Owner`s manual

BOATING SAFETY
1-11
WATER-SKIING
• Some Skeeter boats are equipped to tow a water-
skier, using the tow cleat or ski pylon provided.
• It is the boat operator’s responsibility to be alert to
the safety of the water-skier and others. Know and
follow all state and local water-skiing regulations in
effect for the waters in which you will be operating.
• The following are some important considerations
for minimizing risks while water-skiing.
• The skier should wear an approved PFD,
preferably a brightly colored one so boat operators
can see the skier.
• The 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. 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.
• A second person should be on board in a rear-
facing seat as a spotter to watch the skier; in most
states it is required by law. Let the skier direct the
operator’s control of speed and direction with hand
signals.
• When preparing to pull a skier, operate the boat at
the slowest possible speed until the boat is well
away from the skier and slack in the towrope is
taken up. Make sure that the rope is not looped
around anything.
• After checking that the skier is ready and that there
is no traffic or other obstacles, apply enough
throttle to raise the skier.
• Make smooth, wide turns. The boat is capable of
very sharp turns, which could exceed the abilities
of the skier. Keep the skier at least 50 meters (150
feet), about twice the distance of a standard
towrope, away from any potential hazard.
• Be alert to the hazard of the towrope handle
snapping back at the boat when the skier falls or is
unable to get up on the skis.
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