2003 YAMAHA XL 700 stop start

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Do not attempt to modify this watercraft!
Modifications to your watercraft may
reduce safety and reliability, and render
the watercraft unsafe or illegal for use.

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 1-15.)
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.
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EJU01007
FEATURES AND
FUNCTIONS
Location of main components .............. 2-1
Operation of controls and other
functions ................................................... 2-4
Rear seat ................................................ 2-4
Front seat ............................................... 2-5
Hood ....................................................... 2-6
Fuel tank filler cap .................................. 2-7
Oil tank filler cap ..................................... 2-7
Fuel cock knob ....................................... 2-8
Engine stop switch ................................. 2-9
Engine shut-off switch ............................ 2-9
Choke knob ............................................ 2-9
Throttle lever ........................................ 2-10
Start switch ........................................... 2-10
Cooling water pilot outlet ..................... 2-11
Steering system ................................... 2-11
Handgrip ............................................... 2-12
Finger grip ............................................ 2-12
Engine overheat warning system ........ 2-13
Oil level warning lamp .......................... 2-14
Storage compartments ........................ 2-15
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1Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
Attach to wrist so that the engine stops if the
operator falls off the watercraft.
2Engine stop switch
Push to stop the engine normally.
3Clip
Insert into the engine shut-off switch to enable
starting of the engine.
Remove to stop the engine or prevent acci-
dental star ting of the engine or unauthorized
use of the watercraft.
4Engine shut-off switch
Remove the clip to stop the engine and dis-
able it from starting.
5Start switch
Push to start the engine.6Oil level warning lamp
7Throttle lever
Use to accelerate and decelerate.
8Stern drain plugs
Use to drain water in the bilge when the water-
craft is on dry land.
9Jet thrust nozzle
Changes the direction of jet thrust according
to handlebar position.
0Cleat
Use to attach a towrope for pulling water-skier
or a rope mooring the watercraft.
ARide plate
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EJU01015
Engine stop switch
Push this switch 1 (red button) to stop
the engine normally.
EJU01016
Engine shut-off switch
Insert the clip 1, on the end of the engine
shut-off cord 2, under the engine shut-off
switch 3 (black button). The engine will stop
automatically when the clip is removed from
the switch, such as if the operator falls off
the watercraft.
WARNING@
Always attach the engine shut-off cord
to your wrist and the clip to the engine
shut-off switch BEFORE starting the
engine.

To prevent accidental starting of the
engine or unauthorized use by chil-
dren or others, always remove the clip
from the shut-off switch when the
engine is not running.
@
EJU01215
Choke knob
Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by the
choke.
Pull the knob 1 out to turn the choke on.
Push the knob in to turn the choke off.
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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 2-13 and 5-4 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.
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EJU01040
OPERATION
Fuel and oil ............................................... 3-1
Gasoline ................................................. 3-1
2-stroke engine oil .................................. 3-2
Filling the fuel tank ................................. 3-3
Filling the oil 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
Riding watercraft with passengers ...... 3-20
Starting the watercraft .......................... 3-21
Boarding and starting in deep water ... 3-23
Capsized watercraft ............................. 3-25
Turning the watercraft .......................... 3-27
Stopping the watercraft ........................ 3-29
Beaching the watercraft ....................... 3-30
Docking the watercraft ......................... 3-30
Rough water operation ........................ 3-31
Post-operation checks ......................... 3-32
Transporting .......................................... 3-34
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3-5
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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 compartment Remove all seats and front storage compart-
ment to ventilate engine compartment. Check for
fuel vapors or loose electrical connections3-6
Bilge Check for water and fuel residue and remove if
necessary3-7
Throttle Check that the throttle lever springs back 3-10
Steering system Check for proper steering system operation 3-10
Fuel and oil Check fuel and oil level and add if necessary
Check hoses and tanks 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 hood for secure 2-6
Front and rear seats Check that the seats are properly secured 2-4–2-5
Hull/Deck Check the hull and deck for cracks or other dam-
age—
Jet unit Check for debris and remove if necessary 3-11
Fire extinguisher Check the condition and replace if necessary 3-9
Engine shut-off cord Check condition and replace is frayed or broken 3-11
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch and
engine shut-off switch for proper operation when
the watercraft is in the water3-12
Cooling water pilot outlet Check that water is discharged while the engine
is running and the watercraft is in the water3-12
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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 cool-
ing. 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
2-9 to 2-10 for information on proper opera-
tion of the start switch, the engine stop
switch and the engine shut-off switch.)
EJU01320
Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the out-
let while the engine is running and the
watercraft is in the water.
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