Team Manual Final-2

Jet Ski Owners & Operators Manual
By: Erica Delgado,

Jonathan Dickerson, Kevin
Dodson & Drew Cummings
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Contents
Table of Contents..............................................................................................................................iii
Introduction....................................................................................................................................... v
Fly Safety......................................................................................................................................... vi
Safety................................................................................................................................................ 7
Safety Gear.................................................................................................................................... 7
Emergency Situations..................................................................................................................9
Fly Operating Procedures..................................................................................................................12
Operating Procedures........................................................................................................................13
Before Leaving Home...................................................................................................................14
Check........................................................................................................................................... 14
Take Off...................................................................................................................................... 15
Practice....................................................................................................................................... 15
Fly Rules.......................................................................................................................................... 16
Rules................................................................................................................................................ 17
Practice good seamanship..............................................................................................................18
Keep a proper lookout...................................................................................................................18
Maintain a safe speed....................................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................................23
Index............................................................................................................................................... 31
Introduction
Introduction
Thank you for choosing this Jet Ski owners & operators manual, it contains the most efficient
way to deliver the basic information needed for proper safety, operation, maintenance and care
for a Personal Water Craft (PWC). Careful reading and application of these simple instructions
will result in the safest way to enjoy a Jet Ski.
Figure 1
Introduction
Safety
Safety
Safety Gear
Always wear a fitted, Coast Guard-approved lifejacket, they are the affective guard against
serious injury while jet skiing.
Riders should wear helmets if they are

available.
Unconscious or semiconscious individuals are

kept afloat by a lifejacket.
NON-USCG approved life jackets would

include sport type jackets such as Figure 1:
Figure 3
Figure 2
Always have the lanyard strongly connected to the drivers wrist, it automatically shuts off the
engine if the driver falls.
Figure 4
Constantly be on the lookout for other boats, skiers, divers, and swimmers.
Safety
11
Do not use waves and the wakes made by boats as ramps. Many novice jet skiers have been
injured from losing control of their craft after trying to jump off of waves.
Do not operate a Jet Ski watercraft if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Figure 5
o
Do not ride a jet ski unless you have reached the legal age to do so according to the relevant
jurisdiction.
o
At present, the personal watercraft industry recommends that Jet Ski riders be at least 16
years old.
Although in some states one only needs to be 11 years old to operate a jet ski.
Some safety advocates advise a helmet for anyone under 18.
Dehydration can be dangerous outcome when jet skiing, especially when riding on salt water.
o
They impair reaction, timing and judgment which can result in crashing or injury.
Jet skiing is a physical activity, it is possible to lose water without realizing it.
Overexposure to the sunlight can cause skin damage.

o
The cooling effect of the wind and water often persuades a Jet Ski operator that he or she
is not receiving too much direct sunlight.
Figure 6
Safety
13
The force of suction on the front of the craft is very strong, and can cause serious injuries to those
who come too close to it while it is in operation.
In addition, the following items are strongly recommended to carry or wear aboard the craft:
PWC owner's manual
Boating safety course certificate
Local chart
Small waterproof first-aid kit
Emergency repair suppliesbasic tools, spare lanyard, strong tape, spare spark plugs, oil, spray
lubricant and cleaner
Visual distress signal (flare, brightly colored cloth or flag, signaling mirror)
Tow rope
Sunscreen with UV protection
Wet suit for water below 70 degrees FNeoprene pants for warmer water
Helmet (required for racing)A high percentage of injuries are head injuries
Sunglasses or goggles
Nonskid shoes or boots (for example, neoprene wet-booties) Gloves
Waterproof watch
Emergency Situations
A capsized PWC may take on water, but it is designed not to sink.
If you fall from a moving craft, hit the water rear end first, with legs together and arms over the head. The
safety lanyard, attached to your wrist or life vest, should kill the engine. A running engine can damage the
craft and cause injury to you. (If you become separated from the craft and the engine is still running, pull
the lanyard off immediately.)
Exercise caution when righting a craft to avoid injury. Roll the craft over in a clockwise direction to
prevent water from the exhaust system from entering the engine.
Safety
15
In the event of a serious emergency such as an injury, stay with the PWC until help arrives.
o Use your whistle, visual distress signal and/or mirror to attract attention.
If you carry a handheld combination GPS/VHF unit, you will be able to call for help and provide your
exact location.
Security
A few simple precautions can help protect your PWC from theft.
Never leave the keys in the ignition.
Never leave your PWC unattended at docks or on beaches.
Chain multiple PWCs together. (Caution, this can cause scratches in the hulls.)
Permanently affix your Hull Identification Number (HIN) in a secret, unexposed location in the
PWC.
Record the H.I.N. number and keep it in a safe place other than your PWC, t may help to identify
your PWC if it is stolen.
If on a Trailer:
Lock your PWC to the trailer
Add a hitch lock so the trailer can't be easily towed away.
Remove a trailer wheel and store it in the trunk of your car.
Required Equipment for A PWC
A life jacket for each operating passenger, and person being towed
A Coast Guard-approved B-1 fire extinguisher
An approved sound-signaling device such as a whistle or horn
An emergency engine cutoff lanyard attached to the operator
Proper display of registration numbers, letters and validation decals
Vessel registration, to be displayed when requested
A functioning backfire flame arrestor and passive ventilation system
Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions and be prepared to act if the water or weather requires.
Use the following rule to prevent running out of fuel: 1/3 going out, 1/3 coming back, 1/3 reserve.
(Not counting the fuel reserve tank.)
Figure 7
Safety
17
Make all riders sits on the seat provided.
Make all riders are wearing PFDs.
Falling Off and Reboarding
Figure 8
PWC are designed in two different version to allow a driver to reboard it after falling off:
Engine idling PWC continues to circle slowly when the operator falls off.
Engine shut-off PWC stop when the lanyard, attached to the drivers wrist, is removed from the
ignition.
Water Skiing
Watercraft riding and skiing commonly share water space, so riders should watch out for skiers attached
to boats or PWC as well as those who floating in the middle of the open waters.
Fly Operation Procedures
Title of Manual
Operating Procedures
A basic image of how a jet ski works is shown below. The engine turns a jet impeller so it sucks
water in through the front and propels it through the back of the jet ski.
Before leaving home check:

Steering controls are operating properly
For hull damage
Throttle works freely and returns to idle position when released
Hoses, hose connections and clamps
Battery and cable connections
For fuel and oil leaks
For adequate fuel and oil levelsthe jump pump cover and inlet grate for looseness
Engine cover latches are secure
Check that all safety equipment is aboard and in proper working order.
19
21
Watch the oil, temperature and other gauges for signs of problems. Ignoring warning signs can
result in costly repairs.
Be sure to check the engine compartment to see if the battery is secure and the cables are tight.
Check fuel lines for leaks or signs of wear or cracking.
Check the vessel's fire extinguishers to make sure they are not expired.
When towing a watercraft, don't cut corners short. Watch carefully when backing up and be aware
of what is behind you.
Owners of boats and other Jet Ski watercraft may want to consider protecting themselves and
other with insurance coverage.
Before Leaving Home

Study your owner's manual to learn all you can about your PWC.
Inspect your craft and make necessary repairs.
Check
Steering controls are operating properly
For hull damage
Throttle works freely and returns to idle position when released
Hoses, hose connections and clamps
Battery and cable connections
For fuel and oil leaks
For adequate fuel and oil levelsthe jump pump cover and inlet grate for looseness
Engine cover latches are secure
Check that all safety equipment is aboard and in proper working order.
File a float plan with a close neighbor or friend. Instruct them to alert the Coast Guard or
local Search and Rescue agency if you do not arrive home when expected.
23
Inspect your trailer carefully before each use. Check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs,
etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should
fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares
Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length
of the car and trailer when turning and passing. Allow extra time for stopping.
Take Of
1. Put on the PWC appropriate gear given in the safety section.
2. Attach the kill switch safety lanyard to your PFD or wrist.
3. Check that the throttle control and handlebars are operating smoothly, and
steering nozzle turns properly in both directions.
4. Pushed away from the dock, the engine should be started in at least three feet of
water to avoid stirring up the ground or damaging the jet pump.
5. Turn the key to start the Jet Ski, run the engine for several seconds to get the
water out.
6. Maintain idle speed until the Jet Ski is 100 yards away from the shore and is in a
clear area.
25
7. Returning to Shore
8. Slow down and maintain idle speed, beginning at least 100 yards from the
breakwater, dock or shore.
9. If landing at a dock, approach at an angle, not head on.
Practice
Make sure that all riders are familiar and comfortable with how to operate the PWC.
o First time drivers should practice in a clear area until they are comfortable with the
machine.
The engine will run at idle if there is no pressure on the throttle, and the craft will normally
move forward at several miles per hour.
o To increase speed, gently squeeze the throttle.
Jet Skis turn by pulling down the handle on the side a driver wishes to turn
and then accelerating (See Figure 9).
o Turn in different directions, and at different speeds.

o Shifting weight on a turn can help a riders balance
o Notice that the Jet Ski does not turn without power from a stopped
position.
Practice coming to a stop at a low speed to see how the craft behaves.
o Notice that the craft does not come to an immediate stop.

o PWC (like other boats) have no brakes.
Figure 9
Rules
27
Rules
Operators must meet the age and boater education requirements shown below in order to operate any of
the following vessels legally in Texas:
A powerboat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower or
A personal watercraft or
A windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
A person less than 13 years of age may operate only if he or she is supervised by a person who:
Is 18 years of age or older and
Can lawfully operate the watercraft and
Is on board when the vessel is underway.
A person at least 13 years of age and born on or after September 1, 1993, may operate without supervision
only if he or she has passed a boater education course that is accepted by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department.
Check your State Regulations, all now have specific sections on jet skis.
Read the owner's manual so you understand the controls and features of your personal water craft,
and take at least one lesson on its usage.
Wear the proper safety equipment. An approved PFD life jacket Type I (Image) or Type II
(Image) is a must. It is also advised to wear eye protection to keep water spray from obscuring
your vision.
Tennis or deck shoes offer better control on your machine, also gloves and a wetsuit offer
protection from the elements.
Attach a whistle to your life jacket in case you need to summon help.
All persons using or towed by a PWC must wear a Personal Flotation Device.
Stay out of swimming areas and away from wildlife.
Never operate at night, or with two water skiers. Operate the craft only between sunrise and
sunset.
Staying away from anglers and canoeists.
Be conscious of the noise your craft makes.
-The minimum age to take the online boat safety exam is 13 years old.
Rules
29
Practice good seamanship

It is the responsibility of every boat or PWC operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision,
taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and limits of other vessels. Such action should be taken in
ample time to avoid a collision and at a safe distance from other vessels.
Keep a proper lookout

Failing to keep a sharp lookout is the most common cause of collisions. Every operator must keep a
proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio
communications, navigational hazards, and others involved in water activities.
Maintain a safe speed

6 Safe speed is the speed that ensures you will have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an
appropriate distance. Safe speed will vary depending on conditions such as wind, water conditions,
navigational hazards, visibility, surrounding vessel traffic density, and the maneuverability of your boat or
PWC. Always reduce speed and navigate with extreme caution at night and when visibility is restricted.
All operational rules for regular motorboats also apply to PWC. In addition to those requirements, it is
unlawful for any person to:
operate PWC at night (sunset until sunrise);
operate PWC within 50 feet of another PWC, motorboat, vessel, platform, person, object, or shore
except at headway speed without creating a swell or wake (Headway speed = Slow, idle speed, or speed
only fast enough to maintain steerage); and
operate a PWC and jump the wake of another vessel recklessly or unnecessarily close.
Operate at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and prudent or greater than will permit him to bring
such boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
Operate so as to cause a hazardous wake or wash.
Operate in a circular course around any other boat or PWC occupied by a person engaged in fishing,
waterskiing, or similar activity.
Moor or attach to any buoy, beacon, light marker, stake, flag or other aid to safe operation, or to move,
remove, displace, tamper with, damage or destroy the same.
Anchor in the traveled portion of any river or channel so as to prevent, impede, or interfere with safe
passage of any other boat through the same area.
Operate within an area designated as bathing, fishing, swimming, or otherwise restricted.
Operate within designated "no wake" area except at headway speed without creating a swell or wake.
Engage in water skiing, surfboarding or other similar activity between the hours of hour after sunset
to hour before sunrise; provided that this shall not apply to vessels used in recognized water ski
tournaments, competitions, exhibitions or trials, provided that the water area is adequately lighted.
Operate while intoxicated (loss of mental or physical faculties, or blood alcohol content of .08 or
higher). First conviction punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail not to exceed 180
days or both; second conviction punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement not to exceed one
Rules
31
year or both; third conviction punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000, imprisonment for not more than
10 years or less than 2 years. **Failure to submit a specimen to determine blood alcohol content may
result in suspension of your driver's license.
Operate any vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane or similar device, in a willful or wanton
disregard of the rights or safety of others and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to
endanger any person or property. (Violation of this provision shall be punishable, upon conviction, by a
fine of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000 or by confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days or both.)
Swim or dive within two hundred yards of any sight-seeing or excursion boat except for maintenance
purposes or unless within an enclosed area.
Operate within 50 feet of a "Diver down Flag" or operate a boat within 150 feet of a "Diver down Flag"
except at Headway/Steerage Speed.
Fail to comply with the U.S. Coast Guard Inland Rules of the Road.
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/laws/pwc/
https://www.boat-ed.com/texas/studyGuide/10104501
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
33
Troubleshooting
No fuel flow
No fuel in tank
Fuel tank air vent
Fuel pump screen and/or fuel filter clogged
Fuel injector trouble
Fuel line clogged
Miscellaneous
Throttle valve wont fully open

Engine overheating
Engine oil level too high
Engine oil viscosity too high
Air suction valve trouble
Camshaft cam worn
Backfiring when deceleration
Spark plug dirty, broken or gap maladjusted

Too low fuel pressure
Fuel pump trouble
Throttle sensor trouble
Inlet air temperature sensor trouble
Water temperature sensor trouble
Inlet air pressure sensor trouble
After fire
Crankshaft sensor trouble

Spark plug burned or gap maladjusted
Poor running at low speed
Spark weak
Battery voltage
Spark plug dirty, broken, or maladjusted
Ignition coil shorted or not in good contact
Ignition coil trouble
35
Troubleshooting
Spark plug incorrect

Spark plug cap trouble
Spark plug cap shorted or not in good contact
IC igniter in ECU
Camshaft position sensor trouble
Fuel/air mixture incorrect
Air passage clogged

Air filter poorly sealed
Fuel tank air vent obstructed
Fuel pump trouble
Inlet air duct loose
Fuel pump screen and/or fuel filter clogged
Throttle body assy loose
Throttle body assy gasket damage
No spark; spark weak
Ignition coil faulty

Vehicle-down sensor (DFI) coming of
Vehicle-down sensor trouble
Ignition switch turned OFF and/or lanyard
key not pushed under stop button
Battery voltage low
Spark plug dirty, broken, or gap maladjusted
Ignition coil shorted or not in good contact
Spark plug cap trouble
Spark plug cap shorted or not in good contact
IC igniter in ECU trouble
Wiring shorted or open
Fuse blown
Compression Low
Spark plug loose

Cylinder head not sufficiently tightened down
No valve clearance
37
Troubleshooting
Cylinder, piston worn

Piston ring bad (worn, weak, broken, or sticking)
Piston ring/groove clearance excessive
Cylinder head gasket damaged
Cylinder head warped
Valve spring broken or weak
Valve not seating properly (valve bent, worn, or carbon accumulation on the seating
surface)
Poor Acceleration

Water or foreign matter in fuel
Clogged fuel filter or pump screen
Fuel pump trouble
Engine oil level to high
Stumble

Throttle sensor malfunction
Backfiring when deceleration

Fuel pump trouble
Throttle sensor trouble
Air suction valve trouble
Knocking
-Carbon built up in combustion chamber
39
Troubleshooting
41
-Fuel poor quality or incorrect

-Spark plug incorrect
Oil pressure warning light goes on
Oil pimp damaged

Oil screen clogged
Oil filter clogged
Engine oil level too low
Engine viscosity too low
Camshaft bearing worn
Crankshaft bearing worn
Overheating
Firing incorrect
Spark plug dirty, broken, or maladjusted
Poor Steering Control (Since faulty steering is dangerous, this problem should
be examined by an authorized Jet Ski dealer)
Handlebar hard to turn

Steering maladjusted
Bushing damaged or cracked
Steering shaft bent
No lubricant on steering pivot
Steering cable damaged or improperly
Routed
Index
Index
prove, 3, 4, 5
43
Sources: http://www.safetyresource.org/water_safety/jet_ski_safety.html
http://www.safetyresource.org/water_safety/jet_ski_injuries.html
http://www.rescuediver.org/articles/pwc.htm
http://www.safeco.com/boat-insurance/do-more/personal-watercraft-safety
http://www.jetski.com/article_cfm_id=658.html
Figure 2:
https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/.gy.AR6Df10XRlmCq6zjlQ--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO
2g9Mjc2O3E9OTU7dz0zNzE-/http:/www.bartswatersports.com/images/Product/largeim
age-93383.jpg
Figure 3: https://www.boat-ed.com/images/drawings/lanyard_pwc_text.jpg
Figure 4: http://www.dolmanlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jet-ski-accident.jpg
Figure 5: https://www.boat-ed.com/images/drawings/pwc_side_view.jpg

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Jet Ski Owners & Operators Manual

By: Erica Delgado,

Riders should wear helmets if they are

Unconscious or semiconscious individuals are

NON-USCG approved life jackets would

Some safety advocates advise a helmet for anyone under 18.

Overexposure to the sunlight can cause skin damage.

PWC owner's manual

Boating safety course certificate

Small waterproof first-aid kit

Sunscreen with UV protection

Nonskid shoes or boots (for example, neoprene wet-booties) Gloves

Never leave the keys in the ignition.

Never leave your PWC unattended at docks or on beaches.

Lock your PWC to the trailer

Add a hitch lock so the trailer can't be easily towed away.

Remove a trailer wheel and store it in the trunk of your car.

Required Equipment for A PWC

A Coast Guard-approved B-1 fire extinguisher

An approved sound-signaling device such as a whistle or horn

An emergency engine cutoff lanyard attached to the operator

Proper display of registration numbers, letters and validation decals

Vessel registration, to be displayed when requested

A functioning backfire flame arrestor and passive ventilation system

Make all riders sits on the seat provided.

Make all riders are wearing PFDs.

Falling Off and Reboarding

Fly Operation Procedures

Before leaving home check:

Before Leaving Home

Steering controls are operating properly

For hull damage

Throttle works freely and returns to idle position when released

Hoses, hose connections and clamps

Battery and cable connections

For fuel and oil leaks

Engine cover latches are secure

Inspect your trailer carefully before each use. Check:

o To increase speed, gently squeeze the throttle.

o Turn in different directions, and at different speeds.

o Notice that the craft does not come to an immediate stop.

Stay out of swimming areas and away from wildlife.

Staying away from anglers and canoeists.

Be conscious of the noise your craft makes.

Practice good seamanship

Keep a proper lookout

Maintain a safe speed

Throttle valve wont fully open

Backfiring when deceleration

Spark plug dirty, broken or gap maladjusted

Crankshaft sensor trouble

Poor running at low speed

Spark plug incorrect

Fuel/air mixture incorrect

Air passage clogged

No spark; spark weak

Ignition coil faulty

Spark plug loose

Cylinder, piston worn

Too low fuel pressure

Too low fuel pressure

Backfiring when deceleration