2008 YAMAHA SUPERJET Owners Manual

Operation
34
(1) 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.
(2) Turn the fuel cock knob to “ON”.(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.
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord
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Operation
35
(4) Pull the choke knob all the way out to
start a cold engine.
NOTE:
The choke should not be used when the en-
gine is warm.
(5) While lightly squeezing the throttle lever,
push the start switch (green button), and
then release the switch as soon as the
engine starts to run.
WARNING
EWJ00590
On this watercraft, the engine is connect-
ed directly to the jet pump. Starting the en-
gine generates some thrust immediately.
Apply only enough throttle to keep the en-
gine running.
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.
(6) After the engine has warmed up, push
the choke knob in to its original position.
NOTE:
If the choke knob is left pulled out, the engine
will stall.
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.
EJU32870Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the engine
shut-off cord to reduce the chance of acciden-
tal starting or unauthorized use by children or
others.
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Operation
36
EJU32900
Operating your watercraft EJU32920Getting 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 7. These ma-
terials should give you an understanding of
the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator only. Never have more than
one person on the watercraft at any time.
EJU32980Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
27. 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.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area tolearn 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). The
operator 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 or vagina.
The operator 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.
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Operation
37
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 get
to a standing or kneeling position quickly.
Keep both feet or knees on the riding tray
when the watercraft is in motion.
WARNING
EWJ00500

Do not apply throttle when anyone is at
the rear of the watercraft—turn the en-
gine off or keep it at idle. Water and/or
debris exiting the jet thrust nozzle can
cause severe injury.

Avoid the forceful jet thrust and make
sure that your visibility is not limited
while reboarding. Get to a standing or
kneeling position quickly, but do not ex-
pose yourself to the forceful jet thrust.
EJU33170Operating positions
After you are underway, you may choose to
kneel or stand, depending upon watercraft
speed, your skill level, and your preference.
Here are some guidelines.
EJU33180Kneeling
It is easier to maintain your balance when
kneeling than when standing. This position is
recommended when traveling at sub-planing
speeds. (At sub-planing speeds, there is awake, but the watercraft is moving through the
water rather than skimming on top of it.)
NOTE:
At very slow speeds, it may be necessary to
support your upper-body weight with your el-
bows resting on the gunwales, trailing your
legs in the water.
EJU33190Standing
After you are comfortable handling the water-
craft from a kneeling position, try standing as
the watercraft gains speed. The watercraft will
become easier to balance as the speed in-
creases, because jet thrust provides stability
as well as directional control. When you are
moving slowly, or preparing to stop, you will
probably need to return to the kneeling posi-
tion to maintain your balance.
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Operation
38
EJU33070Starting the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00700

Scan constantly for people, objects, and
other watercraft. Be alert for conditions
that limit your visibility or block your vi-
sion of others.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft.

Do not follow directly behind watercraft
or other boats. Do not go near others to
spray or splash them with water. Avoid
sharp turns or other maneuvers that
make it hard for others to avoid you or
understand where you are going. Avoid
areas with submerged objects or shal-
low water.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes. Do not release the
throttle lever when trying to steer away
from objects—you need throttle to steer.

Practice deep-water starting near shore
before riding in deep water.
The watercraft is less stable when at a stand-
still or at a slow speed. It takes skill to keep the
watercraft upright when starting.
Even though it is easier to start in shallow wa-
ter, you must learn deep-water boarding first.You will inevitably fall off, so be sure you know
how to get back on the watercraft once you
are away from shore.
EJU33101Boarding and starting in shallow water
Be sure to learn the deep-water starting meth-
od before operating the watercraft in water
where it is too deep for you to stand. (See
page 39 for the deep-water starting method.)
(1) 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.
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
(3) Grip the handlebars with both hands.
Place one knee on the riding tray and bal-
ance there.
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Operation
39
(4) Start the engine and begin to accelerate.
(5) Pull your other knee up onto the riding
tray as the watercraft speed increases.
(6) Move as far forward as possible without
interfering with the movement of the han-
dlebars. Keep your body perpendicular to
the water, with your weight forward and
low.
NOTE:
The watercraft will become easier to balance
as the speed increases, because jet thrust
provides stability as well as directional control.
EJU33120Boarding and starting in deep water
(1) Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your left wrist,
and then attach the clip to the engine
shut-off switch.
(2) Grip the handlebars with both hands. Pull
your body up onto the riding tray and bal-ance there, using your elbows on the
gunwales for leverage.
(3) Start the engine and begin to accelerate.
(4) Continue to pull your body up onto the
watercraft as the watercraft speed in-
creases.
(5) Bring your knees up onto the riding tray
and change to a kneeling position as
soon as you can do so.
WARNING
EWJ00630
Avoid forceful jet thrust and limited visibil-
ity while reboarding. Get to a standing or
kneeling position quickly, but do not ex-
pose yourself to the forceful jet thrust.
(6) Move as far forward as possible without
interfering with the movement of the han-
dlebars. Keep your body perpendicular to
the water, with your weight forward and
low.
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Operation
40
(7) Once the bow drops, and the watercraft
has leveled out in the water and reached
planing speed, back off the throttle and
select your desired speed.
NOTE:

The watercraft will become easier to bal-
ance as the speed increases, because jet
thrust provides stability as well as direction-
al control.

It will take longer for a heavier operator to
reach planing speed than it will for a light
operator.
EJU33200Capsized watercraft
If the watercraft capsizes, turn it over immedi-
ately.
Be sure to carefully follow the procedures be-
low to prevent injury, or damage to the water-
craft.
WARNING
EWJ00670
IMPROPER UPRIGHTING CAN CAUSE IN-
JURY:

Be sure to shut the engine off by pulling
on the engine shut-off cord to remove
the clip from the engine shut-off switch.

Do not put your hands in the intake
grate.
CAUTION:
ECJ00510
Be sure to remove the clip from the engine
shut-off switch to shut the engine off, oth-
erwise the engine can overheat, which can
result in severe damage.
(1) Remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.(2) Swim to the rear of the watercraft and up-
right it by turning it clockwise only.
NOTE:
If the port (left) side of the capsized watercraft
is tilting up, push down on the gunwale so that
the port (left) side is down before turning the
watercraft clockwise.
CAUTION:
ECJ00520
Do not turn the watercraft over counter-
clockwise, otherwise water can enter the
carburetor and engine, which can result in
severe damage.
(3) Start the engine and operate the water-
craft to discharge any water remaining in
the engine compartment. (If the engine
does not start, see “Towing the water-
craft” on page 67 or “Submerged water-
craft” on page 68.)
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Operation
41
NOTE:

To efficiently discharge water from the en-
gine compartment, operate the watercraft
as straight as possible and above planing
speed for at least 2 minutes.

To stabilize the watercraft when accelerat-
ing to planing speed, maintain a low center
of gravity by operating it in the kneeling po-
sition.
EJU33240Turning the watercraft
Steering control depends on the combination
of handlebar position and the amount of throt-
tle.
Water sucked in through the intake grate is
pressurized by the impeller in the jet pump. As
the pressurized water is expelled from the
pump through the jet thrust nozzle, it creates
thrust to move and steer the watercraft. The
higher the engine speed, the more thrust pro-
duced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the po-
sition of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.B. Less throttle produces lower thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more gradually.
C. Releasing the throttle lever completely
produces only minimum thrust. If you are
traveling at speeds above trolling, you will
have rapidly decreasing ability to steer
without throttle. You may still have some
turning ability immediately after releasing
the throttle lever, but once the engine
slows down, the watercraft will no longer
respond to handlebar input until you ap-
ply throttle again or you reach trolling
speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
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