2003 YAMAHA XL 700 Owners Manual

3-24
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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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3-25
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NOTE:@ The heavier the total weight of the operator
and passengers, the more difficult it will be
to balance the watercraft. Do not operate the
watercraft when the total weight exceeds
240 kg (530 lb) including any cargo. If it is
difficult to balance the watercraft at a stand-
still, proceed as follows:
1. The passenger must steady the water-
craft while the operator is boarding. The
operator pulls him or herself up to a
kneeling position on the platform, and
then moves to the seat and sits astride to
balance the watercraft.
2. The operator attaches the engine shut-
off cord to his or her left wrist, and then
installs the clip to the engine shut-off
switch.
3. The operator starts the engine and lets it
run at idle.
4. The passenger pulls him or herself up to
a kneeling position, and then crawls onto
the seat as the watercraft accelerates.
5. The operator gradually increases speed
to balance the watercraft.
@
EJU01883
Capsized watercraft
If the watercraft capsizes, follow the pro-
cedures below carefully to prevent damage
or injury.
WARNING@ IMPROPER UPRIGHTING CAN CAUSE
INJURY:

Shut engine off, and be sure engine
shut-off cord is removed from the
engine shut-off switch.

Do not put hand in intake grate.

Watch so you are not hit by the water-
craft as it comes over.
@
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3-26
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CAUTION:@ Be sure to remove the clip from the
engine shut-off switch, otherwise the
engine will overheat and engine damage
may occur.
@
1. Shut the engine off by removing the clip
from the engine shut-off switch.
2. Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Pull
the watercraft over with left hand on ride
plate while pushing down on the gun-
wale with your right hand/foot.
NOTE:@ If the port (left) side of the capsized water-
craft is tilting upward, first tilt the watercraft
so the port (left) side is down by using your
weight to press down on the gunwale.
@
CAUTION:@ Do not turn the watercraft over counter-
clockwise, otherwise water may leak into
the carburetor and engine and cause
damage.
@
3. Start the engine, and then head for
shore to inspect the engine for water
damage.
CAUTION:@ If the watercraft has been capsized for
5 minutes or more, air may have entered
the oil injection system. Leave the engine
off, or operate only at trolling speed, for
10 minutes after the watercraft has been
turned right-side up. This will allow any
air to bleed off.
@
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3-27
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EJU01839
Turning the watercraft
Steering control depends on the combi-
nation of handlebar position and the amount
of throttle.
Water sucked in through the intake grate
is pressurized by the impeller in the jet
pump. As the pressurized water is expelled
from the pump through the jet thrust nozzle,
it creates thrust to move and steer the
watercraft. The higher the engine speed, the
more thrust is produced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the
position of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.
B. Less throttle produces lower thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more gradually.
C. Releasing the throttle completely pro-
duces only minimum thrust. If you are
traveling at speeds above trolling, you
will have rapidly decreasing ability to
steer without throttle. You may still have
some turning ability immediately after
releasing the throttle, but once the
engine slows down, the watercraft will no
longer respond to handlebar input until
you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
D. If the engine is stopped while riding,
there is no thrust. The watercraft will go
straight even though the handlebars are
turned.
You need throttle to steer.
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WARNING@
Do not release the throttle when trying
to steer away from objects—you need
throttle to steer. A collision could
result in severe injury or death.

When operating at higher speeds,
make gradual turns or slow down
before turning. Sharp high-speed turns
may cause the watercraft to slide side-
ways or spin, throwing the operator
and passengers overboard which
could cause an injury.
@
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3-29
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EJU01080
Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sep-
arate braking system. It is stopped by water
resistance when the throttle lever is
released. From full speed, the watercraft
comes to a complete stop in approximately
95 m (310 ft) after the throttle is released
and the engine is stopped, although this dis-
tance will vary depending on many factors,
including gross weight, water surface condi-
tions, and wind direction. The watercraft
slows down as soon as the throttle lever is
released, but will coast for a distance before
fully stopping. If you are not sure you can
stop in time before hitting an obstacle, apply
throttle and turn in another direction.
WARNING@
Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions.
Remember, watercraft and other boats
do not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds
and keep a safe distance away from
people, objects, and other watercraft
to give you time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slow-
ing down in case you need engine
power to steer away from a boat or
other obstacle that comes into your
path.
@
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EJU01081
Beaching the watercraft
1. Make sure no obstructions, boats or
swimmers are near the beach. Release
the throttle lever about 95 m (310 ft)
before you reach the intended beaching
area.
2. Approach the beach slowly and stop the
engine before reaching land.
Remember: you need throttle to steer.
3. Get off the watercraft and pull it up on
the beach.
CAUTION:@ Small pebbles, sand, seaweed, and other
debris can be pulled into the jet intake
and impair or damage the impeller.
Always stop the engine and get off
before beaching the watercraft.
@
EJU01082
Docking the watercraft
1. Make sure that no obstructions, boats or
swimmers are close to the watercraft.
Reduce speed about 95 m (310 ft) away
from the dock.
2. Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
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3-31
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EJU01255
Rough water operation
The force of landing after jumping can
cause a strong impact on both the watercraft
and the operator and passengers. It is pos-
sible for the operator to hit his or her chest or
jaw on the watercraft body or handlebars
and be injured. Do not operate the water-
craft with your chin right above the handle-
bars or with your feet outside the watercraft.
Operating in rough water or jumping waves
can also crack the watercraft body or dam-
age internal parts. Avoid operating in rough
water or bad weather conditions.
UF0M74.book Page 31 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 2:45 PM