OPERATION 3

DRIVING YOUR BOAT

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BOAT

Operating your boat requires skills acquired through practice over a period of time. Take the time to learn the basic techniques well before attempting more difficult maneuvers.

Boating with your new boat can be a very enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of pleasure. But it is essential to familiarize yourself with the operation of the boat to achieve the skill necessary to enjoy boating safely. Before operating this boat, read this Owner’s Manual, the Operation Instruction Card, and all Warning and Caution labels on the boat. Pay particular attention to the safety information in Chapter 1. Read all warning and caution labels on your boat.

The boat is designed to carry one operator along with up to eight passengers, and cargo, as long as the total weight of people and cargo does not exceed 1840 lb (834 kg). Never have more than nine people in the boat (or eight persons if a water skier is being pulled).

On the 212X model, a full ballast weighs 750 lb. (340 kg), which must be included in the maximum load.

LEARNING TO OPERATE YOUR BOAT

Before boating, always perform the Pre-Operation Checks listed on page 3-4. The short time spent checking the machine’s condition will reward you with added safety and a more reliable boat.

Know and follow U.S. Coast Guard, state, and local laws when operating your boat.

Select a wide area to learn in, where visibility is good and other boat traffic is light. Keep the proper distance from other boats and vehicles. Do not operate where people are swimming.

Always attach the engine stop switch lanyard to your personal flotation device before operating.

You and all other passengers must always wear a U.S. Coast Guard- approved personal flotation device when riding in the boat. You should consider wearing water shoes, eye protection, gloves, and other protective apparel. Water sports increase your risk of injury from contact with your boat, other vessels, docks, rocks, or coral.

A water-skier should wear protective clothing. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into the water or while reboarding. Normal swimwear does not adequately protect against forceful water entry into rectum or vagina. The skier should wear a wetsuit bottom or clothing that provides equivalent protection. Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven, sturdy, and snug fitting apparel such as denim, but does not include spandex or similar fabrics like those used in bicycle shorts.

Grip the wheel firmly and keep both feet on the deck when driving the boat.

3-19