2008 YAMAHA VX stop start

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ...... 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 3
Warning labels ................................... 4
Other labels ....................................... 7
Safety information ............................. 9
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft .............................. 9
Cruising limitations ....................... 10
Operation requirements ............... 11
Recommended equipment ........... 13
Hazard information ....................... 14
Watercraft characteristics ............. 14
Water-skiing ................................. 16
Safe boating rules ........................ 17
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 18
Features and functions ................... 19
Location of main components ...... 19
Operation of controls and other
functions .................................... 23
Seat ................................................. 23
Hood ................................................ 23
Fuel tank filler cap ........................... 24
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 24
Engine stop switch .......................... 25
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 25
Start switch ...................................... 26
Throttle lever ................................... 26
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 26
Steering system ............................... 27
Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) .................................. 27
Handgrip .......................................... 28Bow eye ........................................... 28
Stern eyes ....................................... 28
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ........................... 28
Yamaha Security System and
low-RPM mode (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) .................................. 29
Multifunction information center ...... 30
Storage compartments .................... 35
Operation ......................................... 38
Fuel and oil .................................. 38
Gasoline .......................................... 38
Engine oil ......................................... 39
Filling the fuel tank .......................... 39
Pre-operation checks ................... 40
Pre-operation check list ................... 40
Pre-operation check points .............. 42
Operation ..................................... 49
Engine break-in ............................... 49
Launching the watercraft ................. 49
Starting the engine .......................... 49
Stopping the engine ........................ 51
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 51
Operating your watercraft ............ 52
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 52
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 52
Riding with passengers ................... 53
Starting the watercraft ..................... 53
Boarding and starting in deep
water ............................................ 54
Capsized watercraft ......................... 57
Turning the watercraft ..................... 58
Stopping the watercraft ................... 60
Beaching the watercraft ................... 60
Docking the watercraft ..................... 60
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 60
Rough water operation .................... 61
UF1K73E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Safety information
13

Always consult your doctor on whether it is
safe for you to ride this watercraft if you are
pregnant or in poor health.

Do not attempt to modify this watercraft!
Modifications to your watercraft may reduce
safety and reliability, and render the water-
craft unsafe or illegal for use.

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. After riding, remove the engine shut-
off cord from the watercraft to avoid acci-
dental starting or unauthorized use by chil-
dren or others.

Scan carefully for swimmers and stay away
from swimming areas. Swimmers are hard
to see and you could accidentally hit some-
one in the water.

Avoid being hit by another boat! You should
always take the responsibility to watch for
traffic; other boaters may not be watching
for you. If they do not see you, or if you ma-
neuver more quickly than other boaters ex-
pect, you risk a collision.

Maintain a safe distance from other boats
and watercraft, and also watch for ski ropes
or fishing lines. Obey the “Safe boating
rules” and be sure to check behind you be-
fore making a turn. (See “Safe boating
rules” on page 17.)
EJU30840
Recommended equipment
The following items should be carried on
board your watercraft:

Sound-signaling device
You should carry a whistle or other sound-
signaling device that can be used to signal
other boats.

Visual distress signals
It is recommended that a pyrotechnic de-
vice, which is approved by the appropriate
authorities, be stored in a waterproof con-
tainer on your watercraft. A mirror can also
be used as an emergency signal. Contact a
Yamaha dealer for more information.

Watch
A watch is helpful so you will know how long
you have been operating the watercraft.

Towline
A towline can be used to tow a disabled wa-
tercraft in an emergency.
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Safety information
14
EJU30870
Hazard information

Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide, a color-
less, odorless gas that may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a short
time. Always operate the watercraft in an
open area.

Do not touch the hot oil tank, muffler, or en-
gine during or immediately after engine op-
eration; they can cause serious burns.
EJU30930
Watercraft characteristics

Jet thrust turns the watercraft. 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.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha
Engine Management System (YEMS) that
includes an off-throttle steering (OTS) sys-
tem. It will activate at planing speeds should
you attempt to steer the watercraft after re-
leasing the throttle lever. The OTS system
assists in turning by continuing to supply
some thrust while the watercraft is deceler-
ating, 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
input until you apply throttle again or you
reach trolling speed.
Practice turning in an open area without ob-
stacles until you have a good feel for this
maneuver.

This watercraft is water-jet propelled. The
jet pump is directly connected to the engine.
This means that jet thrust will produce some
movement whenever the engine is running.
There is no “neutral” position. You are in ei-
ther “forward” or “reverse”, depending upon
the shift lever position (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser).

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or im-
pact the handlebars.
This could increase the risk of back/spinal
injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and broken
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Features and functions
21
Control system
1Start switch
2Engine shut-off switch
3Clip
4Multifunction information center
5Rearview mirrors
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
6Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
7Throttle lever
8Glove compartment
9Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
10Engine stop switch
11Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Features and functions
25

If the remote control transmitter needs a
new battery or is not operating properly,
contact a Yamaha dealer. Do not attempt
to replace the battery yourself.
NOTE:

While the engine is running, input from the
remote control transmitter is not received.

Refer to local hazardous waste regulations
when disposing of transmitter batteries.
EJU31150Engine stop switch
Push the engine stop switch (red button) to
stop the engine normally.
EJU31160Engine shut-off switch
Insert the clip, on the end of the engine shut-
off cord, under the engine shut-off switch
(black button). The engine will stop automati-
cally when the clip is removed from theswitch, such as if the operator falls off the wa-
tercraft.
WARNING
EWJ00010

Always attach the engine shut-off cord
to your left wrist and the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch BEFORE starting
the engine.

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.
1Transmitter holder
1Engine stop switch
1Clip
2Engine shut-off cord
3Engine shut-off switch
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Features and functions
26
EJU31191Start 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 29
for Yamaha Security System lock and unlock
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 33 and 80 for more information.)
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.
1Start switch
1Throttle lever
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Features and functions
29
EJU31380Yamaha Security System and low-
RPM mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
This watercraft is equipped with a remote con-
trol transmitter that is used to select the secu-
rity system and low-RPM mode settings.
Since the watercraft is programmed to recog-
nize the internal code from this transmitter
only, the security system setting can only be
changed with this transmitter. If you lose the
remote control transmitter or it does not oper-
ate properly, contact a Yamaha dealer.
EJU31390Yamaha Security System
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The Yamaha Security System functions to
help prevent unauthorized use or theft of the
watercraft. The engine cannot be started if the
security system is in the lock mode. The en-
gine can only be started in the unlock mode.
EJU36102Yamaha Security System lock and unlock
modes (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The lock and unlock modes of this system can
only be selected while the engine is stopped.
When the lock button on the remote control
transmitter is pressed, the beeper sounds
once. This indicates the lock mode is selected
and the engine cannot be started.
The “SECURITY” indicator light comes on
when the security system is in the unlockmode and goes off when the security system
is in the lock mode.
When the unlock button on the remote control
transmitter is pressed for a short time, the
beeper sounds two times for the normal mode
or three times for the low-RPM mode. The
“SECURITY” indicator light will come on and
the engine can be started. (See the items in
“Selecting the normal mode/low-RPM mode”
for operation mode information.)
1Lock button
1“SECURITY” indicator light
1Unlock button
Number
of beepsYamaha Security Sys-
tem modeEngine
can be
started
1 beep Lock NO
2 beepsUnlock
(normal mode)YES
3 beepsUnlock
(low-RPM mode)YES
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Features and functions
30
EJU31412Selecting the normal mode/low-RPM
mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The normal mode and low-RPM mode can
only be selected when the engine is stopped
in the unlock mode. Press the unlock button
on the remote control transmitter for more
than 4 seconds to switch between the normal
mode and the low-RPM mode.
Normal mode
If the beeper sounds twice, the normal mode
is activated.
The watercraft can be ridden normally.
Low-RPM mode
If the beeper sounds three times, the low-
RPM mode is activated and the “L-MODE” in-
dicator light comes on.
Maximum engine speed (r/min) in the low-
RPM mode is limited to approximately 90% of
the maximum engine speed in the normal
mode.
NOTE:

If neither the start switch nor the remote
control transmitter is operated within 25
seconds after the unlock button is pressed
to select the unlock mode, the multifunction
information center display and the “L-
MODE” indicator light will go off. If this oc-
curs, press the lock button on the transmit-
ter briefly to select the lock mode, press the
unlock button briefly to select the unlockmode, and then press the unlock button
again for more than 4 seconds to select the
normal mode or low-RPM mode.

While the engine is running, input from the
remote control transmitter is not received.
CAUTION:
ECJ00080
If the remote control transmitter does not
operate when its buttons are pressed, the
battery may be low. Have a Yamaha dealer
replace the battery.
EJU31452Multifunction information center
This meter contains the following functions for
help and convenience in operating the water-
craft.
1“L-MODE” indicator light1Tachometer
2Speedometer
3Hour meter/voltmeter
4Fuel level meter
5“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)
6“WARNING” light
7Fuel level warning indicator
8Oil pressure warning indicator
9Engine overheat warning indicator
10Check engine warning indicator
11Select button
12“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
UF1K73E0.book Page 30 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM