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Important information
This practice guide does not replace the Owner’s/Operator’s Manual or the labels
on the watercraft.
Be sure to study these instructional materials thoroughly before you begin to oper-
ate this watercraft.
WARNING
Collisions result in more injuries and deaths than any other type of accident for per-
sonal watercraft (PWC).
To avoid collisions:
Scan constantly for people, objects, and other watercraft. Be alert for conditions that
limit your visibility or block your vision of others.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft.
●Do not follow directly behind PWCs or other boats.
●Do not go near others to spray or splash them with water.
●Avoid sharp turns, slowing down rapidly by squeezing the Reverse with Intuitive
Deceleration Electronics (RiDE) lever forcefully, and other maneuvers that make it
hard for others to avoid you or understand where you are going.
The RiDE system is an electronic system for controlling the engine speed and
reverse gate, which is located near the jet thrust nozzle. The RiDE lever located at
the left handlebar grip can be used to change the direction of the jet thrust so that
the watercraft moves in reverse or is in neutral. The RiDE system assists the oper-
ator when slowing down and during slow-speed maneuvering, such as launching,
beaching, and docking.
●Avoid areas with submerged objects or shallow water.
Take early action to avoid collisions. Remember, PWCs and other boats do not have
brakes. In addition, the RiDE system is not a braking device for avoiding dangerous
situations.
Do not release the throttle lever when trying to steer away from objects—you need
throttle to steer. Always check throttle and steering controls for proper operation
before starting PWC.
Follow navigation rules and local laws that apply to PWCs. See Owner’s Manual for
more information.
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Exercise 2: Starting and stopping engine
Drill 1: Starting the engine
1. VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser/VX Limited: Press the unlock button 1 on the remote control
transmitter to deactivate the security system. (See the “Yamaha Security System” sec-
tion in the owner’s/operator’s manual for more information.)
VX: Skip to step 2. (Your watercraft is not equipped with Yamaha Security System.)
2. Attach the engine shut-off cord 2 to your wrist. Insert the clip 3, under the engine shut-
off switch 4. Make sure to keep the engine shut-off cord free from the handlebars so the
engine stops if the operator falls off. The clip may not pull free if the cord is wrapped
around the handlebars.
3. Push the start switch 5 (green button).
(Do not squeeze either the throttle lever or RiDE lever. Otherwise, the engine will not
start.)
4. Release the start switch as soon as the engine starts to run.
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2
5
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Exercise 4: Trolling speed maneuvering
Objective:
This exercise familiarizes you with the watercraft’s handling characteristics at trolling
speed. It teaches techniques you will use when beaching, docking, or approaching objects.
Skills:
Starting and turning at trolling speed.
Directions:
Drill 1: Moving straight and turning at trolling speed
1. Board the watercraft, and check for people, objects and other watercraft.
2. Start the engine and go straight ahead.
3. Begin to turn, making a large figure eight about 15–21 m (50–70 ft) long. Do not apply
throttle.
Drill 2: Making full-lock turns at trolling speed
1. Turn the handlebars as far as possible in either direction. Allow the watercraft to turn
360°.
2. Practice turning both clockwise and counterclockwise to get a feel for how the watercraft
responds to handlebar movement.
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