2006 YAMAHA FX Owners Manual

3-32
E
WARNING@
Do not release the throttle lever 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.
@
This model has the Yamaha Engine Man-
agement System (YEMS) that includes an
Off-Throttle Steering (OTS) system. It will
activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releas-
ing the throttle lever (see condition C
above). The OTS system assists in turning
by continuing to supply some thrust while
the watercraft is decelerating, but you can
turn more sharply if you apply throttle while
turning the handlebars. The OTS system
does not function below planing speeds or
when the engine is off. Once the engine
slows down, the watercraft will no longer
turn in response to handlebar input until you
apply throttle again or you reach trolling
speed.
E_F1Y-70.book Page 32 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

3-33
E
EJU21760
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
100 m (330 ft) after the throttle is released
or 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.

Do not use the reverse function to
slow down or stop the watercraft as it
could cause you to lose control, be
ejected, or impact the handlebars.
@
E_F1Y-70.book Page 33 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

3-34
E
EJU01081
Beaching the watercraft
1. Make sure no obstructions, boats or
swimmers are near the beach. Release
the throttle lever about 100 m (330 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 100 m (330 ft)
away from the dock.
2. Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
E_F1Y-70.book Page 34 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

3-35
E
EJU12541
Reverse on waterways
Reverse can be used for slow-speed
maneuvering when it is necessary to back
up out of tight spots where you cannot turn
around. Reverse can only be used to slow
down or stop during slow-speed maneuver-
ing, such as when docking.
Once the engine is idling, shift into
reverse and gradually increase engine
speed. Make sure that there are no obsta-
cles or people behind you before shifting
into reverse.
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.
E_F1Y-70.book Page 35 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

3-36
E
EJU01866
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, 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
system by alternately squeezing and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:@ Do not run the engine for more than
15 seconds on land. The engine could
overheat.
E_F1Y-70.book Page 36 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

3-37
E
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 installing the seat.
E_F1Y-70.book Page 37 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

3-38
E
EJU18112
Transporting
When transporting the watercraft on a
trailer, secure the tie downs to the trailer
through the bow eye and stern eyes.
CAUTION:@
Do not use any projections other than
the bow eye and stern eyes to secure
the watercraft to the trailer. Otherwise,
the watercraft may be damaged.

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 tow-
els or rags where they touch the body
of the watercraft to avoid scratches or
damage.

Before putting the watercraft on the
trailer or transporting it, be sure to put
the shift lever in the forward position,
otherwise the reverse gate may hit an
obstruction, which may cause dam-
age.
@
E_F1Y-70.book Page 38 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM

E
–MEMO–
E_F1Y-70.book Page 39 Friday, August 26, 2005 9:47 AM