2012 YAMAHA VX cruise control

Watercraft operation
30
EJU40011
Watercraft operation functions
EJU40520Reverse system (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
WARNING
EWJ01230

Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or
impact the handlebars.

Make sure that there are no obstacles or
people behind you before shifting into
reverse.

Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
When the shift lever is moved to the reverse
position, the reverse gate lowers and deflects
the water jet being discharged from the jet
thrust nozzle. This allows the watercraft to
move in reverse.
To shift into reverse:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Pull the shift lever rearward until it stops
in the reverse position. The reverse gatewill lower and the watercraft will start
moving in reverse at trolling speed.
To shift into forward:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Push the shift lever forward until it stops
in the forward position. The reverse gate
will rise and the watercraft will start mov-
ing forward at trolling speed.
1Shift lever
2Reverse position
3Forward position
1Reverse gate
2Forward position
3Reverse position
1
23
13
2
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Watercraft operation
31
EJU40000
Watercraft operation modes
EJU31417Low RPM Mode (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
The Low RPM Mode is a function that limits
the maximum engine speed to approximately
90% of the maximum engine speed in the nor-
mal mode.
The Low RPM Mode can only be activated
and deactivated by operating the remote con-
trol transmitter that is included with this water-
craft. (See page 25 for information on the
remote control transmitter.)
TIP:
The Low RPM Mode can only be activated
when the engine is stopped in the unlock
mode of the Yamaha Security System.
Activating and deactivating the Low RPM
Mode
Activation of the Low RPM Mode will be con-
firmed by the number of beeps when the re-
mote control transmitter is operated, and by
the “L-MODE” indicator light of the multifunc-
tion information center. (See page 33 for infor-
mation on the multifunction information
center.)
TIP:
If the remote control transmitter is operated
while the multifunction information center is in
the standby state, the center performs the ini-
tial operation, and then the setting is selected.
To activate the Low RPM Mode:
Push the “L-Mode” (unlock) button on the re-
mote control transmitter for more than 4 sec-
onds. Once the beeper sounds three times
and the “SECURITY” indicator light blinks
three times, then comes on, the “L-MODE” in-
dicator light comes on and the Low RPM
Mode is activated.
TIP:
If the Low RPM Mode is activated immediate-
ly after the information display turns off, the
“L-MODE” indicator light will not come on. The
1Remote control transmitter
Number of
beepsLow RPM Mode
operation“L-
MODE”
indicator
light
ActivatedComes
on
Deactivated Goes off
UF2N72E0.book Page 31 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31981
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.
EJU41232Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.52
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.52
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 52
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 52
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)Check the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.55
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.55
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.56
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.56
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.57
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.57
UF2N72E0.book Page 50 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
55
Operate the shift lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the reverse
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
30 for reverse system operation.)
EJU32594Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that thethrottle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.
Make sure that there is the proper amount of
throttle lever free play when the throttle lever
is in the fully closed (idle) position.EJU40112Remote control transmitter check
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and page
31 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
1Stopper
1
1Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 55 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation
62
throttle lever is in the fully closed (idle) posi-
tion.
VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser:
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 at trolling speed even if the throttle lever
is in the fully closed (idle) position. (See page
30 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.
1Shift lever
2Forward position
1
2
UF2N72E0.book Page 62 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation
64
soon as the throttle lever is released, but will
coast for a distance before fully stopping. If
you are not sure you can stop in time before
hitting an obstacle, apply throttle and turn in
another direction.
WARNING
EWJ00744

Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft to give you
time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slowing
down in case you need engine power to
steer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.

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 impact the
handlebars.
EJU41580Operating the watercraft in reverse
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)
Pull the shift lever rearward to the reverse po-
sition. The watercraft will move in reverse.(See page 30 for information on the reverse
system.)
Make sure that there are no obstacles or peo-
ple behind you before shifting into reverse.
EJU36086Boarding the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ01111
Be sure the operator and any passengers
have practiced boarding from the water
while still close to shore before riding. A
person who has made many unsuccessful
attempts to get back on the watercraft may
become fatigued and suffer from expo-
sure, increasing the risk of injury and
drowning.
Board the watercraft in water free from weeds
and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft) deep from
the bottom of the watercraft. NOTICE: Never
1Shift lever
2Reverse position
1
2
UF2N72E0.book Page 64 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Trouble recovery
83
Watercraft slow or
loses powerWatercraft
operation
mode
(VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)Low RPM mode acti-
vatedDeactivate Low RPM
Mode
31
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 84
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer84
Engine over-
heat warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedClean jet intake and
cool engine36
Oil pressure
warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedAdd oil
36
Spark plug Fouled or defective Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Incorrect heat range Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Gap incorrect Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Spark plug
capNot connected or
looseHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Fuel Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Air filter Clogged Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Oil buildup Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer— TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF2N72E0.book Page 83 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Index
M
Main components, location of .................. 21
Maintenance............................................. 77
Manufactured date label............................. 2
Model information....................................... 2
Multifunction information center ............... 33
Multifunction information center check ..... 58
O
Oil pressure warning ................................ 36
Operating in weeded areas ...................... 70
Operating the watercraft........................... 61
Operating the watercraft in reverse
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ...................... 64
Operating your watercraft......................... 59
Operation requirements ........................... 12
P
Periodic maintenance chart...................... 78
Post-launch checks .................................. 58
Post-operation care .................................. 71
Pre-launch checks.................................... 52
Pre-operation check points ...................... 52
Pre-operation checklist............................. 50
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ...... 1
R
Reboarding step (VX Cruiser) .................. 39
Recommended equipment ....................... 14
Remote control transmitter check
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ...................... 55
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ...................... 25
Reverse system checks
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ...................... 54
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ...................... 30
Riding position.......................................... 60
Rustproofing ............................................. 76
S
Safe boating rules .................................... 18
Safety equipment check ........................... 57
Seat .......................................................... 38
Speedometer............................................ 33
Start switch............................................... 27
Starting off ................................................ 67
Starting off from a trailer........................... 68
Starting the engine on water .................... 60Steering system ....................................... 28
Steering system checks ........................... 53
Stern drain plug checks ............................ 57
Stern eyes ................................................ 40
Stopping the engine ................................. 61
Stopping the watercraft ............................ 63
Storage compartment checks .................. 56
Storage compartments ............................. 40
Submerged watercraft .............................. 87
Switch checks .......................................... 56
T
Tachometer .............................................. 34
Throttle lever ............................................ 28
Throttle lever checks ................................ 55
Tool kit...................................................... 77
Towing the watercraft ............................... 87
Transporting on a trailer ........................... 48
Troubleshooting ....................................... 81
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 81
Turning the watercraft .............................. 62
W
Water separator ....................................... 29
Water separator check ............................. 52
Watercraft characteristics ......................... 15
Watercraft control functions ..................... 25
Watercraft operation functions ................. 30
Watercraft operation modes ..................... 31
Water-skiing ............................................. 17
Y
Yamaha Security System settings ........... 26
Yamaha Security System
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ...................... 26
UF2N72E0.book Page 2 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM