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3-12
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EJU18340
Throttle
Squeeze and release the throttle lever
several times to make sure that there is no
hesitation in its travel. It should be smooth
over the complete range, and spring back to
the idle position when released.
WARNING@ Before starting the engine, always check
the operation of the throttle lever.
@
EJU10570
Steering system
Check for looseness in the handlebars.
Turn them as far as possible to the right
and left to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle also changes directions as the han-
dlebars are turned, and that there is no free
play between the handlebars and the jet
thrust nozzle.
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EJU10580
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 5-4 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.
@
EJU10590
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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EJU18352
Switches
CAUTION:@ Do not run the engine of the watercraft
for more than 15 seconds on land with-
out supplying water, otherwise the
engine may overheat.
@
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation.
Push the start switch 1 to start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts run-
ning, push the engine stop switch 2 to ver-
ify that the engine stops immediately.
Restart the engine, and then pull the engine
shut-off cord 5 to remove the clip 4 from
the engine shut-off switch 3 to verify that
the engine stops immediately. (See pages
2-7 to 2-8 for information on proper opera-
tion of the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch.)
EJU10610
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.
EJU10620
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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3-19
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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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EJU10680
Operating your watercraft
EJU10690
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 1-9 to 1-15. 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.
EJU10700
Learning to operate your
watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always
perform the pre-operation checks listed on
page 3-6. 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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EJU10770
Boarding with a passenger
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 the passenger
is seated with his or her feet on the floor
of the footwell and is holding on to the
operator.
@
1. Climb on board as noted in the previous
section, and sit astride the seat. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your 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.
NOTE:@ When a passenger is getting on board, both
the passenger and the operator should try to
balance the watercraft.
@
4. The operator should check to see that
the passenger has his or her feet on the
floor of the footwell and that he or she is
securely holding on to the operator.
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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EJU20210
Post-operation checks
WARNING@ Stay away from stern when engine is run-
ning on land. Hot water and steam spurt-
ing from exhaust outlet into the air can
cause serious burns.
@
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 sys-
tem by running the engine at 4,000 r/min
for 10 to 15 seconds.
CAUTION:@ Do not run engine over 4,000 r/min on
land. Otherwise catalytic converter could
sustain serious damage.
@
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NOTE:@ The condition of the battery can be known
by checking the specific gravity of the elec-
trolyte. However, you can also know the con-
dition of the battery by measuring the
voltage at both battery terminals. Charge
the battery if the voltage is less than
12 volts.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the specific gravity and to charge the
battery. If you maintain the battery yourself,
be sure to read and follow the instructions
provided with the battery tester and charger
you use.
@
EJU18800
Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a
long period.
WARNING@ Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the
engine is hot. The sprayed substance or
propellants could catch fire.
@
1. Wash down the hull, handlebars, and
drive unit with fresh water.
2. Rinse the engine and bilge area with
fresh water. Drain off all water and wipe
up remaining moisture with clean, dry
rags.
3. Spray the engine’s exterior with a rust
inhibitor or lubricant.
4. Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
5. Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the seat and engine compart-
ment seals, with a vinyl protectant. Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
UF1G72.book Page 6 Thursday, September 30, 2004 2:28 PM