2003 YAMAHA SUPERJET Owners Manual

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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. Pull and hold the choke knob all the way
out to start a cold engine.
NOTE:@ The choke should not be used when the
engine is warm.
@
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.
@
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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, push
the choke knob in to its original position.
NOTE:@ If the choke knob is left pulled out, the
engine will stall.
@
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3-18
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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
EJU01285
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 necessary 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 1-6 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 only. Never have more
than one person on the watercraft at any
time.
EJU01286
Learning to operate your
watercraft
Before operating, 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 reli-
ability.
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 a PFD that is approved
by the appropriate authorities and suitable
for personal watercraft use.
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Wear protective clothing. Severe internal
injuries can occur if water is forced into body
cavities as a result of falling into water or
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal
swimwear does not adequately protect
against forceful water entry into rectum or
vagina. Operator must wear a wetsuit bot-
tom or clothing that provides equivalent pro-
tection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly
woven, sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such
as denim, but does not include spandex or
similar fabrics, like those used in bicycle
shorts. A full wetsuit can also protect against
hypothermia (subnormal body temperature)
and abrasions.
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
Eye protection is recommended to keep
wind, water, and glare from the sun out of
your eyes while you operate your watercraft.
Restraining straps for eyewear are made
which are designed to float should your eye-
wear fall in the water.
You should grip the handlebars firmly and
get to a standing or kneeling position
quickly. Keep both feet or knees on the
riding tray when the watercraft is in motion.
WARNING@
Do not apply throttle when others are
at rear of watercraft—turn engine off or
keep engine at idle. Water and/or
debris exiting jet thrust nozzle can
cause severe injury.

Avoid forceful jet thrust and limited
visibility while reboarding. Get to
standing or kneeling position quickly,
but do not expose yourself to forceful
jet thrust.
@
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EJU01287
Starting the watercraft
WARNING@
Scan constantly for people, objects
and other watercraft. Be alert for con-
ditions that limit your visibility or block
your vision of others.

Operate defensively at safe speeds
and keep a safe distance away from
people, objects and other watercraft.

Do not follow directly behind water-
craft or other boats. Do not go near
others to spray or splash them with
water. Avoid sharp turns or other
maneuvers that make it hard for others
to avoid you or understand where you
are going. Avoid areas with sub-
merged objects or shallow water.

Take early action to avoid collisions.
Remember watercraft and other boats
do not have brakes. Do not release the
throttle lever when trying to steer away
from objects—you need throttle to
steer.

Practice deep-water starting near
shore before riding in deep water.
@
The watercraft is less stable when at a
standstill or at slow speed. It takes skill to
keep the watercraft upright when starting.
Even though it is easier to start in shallow
water, you must learn deep-water boarding
first. You will inevitably fall off, so be sure
you know how to get back on the watercraft
once you are away from shore.
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EJU01378
Boarding and starting in deep
water
1. Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your wrist.
Attach the clip to the engine shut-off
switch.
2. Grasp the handlebars with both hands.
Pull your body up onto the riding tray and
balance there, using your elbows on the
gunwales for leverage.
3. Start the engine and begin to accelerate.
4. Continue to pull your body up onto the
watercraft as the watercraft speed
increases.
5. Bring your knees up onto the riding tray
and change to a kneeling position as
soon as you can do so.
WARNING@ Avoid forceful jet thrust and limited visi-
bility while reboarding. Get to standing
or kneeling position quickly, but do not
expose yourself to forceful jet thrust.
@
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6. Move as far forward as possible without
interfering with the movement of the han-
dlebars. Keep your body perpendicular
to the water, with your weight forward
and low.
7. Once the bow drops, and the watercraft
has leveled out in the water and reached
planing speed, back off the throttle lever
and select your desired speed.
NOTE:@
The watercraft will become easier to bal-
ance as the speed increases, because jet
thrust provides stability as well as direc-
tional control.

It will take longer for a heavier operator to
reach planing speed than it will for a light
operator.
@
UF1N71.book Page 23 Tuesday, June 4, 2002 3:34 PM