Hazard Information; Watercraft Characteristics - Yamaha XLT1200 WaveRunner 2003 Owner's/Operator's Manual

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Hazard information

G When transporting or storing your water-
craft, always place the fuel cock knob in
the "OFF" position, otherwise gasoline
may overflow from the carburetor.
G Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide,
a colorless, odorless gas that may cause
loss of consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate the watercraft
in an open area.
G Do not start engine on land until everyone
is away from stern. Hot water and steam
spurting from exhaust outlet can cause
serious burns.
G Hot muffler surfaces can cause serious
burns. Do not touch any muffler surface
during or after engine operation. Catalytic
converter gets hotter after engine stops.
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Watercraft characteristics

G
Jet thrust turns the watercraft. Releasing
the throttle completely produces only min-
imum thrust. If you are traveling at speeds
above trolling, you will have rapidly
decreasing ability to steer without throttle.
You may still have some turning ability
immediately after releasing the throttle,
but once the engine slows down, the
watercraft will no longer respond to han-
dlebar input until you open the throttle
again or you reach a trolling speed. Prac-
tice turning in an open area without
obstructions until you have a good feel for
this maneuver.
G This watercraft is water-jet propelled. The
jet pump is directly connected to the
engine. This means that jet thrust will pro-
duce some movement whenever the
engine is running. There is no "neutral"
position. You are in either "forward" or
"reverse," depending upon the shift lever
position.
G
Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or
impact the handlebars.
This could increase the risk of back/spinal
injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and bro-
ken legs, ankles, and other bones. You
could also damage the shift mechanism.
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