I just bought a new 04 sportsman 500 ho and was wondering if any of you guys can give me some advice. I read in the owners manual where they don't recommend going through water if it is deeper than the floorboards and it states that if you do, you should take it immediately to the dealer for service! What is that all about? I have had a Yamaha for 12 years and had it in water up to the seat many times without any problems. If it can take water above the knees then it shouldn't be called an ATV.

Is this just a CYA statement by Polaris, or should I avoid water that is deeper than the floorboards?

 

thats your first problem there buying a polaris should've stayed with yamaha...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]lol..just kidding they all say that to protect their warranty...most times make your own judgement.no 1 is going to buy a brand new atv and go from dealer to a mudbog w/o breakin it in first.....wait until your 20hrs are up and your first service then i would hit the water...

 

well, I certainly don't have anything bad to say about Yamaha. In fact I still have my 92 big bear and it is still bust'in the brush.

I decided to go with a new Polaris because I didn't like the way the new Yamaha's handle compared to the Polaris and the new Yamahas don't look like there nearly as rugged as my old '92.

I guess I'll find out how tough the P Sportsman is this upcoming hunting season. Hope I'm not disappointed.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

I take my sportsman's everywhere and through water up to the seat. That's just like them saying things like, "No riders", or "No one under 16 may ride this ATV", etc. Heck if you look at the manual, they have about 25 pages of safety and warning instructions. They are just covering thier butt's.

 

Oh, and welcome to the forum's.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks.

Yea, I'm sure that is the case... Heck, if you followed the "Owners Manual" for any of the ATV manufacturers, all you could do "safely" is sit in a lawn chair in the yard and look at it!

you certainly couldn't have much fun on it anyway.

 

lol

I have a masters degree in Occupational Safety and Health, and a lawn chair is unsafe, too.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]