Operation
56
D. If the engine is stopped while riding, there
is no thrust. The watercraft will go straight
even though the handlebars are turned.
You need throttle to steer.
WARNING
EWJ01100
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 turn-
ing. Sharp high-speed turns may cause
the watercraft to slide sideways or spin,
throwing the operator and passenger
overboard, which could cause an injury.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha En-
gine Management System (YEMS) that in-
cludes an off-throttle steering (OTS) system.
It will activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releasing
the throttle lever (see condition C above).
The OTS system assists in turning by continu-
ing to supply some thrust while the watercraft
is decelerating, but you can turn more sharply
if you apply throttle while turning the handle-
bars. The OTS system does not function be-
low planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar in-put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU35980Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sepa-
rate braking system. It is stopped by water re-
sistance when the throttle lever is released.
From full speed, the watercraft comes to a
complete stop in approximately 125 m (410 ft)
after the throttle lever is released or the en-
gine is stopped, although this distance will
vary depending on many factors, including
gross weight, water surface conditions, 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 ob-
stacle, apply throttle and turn in another direc-
tion.
WARNING
EWJ00720
Allow adequate stopping distance.
Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, 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 slowing
down in case you need engine power to
UF1G74E0.book Page 56 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM
Operation
57
steer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.
EJU35940Beaching the watercraft
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach. Re-
lease the throttle lever about 125 m (410
ft) before you reach the intended beach-
ing 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:
ECJ00490
Small pebbles, sand, seaweed, and other
debris can be sucked into the jet intake
and impair or damage the impeller. Always
stop the engine and get off the watercraft
before beaching it.
EJU33310Docking the watercraft
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the watercraft.
Reduce speed about 125 m (410 ft) away
from the dock.
(2) Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
EJU33340Rough water operation
The force of landing after jumping can cause
a strong impact on both the watercraft and the
operator and passenger. It is possible for the
operator to hit his or her chest or jaw on the
watercraft or handlebars and be injured. The
passenger could also impact the watercraft
and be injured.
Do not operate the watercraft with your chin
right above the handlebars. In addition, the
operator and passenger should keep their
feet on the floor of the footwell.Operating in rough water or jumping waves
can also crack the watercraft hull and deck,
and damage internal parts. Avoid operating in
rough water or bad weather conditions.
UF1G74E0.book Page 57 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM
Operation
58
EJU33370
Post-operation care
WARNING
EWJ00680
Do not start the engine on land if anyone is
behind the watercraft. Hot water and
steam spurting from the exhaust outlet
into the air can cause serious burns.
To keep your watercraft in top shape, always
take it out of the water after using it and per-
form the following procedures. Leaving the
watercraft in the water for extended periods
will accelerate the rate of normal deterioration
of the jet unit components and hull finish. Ma-
rine organisms and corrosion are some of the
conditions that can adversely affect the life of
many watercraft components.
(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 the water in the bilge to
drain out.
NOTE:
This watercraft is equipped with a jet vacuum
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 page 39 for bilge draining procedures.)
(4) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
(5) Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt. (See
page 60 for flushing procedures.)
(6) Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by running the engine at 4000
r/min for 10 to 15 seconds.
CAUTION:
ECJ00600
Do not run the engine over 4000 r/min on
land, otherwise the catalytic converter
could be seriously damaged.
(7) If the watercraft will be stored for a week
or more, lubricate internal engine compo-
nents to help prevent corrosion. (See
page 61 for lubrication procedures.)
(8) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
CAUTION:
ECJ00570
Do not use high-pressure water when rins-
ing 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.
WARNING
EWJ00690
Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or pro-
pellants could catch fire.
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Operation
59
(12) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
NOTE:
Cover the watercraft after the engine and cat-
alytic converter have cooled down.
EJU33430
Transporting
When transporting the watercraft on a trailer,
secure the tie downs to the trailer through the
bow eye and stern rope holes.
CAUTION:
ECJ00610
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 watercraft to
avoid scratching or damage.
UF1G74E0.book Page 59 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM
Maintenance and care
60
EJU33490
Storage
WARNING
EWJ00330
Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, other-
wise fuel could leak out into the engine or
engine compartment, which could create a
fire hazard.
Storage for long periods of time, such as win-
ter storage, requires preventive maintenance
to ensure against deterioration. It is advisable
to have the watercraft serviced by a Yamaha
dealer prior to storage. However, the following
procedures can be performed by the owner.
EJU33520Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system is essential to
prevent it from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
WARNING
EWJ00270
Do not start the engine on land if anyone is
behind the watercraft. Hot water and
steam spurting from the exhaust outlet
into the air can cause serious burns.
CAUTION:
ECJ00130
Do not supply water to the cooling water
passages when the engine is not run-
ning. The water could flow back through
the muffler into the crankcase, causing
severe engine damage.
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds on land without supplying wa-
ter, otherwise the engine could over-
heat.
Do not run the engine over 4000 r/min on
land, otherwise the catalytic converter
could be seriously damaged.
(1) Remove the watercraft from the water
and place it in a horizontal position.(2) Remove the flushing hose connector
cap, and then insert the garden hose
adapter into the flushing hose connector
and turn it until it is securely connected.
(3) Connect the garden hose adapter to a
water tap using a garden hose.
NOTE:
A garden hose is not included and must be
purchased separately.
(4) Start the engine, and then immediately
turn the water supply on until water flows
out continually from the cooling water pi-
lot outlet.
(5) Run the engine at idling speed for about
3 minutes watching the engine condition.
If the engine stops while flushing, turn the
water supply off immediately and repeat
the above steps.
(6) Turn the water supply off, and then force
the remaining water out of the cooling
water passages by running the engine at
4000 r/min or less for 10 to 15 seconds.
(7) Stop the engine.
(8) Remove the garden hose adapter and in-
stall the flushing hose connector cap.
1Flushing hose connector cap
2Garden hose adapter
3Flushing hose connector
UF1G74E0.book Page 60 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM
Maintenance and care
61
EJU33580Lubrication
WARNING
EWJ00260
Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or pro-
pellants could catch fire.
(1) Remove the spark plugs and pour ap-
proximately one tablespoon of engine oil
into each cylinder.
(2) Grease the spark plug threads and rein-
stall the spark plugs.
(3) With the spark plug caps removed from
the spark plugs, crank the engine for 3
seconds or less using the start switch.
(4) 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 ca-
bles.
(5) Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified in “Lubrication points” on page
68.
EJU33651Fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00290
GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE HIGH-
LY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!
Do not smoke when refueling, and keep
away from sparks, flames, and other
sources of ignition.
Stop the engine before refueling.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the
watercraft in a horizontal position.
Do not stand or sit on the watercraft
while refueling in case of fire.
Take care not to spill gasoline. If gaso-
line spills, wipe it up immediately with
dry rags. Always properly dispose of
gasoline-soaked rags.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Stop fill-
ing when the fuel level just reaches the
bottom of the filler tube. Do not fill up the
filler tube because fuel expands as it
warms up and could overflow. If tempo-
rarily leaving the watercraft with a full
fuel tank, do not leave it in direct sun-
light. Leave it in a well-ventilated area
with the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
Tighten the fuel tank filler cap securely
after refueling.
If you should swallow some gasoline, in-
hale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get gaso-
line in your eyes, get immediate medical
attention.
If any gasoline spills on your skin or
clothing, immediately wash the affected
area with soap and water and change
your clothes.
Top off the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and
add 470 ml (15.9 US oz, 16.5 Imp oz) of
Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner.
CAUTION:
ECJ00140
Use only Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer and Con-
ditioner, otherwise the catalytic converter
could be seriously damaged.
EJU33680Battery
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft and store it in a cool, dry place.
(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead
first, then the positive (+) battery lead and
breather hose, and then remove the bat-
tery from the watercraft.
UF1G74E0.book Page 61 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM
Maintenance and care
62
(2) Clean the battery casing using fresh wa-
ter.
(3) If the battery terminals are dirty or corrod-
ed, clean them with a wire brush.
(4) Fully charge the battery.
(5) Apply Yamaha Marine Grease or
Yamaha Grease A to the battery termi-
nals, and then store the battery in a cool,
dry place.
(6) Check the battery at least once every 2
months and fully charge it if necessary.
CAUTION:
ECJ00100
Always keep the battery charged. Storing
a discharged battery can cause permanent
battery damage.
To check the condition of the battery, check
the specific gravity of the electrolyte or mea-
sure 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 charge the bat-
tery. If you maintain the battery yourself, be
sure to read and follow the instructions provid-
ed with the battery tester and charger you
use.
EJU33720Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
WARNING
EWJ00260
Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or pro-
pellants could catch fire.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
(2) Rinse the engine and bilge area with
fresh water. Drain all of the water and
wipe up any remaining moisture with
clean, dry rags.
CAUTION:
ECJ00110
Do not use high-pressure water when rins-
ing the engine and bilge area as severe en-
gine damage could result.
(3) Spray the engine’s exterior with a rust in-
hibitor and 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)
UF1G74E0.book Page 62 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM
Maintenance and care
63
EJU33761
Maintenance and adjustments
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrica-
tion will keep your watercraft in the safest and
most efficient condition possible. Safety is an
obligation of the watercraft owner. Proper
maintenance must be carried out to keep the
exhaust emission and sound levels within the
regulated limits. The most important points of
watercraft inspection, adjustment, and lubri-
cation are explained on the following pages.
See a Yamaha dealer for genuine Yamaha re-
placement parts and optional accessories de-
signed for your watercraft.
Remember, failures that are the result of the
installation of parts or accessories which are
not qualitatively equivalent to genuine
Yamaha parts are not covered by the limited
warranty.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and system may
be performed by any marine SI engine re-
pair establishment or individual. Warranty
repair, however, must be performed at an
authorized Yamaha marine dealership.
WARNING
EWJ00310
Be sure to shut the engine off when you
perform maintenance unless otherwise
specified, otherwise an accident or inju-
ry could result from unexpected opera-
tion, moving parts, or electric shock. If
the owner is not familiar with watercraft
servicing, this work should be done by a
Yamaha dealer. Improperly serviced
components could fail or stop operating
correctly, which could result in an acci-
dent.
Modifications to this watercraft not ap-
proved by Yamaha may cause loss of
performance or excessive noise and ex-
haust emissions, or render it unsafe foruse. Consult a Yamaha dealer before at-
tempting any modifications.
EJU33810Owner’s/operator’s manual and tool
kit
It is advisable to always carry the owner’s/op-
erator’s manual and tool kit with you whenev-
er you use the watercraft. For your
convenience, a storage compartment is pro-
vided on the watercraft for the manual and
tool kit.
NOTE:
To protect these materials from water dam-
age, it would be a good idea to put them in a
waterproof bag.
The service information included in this man-
ual is intended to provide you, the owner, with
the necessary information for completing your
own preventive maintenance and minor re-
pairs. The tools provided in the tool kit are suf-
ficient for this purpose, except that a torque
1Storage compartment
UF1G74E0.book Page 63 Monday, July 31, 2006 10:10 AM