Operation
30
turned, and that there is no free play between
the handlebars and the jet thrust nozzle.
EJU32620Steering pole
Check the steering pole for looseness.
Move the steering pole up and down to make
sure that operation is smooth and unrestricted
throughout the whole range. Also, make sure
that the steering pole does not have any side
play.
EJU32651Jet intake
Carefully check the jet intake for weeds, de-
bris, or anything else that might restrict the in-
take of water. If the jet intake is clogged, clean
it. (See page 63 for jet intake cleaning proce-
dures.)
If the watercraft is operated while the jet in-
take is clogged, cavitation could occur, reduc-
ing jet thrust, and possibly damaging the jet
pump. In some cases, the engine may over-
heat because of lack of cooling water, anddamage to the engine could result. Cooling
water is fed to the engine by the jet pump.
EJU32661Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
Check that the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
is not frayed or broken. If the cord is dam-
aged, replace it. WARNING! Never try to re-
pair the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or
tie it together. The engine shut-off cord
(lanyard) may not pull free when the oper-
ator falls off, allowing the watercraft to
continue to run and cause an accident.
[EWJ01220]
EJU32671
Switches
NOTICE
ECJ00410
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds when checking the switches on
land without supplying water, otherwise
the engine could overheat.
UF2F71E0.book Page 30 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Operation
31
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation.
Push the start switch to start the engine. As
soon as the engine starts running, push the
engine stop switch to verify that the engine
stops immediately. Restart the engine, and
then pull the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch to verify that the engine stops immedi-
ately. (See pages 19 to 20 for information on
proper operation of the start switch, the en-
gine stop switch, and the engine shut-off
switch.)
EJU32680Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the cooling
water pilot outlet while the engine is runningand the watercraft is in the water. (See page
20 for more information.)
1Engine shut-off switch
2Start switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
4Engine stop switch
5Clip
UF2F71E0.book Page 31 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Operation
33
the jet intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00471]
(3) Turn the fuel cock knob to “ON”.
(4) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch. It is not pos-
sible to start the engine with the clip re-
moved from the engine shut-off switch.
WARNING! Check that the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) is attached cor-
rectly. If the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not attached correctly, it may
not pull free when the operator fallsoff, allowing the watercraft to continue
to run and cause an accident.
[EWJ00581]
(5) Pull the choke knob all the way out to
start a cold engine.
TIP:
The choke should not be used when the en-
gine is warm.
(6) 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. If the engine does
not start in 5 seconds, release the start
switch, wait 15 seconds, and then try
again. WARNING! Do not apply too
much throttle when starting the en-
gine, otherwise the watercraft will ac-
celerate unexpectedly. This could
cause a collision or cause the opera-
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
UF2F71E0.book Page 33 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Operation
35
EJU32901
Operating your watercraft EJU32921Getting 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, the Riding Instruction card, and all
labels on the watercraft. Pay particular atten-
tion to the safety information on page 7.
These materials should give you an under-
standing 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.
EJU32981Learning to operate your watercraft
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.
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
26. 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 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 (lanyard) to
your left wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if you, the oper-
ator, 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.
UF2F71E0.book Page 35 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Operation
42
steer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.
EJU33301Beaching the watercraft
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach. Re-
lease the throttle lever about 90 m (300 ft)
before you reach the intended beaching
area.
(2) Approach the beach slowly and stop the
engine before reaching land.
Remember, you need throttle to steer.
(3) Get off the watercraft and pull it up on the
beach. NOTICE: Small pebbles, sand,
seaweed, and other debris can be
sucked into the jet intake and impair
or damage the impeller. Always stop
the engine and get off the watercraft
before beaching it.
[ECJ00491]
EJU37190
Operating in weeded areas
Always avoid operating your watercraft in ar-
eas where weed growth is thick. If traveling in
weeded areas is unavoidable, operate the en-
gine alternately at partial throttle and full throt-
tle. Weeds tend to accumulate more at a
steady speed and at trolling speed. If weeds
clog the intake area and cause cavitation,
clean the jet intake and impeller. (See page
63 for cleaning procedures.)
EJU33362
Post-operation care
To keep your watercraft in top shape, always
take it out of the water after using it and per-
form the following procedures. Leaving the
watercraft in the water for extended periods
will accelerate the rate of normal deterioration
of the jet unit components and hull finish. Ma-
rine organisms and corrosion are some of the
conditions that can adversely affect the life of
many watercraft components.
(1) Remove the watercraft from the water.
(2) Wash down the hull, steering pole, han-
dlebars, and jet unit with fresh water.
(3) Remove the hood and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, turn the watercraft onto its port
(left) side. If necessary, turn the water-
craft upside down to drain the water com-
pletely. Place a suitable clean cloth or
carpeting underneath the watercraft to
protect it from abrasions and scratches.
NOTICE: Always turn the watercraft
over onto its port (left) side, otherwise
the water could flow back through the
muffler into the engine. When turning
the watercraft onto its side or invert-
ing it, support the bow and secure the
steering pole, otherwise the steering
pole and handlebars could be bent or
damaged.
[ECJ00581]
TIP:
This watercraft is equipped with an automatic
bilge draining system that removes water
from the engine compartment while you are
underway. However, some residual water will
remain, therefore, wipe it up with a clean
cloth.
(4) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
UF2F71E0.book Page 42 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Maintenance and care
46
muffler into the engine, causing se-
vere engine damage.
[ECJ00122]
(7) Turn the water supply off, and then force
the remaining water out of the cooling
water passages by alternately squeezing
and releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds.
(8) Stop the engine.
(9) Remove the garden hose adapter and in-
stall the flushing hose connector cap.
(10) Install the hood.
EJU33562Lubrication
(1) Remove the hood. (See page 17 for hood
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the silencer cap.
(3) Start the engine with the watercraft in a
well-ventilated area. NOTICE: Do not
run the engine for more than 15 sec-
onds without supplying water, other-
wise the engine could overheat.
[ECJ00562]
(4) With the engine running at a fast idle,
quickly spray as much rust inhibitor as
possible through the hole in the silencer
cover. Keep spraying until the engine
stalls (or a maximum of 15 seconds).
WARNING! Do not pour or spray gas-
oline, or any substance other than a
rust inhibitor through the hole in the
silencer cover. Do not spray flamma-
ble rust inhibitor products on enginesurfaces while the engine is hot. Oth-
erwise, a fire or explosion could oc-
cur.
[EWJ00301]
(5) Install the silencer cap securely.
NOTICE: Be sure to install the silencer
cap securely after fogging the engine,
otherwise water could enter the en-
gine and cause damage.
[ECJ00152]
(6) Lubricate all cables such as the throttle,
choke, and steering cables. Use a suit-
able marine grease applicator to pres-
sure-lubricate the cables and purge out
any moisture between the inner and outer
cables.
(7) Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified in “Lubrication points” on page
56.
(8) Install the hood.
EJU33681Battery
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.
NOTICE: Always keep the battery
charged. Storing a discharged battery
can cause permanent battery damage.
[ECJ00101]
1Silencer cap
UF2F71E0.book Page 46 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Maintenance and care
47
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.
EJU33701Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
(2) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with fresh water. Drain all of the wa-
ter and wipe up any remaining moisture
with clean, dry rags. NOTICE: Do not
use high-pressure water when rinsing
the engine and engine compartment
as severe engine damage could result.
[ECJ00111]
(3) Spray the engine’s exterior with a rust in-
hibitor and lubricant.
(4) Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
(5) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the engine compartment seals,
with a vinyl protectant. Do not use vinyl
protectant on the riding tray, because it
will make it slippery.
EJU33762
Maintenance and adjustments
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrica-
tion will keep your watercraft in the safest and
most efficient condition possible. Safety is an
obligation of the watercraft owner. Proper
maintenance must be carried out to keep the
exhaust emission and sound levels within the
regulated limits. The most important points of
watercraft inspection, adjustment, and lubri-
cation are explained on the following pages.
See a Yamaha dealer for genuine Yamaha re-
placement parts and optional accessories de-
signed for your watercraft.
Remember, failures that are the result of the
installation of parts or accessories which are
not qualitatively equivalent to genuine
Yamaha parts are not covered by the limited
warranty.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and system may
be performed by any marine SI engine re-
pair establishment or individual. Warranty
repair, however, must be performed at an
authorized Yamaha marine dealership.
WARNING
EWJ00311
Be sure to turn off the engine when you
perform maintenance unless otherwise
specified. If you are not familiar with ma-
chine servicing, this work should be done
by a Yamaha dealer or other qualified me-
chanic.
EJU33781Owner’s/operator’s manual and tool
kit
It is advisable to always carry the owner’s/op-
erator’s manual and tool kit with you whenev-
er you use the watercraft. For your Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
UF2F71E0.book Page 47 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Maintenance and care
49
EJU33821Periodic maintenance chart
The following chart gives general guidelines for periodic maintenance. However, maintenance
may need to be performed more frequently depending on your operating conditions.
This “ ” mark indicates maintenance that you may do yourself.
This “ ” mark indicates work to be done by a Yamaha dealer.
Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page 10
hours50
hours100
hours100
hours200
hours
6
months12
months12
months24
months
Spark plugsCheck, clean, adjust 55
Lubrication pointsLubricate 56
Intermediate hous-
ingLubricate 56
Fuel systemCheck 51
Fuel filterCheck, clean, replace 51
Fuel tankCheck, clean 51
CarburetorCheck, adjust 58
Trolling speedCheck, adjust 58
Carburetor throt-
tle shaftCheck —
Cooling water pas-
sagesFlush
*45
Bilge strainerClean —
ImpellerCheck —
Jet thrust nozzle
angleCheck, adjust 51
Handlebar pivot
shaftCheck —
Steering frictionCheck, adjust 52
Throttle cableCheck, adjust 54
Choke cableCheck, adjust 57
BatteryCheck, charge 57
Rubber couplingCheck —
Engine mountCheck —
UF2F71E0.book Page 49 Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:47 AM