2005 YAMAHA XL 700 Owners Manual

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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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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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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.
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EJU01084
Post-operation checks
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, then
raise the bow of the watercraft enough to
allow water in the bilge to drain out.
NOTE:@ This watercraft is equipped with an auto-
matic bilge-draining system that removes
water from the engine compartment while
you are underway. However, some residual
water will remain.
@
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 the cooling
system procedures.)
6. Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:@ Do not attempt to run the engine at full
throttle or for more than 15 seconds
while the watercraft is out of the water,
otherwise the engine may overheat or
seize.
@
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7. If the watercraft will be stored for a week
or more, lubricate internal engine com-
ponents to help prevent corrosion. (See
page 4-3 for lubrication procedures.)
8. Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
CAUTION:@ Do not use high pressure when rinsing
the engine or engine compartment as
severe engine damage could result.
@
9. Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment dry with a clean cloth (repeat
step 3, if necessary).
10. Wipe the hull, handlebars, and jet unit
dry with a clean cloth.
11. Spray a rust inhibitor on metallic parts to
minimize corrosion.
12. Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before reinstalling the seat.
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EJU01085
Transporting
WARNING@ Always place the fuel cock knob in the
“OFF” position when transporting the
watercraft, otherwise fuel could leak out
into the engine or engine compartment,
which would create a fire hazard.
@
When transporting the watercraft on a
trailer, secure the tie downs to the trailer
through the bow eye and stern rope holes.
CAUTION:@ Do not route ropes or tie downs over the
seat, as they may leave permanent marks
on the seat’s surface. Also, wrap the
ropes or tie downs with towels or rags
where they touch the body of the water-
craft to avoid scratching or damage.
@
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E
–MEMO–
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