devices (PFDs)
Federal regulations require that you
have at least one Coast Guard ap-
proved personal flotation device (PFD)
for each person in a recreational boat
and require that all children under 13
years of age wear a PFD at all times
when the boat is underway, except
when below deck or in an enclosed
cabin. You may not use your boat
unless all PFDs are in serviceable
condition, readily accessible, legibly
marked with the Coast Guard approval
number, and of an appropriate size
(within the weight range and chest
size marked on the PFD) for each per-
sononboard.
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 provid-
ed 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 com-
mon 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 feder-
al and local regulations and that your
passengers know where they are and
how to use them.
PFD Types
Five types of PFDs have been ap-
proved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 15

PFD Type I, Wearable has the greatest
required buoyancy. Its design allows
for turning most unconscious persons
in the water from face down position
to a vertical or slightly backward, face-
up position. It can greatly increase the
chances of survival. Type I is most ef-
fective for all waters, especially off-
shore when rescue may be delayed.
It is also the most effective in rough
waters.
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 con-
ditions as a Type I. You may prefer to
use this PFD where there is a proba-
bility of quick rescue such as in areas
where other people are commonly in-
volved 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 wear-
er in a vertical or slightly backward po-
sition 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 peo-
ple are commonly involved in water ac-
tivities.
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
serviceable condition and immediate-
ly 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 ___________

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.
F00A2GY
TYPE V — WEARABLE
PFD Pointers
The purpose of a PFD is to help save
your life. If you want it to support you
when you are in the water, it needs to
fit, float, and be in good condition.
– Try the PFD on and adjust it until
it fits comfortably in and out of the
water. Mark your PFD if you are the
only wearer.
– To make sure the PFD works, wear
it in the water. This will show you
how it works and give you confi-
dence when you use it.
– Teach children how to put a PFD on
and allow them to try it in the water.
That way, they know what the PFD
is for and how it works. They will
feel more comfortable with it if they
suddenly find themselves in the wa-
ter.
– If the PFD is wet, allow it to dry
thoroughly before storing it. Do not
dryitinfrontofaradiatororheater.
Store it in a well-ventilated area.
– Keep PFDs away from sharp ob-
jects which can tear the fabric or
puncture the flotation pads.
– For their own safety and the safe-
ty of others, all non-swimmers,
poor swimmers, and small chil-
dren should wear PFD's at all times
whether the boat is stationary or
moving.
– Check the PFD frequently to make
sure that it is not torn, that flota-
tion pads have no leaks, and that
all seams and joints are securely
sewn.
– If a PFD contains kapok, the kapok
fibers may become waterlogged
and lose their buoyancy after the
vinyl inserts are punctured. If the
kapok becomes hard or if it is
soaked with water, replace it. It
may not work when you need it.
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:
1. While afloat in the water, do not
attempt to swim unless it is to
reach a nearby boat, fellow sur-
vivor, or a floating object on which
you can lean or climb. Unneces-
sary swimming increases the rate
of body heat loss. In cold wa-
ter, drown-proof methods that re-
quire putting your head in the wa-
ter are not recommended. Keep
your head out of the water. This
will greatly lessen heat loss and in-
crease your survival time.
2. Keep a positive attitude about
your survival and rescue. This will
improve your chances of extend-
ing your survival time until rescue.
Your will to live does make a dif-
ference!
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 17

3. 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
therateofheatlossandthusin-
crease the survival time.
4. Always wear your PFD. It won't
help you fight off the effects of
hypothermia if you don't have it on
when you go into the water.
Fire Extinguishers
As the owner of the boat, you are
responsible for supplying a fire extin-
guisher approved by the U.S. Coast
Guard. Boats (less than 7.9 m (26 ft))
arerequiredtocarryone(1)B-1type
hand portable fire extinguisher unless
the boat is equipped with a fixed fire
extinguishing system in the engine
compartment.
Hand-held portable fire extinguishers
should be mounted in readily acces-
sible locations away from the engine
compartment. All persons aboard
should know the location and proper
operation of the fire extinguisher(s).
NOTE: Don't test fire extinguishers by
squirting small amounts of the extin-
guishing compound. The extinguisher
might not work when you really need
it!
Visual Distress Signal
Devices
Visual distress signal devices ap-
proved by the U.S. Coast Guard are
required on all recreational boats oper-
ating on coastal waters and on boats
owned in the United States when
they are operating on the high seas.
Coastal waters include territorial seas
and those waters directly connected
to the Great Lakes and the territorial
seas up to a point where the waters
are less than 3.2 km (2 mi) wide. Vi-
sual distress signal equipment may be
of the pyrotechnic or non-pyrotechnic
type. Regulations prohibit display
of visual distress signals on the wa-
ter under any circumstances except
when assistance is required to pre-
vent immediate or potential danger to
persons on board a vessel.
The equipment must be approved
by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in ser-
viceable condition, and be stowed in
a readily accessible location. Equip-
ment having a date for serviceable life
must be within the specified usage
date shown.
Careful selection and proper stowage
of visual distress equipment is very
important if children are aboard.
WARNING
Fire! In case of fire, do not open
engine compartment. Turn off en-
gine. Using portable CO2fire ex-
tinguisher, continuously discharge
entire contents at base of fire.
18 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________