Riding Information

Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon Boat Safety Basics

By Sea-Doo Team

Sea-Doo Switch pontoon boats are a great way for the entire family to enjoy a day on the water. Spacious like a pontoon, built with the heart of a Sea-Doo, they offer incredible versatility, are easy to own at an affordable price, and add waves of summer excitement your whole crew is sure to love. Following these pontoon boat safety basics will help ensure every moment on your Sea-Doo Switch is safe, fun and full of memories that last a lifetime.

SEA-DOO SWITCH PRE-RIDE INSPECTION

A great day on the water always starts with a pre-ride boat inspection of your Sea-Doo Switch pontoon. You can find the process outlined in your Switch pontoon operator’s guide. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to look over before leaving for the boat ramp.

Before you leave the driveway, give the exterior a good look. Check for any cracks or damage to the pontoons. Also, make sure the exterior of the Switch is free from any aquatic plants or invasive species to avoid spreading to other bodies of water. Make sure the intake grate, impeller, and sacrificial anodes are debris- and damage-free.

Internally, check the engine compartment and look for signs of any leaking fluids or fuel vapor. If either are present, do not start your Switch pontoon. It should be serviced at your Sea-Doo dealer before you do anything else. Make sure the oil, fuel and coolant levels are topped off, and check that the battery is charged and ready to go.

When you get to the boat ramp, install the drain plugs and double check all storage areas like under-seat spaces, wakeboard racks and any accessories are secured. Make sure you start the engine ventilation system for a few minutes to evacuate any fuel fumes before starting the engine. Verify that the throttle, brake and steering all move freely and operate without obstruction.

SWITCH PONTOON BOAT SAFETY: KNOW THE WATER CONDITIONS

Weather plays a big part in planning your Sea-Doo Switch pontoon adventures. We always hope for those bluebird skies and sunny days, but the weather can change unexpectedly. Water conditions, waves, currents, winds and tides can change quickly. You’ll find maximum wave height and wind speed for your category of vessel noted on the safety label placed near the helm. Staying aware of your surroundings is a key to making everyone’s day on the water more enjoyable.

Before you depart the boat ramp, make sure you’ve checked the local weather forecasts and are up to speed on any advisories. The Sea-Doo Connectivity Hub makes it easy to keep track of the weather on the go with integrated AccuWeather app that can be displayed on your dash (on select Switch models) via the BRP GO! App. Always pay close attention and adjust your speed and riding behavior to what conditions allow. If you feel uncomfortable on the water at any point, return to shore immediately. Respect your own limits and the limits of your Sea-Doo Switch, and you’ll enjoy many fulfilling days on the water with your favorite crew.

SEA-DOO SWITCH PONTOON BOAT SAFETY GEAR

There are a few items that must be on board your Sea-Doo Switch on every adventure. Your pontoon must always be equipped with enough properly sized personal flotation devices (PFD). There must be one PFD for every passenger on board. You’re also legally required to carry a marine fire extinguisher large enough for the size of your pontoon, a throw rope with flotation device and a signaling device, such as a whistle or air horn. Each of these items can be found at your Sea-Doo dealer or online here.

SAFELY LOADING AND UNLOADING YOUR SWITCH PONTOON

Proper weight distribution on boats is essential to ensuring safety. As the captain of the boat, you’re responsible for everyone else onboard your Sea-Doo Switch. Properly loading and unloading all passengers and cargo is a critical component to boat stability and control.

Every boat, including your Sea-Doo Switch pontoon, has a maximum weight capacity, as well as a maximum passenger capacity (see table below). Maximum weight, passenger capacity and recommended seating position are listed on the safety label near the helm of your Sea-Doo Switch. You can also find this info listed by model in the table below. It’s important to understand the maximum weight capacity of your Sea-Doo Switch includes all cargo and passengers. The weight of coolers, watersports equipment and other cargo can add up quickly. Be aware that bringing more cargo along for the ride will reduce the available weight capacity for additional passengers.

When loading your Sea-Doo Switch, load cargo first, making sure weight is evenly distributed side-to-side and front-to-back. Passengers should load one at a time through the designated entry points and be seated in such a way that the weight is evenly distributed around the available seating and/or floor space.

Overloading your Switch pontoon or uneven weight distribution increases the risk of tipping or capsizing – especially in adverse water conditions. As the captain of your pontoon, do not hesitate to guide your passengers where to sit. With the weight evenly distributed, it will be much easier for you to drive the boat in all situations, including docking.

When underway, passengers should stay seated. Sudden movements from passengers – such as jumping up to catch a hat or towel that’s blown overboard – should be avoided. If your crew needs to move around the boat, wait until the boat is no longer in motion. A friendly reminder that it’s a good idea to use a point of contact, such as a table, railing or other stationary object, when moving around the pontoon, to help balance in case another boat wake or other unexpected boat movement occurs is always helpful.

NOTE: Maximum rider capacity is based on 165 lb./rider.

YOUR SEA-DOO SWITCH PONTOON ADVENTURES ARE JUST GETTING STARTED

Keeping these tips in mind and reviewing your Sea-Doo Switch pontoon operator’s guide will help you start and end every ride successfully. Proper loading, pontoon boat weight distribution and following all safety regulations are key to making memories on the water. If you have any questions regarding the safe operation of your Sea-Doo Switch pontoon, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Sea-Doo dealer. And make sure to check out the Owner Resources page on our website for more great Sea-Doo Switch tips. We’ll see you on the water!

Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon Boat Safety Basics

SEA-DOO SWITCH PRE-RIDE INSPECTION

SWITCH PONTOON BOAT SAFETY: KNOW THE WATER CONDITIONS

SEA-DOO SWITCH PONTOON BOAT SAFETY GEAR

SAFELY LOADING AND UNLOADING YOUR SWITCH PONTOON

YOUR SEA-DOO SWITCH PONTOON ADVENTURES ARE JUST GETTING STARTED

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