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
UF1K72E0.book Page 38 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
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)
UF1K72E0.book Page 41 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Operation
55
Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area to
learn in, where there is good visibility and light
boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with some-
one nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob-
jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for
conditions that limit your visibility or block your
vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist and keep it free from the handlebars so
that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall
off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). All
riders must wear a PFD that is approved by
the appropriate authorities and is suitable for
personal watercraft use.
Wear protective clothing. Severe internal inju-
ries can occur if water is forced into body cav-
ities as a result of falling into the water or
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal swim-
wear does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into the rectum and vagi-
na. All riders must wear a wetsuit bottom or
clothing that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven,
sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as den-
im, but does not include spandex or similar
fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full
wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia(subnormal body temperature) and abra-
sions.
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
Eye protection is recommended to keep wind,
water, and glare from the sun out of your eyes
while you operate your watercraft. Restraining
straps for eyewear are made which are de-
signed to float should your eyewear fall in the
water.
You should grip the handlebars firmly and
keep both feet on the floor of the footwell. Do
not attempt to ride with passengers until your
operating skills are fully developed.
EJU33060Riding with passengers
When 2 or 3 persons (including the operator)
are on board, the watercraft handles different-
ly, and is not as easy to maneuver, so operat-
ing it requires a higher degree of skill. Before
attempting to operate the watercraft with pas-
sengers on board, the operator must practice
operating the watercraft alone enough to be
able to acquire the necessary skills.
The passengers must always wear a PFD
that is approved by the appropriate authorities
and a wetsuit bottom or equivalent.
WARNING
EWJ00540
Do not apply throttle when anyone is at the
rear of the watercraft. Turn the engine off
or keep it at idle. Water and/or debris exit-
ing the jet thrust nozzle can cause severe
injury. Passengers should not attempt to
board the watercraft if the operator is ap-
plying throttle.
Do not give a ride to children whose feet can-
not reach the floor of the footwell. The pas-
sengers should hold on firmly, either to the
person in front of them or to the handgrip pro-
vided, and keep their feet on the floor of the
UF1K72E0.book Page 55 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
Trouble recovery
81
Engine runs irregu-
larly or stallsFuel Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible42
Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer73
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer73
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 75
Incorrect heat range Replace 75
Gap incorrect Adjust 75
Spark plug
capLoose Connect properly 75
Cracked, torn, or
damagedReplace
—
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Tighten or connect
properly—
Fuel injec-
tion systemFaulty or clogged in-
jectorsHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Warning light or in-
dicator blinksFuel level Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible42
Engine over-
heatedJet intake clogged Clean
82
Check engine
warningFaulty sensors Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer37
Watercraft slow or
loses powerYamaha Se-
curity Sys-
tem (VX
Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Low-RPM mode se-
lectedSelect normal mode
33
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 82
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer82
Engine over-
heat warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedClean jet intake and
cool engine36
Oil pressure
warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedAdd oil
35
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 75
Incorrect heat range Replace 75
Gap incorrect Adjust 75
Spark plug
capsLoose Connect properly
75
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Tighten or connect
properly—
Fuel Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer73
Air filter Clogged or oil buildup Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer74 TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF1K72E0.book Page 81 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Index
A
Air filter element ....................................... 74
Approval label of emission control
certificate ................................................ 3
B
Battery ................................................ 47, 68
Battery, checking...................................... 77
Battery, jumping ....................................... 83
Beaching the watercraft ........................... 63
Bilge ......................................................... 46
Boarding alone ......................................... 57
Boarding and starting from a dock ........... 57
Boarding and starting in deep water ........ 57
Boarding and starting in shallow water .... 56
Boarding with passengers ........................ 58
Bow eye ................................................... 31
Builder’s plate............................................. 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 60
Check engine warning indicator ............... 37
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 68
Cooling water pilot outlet .................... 29, 50
Cruising limitations ................................... 13
D
Docking the watercraft ............................. 63
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 82
Emission control information
(for Canada only) .................................... 3
Engine break-in ........................................ 51
Engine compartment ................................ 45
Engine oil ................................................. 42
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 73
Engine oil level ......................................... 45
Engine overheat warning indicator ........... 36
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord ................................. 50
Engine shut-off switch .............................. 28
Engine stop switch ................................... 28
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 21
F
Filling the fuel tank ................................... 42
Fire extinguisher....................................... 48
Flushing the cooling system ..................... 66
Front storage compartment ...................... 38Fuel and oil............................................... 41
Fuel injection system ................................ 78
Fuel level .................................................. 45
Fuel level meter ........................................ 34
Fuel level warning indicator ...................... 35
Fuel system .............................................. 67
Fuel system, checking .............................. 73
Fuel tank .................................................. 73
Fuel tank filler cap .................................... 27
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 84
G
Gasohol .................................................... 41
Gasoline ................................................... 41
Getting to know your watercraft ............... 54
Glove compartment .................................. 39
H
Handgrip ................................................... 31
Hazard information ................................... 17
Hood ......................................................... 26
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 35
Hull and deck ........................................... 45
Hull Identification Number (HIN)................. 1
I
Identification numbers ................................ 1
Important labels .......................................... 5
J
Jet intake .................................................. 49
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning .............. 82
Jet thrust nozzle angle, checking ............. 74
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 83
L
Labels, other .............................................. 9
Labels, warning .......................................... 6
Launching the watercraft .......................... 52
Learning to operate your watercraft ......... 54
Leaving the watercraft .............................. 54
Limitations on who may operate the
watercraft .............................................. 12
“L-MODE” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 38
Lubrication................................................ 67
Lubrication points ..................................... 76
M
Main components, location of .................. 22
Maintenance and adjustments ................. 69
UF1K72E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Index
Manufactured date label............................. 4
Model information (for Europe only) ........... 2
Multifunction information center ......... 34, 51
O
Oil pressure warning indicator.................. 35
Operating your watercraft......................... 54
Operation ................................................. 51
Operation of controls and other
functions ............................................... 26
Operation requirements ........................... 14
Owner’s/operator’s manual and tool kit .... 70
P
Periodic maintenance chart...................... 71
Post-operation care .................................. 64
Pre-operation check list............................ 43
Pre-operation check points ...................... 45
Pre-operation checks ............................... 43
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ...... 1
R
Recommended equipment ....................... 16
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 27
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 63
Riding with passengers ............................ 55
Rough water operation ............................. 63
S
Safe boating rules .................................... 20
Seat .......................................................... 26
“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 37
Selecting the normal mode/low-RPM
mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ......... 33
Shift cable, checking
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 74
Shift lever and reverse gate
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 49
Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ..... 30
Spark plugs, cleaning and adjusting ........ 75
Speedometer............................................ 34
Start switch............................................... 29
Starting the engine ................................... 52
Starting the watercraft .............................. 56
Steering system ................................. 30, 48
Stern drain plugs ...................................... 47Stern eyes ................................................ 31
Stopping the engine ................................. 54
Stopping the watercraft ............................ 62
Storage..................................................... 66
Storage compartments ............................. 38
Submerged watercraft .............................. 85
Switches ................................................... 50
T
Tachometer .............................................. 34
Throttle cable, checking and adjusting ..... 75
Throttle lever ...................................... 29, 48
Towing the watercraft ............................... 85
Transporting ............................................. 65
Trolling speed, checking .......................... 78
Troubleshooting ....................................... 80
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 80
Turning the watercraft .............................. 61
W
Water separator ....................................... 46
Watercraft characteristics ......................... 17
Water-skiing ............................................. 19
Y
Yamaha Engine Management System
(YEMS) ................................................. 32
Yamaha Security System and
low-RPM mode
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 32
Yamaha Security System
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 32
Yamaha Security System lock and
unlock modes
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 32
UF1K72E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM