Steering
The operator controls the direction with
handlebars. The handlebars are connected
to a movable nozzle that directs thrust from
the high-pressure stream of water either
right or left. This change of direction causes
the vessel to slide, thereby turning the boat
to one side or the other. It is important to
know that the operator cannot steer the
vessel without the engine engaged. A PWC
will turn only when the jet pump is operating
and pushing a stream of water out of
the stern of the craft, creating thrust. If you
release the throttle to avoid collision while
operating at high speed, your PWC will not
turn. Instead, it will probably continue in
the direction you were moving, often into
the object that you were trying to avoid.
PWCs equipped with reverse drive
use a clamshell device that moves in front
of the directional thrust nozzle to force the
stream of water forward. This provides the
vessel with a relatively inefficient reverse
that is difficult to steer.
Operator Controls
Be well acquainted with your PWC before
you ride.
• Read and understand the owner’s manual.
It is best to have a qualified person give
you instruction in operating your PWC.
• Understand the function of all controls,
where they are located, and how to use
them.
• The controls are the same for most PWCs,
although you may find them in different
places.
• You will usually find the engine and jet
drive under the passenger seat; the fuel
tank is under the forward hood.
Start and Stop Controls
• Older model PWCs do not have an
ignition key like an automobile, just a
lanyand. Newer models do have a key.
• You push a button or switch on the handlebar
or console to start and stop the
engine.
Section 15: Personal Watercraft Operation 169
• A manual choke control helps start a cold
engine.
• A “kill switch” allows the engine to be
stopped quickly.
Throttle Controls
• They are usually on the right handlebar
grip.
• They can either be a thumbpush type or a
finger-pull type.
Fall-Off Controls
They are an aid to reboarding your craft
when you fall off.
• Some PWCs have an auto-circle control
that slows the engine to idle speed
and allows the craft to circle slowly. This
permits you to swim to your PWC and
reboard. If you have this type of control,
be sure to set your idle speed correctly.
• Other PWCs have a lanyard cut-off switch
(sometimes called a lifeline) which,
when fastened to your wrist, will stop the
engine when you fall off. The engine will
not restart without it.
Fuel Selector Switches
• They usually have three positions: an
“off” position for use when not riding, an
“on” position to use when riding, and a
“reserve” position to use to head straight
for a fuel supply when fuel runs out in the
“on” position.
• Fuel and oil gauges are standard equipment
on some of the larger PWCs.
Reverse Levers
• Some PWCs have a “clamshell” device
over the steering nozzle to allow slow
reverse operation.
• Never use the reverse lever as a brake or at
high speeds; you could be thrown off the
PWC and injured!
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