Operation
63
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 re-
leasing the throttle lever, but once theengine slows down, the watercraft will no
longer respond to handlebar input until
you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
D. If the engine is stopped while riding,
there is no thrust. The watercraft will go
straight even though the handlebars are
turned.
You need throttle to steer.
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 (see condition C above).
The OTS system assists in turning by con-
tinuing to supply some thrust while the water-
UF2P71E0.book Page 63 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
Index
A
After removing the watercraft from the
water ..................................................... 71
B
Battery care.............................................. 73
Battery checks ......................................... 53
Battery, jumping ....................................... 86
Beaching and docking the watercraft ...... 70
Beverage holder ....................................... 42
Bilge water check..................................... 53
Bilge water, draining ................................ 47
Bilge water, draining on land ................... 47
Bilge water, draining on water ................. 47
Boarding alone ......................................... 65
Boarding and starting off from a dock ..... 69
Boarding the watercraft ........................... 65
Boarding with passenger(s) ..................... 66
Bow eye ................................................... 40
Bow storage compartment ...................... 40
Builder’s plate ............................................ 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 69
Check engine warning ............................. 37
Cleaning ................................................... 76
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 73
Cleat ......................................................... 40
Cooling water pilot outlet ......................... 29
Cooling water pilot outlet check .............. 58
Craft Identification Number (CIN)............... 1
Cruising limitations................................... 11
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 85
Engine break-in ........................................ 49
Engine compartment check ..................... 52
Engine idling speed check ....................... 58
Engine oil ................................................. 45
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 80
Engine oil level check............................... 52
Engine oil requirements ........................... 45
Engine overheat warning ......................... 36
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) check ....... 55
Engine shut-off switch ............................. 27
Engine stop switch................................... 27
Engine unit check..................................... 52Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 19
Equipment ................................................ 38
F
Fire extinguisher check ............................ 57
Fire extinguisher holder and cover........... 42
Fire extinguisher holder, cover, and
band checks ......................................... 56
Flushing the cooling water passages....... 72
Fuel .......................................................... 44
Fuel level check........................................ 52
Fuel level meter ........................................ 35
Fuel level warning..................................... 35
Fuel requirements .................................... 44
Fuel system checks ................................. 52
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 86
G
Getting to know your watercraft .............. 59
Glossary, watercraft ................................. 20
Glove compartment ................................. 41
H
Handgrip .................................................. 39
Hazard information................................... 15
Hood check .............................................. 58
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 34
Hull and deck check ................................ 57
I
Identification numbers ............................... 1
Information display................................... 33
J
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning.............. 85
Jet intake checks ..................................... 57
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 86
L
Labels, important ....................................... 4
Labels, other .............................................. 8
Labels, warning .......................................... 5
Launching the watercraft ......................... 60
Learning to operate your watercraft......... 59
Leaving the watercraft.............................. 61
Limitations on who may operate the
watercraft .............................................. 10
Long-term storage ................................... 76
Low RPM Mode (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser) ............................................ 31
Lubrication ............................................... 76
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