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EJU01245
Shift lever and reverse gate
Check for proper operation of the shift
lever and reverse gate.
Make sure that the reverse gate goes
down to its stopper position when the shift
lever is pulled up.
Also, make sure that the reverse gate
goes up to its stopper position when shift
lever is pushed down.
WARNING@ Make sure that the throttle is com-
pletely released and that the engine is
at idle before shifting into reverse.
Do not use the reverse function to
slow down or stop the watercraft as it
could cause you to lose control, be
ejected, or impact the handlebars.
Use reverse for slow-speed maneuver-
ing only.
Make sure that there are no obstacles
or people behind you before shifting
into reverse.
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
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EJU01058
Jet unit
Carefully check the jet intake for weeds,
debris, or anything else that might restrict
the intake of water. If the intake is clogged,
cavitation could occur, reducing jet thrust,
and possibly damaging the jet pump.
In some cases, the engine may overheat
because of lack of cooling water, and dam-
age to the engine could result. Engine cool-
ing water is fed to the engine by the jet
pump. (See page 5-3 for jet intake cleaning
procedures.)
WARNING@ Keep away from intake grate while
engine is on. Items such as long hair,
loose clothing, or PFD straps can
become entangled in moving parts
resulting in severe injury or drowning.
Stop the engine and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch before
removing any debris or weeds, which
may have collected around the jet
intake.
EJU01059
Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken. If the cord is damaged,
replace it; never try to repair it or tie it
together.
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EJU01835
Switches
Check the start switch 1, the engine stop
switch 2, and the engine shut-off switch 3
for proper operation.
To check these switches, place the water-
craft in the water to provide adequate cooling.
Start the engine, and then pull the engine
shut-off cord 5 to remove the clip 4 from the
engine shut-off switch. Verify that the engine
stops immediately. (See pages 2-7 to 2-9 for
information on proper operation of the start
switch, the engine stop switch and the engine
shut-off switch.)
EJU01806
Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the port
(left) pilot water outlet while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.
(See page 2-9 for further instructions.)
EJU01246
Multifunction meter
Check the operation of the multifunction
meter. (See pages 2-15 to 2-19 for operation
of the meter.)
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EJU01836
Operation
WARNING@ Before operating your watercraft,
become familiar with all controls. Con-
sult your Yamaha dealer about any con-
trol or function you do not fully
understand. Failure to understand how
controls work could cause an accident or
prevent you from avoiding an accident.
CAUTION:@ Make sure that the stern drain plugs are
securely tightened before launching the
watercraft.
EJU18071
Engine break-in
The engine break-in period is essential to
allow the various components of the engine
to wear and polish themselves to the correct
operating clearances. This ensures proper
performance and promotes longer compo-
nent life.
CAUTION:@ Be sure to check the engine oil level
before operating the watercraft for the
first time. (See page 3-7 for engine oil
checking procedures.)
@
1. Launch the watercraft and start the
engine. (See page 3-18 for engine start-
ing procedures.)
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2. Attach the clip 1 to the engine shut-off
switch 2. Also, attach the engine shut-
off cord 3 to your left wrist.
WARNING@ Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken, and keep it free from
the handlebars so the engine stops if the
operator falls off. The engine shut-off
cord may not pull free if wrapped around
the handlebars when the operator falls
off, allowing the watercraft to continue to
run and cause an accident.
NOTE:@ It is not possible to start the engine with the
clip removed from the engine shut-off
switch.
3. Push the start switch (green button).
NOTE:@ The engine will not start if the throttle lever is
squeezed.
4. Release the start switch as soon as the
engine starts to run.
CAUTION:@ Never push the start switch while the
engine is running.
Do not operate the start switch for
more than 5 seconds, otherwise the
battery will be discharged and the
engine will not start. Also, the starter
motor may be damaged. If the engine
does not start in 5 seconds, release
the start switch, wait 15 seconds, and
then try again.
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EJU01068
Operating your watercraft
EJU01250
Getting to know your
watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills
acquired through practice over a period of
time. Take the time to learn the basic tech-
niques well before attempting more difficult
maneuvers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a
very enjoyable activity, providing you with
hours of pleasure. However, it is essential to
familiarize yourself with the operation of the
watercraft to achieve the skill level neces-
sary to enjoy riding safely. Before operating
this watercraft, read this Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual, the Riding Practice Guide, and all
warning and caution labels on the water-
craft. Pay particular attention to the safety
information on pages 1-11 to 1-18. These
materials should give you an understanding
of the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or
allow more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a
water-skier is being pulled) to ride the water-
craft at one time.
EJU01070
Learning to operate your
watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always
perform the pre-operation checks listed on
page 3-5. The short time spent checking the
watercraft will reward you with added safety
and reliability.
Check all local laws before operating your
watercraft.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft. Select a wide
area to learn in, where you have good visi-
bility and light boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with
someone nearby. Scan constantly for peo-
ple, objects, and other watercraft. Be alert
for conditions that limit your visibility or block
your vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your wrist and keep it free from the han-
dlebars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
All riders must wear an authority-approved
PFD that is suitable for personal watercraft
use. Maximum load: 240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, opera-
tor and passengers.
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EJU01849
Boarding with passengers
WARNING@ Severe internal injuries can occur if
water is forced into body cavities as a
result of being near the jet thrust nozzle.
Do not apply throttle until each passen-
ger is seated with his or her feet on the
floor of the footwell and is holding on to
the person in front of him or her.
1. Climb on board as noted in the previous
section, and sit astride the seat. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your left wrist,
and then install the clip to the engine
shut-off switch.
2. Have the passenger move to the rear of
the watercraft.
3. Have the passenger get on board and sit
on the seat. If a second passenger is
getting on, have him or her follow the
same procedure.
NOTE:@ When a passenger is getting on board, both
he and the operator should try to balance
the watercraft.
4. The operator should check to see that
the passengers have their feet on the
floor of the footwell and that they are
securely holding on to the person in front
of them.
5. Start the engine, look in all directions,
and then accelerate to planing speed.
WARNING@ Before starting off, make sure that there
are no boats, obstructions, or swimmers
around you.
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EJU01866
Post-operation checks
Always perform the following post-opera-
tion checks after operating the watercraft.
1. Remove the watercraft from the water.
2. Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
3. Remove the seat and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, remove the stern drain plugs, and
then raise the bow of the watercraft
enough to allow water in the bilge to
drain out.
NOTE:@ This watercraft is equipped with a jet vac-
uum bilge draining system and an electric
bilge draining system that remove water
from the engine compartment while you are
underway. However, some residual water will
remain. (See “Bilge” on page 3-9 for more
information.)
4. Put the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
5. Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(See page 4-1 for flushing procedures.)
6. Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:@ Do not run the engine for more than
15 seconds on land. The engine could
overheat.
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