Operation
51
and the watercraft is in the water. (See page
29 for more information.)
EJU32710Multifunction information center
Check the multifunction information center for
proper operation. (See page 34 for informa-
tion on proper operation of the multifunction
information center.)
EJU32740
Operation
WARNING
EWJ00510
Before operating your watercraft, become
familiar with all of the controls. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func-
tion that you do not fully understand. Fail-
ure to understand how the controls work
could cause an accident or prevent you
from avoiding an accident.
CAUTION:
ECJ00460
Make sure that the stern drain plugs are
tightened securely before launching the
watercraft.
EJU32781Engine break-in
The engine break-in period is essential to al-
low the various components of the engine to
wear and polish themselves to the correct op-
erating clearances. This ensures proper per-
formance and promotes longer component
life.
CAUTION:
ECJ00440
Be sure to check the engine oil level be-
fore operating the watercraft for the first
time. (See page 45 for engine oil checking
procedures.)
UF1K72E0.book Page 51 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
53
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
WARNING
EWJ00580
Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken, and keep it free from the
handlebars so that the engine stops if the
operator falls off. The engine shut-off cord
may not pull free if wrapped around the
handlebars when the operator falls off, al-
lowing the watercraft to continue to run
and cause an accident.
NOTE:
It is not possible to start the engine with the
clip removed from the engine shut-off switch.
(4) Push the start switch (green button), and
then release it as soon as the engine
starts to run.
NOTE:
The engine will not start if the throttle lever is
squeezed.
CAUTION:
ECJ00480
Never push the start switch while the en-
gine is running.
Do not operate the start switch for more
than 5 seconds, otherwise the battery
will be discharged and the engine will
not start. Also, the starter motor could
be damaged. If the engine does not start
in 5 seconds, release the start switch,
wait 15 seconds, and then try again.
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord
UF1K72E0.book Page 53 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
54
EJU32860Stopping the engine
To stop the engine, release the throttle lever,
and then push the engine stop switch (red
button).
WARNING
EWJ00600
You need throttle to steer. Shutting the en-
gine off can cause you to hit an obstacle
you are attempting to avoid. A collision
could result in severe injury or death.
EJU32890Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, select the lock mode
of the Yamaha Security System (for VX De-
luxe/VX Cruiser) and remove the engine shut-
off cord to reduce the chance of accidental
starting or unauthorized use by children or
others. (See page 32 for Yamaha Security
System and low-RPM mode selection proce-
dures.)
EJU32900
Operating your watercraft EJU32960Getting to know your watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills ac-
quired through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques
well before attempting more difficult maneu-
vers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of
pleasure. However, it is essential to familiar-
ize yourself with the operation of the water-
craft to achieve the skill level necessary to
enjoy riding safely.
Before operating this watercraft, read this
owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Prac-
tice Guide, and all warning and caution labels
on the watercraft. Pay particular attention to
the safety information on page 12. These ma-
terials 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 watercraft at
any time.
EJU33000Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
43. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and re-
liability.
Check local laws before operating your water-
craft.
Maximum load:
240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, oper-
ator, and passengers.
UF1K72E0.book Page 54 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
58
start the engine, and then look in all direc-
tions before starting off.
WARNING
EWJ00610
Before starting off, make sure that there
are no boats, swimmers, or obstacles
around you.
EJU33161Boarding with passengers
WARNING
EWJ00660
Severe internal injuries can occur if water
is forced into body cavities as a result of
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Do not ap-
ply throttle until the passengers are seated
with their feet on the floor of the footwell
and are securely holding on to the person
in front of them or to the handgrip provid-
ed.
(1) Climb on board as noted in the previous
section, and sit astride the seat.(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
(3) Have the passengers move to the rear of
the watercraft.
(4) Have a passenger board and sit astride
the seat. If a second passenger is board-
ing, have him or her follow the same pro-
cedure.NOTE:
When a passenger is boarding, both the pas-
sengers and the operator should try to bal-
ance the watercraft.
(5) Check that the passengers have their
feet on the floor of the footwell and are
securely holding on to the person in front
of them or to the handgrip provided. Nev-
UF1K72E0.book Page 58 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
64
EJU33380
Post-operation care
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 an automatic
bilge draining system that removes water
from the engine compartment while you are
underway. However, some residual water will
remain.
(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 66 for flushing procedures.)(6) Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and re-
leasing the throttle lever for 10 to 15 sec-
onds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:
ECJ00560
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds, otherwise the engine could over-
heat.
(7) If the watercraft will be stored for a week
or more, lubricate internal engine compo-
nents to help prevent corrosion. (See
page 67 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.
(12) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
UF1K72E0.book Page 64 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
68
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 reaches approxi-
mately 50 mm (2 in) from the top of the
fuel tank. Fuel expands as it warms up
and could overflow if the fuel tank has
been overfilled. If temporarily leaving
the watercraft with a full fuel tank, do not
leave it in direct sunlight. Leave it in a
well-ventilated area with the watercraft
in a horizontal position.
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 fuel stabilizer and conditioner to the fuel
tank according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
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.
(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.
EJU33730Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water. Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
UF1K72E0.book Page 68 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
71
EJU33820Periodic maintenance chart
The following chart gives general guidelines for periodic maintenance. However, maintenance
may need to be performed more frequently depending on your operating conditions.
This “” mark indicates maintenance that you may do yourself.
This “” mark indicates work to be done by a Yamaha dealer.
Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page 10
hours50
hours100
hours100
hours200
hours
6
months12
months12
months24
months
Spark plugsCheck, clean, adjust 75
Lubrication pointsLubricate 76
Fuel systemCheck 73
Fuel tankCheck, clean 73
Trolling speedCheck, adjust 78
Throttle shaftCheck—
Cooling water pas-
sagesFlush
*66
Water inlet strain-
erCheck, clean—
Bilge strainerClean—
ImpellerCheck—
Jet thrust nozzle
angleCheck, adjust 74
Shift cable and re-
verse gate (VX De-
luxe/VX Cruiser)Check, adjust 74
Throttle cableCheck, adjust 75
Stern drain plugsCheck, replace 47
BatteryCheck, charge 77
Rubber couplingCheck—
Engine mountCheck—
Nuts and boltsCheck—
Air filter elementCheck 74
Engine oilReplace 73
Oil filterReplace 73
UF1K72E0.book Page 71 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
73
EJU34210Checking the fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00380
Gasoline is highly flammable and explo-
sive. Failure to check for and repair any
fuel leakage could result in a fire or explo-
sion. A fire or explosion can cause severe
injury or death. Shut the engine off. Do not
smoke. Avoid spilling gasoline.
Fuel in the fuel lines is pressurized.
Fuel can spray out and cause injury or a
fire hazard if a fuel line is disconnected.
Do not run the engine with a fuel line dis-
connected.
Check the fuel system for leaks, cracks, and
malfunctions. If any problem is found, consult
a Yamaha dealer.
Check:
Fuel tank filler cap and seal for damage.
Fuel in fuel tank for water and dirt.
Fuel tank for damage, cracks, and leakage.
Fuel hoses and joints for damage, cracks,
and leakage.
Air bleeding passages for leakage.EJU34230Fuel tank
Check the fuel tank for leakage and for water
in the tank. If water is found in the fuel system,
or if the fuel tank needs to be cleaned, have a
Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
EJU34290Engine oil and oil filter
WARNING
EWJ00340
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
CAUTION:
ECJ00180
Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank. Oil could
spray out and the engine could be dam-
aged.
Be sure to change the engine oil after
the first 10 hours of operation, and every
100 hours thereafter or at the start of a
new season, otherwise the engine will
wear quickly.
The oil filter should be replaced every
year or every 100 hours of operation.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the oil fil-
ter if necessary.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
change the engine oil. However, if you choose
to change the oil on your own, consult a
Yamaha dealer.
NOTE:
Dispose of used oil according to local regula-
tions.
1Fuel tank
Recommended engine oil:
See page 42.
Oil quantity:
With oil filter replacement:
2.2 L (2.33 US qt) (1.94 Imp.qt)
Without oil filter replacement:
2.0 L (2.11 US qt) (1.76 Imp.qt)
Total amount:
4.3 L (4.55 US qt) (3.78 Imp.qt)
UF1K72E0.book Page 73 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM