2003 YAMAHA GP1200 Owners Manual

3-12
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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 cord5 to remove the clip4 from
the engine shut-off switch. Verify that the
engine stops immediately. (See pages 2-8 to
2-9 for information on proper operation of the
start switch, the engine stop switch and the
engine shut-off switch.)
EJU01061
Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the out-
lets while the engine is running and the
watercraft is in the water.
EJU01062
Multifunction information center
Check the operation of the multifunction
information center. (See pages 2-15 to 2-19
for multifunction information center.)
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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.
@
EJU01888
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:@
For the first tankful of operation, pre-
mix a 50:1 mixture of fuel and oil (in
addition to the oil in the oil tank).

After break-in, use straight gasoline
for normal operation.
@
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1. Launch the watercraft and start the
engine. (See page 3-15 for engine start-
ing procedures.)
2. Run the engine at the lowest possible
speed for 5 minutes.
3. Gradually open the throttle to 3/4 or less.
4. Continue operation at 3/4 throttle or less
until the first tankful of fuel has been
used.
5. Fill the tank with straight gasoline, and
then proceed with normal operation.
CAUTION:@ Failure to follow the engine break-in pro-
cedure properly can result in severe
damage to the engine.
@
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EJU01065
Starting the engine
WARNING@ Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monox-
ide, a colorless, odorless gas that may
cause loss of consciousness and death
within a short time. Always operate the
watercraft in an open area.
@
1. Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm
(2 ft) deep.
WARNING@ Never operate in water that is less than
60 cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise you increase
your chance of hitting a submerged
object, which could result in injury.
@
CAUTION:@ Never operate in water that is less than
60 cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise pebbles or
sand could be sucked into the jet intake,
causing impeller damage or engine over-
heating.
@
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2. Turn the fuel cock knob to the “ON” posi-
tion.
NOTE:@ Before starting the watercraft, after it has
been sitting, remove the fuel tank filler cap
to release any built-up pressure in the tank
due to fuel expansion.
@
3. 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.
@
4. Move the choke lever all the way in the
direction of the arrow to start a cold
engine.
NOTE:@ The choke should not be used when the
engine is warm.
@
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5. While lightly squeezing the throttle lever,
push the start switch (green button).
WARNING@ On this watercraft, the engine is con-
nected directly to the jet pump. Starting
the engine immediately generates some
thrust. Apply only enough throttle to
keep the engine running.
@
6. 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
try again.
@
7. After the engine has warmed up, move
the choke lever back to its original posi-
tion.
NOTE:@ If the choke lever is left turned on, the
engine will stall.
@
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EJU01066
Stopping the engine
To stop the engine, release the throttle
lever, and then push the engine stop switch
(red button).
WARNING@ You need throttle to steer. Shutting off
the engine can cause you to hit an obsta-
cle you are attempting to avoid. A colli-
sion could result in severe injury or
death.
@
EJU01067
Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the
engine shut-off cord to reduce the chance of
accidental starting or unauthorized use by
children or others.
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EJU01068
Operating your watercraft
EJU01069
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 1-7 to 1-12. These
materials should give you an understanding
of the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and one passenger.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or
allow more than 2 persons 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: 160 kg (353 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo,
operator and passenger.
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