
Features and functions
38
ridden normally when this light is on. (See
page 32 for more information.)
EJU35010“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser)
The “L-MODE” indicator light comes on when
the low-RPM mode is selected. (See page 33
for more information.)
EJU31680Storage compartments
A front storage compartment and a glove
compartment are provided.
NOTE:
Make sure that the storage compartments
are securely closed before operating the
watercraft.
The storage compartments are not de-
signed to be waterproof. If you carry objects
that must be kept dry, such as the manuals,
put them in a waterproof bag.
EJU31711Front storage compartment
The front storage compartment is located at
the bow.
To open the front storage compartment, pull
the hood latch up, and then lift up the hood.
1“SECURITY” indicator light
1“L-MODE” indicator light
1Hood latch
1Front storage compartment
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Features and functions
39
To close the front storage compartment, push
down on the rear of the hood until it latches
securely.
NOTE:
Make sure that the hood is securely closed
before operating the watercraft.
EJU31752Glove compartment
The glove compartment is located in front of
the seat.To open the glove compartment, slide the
glove compartment latch toward you, and
then lift up the lid.
To close the glove compartment, push the lid
down until it latches securely.
For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
A removable beverage holder, which includes
a transmitter holder, is provided in the glove
compartment.
NOTE:
Do not place beverages in the beverage
holder when operating the watercraft. Front storage compartment:
Capacity:
62.0 L (16.4 US gal) (13.6 Imp.gal)
Load limit:
5.0 kg (11 lb)
1Glove compartment latch
1Glove compartment
Glove compartment:
Capacity:
5.2 L (1.4 US gal) (1.1 Imp.gal)
Load limit:
1.0 kg (2 lb)
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Operation
41
EJU31820
Fuel and oil
This watercraft is equipped with a 4-stroke en-
gine. Conventional 2-stroke engine oil cannot
be used.
The engine utilizes an electronic fuel injection
system to deliver the optimal air-fuel ratio re-
quired by the engine. By ensuring the optimal
combustion conditions, this system is able to
increase startability and improve fuel econo-
my.
EJU31840Gasoline
WARNING
EWJ00430
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 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.
CAUTION:
ECJ00310
Use only fresh gasoline that has been
stored in clean containers.
EJU31860Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and the
fuel meets the minimum octane ratings.
Gasohol containing methanol is not recom-
mended by Yamaha because it can cause
fuel system damage and engine performance
problems.Recommended gasoline:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum octane rating of
86 (Pump octane number) = (R +
M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
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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
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Operation
47
To drain water from the bilge:
(1) Remove the stern drain plugs.
(2) Raise the bow of the watercraft until the
water drains.
(3) After the water has drained, wipe the
bilge with dry rags to make sure that it is
thoroughly dry.
(4) Install the stern drain plugs.
CAUTION:
ECJ00360
Before installing the stern drain plugs,
clean the drain plug threads to remove
any foreign materials, such as dirt or
sand. Otherwise, the stern drain plugs
could be damaged, allowing water to en-
ter the engine compartment.
Make sure that the stern drain plugs are
tightened securely before launching the
watercraft. Otherwise, water may flood
the engine compartment and cause the
watercraft to submerge.
EJU32470Stern drain plugs
Check the stern drain plugs for proper instal-
lation.
CAUTION:
ECJ00360
Before installing the stern drain plugs,
clean the drain plug threads to remove
any foreign materials, such as dirt or
sand. Otherwise, the stern drain plugscould be damaged, allowing water to en-
ter the engine compartment.
Make sure that the stern drain plugs are
tightened securely before launching the
watercraft. Otherwise, water may flood
the engine compartment and cause the
watercraft to submerge.
EJU32480Battery
Check the battery condition and the electro-
lyte level.
Check that the battery leads are tightened se-
curely and that there is no corrosion on the
battery terminals.
WARNING
EWJ00450
The battery must always be fully
charged and in good condition. Loss of
battery power may leave you stranded.
Never operate the watercraft if the bat-
tery does not have sufficient power to
start the engine or if it shows any other
signs of decreased power.
Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could re-
sult if the breather hose is damaged, ob-
structed, or not connected properly.
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
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Operation
48
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32540Fire extinguisher
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher on
board.
The fire extinguisher holder and cover are lo-
cated in the front storage compartment.
To store the fire extinguisher, unhook the
band and remove the cover. Place the fire ex-
tinguisher in the holder, and then place the
cover over the fire extinguisher. Fasten the
cover and the fire extinguisher with the band
securely.
NOTE:
To check the fire extinguisher, see the in-
structions supplied by the fire extinguisher
manufacturer. Always keep the fire extin-guisher secured in the holder with its cover
in place.
Always carry a fire extinguisher on board. A
fire extinguisher is not standard equipment
with this watercraft. If you do not have one,
contact a Yamaha dealer or a fire extin-
guisher dealer to obtain one meeting the
proper specifications.
EJU32590Throttle lever
Check the throttle lever for proper operation.
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 com-
plete range and spring back to the idle posi-
tion when released.
WARNING
EWJ00490
Before starting the engine, always check
the operation of the throttle lever.
EJU32600Steering system
Check the handlebars for looseness.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the jet
thrust nozzle moves as the handlebars are
1Fire extinguisher holder and cover
2Band
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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.)
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Operation
52
(1) Launch the watercraft and start the en-
gine. (See page 52 for engine starting
procedures.)
(2) For the first 5 minutes, run the engine at
trolling speed only. For the 30 minutes of
operation after that, keep the engine
speed below 5000 r/min. For the 1 hour of
operation after that, keep the engine
speed below 6500 r/min.
(3) Proceed with normal operation.
CAUTION:
ECJ00430
Failure to follow the engine break-in pro-
cedure could result in reduced engine life
or even severe engine damage.
EJU32811Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.
If there are waves, someone should make
sure that the watercraft is not pushed into the
trailer after launching the watercraft.
For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Use the remote control transmitter to select
the unlock mode. (See page 32 for Yamaha
Security System and low-RPM mode selec-
tion procedures.)
After the watercraft is in the water, start the
engine. Shift into reverse and move the wa-
tercraft back slowly.
For VX:
After the watercraft is in the water, turn it
around so that the bow faces the direction
you wish to go. Start the engine, and then
slowly move away from the launching area.
EJU32850Starting the engine
WARNING
EWJ00560
Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Ex-
haust fumes contain carbon monoxide, acolorless, odorless gas that may cause
loss of consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate the watercraft
in an open area.
(1) If the lock mode of the Yamaha Security
System is selected (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser), use the remote control transmit-
ter to select the unlock mode. (See page
32 for Yamaha Security System and low-
RPM mode selection procedures.)
(2) Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft)
deep.
WARNING
EWJ00570
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise you increase
your chance of hitting a submerged ob-
ject, which could result in injury.
CAUTION:
ECJ00470
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise pebbles or sand
could be sucked into the jet intake, caus-
ing impeller damage and engine overheat-
ing.
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