Sea-doo Islandia SE Manual

Sport Boats
OPERATORS
GUIDE
Includes,
SAFETY, VE ICLE
and MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
ISLANDIA
TM
SE
® AND THE BRP LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. OR ITS AFFILIATES.
*TRADEMARK OF BOMBARDIER INC. USED UNDER LICENSE.
©2008 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN CANADA.
204 630 383 CA
OPERATORS GUIDE, ISLANDIA SE / ENGLISH
GUIDE DU CONDUCTEUR, ISLANDIA SE / ANGLAIS
FAIT AU / MADE IN CANADA U/M:P.C.
204 630 383
Read this guide thoroughly. It contains important safety information.
Minimum recommended operators age: 16 years old.
Do not remove this Operators uide from the vehicle.
WARNING

WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator’s Guide, SAFETY DVD and on-product labels could cause
injury including the possibility of death!
WARNING
This boat may exceed the performance of other boats you may have ridden
in the past. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new boat.
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 Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc. (BRP).
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational Prod-
ucts Inc. or its affiliates.
Sea-Doo®
ROTAX®
Islandia™
XP-S™
DESS™
lmo2009-005 en AP
®™ 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®Sport Boat. It is backed
by the BRP warranty and a network of
authorized Sea-Doo Sport Boats deal-
ers 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 boat as well as completed the
final adjustment before you took pos-
session. If you need more complete
servicing information, please ask your
dealer.
Atdelivery,youwerealsoinformedof
the warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST to ensure
your new boat 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
The types of safety messages, what
they look like and how they are used in
this guide are explained as follows:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
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 severe-
ly damage vehicle components or
other property.
About this Operator's
Guide
This Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
of a new boat with the various con-
trols, maintenance and safe operating
instructions.
This guide is indispensable for the
proper use of the product and should
be kept in this boat at all times, so you
can refer to it.
Note that this guide is available in sev-
eral languages. In the event of any dis-
crepancy, the English version shall pre-
vail.
If you want to view and/or print an ex-
tra copy of your Operator's Guide, sim-
ply 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 of its
products without imposing upon itself
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
_______________ 1

FOREWORD
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 boat when
it's sold.
2_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1
Know Beforeyou Go............................................................. 1
SafetyMessages................................................................. 1
About this Operator's Guide .................................................... 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES ................................................... 10
Reminders Regarding Operation... ............................................ 10
Carbon Monoxide and Boating ................................................. 12
WaterSports .................................................................... 15
Hypothermia..................................................................... 19
Voluntary Inspections........................................................... 19
SafeBoatingCourses........................................................... 19
SAFETYEQUIPMENT.............................................................. 20
Required Safety Equipment .................................................... 20
AdditionalRecommendedEquipment ........................................ 23
SAFE BOATING PRACTICES ...................................................... 24
Drugs and Alcohol............................................................... 24
SafeOperation .................................................................. 24
RULESOF THEROAD.............................................................. 26
Crossing ......................................................................... 26
MeetingHead-On............................................................... 26
Passing........................................................................... 26
Navigation System.............................................................. 26
CollisionAvoidance ............................................................. 26
FUELING PROCEDURE ............................................................ 28
Recommended Fuel ............................................................ 28
Fueling Procedure............................................................... 28
TRAILERING......................................................................... 30
IMPORTANTON-PRODUCTLABELS............................................ 31
PRE-RIDEINSPECTION............................................................ 35
Hull ............................................................................... 36
JetPumpWaterIntakes........................................................ 36
Bilge.............................................................................. 36
Battery ........................................................................... 36
Fuel............................................................................... 36
Engine Oil........................................................................ 36
PotableWater ................................................................... 36
Engine Compartment........................................................... 36
Fire Extinguisher ................................................................ 36
SteeringSystem ................................................................ 37
Throttle Lever ................................................................... 37
ShifterLever..................................................................... 37
DESS Postand Engine Start/Stop Switches .................................. 37
_______________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION (cont’d)
Storage CompartmentCovers................................................. 37
VEHICLE INFORMATION
CONTROLS,INSTRUMENTSANDEQUIPMENT .............................. 40
1)DESSPost(Engine Stop Switch)............................................ 44
2)SteeringWheel............................................................... 45
3)Throttle/ShifterLever ........................................................ 45
4)Start/StopSwitches.......................................................... 45
5)Bilge BlowerSwitch.......................................................... 46
6)Bilge PumpSwitch ........................................................... 47
7) Navigation Lights Switch .................................................... 47
8)DeckLightsSwitch........................................................... 47
9)Horn Switch................................................................... 48
10)DockingLightsSwitch...................................................... 48
11) Boarding Lights Switch..................................................... 48
12)Engine CompartmentLightSwitch........................................ 49
13)MainWaterPumpSwitch.................................................. 49
14)FuelGauge .................................................................. 49
15)Tachometers ................................................................ 50
16) Speedometer................................................................ 50
17) Monitoring Gauges ......................................................... 50
18)BilgeDrain Plug ............................................................. 50
19)GrabHandles................................................................ 51
20)RearGrabHandles.......................................................... 51
21)Ladder ....................................................................... 51
22)SwimPlatform .............................................................. 52
23)BowSeats................................................................... 52
24)Front Seats .................................................................. 53
25)RearSeats................................................................... 54
26)SunDeck .................................................................... 55
27)CupHolders ................................................................. 55
28)Glove Box.................................................................... 55
29)Radio/CDPlayer............................................................. 56
30)12-VoltPower Outlet ....................................................... 56
31)DeckStorageCompartment............................................... 56
32)Engine CompartmentCover ............................................... 57
33)JetPumpWater Intakes.................................................... 57
34)BowLights .................................................................. 58
35)SternLightSocket .......................................................... 58
36)Mooring Cleats.............................................................. 59
37)DeckDrain................................................................... 59
38)Bow/SternEyelets.......................................................... 59
39)WaterSportTowingAttachments......................................... 59
40) MainBattery Cut-Off Switch............................................... 60
41)BiminiTop(notshown) ..................................................... 61
4_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT (cont’d)
42)RearSideStorageCompartment.......................................... 61
43)CockpitTable ................................................................ 62
44)Windshield .................................................................. 62
45)DepthFinder ................................................................ 62
46)DockingLights .............................................................. 62
47)BoardingLights ............................................................. 63
48)Engine CompartmentLight ................................................ 63
49)DeckLights.................................................................. 63
50) Changing Room Ceiling Light . ............................................. 64
51)PotableWaterTankCap .................................................... 64
52)ConvenienceCenter........................................................ 65
53) ChangingRoom with Toilet ................................................ 66
54)PortableToilet ............................................................... 66
55) Transom Doors.............................................................. 67
56)Fire Port...................................................................... 67
57)Shower ...................................................................... 67
58)Radio/CDPlayerRemoteControl.......................................... 68
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 69
OperatingDuringBreak-in...................................................... 69
Launching/Loading.............................................................. 69
BoardingfromaDock........................................................... 69
BoardingfromtheWater ....................................................... 70
Starting........................................................................... 70
ShifterLeverOperation......................................................... 71
SteeringOperation.............................................................. 72
LeavingtheShore............................................................... 73
Rough Water or Poor Visibility Operation . .................................... 73
CrossingWaves................................................................. 73
Stopping/Docking............................................................... 73
Beaching......................................................................... 73
ShuttingOfftheEngines ....................................................... 74
Post-OperationCare ............................................................ 74
AdditionalCareforFoulWaterorSalt Water Use ............................ 74
SPECIAL PROCEDURES ........................................................... 76
Potable WaterSystem Disinfection ........................................... 76
JetPumpWaterIntakeand ImpellerCleaning................................ 77
TowingtheBoat inWater....................................................... 77
Capsized Boat ................................................................... 78
Submerged Boat/Water-FloodedEngine...................................... 78
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE...................................................... 80
10-HOURINSPECTION ............................................................ 84
_______________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES .................................................. 85
Throttle Body .................................................................... 85
Throttle Cable ................................................................... 85
Engine Oil........................................................................ 85
Engine Coolant .................................................................. 87
PotableWaterFilter............................................................. 88
Fuses............................................................................. 88
Bilge Blower..................................................................... 90
Navigation Lights................................................................ 90
Deck Drain and Scupper Valve ................................................. 93
Latches, Locks, Rails and Hinges . ............................................. 93
ReverseGate.................................................................... 94
Sacrificial Anodes ............................................................... 94
Bodyand Hull.................................................................... 94
STORAGE............................................................................ 96
JetPumpCleaning.............................................................. 96
Fuel System Protection......................................................... 96
Throttle BodyLubrication....................................................... 96
Engine OilandFilterReplacement............................................. 96
ExhaustSystemFlushing ...................................................... 96
Engine Internal Lubrication ..................................................... 98
ExhaustSystemandIntercoolerProtection .................................. 99
BatteryRemovalandStorage.................................................. 99
BoatCleaningandRepair....................................................... 99
PotableWaterSystem........................................................ 100
BoatProtection................................................................ 100
PRESEASON PREPARATION.................................................... 102
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
BOATIDENTIFICATION.......................................................... 104
Hull ............................................................................. 104
Engines ........................................................................ 104
HOMOLOGATIONANDCERTIFICATION...................................... 105
ENGINEEMISSIONS INFORMATION.......................................... 106
Manufacturer's Responsibility............................................... 106
Dealer's Responsibility . ...................................................... 106
Owner Responsibility......................................................... 106
EPA Emission Regulations ................................................... 106
DECLARATIONCEOFCONFORMITY.......................................... 107
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 108
6_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TROUBLESHOOTING
TECHNICALGUIDELINES ....................................................... 114
MONITORING SYSTEM BEEPERCODES ..................................... 119
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MODEL YEAR 2009 SEA-DOO®SPORT
BOATS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA ..................... 122
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY
STATEMENT FOR MODEL-YEAR 2009 SEA-DOO®SPORT BOATS WITH
4-TEC®ENGINES OR 4-TEC®IC ENGINES .................................... 126
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MODEL YEAR 2009
SEA-DOO®SPORT BOATS ...................................................... 130
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA: MODEL
YEAR 2009 SEA-DOO®SPORT BOATS ........................................ 134
PRIVACY OBLIGATION/DISCLAIMER......................................... 138
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 139
_______________ 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS
8_______________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 9

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Reminders Regarding
Operation...
Gasoline vapors can explode, result-
ing in injury or death. Always use
blower for a minimum of 5 minutes
before starting engine, then turn it
OFF above idle speed. Use of the
bilge blower should never replace
“smelling” for gasoline vapors.
If at any time, gasoline leaks/odors
are found, do not start the engine.
Have the boat serviced by an autho-
rized Sea-Doo Sport Boats dealer.
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. Prac-
tice 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. You need
throttle to steer. 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 un-
derway (not the sun deck or swim
platform) 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-
tylabels. Theyaretheretohelpas-
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 re-
sult in injury to you, your passengers
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
injury or death if inhaled in sufficient
quantities. Do not operate the boat
in a confined area or allow CO to ac-
cumulate 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 accumu-
lation and CO poisoning, particular-
ly from engine and generator ex-
haust. Educate them about where
engine exhaust outlets (and gen-
erator outlets if so equipped) are
located. Regularly inspect exhaust
and generator system and outlets
for component failures or obstruc-
tions.
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 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.
10 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Respect no wake zones, the rights
of other water users and the en-
vironment. As the “skipper” and
owner of a boat, you are responsible
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 visi-
bility 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 is
not an excuse for failure to use com-
mon 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 easi-
ly 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.
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 weather
or other delays.
Operators and Passengers...
Each boat operator has a responsi-
bility to ensure the safety of his/her
passenger(s) and of other water
users. Please follow all safety in-
structions and operate your boat
with care.
Never operate a boat 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 boat.
Remember that sun, wind, fatigue
or illness may impair your judge-
ment 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 ________ 11

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
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 pas-
senger wears a PFD at all times and
take extra precautions when boat-
ing.
Carbon Monoxide and
Boating
Burning a material containing carbon
produces carbon monoxide (CO), an
odorless and colorless gas. Because
CO weighs the same as air, it can
spread throughout an enclosed space
unnoticed because you cannot see it or
smell it. Any device used to burn car-
bon-based materials on a boat can be a
source of CO. Common sources of CO
include internal combustion engines.
CO reacts with the blood to reduce
the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
The reduced oxygen supply to body
tissues results in death of the tissue.
Prolonged exposure can cause brain
damage or death. In high concentra-
tions, CO can be fatal within minutes.
The effects of CO in lower concentra-
tions are cumulative and can be just as
lethal over long periods of time.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include:
Itchy and watering eyes, flushed
appearance, throbbing temples, in-
ability to think coherently, ringing in
the ears, tightness across the chest,
headaches, drowsiness, nausea, dizzi-
ness, fatigue, vomiting, collapse, and
convulsions. If any of these symptoms
are evident, begin treatment immedi-
ately. Prompt action can make the
difference between life and death.
– Evacuate the area and move the vic-
tim to fresh air.
– Administer oxygen if available and
get medical help.
– Open all canvas enclosures to venti-
late the area.
– Investigate the source of CO and
take immediate corrective action.
– Be especially aware of other CO
sources which may be near boat.
Carbon Monoxide Accumulation
Following are examples of possible
situations where CO may accumu-
late within your boat while docked,
anchored, or underway. Become fa-
miliar with these examples and their
precautions to prevent personal injury
or death.
WARNING
Exhaust Fumes! Generator or hull
exhaust from other vessels while
either docked or anchored can
emit poisonous CO gas and cause
excessive accumulation within
cabin and cockpit areas. Be alert
for generator exhaust from your
vessel or other vessels alongside.
Exhaust outlets near a pier, dock,
seawall or outlets blocked by any
other means can cause excessive
accumulation of poisonous CO gas
within cockpit area.
12 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
F00A2HL
VESSEL ALONGSIDE
WARNING
Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide (CO) which can accumu-
late in and around the boat (under bimini top, in cockpit, etc.). CO can be
harmful or fatal if inhaled. Assure there is adequate ventilation whenever
running engine(s).
F00A2IL
WHILE UNDERWAY (BACKDRAFTING)
While underway, CO concentrations can increase by backdrafting or “the station
wagon effect”. Backdrafting is caused by factors such as relative wind direction,
speed, or the bow being too high. To prevent this, open canvas whenever possi-
ble to provide positive airflow through the hull.
Boat houses, seawalls, and other boats in close proximity or confined areas can
contribute to increased CO levels. Operators must be aware that operation,
mooring, and anchoring in an area with other boats puts them in jeopardy of CO
accumulation from other sources. Likewise, a boat operator must be aware of
how exhaust from his boat will affect others. Operation of the engines while
moored may cause CO accumulation in your boat and those around you.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 13

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
F00A2JL
CONFINED AREAS
Be sure to provide adequate ventilation. If the windshield has vents, open them
before getting underway to increase positive air flow and decrease the chances
of CO accumulation.
WARNING
Backdrafting! Under certain conditions, moving air currents can direct
poisonous CO fumes into boat. These fumes can accumulate to dangerous
levels without proper airflow. Provide adequate ventilation, redistribute
the load or bring boat out of high bow angle.
Even with the best boat design and construction, CO may still accumulate in
enclosed or confined areas under certain conditions. Continually observe passen-
gers for symptoms of CO poisoning.
14 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
CO Detector
It is strongly recommended that you
have CO detectors installed in boats
with canvas enclosures. Monitors are
available from your dealer. Monitors
should be professionally installed and
calibrated.
NOTE: A CO detector is not a gas fuel
vapor detector. Gas fuel vapor detec-
tors do not monitor the buildup of CO
in an enclosed area.
Do NOT Operate your Boat without
Performing the Following Checklist
Each Boating Day
OPERATION ✔
Make sure you and your
passengers know where exhaust
outlets are located on the vessel
Educate all passengers about the
symptoms of co poisoning and
where CO may accumulate
When docked or rafting with
another boat, be aware of exhaust
emissions from the other boat
Confirm that water flows from the
exhaust outlet when the engine(s)
is (are) started
Listen for any change in exhaust
sound, which could indicate an
exhaust component failure
Test the operation of each CO
alarm by pressing the test button
(if so equipped)
Water Sports
WARNING
Avoid Personal Injury! Your boat
is not designed for and should not
be used for pulling parasails, kites,
gliders, or any device which can
become airborne. Use boat only
for appropriate water sports.
WARNING
Te a k S u r fi n g is extremely danger-
ous to participants due to their
proximity to the rear of the boat
where direct contact with the ex-
haust fumes from the boat engine
is the highest. Carbon monoxide
poisoning can occur and result in
mental disorientation, dizziness,
drowsiness, and loss of conscious-
ness. The combination of carbon
monoxide exposure and non-use
ofalifejacket(PFD)makethisnew
water recreation activity an incred-
ibly dangerous and potentially
deadly sport.
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
participant and the boat operator. If
you have never pulled someone be-
hind your boat 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 boat.
Both the boat operator and observ-
er should monitor the location of the
towrope when participating in water-
sports. A slack tow rope can become
entangled with person(s) or objects
in the boat or in the water, particularly
when making 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.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 15

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Always wear an approved person-
al 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 operating
the boat and the waters ahead.
Be considerate to others you share
the water with.
Never allow a person to “teak surf”
behind your boat. Do not tow a per-
son in any water sport on a short
tow rope such that the person in-
hales exhaust fumes in concentra-
tion. Inhalation of concentrated ex-
haust fumes, which contain carbon
monoxide, can result in CO poison-
ing, 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.
Turn off engine and anchor the boat
before swimming.
Participate in water sports only in
safe areas. Stay away from other
boats, channels, beaches, restrict-
ed areas, swimmers, and heavily
traveled waterways and underwa-
ter obstructions.
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
1. Do not water ski between sunset
and sunrise. It is illegal in most
states.
2. Do not drive the boat directly be-
hind a water skier, tuber or wake-
boarder. At 40 km (25 mi) per hour,
the boat will overtake a person who
falls in the water 60 m (200 ft) in
front of your boat in about 5 sec-
onds.
3. Shut engine off and remove igni-
tion key when anyone is in the wa-
ter nearby.
4. Stay at least 45 m (150 ft) away
from areas marked by a diver down
float.
F00A2MY
DIVER DOWN FLOAT
16 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
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.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 17

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]
18 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________