Watercraft operation
30
EJU40012
Watercraft operation functions
EJU40521Reverse system (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
WARNING
EWJ01231
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 gate will 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
2 Reverse position
3 Forward position
1 Reverse gate
2 Forward position
3 Reverse position
1
23
13
2
UF2P71E0.book Page 30 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 PM
Watercraft operation
31
EJU40001
Watercraft operation modes
EJU31418Low 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
normal mode.
The Low RPM Mode can only be activated
and deactivated by operating the remote
control transmitter that is included with this
watercraft. (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 in-
formation on the mult ifunction information
center.)
TIP:
If the remote control transmitter is operated
while the multifunction information center is
in the standby state, the center performs the
initial operation, and then the setting is se-
lected.
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”
indicator 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.
1 Remote control transmitter
Number of
beeps Low RPM Mode
operation “L-
MODE”
indicator light
Activated Comes
on
Deactivated Goes off
UF2P71E0.book Page 31 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 PM
Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31982
WARNING
EWJ00412
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.
EJU41233Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEMROUTINEPAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartment Ventilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.
52
Fuel system Check the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
52
Water separator Check the water separator for water. 52
Engine unit Check the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil level Check the engine oil level. 52
Bilge water Check the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
Battery Check the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering system Check the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) Check the reverse system for proper operation.
54
Throttle lever Check 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
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.
56
Storage compartments Check the storage compartments for damage and
water.
56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and band Check the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.
56
Fire extinguisher Check the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipment Check that safety equipment meeting the applica-
ble regulations is on board.
57
Hull and deck Check the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intake Check the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugs Check the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.
57
UF2P71E0.book Page 50 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 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
operation of the shift lever and that the gate
makes contact with the stoppers. (See page
30 for reverse system operation.)
EJU32595Throttle 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.EJU40113Remote 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 pro-
cedures.)
EJU32664Engine 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
1Stopper
1
1Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
1
UF2P71E0.book Page 55 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 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 page30 for information on operating the shift le-
ver.)
EJU33255Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00772
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
throttle.
1
Shift lever
2 Forward position
1
2
UF2P71E0.book Page 62 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 PM
Operation
64
craft is decelerating, but you can turn more
sharply if you apply throttle while turning the
handlebars. The OTS system does not func-
tion below planing speeds or when the en-
gine 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.
EJU33295Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sepa-
rate braking system. It is stopped by water
resistance when the throttle lever is released.
From full speed, the watercraft comes to a
complete stop in approximately 100 m (330
ft) after the throttle lever is released or the en-
gine is stopped, although this distance will
vary depending on many factors, including
gross weight, water surface conditions, and
wind direction. The watercraft slows down as
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
EWJ00745
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.
EJU41581Operating the watercraft in reverse
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)
Pull the shift lever rearward to the reverse po-
sition. The watercraft will move in reverse.
UF2P71E0.book Page 64 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 PM
Trouble recovery
84
Watercraft slow or
loses powerWatercraft
operation
mode
(VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)Low RPM mode acti-
vated
Deactivate Low RPM
Mode
31
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 85 Impeller damaged or
worn Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer
85
Engine over-
heat warning Engine speed reduc-
tion control activated Clean jet intake and
cool engine
36
Oil pressure
warning Engine speed reduc-
tion control activated Add 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
cap Not connected or
loose Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer
—
Electrical wir-
ing Loose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer —
Fuel Stale or contaminat- ed Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer
—
Air filter Clogged Have serviced by Yamaha dealer—
Oil buildup Have serviced by Yamaha dealer —
TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF2P71E0.book Page 84 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 5:37 PM
Index
M
Main components, location of ................. 21
Maintenance ............................................ 78
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 ..................... 79
Post-launch checks ................................. 58
Post-operation care ................................. 72
Pre-launch checks ................................... 52
Pre-operation check points ..................... 52
Pre-operation checklist ............................ 50
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ...... 1
R
Reboarding step (VX Deluxe / 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 ............................................ 77
S
Safe boating rules .................................... 18
Safety equipment check .......................... 57
Seat .......................................................... 38
Speedometer ........................................... 33
Start switch .............................................. 27
Starting off ............................................... 68
Starting off from a trailer .......................... 68 Starting the engine on water .................... 60
Steering system ....................................... 28
Steering system checks ........................... 53
Stern drain plug checks ........................... 57
Stern eyes ................................................ 40
Stopping the engine ................................. 61
Stopping the watercraft ........................... 64
Storage compartment checks.................. 56
Storage compartments ............................ 40
Submerged watercraft ............................. 88
Switch checks .......................................... 56
T
Tachometer .............................................. 34
Throttle lever ............................................ 28
Throttle lever checks ................................ 55
Tool kit ..................................................... 78
Towing the watercraft .............................. 88
Transporting on a trailer ........................... 48
Troubleshooting ....................................... 82
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 82
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
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