Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Hull Identification Number (HIN) ........ 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Model information
(for Europe only) ......................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Emission control information
(for Canada only) ........................ 3
Approval label of emission control
certificate ........................................ 3
Manufactured date label .................... 4
Important labels .............................. 5
Warning labels ................................... 6
Other labels ....................................... 9
Safety information ........................... 12
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................ 12
Cruising limitations ....................... 13
Operation requirements ............... 14
Recommended equipment ........... 16
Hazard information ....................... 17
Watercraft characteristics ............. 17
Water-skiing ................................. 19
Safe boating rules ........................ 20
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 21
Features and functions ................... 22
Location of main components ...... 22
Operation of controls and other
functions .................................... 26
Seat ................................................. 26
Hood ................................................ 26
Fuel tank filler cap ........................... 27
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 27
Engine stop switch .......................... 28
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 28
Start switch ...................................... 29Throttle lever ................................... 29
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 29
Steering system ............................... 30
Shift lever
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 30
Handgrip .......................................... 31
Bow eye ........................................... 31
Stern eyes ....................................... 31
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ........................... 32
Yamaha Security System and
low-RPM mode
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 32
Multifunction information center ...... 34
Storage compartments .................... 38
Operation ......................................... 41
Fuel and oil .................................. 41
Gasoline .......................................... 41
Engine oil ......................................... 42
Filling the fuel tank .......................... 42
Pre-operation checks ................... 43
Pre-operation check list ................... 43
Pre-operation check points .............. 45
Operation ..................................... 51
Engine break-in ............................... 51
Launching the watercraft ................. 52
Starting the engine .......................... 52
Stopping the engine ........................ 54
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 54
Operating your watercraft ............ 54
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 54
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 54
Riding with passengers ................... 55
Starting the watercraft ..................... 56
Boarding and starting in deep
water ............................................ 57
Capsized watercraft ......................... 60
Turning the watercraft ..................... 61
Stopping the watercraft ................... 62
Beaching the watercraft ................... 63
Docking the watercraft ..................... 63
UF1K72E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Table of contents
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 63
Rough water operation .................... 63
Post-operation care ...................... 64
Transporting ................................. 65
Maintenance and care ..................... 66
Storage ......................................... 66
Flushing the cooling system ............ 66
Lubrication ....................................... 67
Fuel system ..................................... 67
Battery ............................................. 68
Cleaning the watercraft ................... 68
Maintenance and adjustments ..... 69
Owner’s/operator’s manual and
tool kit ........................................... 70
Periodic maintenance chart ............. 71
Checking the fuel system ................ 73
Engine oil and oil filter ..................... 73
Air filter element .............................. 74
Checking the jet thrust nozzle
angle ............................................ 74
Checking the shift cable
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 74
Checking and adjusting the throttle
cable ............................................ 75
Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs ............................................ 75
Lubrication points ............................ 76
Checking the battery ....................... 77
Fuel injection system ....................... 78
Specifications .................................. 79
Specifications ................................ 79
Trouble recovery ............................. 80
Troubleshooting ........................... 80
Troubleshooting chart ...................... 80
Emergency procedures ................ 82
Cleaning the jet intake and
impeller ........................................ 82
Jumping the battery ......................... 83
Replacing the fuses ......................... 84
Towing the watercraft ...................... 85Submerged watercraft ..................... 85
UF1K72E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Features and functions
22
EJU31010
Location of main components
Front view
1Handlebars
2Seat
3Footwell
4Sponsons
5Gunwale
6Cooling water pilot outlet
7Fuel tank filler cap
8Bow eye
9Hood
UF1K72E0.book Page 22 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Features and functions
29
To prevent accidental starting of the en-
gine or unauthorized use by children or
others, always remove the clip from the
engine shut-off switch when the engine
is not running.
EJU31190Start switch
Push the start switch (green button) to start
the engine.
NOTE:
The engine will not start when the lock mode
of the Yamaha Security System has been se-
lected (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser), the clip is
removed from the engine shut-off switch, or
the throttle lever is squeezed. (See page 32
for Yamaha Security System and low-RPM
mode selection procedures.)
EJU31210Throttle lever
Squeeze the throttle lever to increase engine
speed.
Release the throttle lever to decrease engine
speed or to return it to the idle position.
EJU35971Cooling water pilot outlet
This watercraft is equipped with a cooling wa-
ter pilot outlet.
When the engine is running, cooling water is
circulated in the engine, and then it is dis-
charged from the pilot outlet.
To check for proper operation of the cooling
system, check that water is being discharged
from the pilot outlet. If water is not being dis-
charged from the outlet, cooling water may
not be circulating in the engine. When this oc-
curs, stop the engine and check for the cause.
(See pages 36 and 82 for more information.)
1Start switch
1Throttle lever
UF1K72E0.book Page 29 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Features and functions
30
NOTE:
If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 60 seconds for the water to
reach the outlet after the engine is started.
Water discharge may not be constant at
idle, therefore, open the throttle a little to
check that water discharges properly.
EJU31260Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning the
handlebars in the direction you wish to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the angle of
the jet thrust nozzle is changed, and the direc-
tion of the watercraft is changed accordingly.
Since the strength of the jet thrust determines
the speed and degree of a turn, throttle must
always be applied when attempting a turn, ex-
cept at trolling speed.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. 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 in-
put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU31300Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The shift lever is located on the starboard
(right) side of the watercraft and is used to
control the reverse gate, which allows the wa-
tercraft to move in reverse or forward.
When the shift lever is in the reverse position,
the watercraft can be launched from a trailer,
or backed up out of tight spots where you can-
not turn around easily.
To shift into reverse:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Pull the shift lever toward you.
1Handlebar
2Jet thrust nozzle
UF1K72E0.book Page 30 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Features and functions
36
sure warning indicator begin to blink, and the
buzzer sounds intermittently. At the same
time, the engine speed is limited to help pre-
vent damage.
If this occurs, reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and then check the engine oil level.
(See page 45 for engine oil level checking
procedures.) If the oil level is low, add enough
engine oil to raise it to the proper level. If the
oil level is sufficient, have a Yamaha dealer
check the watercraft.
NOTE:
Press the select button on the multifunction
meter to stop the buzzer.
EJU31602Engine overheat warning indicator
This model is equipped with an engine over-
heat warning system.
If the engine starts to overheat, the “WARN-
ING” light and the engine overheat warning in-dicator blink, and then come on. The buzzer
also begins to sound intermittently, and then it
sounds continuously. After the light and indi-
cator start to blink and the buzzer sounds, the
engine speed is limited to help prevent dam-
age.
If this occurs, immediately reduce the engine
speed, return to shore, and then check for wa-
ter discharge at the port (left) cooling water pi-
lot outlet while the engine is running. If there
is no discharge of water, shut the engine off,
and then check the intake grate and impeller
for clogging.
WARNING
EWJ00050
Before attempting to remove weeds or de-
bris from the intake grate or impeller, shut
the engine off and remove the clip from the
engine shut-off switch. Severe injury or1Select button
UF1K72E0.book Page 36 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
43
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31990Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the accom-
panying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING
EWJ00410
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.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seat to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.45
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 46
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 47
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 48
Steering systemCheck for proper operation. 48
Shift lever and reverse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)Check for proper operation. 49
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.45, 45
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 46
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 47
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 26
SeatCheck that the seat is securely installed. 26
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.45
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 49
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 48
Engine shut-off cordCheck the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 50
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.50
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.50
Multifunction information
centerCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 51
UF1K72E0.book Page 43 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
45
EJU32280Pre-operation check points EJU32310Engine compartment
Ventilate the engine compartment before
each use.
To ventilate the engine compartment, remove
the seat. (See page 26 for seat removal and
installation procedures.) Leave the engine
compartment open for a few minutes to allow
any fuel vapors to escape.
While the engine compartment is open, check
for loose electrical connections.
WARNING
EWJ00460
Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in a fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak or
a loose electrical connection.
EJU32350Hull and deck
Check the hull and deck for cracks and other
damage. If any damage is found, have a
Yamaha dealer repair the watercraft.
EJU32390Fuel level
Check the fuel system for leakage, cracks,
and malfunctions before each use. (See page
73 for check points and correct procedures.)
(1) Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any pressure that might have built up in
the fuel tank.(2) Remove the seat. (See page 26 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Check the fuel level in the fuel tank and
replenish if necessary. (See page 42 for
filling procedures.)
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the seat.
EJU32400Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level before each use.
CAUTION:
ECJ00390
When checking the engine oil level on
water, be careful of other watercraft,
boats, swimmers, and obstacles. The
water current and wind can cause the
watercraft to move and lead to a colli-
sion.
When checking the engine oil level on
land, supply water to the cooling water
passages. (See page 66 for procedures
on supplying water.)
Make sure that the engine has enough
oil, but do not overfill it. If there is too lit-
tle oil, the engine can be damaged. If
there is too much oil, the air filter can be-
come saturated with oil, permanently
damaging the filter and reducing engine
performance. Follow the checking pro-
cedure carefully.
Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil tank filler hole. Debris and
water in the engine oil can cause serious
engine damage.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion or launch the watercraft, and then
start the engine.
(2) Run the engine at trolling speed for 6 min-
utes or more, and then stop the engine.
UF1K72E0.book Page 45 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM