Page 19 of 106

1-12
E
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off. After riding, remove the
engine shut-off cord from the watercraft to
avoid accidental starting or unauthorized
use by children or others.
Scan carefully for swimmers, and stay
away from swimming areas. Swimmers
are hard to see and you could acciden-
tally hit someone in the water.
Avoid being hit by another boat! You
should always take the responsibility to
watch for traffic; other boaters may not be
watching for you. If they do not see you,
or you maneuver more quickly than other
boaters expect, you risk a collision.
Maintain a safe distance from other boats
or watercraft, and also watch for boats’ ski
ropes or fishing lines. Obey the “Safe
boating rules” and be sure to check
behind you before making a turn. (See
Safe boating rules on page 1-14.)
EJU01382
Recommended equipment
The following items should be carried on
board your watercraft:
Sound-signaling device
You should carry a whistle or other sound-
signaling device that can be used to sig-
nal other boats.
Visual distress signals
It is recommended that an authority-
approved pyrotechnic device be stored in
a waterproof container on your watercraft.
A mirror can also be used as an emer-
gency signal. Contact your Yamaha
dealer for more information.
Watch
A watch is helpful so you will know how
long you have been operating.
Towline
A towline can be used to tow a disabled
watercraft in an emergency.
E_F1N-70.book Page 12 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 30 of 106

2-7
E
EJU01130
Cooling water pilot outlet
This watercraft is equipped with a cooling
water pilot outlet.
When the engine is running, cooling
water is circulated in the engine, and then it
is discharged from the pilot outlet.
To check for proper operation of the cool-
ing system, check that water is being dis-
charged from the pilot outlet. If water is not
being discharged from the outlet, cooling
water may not be circulating in the engine.
When this occurs, stop the engine and
check for the cause. (See pages 2-9 and 5-3
for further instructions.)
NOTE:@ If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 20 seconds for the water to reach
the outlet after the engine is started.
@
EJU01021
Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning
the handlebars 1 the same direction you
wish to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle 2 is changed,
and the direction of the watercraft is
changed accordingly. Since the strength of
the jet thrust determines the speed and
direction of a turn, the throttle must always
be open when attempting a turn, except at
trolling speed.
E_F1N-70.book Page 7 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 32 of 106
2-9
E
EJU01131
Engine overheat warning
system
This model is equipped with an engine
overheat warning system.
If the engine starts to overheat, the
engine speed will be limited to about
3,400 r/min.
When this occurs, check for water dis-
charge at the cooling water pilot outlet. If
there is no discharge of water, reduce the
engine speed and beach the watercraft, and
then check the intake grate and impeller for
clogging.
WARNING@ Before attempting to remove weeds or
debris from the intake grate or impeller,
shut the engine off and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch. Severe
injury or death could result from coming
in contact with the rotating parts of the
jet pump.
@
CAUTION:@ If you cannot locate and correct the
cause of the overheating, consult a
Yamaha dealer. Continuing to operate at
higher speeds could result in severe
engine damage.
@
E_F1N-70.book Page 9 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 35 of 106

E
3
EJU01040
OPERATION
Fuel and oil ............................................... 3-1
Gasoline ................................................. 3-1
2-stroke engine oil .................................. 3-2
Mixing fuel and oil .................................. 3-3
Filling the fuel tank ................................. 3-4
Pre-operation checks .............................. 3-5
Pre-operation check list ......................... 3-5
Pre-operation check points .................... 3-6
Operation ................................................ 3-13
Engine break-in .................................... 3-13
Starting the engine ............................... 3-15
Stopping the engine ............................. 3-18
Leaving the watercraft ......................... 3-18
Operating your watercraft .................... 3-19
Getting to know your watercraft ........... 3-19
Learning to operate your watercraft .... 3-19
Starting the watercraft .......................... 3-21
Operating positions .............................. 3-25
Capsized watercraft ............................. 3-26
Turning the watercraft .......................... 3-27
Stopping the watercraft ........................ 3-29
Beaching the watercraft ....................... 3-30
Rough water operation ........................ 3-30
Post-operation checks ......................... 3-31
Transporting .......................................... 3-33
E_F1N-70.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 40 of 106

3-5
E
EJU01346
Pre-operation checks
EJU01347
Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the
accompanying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING@ If any item in the pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected
and repaired before operating the watercraft, otherwise an accident could occur.
@
NOTE:@ Pre-operation checks should be made thoroughly each time the watercraft is used. This pro-
cedure can be completed in a short time. It is worth the time spent to assure safety and reli-
ability.
@
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Engine compar tment Remove hood, ventilate fuel vapors and check
electrical connections3-6
Bilge Check for water and fuel residue and remove if
necessary3-7
Throttle Check that throttle lever springs back 3-10
Steering system Check for proper steering system operation 3-10
Fuel Check fuel level and add if necessary
Check hoses and tank for leakage3-6
Water separator Check for water and drain if necessary 3-7
Battery Check electrolyte level and battery condition 3-8
Hood Check that hood latches are secured 2-3
Hull/Deck Check hull for cracks or other damage—
Jet unit Check for debris and remove if necessary 3-11
Fire extinguisher Check condition and replace if necessary 3-9
Engine shut-off cord Check condition and replace if frayed or broken 3-11
Switches Check start switch, engine stop switch and
engine shut-off switch for proper operation when
watercraft is in the water 3-12
Cooling water pilot outlet Check that water is discharged while engine is
running and watercraft is in the water3-12
E_F1N-70.book Page 5 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 41 of 106

3-6
E
EJU01048
Pre-operation check points
EJU01278
Engine compartment
Ventilate the engine compartment, before
each use. To ventilate the engine compart-
ment, lift the steering pole and support it
with the stopper pin, then remove the hood.
Put the hood aside for a few minutes to allow
any fuel vapors to escape. Also, check for
loose electrical connections.
WARNING@ Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak
or loose electrical connection.
@
EJU01279
Fuel system
Check the fuel system for leakage, cracks
or malfunctions before each use. (See
page 4-10 for check points and correct pro-
cedures.)
1. Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any pressure that might have built up in
the fuel tank.
2. Remove the hood, and then check the
fuel level in the tank. Replenish if neces-
sary. (See page 3-4 for filling instruc-
tions.)
3. Close the fuel tank filler cap securely.
E_F1N-70.book Page 6 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 42 of 106
3-7
E
EJU01052
Water separator
Check the water separator 1 for water.
Normally the water separator is empty. The
water separator retains any water entering
through the fuel tank breather hose if the
watercraft is capsized.
If water remains in the water separator,
drain it by removing the drain screw 2.
Install the drain screw again after draining
the water separator.
EJU01280
Bilge
Check for moisture and fuel residue in the
bilge.
Excessive water in the bilge can splash
into the carburetor and engine which could
cause engine damage.
E_F1N-70.book Page 7 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM
Page 43 of 106
3-8
E
EJU01054
Battery
Check the battery condition and the elec-
trolyte level.
Check that the battery leads are tightened
securely and there is no corrosion on the
battery terminals.
WARNING@ The battery must always be fully charged
and in good condition. Loss of battery
power may leave you stranded. Never
operate the watercraft if the battery does
not have sufficient power to start the
engine or if it shows any other signs of
decreased power.
@
Make sure that the breather hose is prop-
erly connected and that it is not damaged or
obstructed.
Make sure that the battery is securely
held in place.
1
Positive (+): Red lead
2
Negative (–): Black lead
3
Breather hose
E_F1N-70.book Page 8 Wednesday, July 18, 2001 3:28 PM