2010 YAMAHA FX SHO warning

Pre-operation checks
63
EJU32281
Pre-operation check points EJU40096Pre-launch checks
Perform the pre-launch checks in the pre-op-
eration checklist while the watercraft is on
land.
To perform the pre-launch checks:
(1) Remove the seats and seat storage com-
partment. (See page 47 for seat removal
and installation procedures and page 52
for information on the seat storage com-
partment.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
(3) After completing these checks, securely
install the seat storage compartment and
seats in their original positions.
EJU32333Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00461
Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in a fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak.
Ventilate the engine compartment. Leave the
engine compartment open for a few minutes
to allow any fuel vapors to escape.
Make sure that there is no damage inside the
engine compartment.
EJU34214Fuel system checks
WARNING
EWJ00381
Leaking fuel can result in fire or explosion.

Check for fuel leakage regularly.

If any fuel leakage is found, the fuel sys-
tem must be repaired by a qualified me-
chanic. Improper repairs can make the
watercraft unsafe to operate.
Make sure that there is no damage, leakage,
or other problem in the fuel system.
Check:

Fuel filler cap and seal for damage

Fuel tank for damage and leakage

Fuel hoses and joints for damage and leak-
age

Fuel tank breather hose for damage and
leakage
EJU36874Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 54 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32423Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
water separator, drain it. (See page 31 for in-
formation on draining the water separator.)
1Water separator
1
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Pre-operation checks
64
EJU40181Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU36885Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
the dipstick. (See page 56 for information on
checking the engine oil level.)
EJU32455Bilge water check
Make sure that no bilge water has collected in
the engine compartment. If bilge water has
collected in the engine compartment, drain it.
(See page 57 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32484Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals and
breather hose are not damaged and that the
battery leads and breather hose are connect-
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-
aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00451]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa-
tercraft if the battery does not have suffi-
cient power to start the engine or if it
shows any other signs of decreased pow-
er. Loss of battery power may leave you
stranded.
[EWJ01240]
1Dipstick
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
21
1Breather hose
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
23
1
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Pre-operation checks
66
locked in place. (See page 30 for adjustable
tilt steering system operation procedures.)
EJU32644Quick Shift Trim System (Q.S.T.S.) checks
Operate the Q.S.T.S. selector lock lever and
the Q.S.T.S. selector several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the jet
thrust nozzle moves as the Q.S.T.S. selector
is operated and that the Q.S.T.S. selector se-curely locks in place. (See page 33 for
Q.S.T.S. operation procedures.)
EJU32634Reverse system checks
WARNING
EWJ00031
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
Operate the shift lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the reverse
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Pre-operation checks
67
gate moves up and down according to the op-
eration of the shift lever and that the gate
makes contact with the stoppers. (See page
32 for reverse system operation.)
EJU41220Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that the
throttle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.Face the handlebars straight ahead with the
throttle lever in the fully closed (idle) position,
and then make sure that there is the proper
amount of throttle lever free play when the
throttle lever is in the fully closed (idle) posi-
tion.
EJU40112Remote control transmitter check
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 27 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and page
34 for Low RPM Mode activation procedures.)
EJU32663Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) check
Make sure that the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not damaged. If the cord is damaged,
replace it. WARNING! Never try to repair
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or tie it
together. The engine shut-off cord (lan-
1Stopper
1
1Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
2.0–5.0 mm (0.08–0.20 in)
1
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Operation
71
EJU32902
Operating your watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00510
Before operating your watercraft, become
familiar with all of the controls. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func-
tion that you do not fully understand. Fail-
ure to understand how the controls work
could cause an accident or prevent you
from avoiding an accident.
EJU32963Getting 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 beginning on
page 10. These materials should give you an
understanding of the watercraft and its opera-
tion.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow
more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a water-
skier is being pulled) to ride the watercraft at
any time.
EJU33005Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
61. 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.
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.Maximum load:
240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, oper-
ator, and passengers.
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Operation
72
EJU40210Riding position
Operator riding position
The operator should grip the handlebars firm-
ly with both hands and sit astride the seat with
both feet on the floor of the footwell.
Passenger riding position
The passenger(s) should hold on firmly, either
to the person in front of them or to the hand-
grip provided, and sit astride the seat with
their feet on the floor of the footwell. Never al-
low a passenger to ride in front of the opera-
tor. (See page 17 for information on the riding
position when pulling a water-skier.)
EJU32802Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.
If the watercraft is launched from a trailer,
someone should make sure that waves do not
push the watercraft into the trailer.
EJU36344Starting the engine on water
WARNING
EWJ01530
Do not apply throttle when anyone is at the
rear of the watercraft. Turn the engine off
or keep it at idle. Water and debris exiting
the jet thrust nozzle can cause severe inju-
ry.
To start the engine:
(1) If the lock mode is selected for the
Yamaha Security System setting, select
the unlock mode. (See page 27 for
Yamaha Security System setting proce-
dures.)
(2) Move the watercraft to an area that is free
from weeds and debris, and has a water
depth of at least 60 cm (2 ft) from the bot-
tom of the watercraft. NOTICE: Never
run the engine in water that is less
than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom
of the watercraft, otherwise pebbles or
sand could be sucked into the jet in-
take, causing impeller damage and en-
gine overheating.
[ECJ00472]
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch. (See page
28 for information on operating the en-
gine shut-off switch.) WARNING! Check
that the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Operation
73
is attached correctly. If the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) is not attached
correctly, it may not pull free when the
operator falls off, allowing the water-
craft to continue to run and cause an
accident.
[EWJ00581]
(4) With the throttle lever released, push the
start switch (green button) to start the en-
gine. (See page 28 for information on op-
erating the start switch.)
EJU32862Stopping the engine
Release the throttle lever, and then push the
engine stop switch (red button) to stop the en-
gine. WARNING! You need throttle to steer.
Shutting the engine off can cause you to
hit an obstacle you are attempting toavoid. A collision could result in severe in-
jury or death.
[EWJ00601]
EJU32872
Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the clip from
the engine shut-off switch to prevent acciden-
tal starting or unauthorized operation by chil-
dren or others.
EJU40220Operating the watercraft
When the shift lever is in the forward position
and the engine is running, the watercraft will
move forward. The watercraft will move for-
ward even if the throttle lever is in the fully
closed (idle) position and the engine is at
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
12
3
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Operation
74
idling speed. (See page 32 for information on
operating the shift lever.)
EJU33254Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00771

Do not release the throttle lever when
trying to steer away from objects—you
need 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 passenger(s)
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.
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
1Shift lever
2Forward position
1
2
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