John in Valley Forge

I don't think it is the actual hours used, as there are many older boats described as "low hours".
Is it hours since the last engine overhaul?

What happens at high hours anyway?

So I picked up my new 1998 Sportster 1800 yesterday. Took it for a little spin last night. Can't wait to get it on the water again.

It seemed like it was going to rain today and I had just cleaned the inside so I decided to put the cover on. That part was easy enough, even with the bimini folded up.

But what the heck am I to do with this pole thing? I am guessing it fits under the reinforced part of the cover near the bow seating. It has a bunch of straps with hook coming off it. These don't seem to reach anything that could be hooked to.

I looked in the operators manual and it does not say anything. Can someone help this noob?

I noticed it on all the Seadoo boats I've looked at.
It is a little black round protrusion, not a button. It has slits in it like it might be some kind of vent.
On the one I decided to buy, gasoline dripped out when the boat was rocked.

What is this thing and is it a problem?

Hi everyone.
My name is John and I live in Valley Forge (but maybe you already guessed that from my screen name)

I am here to gather knowledge for my search for the right Sea-Doo boat for my family.
So far I am looking at the Sportster 1800 line, a 1998 model in particular.