2009 YAMAHA FZS steering

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 ....................................... 8
Safety information ........................... 10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................ 10
Cruising limitations ....................... 11
Operation requirements ............... 12
Recommended equipment ........... 14
Hazard information ....................... 15
Watercraft characteristics ............. 15
Water-skiing ................................. 17
Safe boating rules ........................ 18
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 19
Features and functions ................... 20
Location of main components ...... 20
Operation of controls and other
functions .................................... 24
Seats ............................................... 24
Hood ................................................ 25
Fuel tank filler cap ........................... 25
Remote control transmitter .............. 25
Engine stop switch .......................... 26
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 26
Start switch ...................................... 27
Throttle lever ................................... 27
Cooling water pilot outlets ............... 28
Steering system ............................... 28
Telescopic steering system ............. 29
Shift lever ........................................ 29
Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
selector ........................................ 30Handgrips ........................................ 31
Reboarding grip ............................... 31
Reboarding step .............................. 32
Bow eye ........................................... 32
Stern eyes ....................................... 32
Yamaha Security System ................ 32
Dual analog meter unit .................... 35
Storage compartments .................... 39
Operation ......................................... 43
Fuel and oil .................................. 43
Fuel ................................................. 43
Engine oil ......................................... 44
Pre-operation checks ................... 45
Pre-operation check list ................... 45
Pre-operation check points .............. 47
Operation ..................................... 55
Engine break-in ............................... 55
Launching the watercraft ................. 55
Starting the engine .......................... 55
Stopping the engine ........................ 56
Shifting ............................................ 57
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 57
Operating your watercraft ............ 58
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 58
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 58
Riding with passengers ................... 59
Starting the watercraft ..................... 59
Boarding and starting in deep
water ............................................ 60
Capsized watercraft ......................... 63
Turning the watercraft ..................... 64
Stopping the watercraft ................... 65
Beaching the watercraft ................... 66
Docking the watercraft ..................... 66
Reverse on waterways .................... 66
Operating in weeded areas ............. 67
Post-operation care ...................... 67
Transporting ................................. 68
Maintenance and care .................... 69
Storage ........................................ 69
Flushing the cooling system ............ 69
UF2C70E0.book Page 1 Monday, November 3, 2008 10:16 AM

Safety information
15
EJU36850
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 muffler or engine dur-
ing or immediately after engine operation;
they can cause serious burns.
EJU30920
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.

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
legs, ankles, and other bones. You could
also damage the shift mechanism.
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Safety information
18
Make sure that the rope is not looped
around anything.
After checking that the skier is ready and
that there is no traffic or other obstacles, ap-
ply enough throttle to raise the skier.

Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft is
capable of very sharp turns, which could ex-
ceed the abilities of the skier. Keep the skier
at least 50 m (150 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard ski rope, from any po-
tential hazard.

Be alert to the hazard of the ski rope handle
snapping back at the watercraft when the
skier falls or is unable to get up on the skis.

Towing heavy or bulky objects other than
skiers, such as another boat or watercraft,
can cause loss of steering control and cre-
ate a hazardous condition. If you must tow
another boat in an emergency situation, op-
erate slowly and cautiously.
EJU30970
Safe boating rules
Your Yamaha watercraft is legally considered
a powerboat. Operation of the watercraft must
be in accordance with the rules and regula-
tions governing the waterway on which it is
used.
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Features and functions
28
EJU36740Cooling water pilot outlets
This watercraft is equipped with cooling water
pilot outlets on the port (left) and starboard
(right) sides of the watercraft.
When the engine is running, cooling water is
circulated in the engine, and then it is dis-
charged from the pilot outlets.
To check for proper operation of the cooling
system, check that water is being discharged
from the port (left) pilot outlets. If water is not
being discharged from these outlets, cooling
water may not be circulating in the engine.
When this occurs, stop the engine and check
for the cause. (See pages 38 and 85 for more
information.)
TIP:

If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 60 seconds for the water to
reach the outlets 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.
EJU31260Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning the
handlebars in the direction you wish to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the angle of
the jet thrust nozzle is changed, and the direc-
tion of the watercraft is changed accordingly.
Since the strength of the jet thrust determines
the speed and degree of a turn, throttle must
always be applied when attempting a turn, ex-
cept at trolling speed.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha En-
gine Management System (YEMS) that in-
cludes an off-throttle steering (OTS) system.
It will activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releasing
the throttle lever. The OTS system assists in
turning by continuing to supply some thrust
while the watercraft is decelerating, 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.
1Handlebar
2Jet thrust nozzle
1
2
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Features and functions
29
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar in-
put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU37340Telescopic steering system
The position of the handlebars can be adjust-
ed up or down using the lock lever.
The handlebars can be adjusted to three po-
sitions.
To adjust the handlebar position:
(1) Pull the lock lever up, and then move the
handlebars up or down to the desired po-
sition. WARNING! Never pull the lock
lever during operation, otherwise the
handlebars may suddenly change po-
sition, which may lead to an accident.
[EWJ01270]
(2) Check that the lock lever returns to its
original position and that the handlebars
are locked in place.
EJU31301Shift lever
The shift lever is located on the starboard
(right) side of the watercraft and is used to
control the reverse gate, which allows the wa-
tercraft to move in reverse or forward.
When the shift lever is in the reverse position,
the watercraft can be launched from a trailer,
or backed up out of tight spots where you can-
not turn around easily.
1Lock lever
1
1Shift lever
2Reverse position
3Forward position
3 2 1
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Operation
45
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31991Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list.
WARNING
EWJ00411
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seats to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.47
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 49
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 49
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 50
Steering systemCheck for proper operation.
Check that the handlebars are locked in place.51
Shift lever and reverse gateCheck for proper operation. 51
QSTSCheck for proper operation. 52
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.47, 47
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 48
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 49
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 25
Front and rear seatsCheck that the seats are securely installed. 24
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.47
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 53
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 50
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 53
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.53
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.54
Dual analog meter unitCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 54
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Operation
51
plete range and spring back to the idle posi-
tion when released.
EJU37390Steering 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
turned, and that there is no free play between
the handlebars and the jet thrust nozzle.
Pull the handlebars up and down to check that
the lock lever and handlebars are locked inplace. (See “Telescopic steering system” on
page 29 for more information.)EJU36581Shift lever and reverse gate
WARNING
EWJ00031
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
Check the shift lever and reverse gate for
proper operation.
Make sure that the reverse gate goes down
completely when the shift lever is pulled up.
1Lock lever
1
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Operation
64
which can result in severe damage.
[ECJ00541]
(3) Start the engine and operate the water-
craft as straight as possible and above
planing speed for at least 2 minutes to
discharge any water remaining in the en-
gine compartment. (If the engine does
not start, see “Towing the watercraft” on
page 88 or “Submerged watercraft” on
page 88.) NOTICE: Do not operate the
engine at full throttle for at least 1
minute after the engine has been re-
started. Excessive water in the engine
compartment can splash into the en-
gine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
[ECJ00551]
EJU33251
Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00770

Do not release the throttle lever when
trying to steer away from objects—youneed throttle to steer. A collision could
result in severe injury or death.

When operating at higher speeds, make
gradual turns or slow down before turn-
ing. Sharp high-speed turns may cause
the watercraft to slide sideways or spin,
throwing the operator and passengers
overboard, which could cause an injury.
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.
UF2C70E0.book Page 64 Monday, November 3, 2008 10:16 AM