Polaris 2003 MSX owner manual Operator Safety, Operator Guidelines

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SAFETY

Operator Safety

WARNING

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions contained throughout this manual and on your vehicle can result in severe injury or death.

Read and understand your owner’s manual and all warning decals before operating a Polaris watercraft.

Any operator of a Polaris watercraft must know and practice the following guidelines for personal safety and the safety of passengers. Never permit a guest to operate this watercraft unless the guest has read and understands all warning decals and the owner’s manual.

Operator Guidelines

This watercraft is not a toy. It’s a high performance powerboat, and operating it requires learned and practiced skills. All operators and passengers should become familiar with proper operating techniques before attempting maneuvers. Always operate the watercraft at a speed appropriate for water conditions and for your level of experience.

The minimum recommended age for operators of this watercraft is 16 years, but operators between 16 and 18 years of age may require close adult supervision. Obey all applicable boating rules and regulations.

This watercraft does not have brakes. The watercraft is stopped by releasing the throttle. The vehicle will glide to a stop due to the natural drag of the water. Allow a minimum of 300 feet (90 m) to coast to a stop from full throttle.

Jet thrust is required to steer and turn the vehicle. Never completely release the throttle and attempt to turn at more than a trolling speed. The watercraft will not turn. Practice until you’re comfortable with turning and stopping, and be sure you’ve mastered the skills before carrying a passenger.

Learn and observe all local, state, and federal boating regulations and speed limits. Boating laws and navigational rules are designed for the safety of everyone sharing the waterways.

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Contents MSX Page We’ve created a web site, just for YOU Page Polaris Recreational Vehicles WelcomePolaris Professional Series Workmobilest Table of Contents Your Responsibilities Do Your PartMaintenance Requirements Age RestrictionsIdentification Numbers Safety Signal Words and SymbolsSafety Decals Safety To Avoid Collisions Righting Capsized Boat Informational Decals Located on the engine water manifoldOperator Safety Operator GuidelinesSafety Safe Riding Gear Personal Floatation DeviceEye Protection Suit/Shoes/GlovesFire Safety Overloading the WatercraftWeather and Darkness Protective ApparelObstacles and Shallow Water Turning and Accelerating Service and MaintenancePre-Operation Check Jet Pump Water Intake Safety Electrical Shock HazardSafe Riding Position Lifting the WatercraftOperator Fitness Operator AwarenessBoating Under the Influence Vehicle Modifications Operator Fatigue and DehydrationHypothermia To avoid hypothermiaFeatures and Controls Exhaust Outlet Reverse Gate911 Reverse Operation Handle Features and Controls Engine Components under seat Engine Components New Generation Instrument NGI Accessible FunctionsPrimary Functions Function Overview Display Mode Instrument OperationDisplay Warnings Check EngineRPM Limiter Standard Equipment AccessoriesOptional Equipment EPA Emissions Regulations EmissionsCalifornia Star Labels Two Stars Very Low Emission One Star Low EmissionThree Stars Ultra Low Emission Operation Pre-Operation InspectionWhat To Do Fuel Refueling Oil Jet Pump Intake Ride Plate Impeller Drive ShaftThrottle SteeringEngine and Storage Compartments Seat Loose PartsFire Extinguisher Battery Drain Plugs and Bilge HullRiding Gear Switches/Buttons Engine Break-in Procedure Principles of OperationOperation Navigational Rules Right-of-way and Give-wayStand-on Vessel Give-way VesselEncountering Vessels RuleMeeting Vessels Overtaking Vessels Crossing PathsNon-Motorized Craft Fishing Vessel Right-of-WayReading Buoys and Markers Avoid CollisionsLaunch Ramp Etiquette Launching the Watercraft Stopping the EngineBefore Starting the Engine Starting the EngineIf the Engine Doesn’t Start Boarding the Watercraft Boarding and Starting in Deep Water Operator OnlyBoarding With a Passenger Reverse Operation Turning the WatercraftStopping the Watercraft Beaching the Watercraft Operating in Rough Conditions Towing a Disabled Watercraft Righting a Capsized Watercraft Operating With Passengers Post Operation Maintenance Daily CareOperation Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Anti-Corrosion Treatment Submerged Waterlogged EngineEngine Water Removal Procedure Maintenance and Lubrication General MaintenancePeriodic Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule KeyDescription Fuel System Hull / Deck / Steering / Controls Steering Cable Joints and Inner Wire LubricationThrottle Cable Drive LineSeat Latch And Hooks Steering Nozzle Pivot Shaft Throttle Body And Oil Injection PumpElectrical Connections Steering Handle Pivot ShaftSpark Plugs Maintenance and Lubrication Hull and Deck Care Oil Polaris VES II Synthetic LubricantPolaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic LubricantFuses Steering Cable InspectionThrottle Cable Inspection Battery Battery Maintenance and ChargingReplenishing Battery Fluid AntidoteBattery Removal Battery Charging Battery Installation Battery StorageSalt Water and Unclean Water Care Jet Pump Water Inlet ScreenCooling System Flushing Extended Storage Engine and Exhaust System DrainingWatercraft Engine Fogging Procedure Cleaning Lubrication Engine Doesn’t Turn Over Engine TroubleshootingEngine Turns Over But Doesn’t Start Possible Weak Spark Cause Solution Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or MisfiresEngine Overheats Engine BackfiresEngine Loses Power Engine Pings or KnocksEngine RPM is Too High With Limited Speed Unusual Noise or Vibration From Propulsion SystemPolaris Products Oil and LubricantsSpecifications Capacities / DimensionsPropulsion Warranty Obtaining Service and Warranty AssistanceWarranty Policy HOW to Obtain Warranty Service Engine OilCalifornia Emission Control System Limited Warranty Polaris Watercraft EnginesOWNER’S Warranty Responsibilities 109 Index Emissions111