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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 to ventilate the engine compartment.
Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical connections.3-6
Bilge Check for water and fuel and remove if necessary. 3-9
Stern drain plugs Check for proper installation. 3-10
Throttle lever Check that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 3-12
Steering system Check for proper operation.
Check that the handlebars are securely locked.3-12
Shift lever and reverse gate Check for proper operation. 3-13
QSTS Check for proper operation. 3-14
Fuel and oil Check fuel and oil levels and add if necessary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.3-6, 3-7
Water separator Check for water and drain if necessary. 3-8
Battery Check electrolyte level and battery condition. 3-10
Hood Check that the hood is properly secured. 2-7
Front and rear seats Check that the seats are properly secured. 2-5, 2-6
Hull and deck Check the hull and deck for cracks or other damage. 3-6
Jet unit Check for debris and remove if necessary. 3-15
Fire extinguisher Check condition and replace if necessary. 3-11
Engine shut-off cord Check condition and replace if frayed or broken. 3-15
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch, and engine
shut-off switch for proper operation.3-16
Cooling water pilot outlet Check that water is discharged while the engine is run-
ning and the watercraft is in the water.3-16
Multifunction meter Check for warning indications and proper operation. 3-16
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Page 68 of 140
3-11
E
EJU01864
Fire extinguisher
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher
on board. The fire extinguisher container 1
is located in the seat storage compartment.
To open the fire extinguisher container
cap 2, turn it counterclockwise.
After inserting the fire extinguisher make
sure that the container cap is tightened
securely.
NOTE:@ See the instructions supplied by the fire
extinguisher manufacturer for checking
the fire extinguisher. Always keep the
extinguisher in the fire extinguisher con-
tainer.
Always carry a fire extinguisher on board.
A fire extinguisher is not standard equip-
ment with this watercraft. If you do not
have one, contact a Yamaha dealer or a
fire extinguisher dealer to obtain one
meeting the proper specifications.
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Page 69 of 140
3-12
E
EJU01834
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.
EJU01848
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.
Check that the handlebars are locked in
position. (See “Tilt lever” on page 2-11 for
more information.)
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Page 71 of 140
3-14
E
EJU20620
Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
Check the shift lock lever and the QSTS
selector for proper operation.
1. Operate the shift lock lever and the
QSTS selector to check that they oper-
ate properly.
2. Check that the QSTS selector locks
when the lever is released.
3. Check that the selector turns smoothly
when the lever is squeezed and held in
place.
4. Check that the angle of the jet thrust
nozzle changes when the selector is
shifted from neutral to bow up or bow
down.
If the mechanism does not work properly,
have a Yamaha dealer service it.
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Page 79 of 140

3-22
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EJU01068
Operating your watercraft
EJU01250
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 1-12 to 1-19. These
materials should give you an understanding
of the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or
allow more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a
water-skier is being pulled) to ride the water-
craft at one time.
EJU01070
Learning to operate your
watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, 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 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: 240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, opera-
tor and passengers.
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3-24
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EJU01837
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 when trying to steer away from
objects—you need throttle to steer.
Practice reboarding in shallow water
before riding in deep water.
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3-29
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EJU18102
Capsized watercraft
If the watercraft capsizes, turn it over
immediately.
Be sure to carefully follow the procedures
below to prevent injury or damage to the
watercraft.
WARNING@ IMPROPER UPRIGHTING CAN CAUSE
INJURY:
Make sure that the engine shut-off
cord is removed from the engine shut-
off switch.
Do not put your hands in the intake
grate.
Watch so you are not hit by the water-
craft as it comes over.
@
CAUTION:@ If the watercraft capsizes, release the
throttle lever immediately. Oil could flow
into the air filter case and the engine
could be damaged.
@
1. Remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.
2. Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Pull
the watercraft over with your left hand on
the ride plate while pushing down on the
gunwale with your right hand or foot.
NOTE:@ If the port (left) side of the capsized water-
craft is tilting up, push down on the gunwale
so that the port (left) side is down before
turning the watercraft clockwise.
@
CAUTION:@ Do not turn the watercraft over counter-
clockwise, otherwise water can leak into
the engine, which can result in severe
damage.
@
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Page 100 of 140

4-3
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EJU01898
Lubrication
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. Remove the rear and front seats. (See
pages 2-5 to 2-6 for seat removal and
installation procedures.)
2. Remove the air filter case cover
screws1, slide the locks 2 open, and
then remove the case cover.
3. Remove the air filter case cover and air
filter element.
4. Spray a rust inhibitor into each intake
opening 3 for 3 seconds.
5. Install the air filter element and air filter
case cover.
6. Start the engine in a well-ventilated area
and let it run at idle for 15 seconds.
CAUTION:@ Do not run the engine for more than
15 seconds. The engine could overheat.
@
7. Lubricate all cables such as the throttle
and steering cables.
NOTE:@ Use a suitable marine grease applicator to
pressure lubricate the cables and purge out
any moisture between the inner and outer
cables.
@
8. Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified under Lubrication points on
page 4-18.
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