BRP Rotax 4-TEC 150, Operator'S Manual

17

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S

AFE

 B

OATING

 P

RACTICES

SAFE BOATING PRACTICES

YOU are responsible for your own safety, the

safety of your passengers, and the safety of

fellow boaters.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Do not use drugs or drink alcohol while oper-

ating a boat. Like driving a car, driving a boat

requires sober, attentive care. Operating a

boat while intoxicated or under the influence

of drugs is not only dangerous, but it is also a

Federal offense carrying a significant penalty.

These laws are vigorously enforced. The use

of drugs and alcohol, singly or in combination,

decreases reaction time, impedes judgment,

impairs vision, and inhibits your ability to safe-

ly operate a boat.

SAFE OPERATION

For safety reasons and proper care, always

perform daily PRE-RIDE INSPECTION as

specified in your Operators Manual before op-

erating your boat. Safe operation means that

you do not misuse your boat nor do you allow

your passengers to do so. Safe operation

means using good judgment at all times. It in-

cludes, without limitation, the following ac-

tions:
Load the boat within the limits listed on the ca-

pacity plate. Balance loads bow to stern and

port to starboard.
Maintain boat speed at or below the local le-

gal limit. Avoid excessive speed or speeds not

appropriate for operating conditions.
Do not use the boat in weather or waterway

conditions beyond the skill or experience of

the operator or the capability of the boat and

comfort of passengers.
Be sure at least one other passenger is famil-

iar with the operation and safety aspects of

the boat in case of an emergency.
Make sure that passengers and gear do not

obstruct the operator's view or ability to move.

Do not exceed the maximum engine power

rating stated on the certification plate at-

tached to the boat.
Observe all safety signs and warnings both in-

side the boat and in the immediate boating ar-

ea.
While your boat has the capacity of operating

at high speeds, it is strongly recommended

that high speed operation only be applied

when ideal conditions exist and are permitted.

Higher speed operation requires a higher de-

gree of skill and increases the risk of severe

injuries.
In shallow water, proceed with caution and at

very low speed. Grounding or abrupt stops

may result in injury. Debris may also be

picked up and be thrown rearward by the jet

pump onto people or property.
Do not use the boat's reverse, to stop. You or

your passenger(s) could be violently ejected

forward or even off the boat onto the hazard.

MANEUVERABILITY OF THE 
BOAT AND TOWING

Always keep in mind that as the throttle lever

is returned to idle position, less directional

control is available, and when the engine is

OFF, directional control is lost. You need

throttle to steer.
Do not overload the boat or take on more pas-

sengers than designated for the particular

boat. Overloading can affect maneuverability,

stability and performance.
Avoid adding on accessories or equipment

which may alter your control of the boat.
Riding with a passenger(s) or pulling a tube,

skier or wakeboarder makes the boat handle

differently and requires greater skill.
Always respect the safety and comfort of your

passenger(s) and person being towed on

skis, wakeboard or other towables.
Always carry an observer when pulling a tube,

skier or wakeboarder, proceed with only as

much speed as required and follow the ob-

server's instructions. Unless absolutely nec-

essary, do not make tight, sharp turns. Keep

a safe distance from the docks, other swim-

mers, craft or objects.
Use a tow rope of sufficient length and size

and make sure it is adequately secured to



WARNING

Alcohol consumption and boating are a

deadly combination! Operating under the

influence endangers the lives of your

passengers and other boaters. Federal

laws prohibit operating a boat under the

influence of alcohol or drugs.