Equipment operation
45
step breaks, the watercraft could fall,
which could result in severe injury.
[EWJ01212]
NOTICE
ECJ00743
Use the reboarding step only to board the
watercraft in the water. Do not use the re-
boarding step for any other purpose. The
watercraft can be damaged.
EJU34873Bow eye
The bow eye is used to attach a rope to the
watercraft when transporting, mooring, or
towing it in an emergency. (See page 97 for
information on towing the watercraft.)
EJU34882Stern eyes
The stern eyes are used to attach a rope to
the watercraft when transporting or mooring
it.
EJU40423Cleat
The cleat is used to attach a ski rope to the
watercraft when pulling a wakeboarder or
water-skier. WARNING! Do not use the
cleat to lift the watercraft. The cleat is not
designed to support the watercraft’s
weight. If the cleat breaks, the watercraft
1Reboarding step
1
1Bow eye
1Stern eye
1
1
UF4G74E0.book Page 45 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Equipment operation
46
could fall, which could result in severe in-
jury.
[EWJ01511]
EJU34894
Pull-up cleats (VX Limited)
The pull-up cleats are used to attach a rope
to the watercraft when mooring it.
To use a pull-up cleat, pull it up. The pull-up
cleat returns automatically to its original posi-
tion when released. WARNING! Do not use
the pull-up cleats to lift the watercraft. The
pull-up cleats are not designed to support
the watercraft’s weight. If the pull-up
cleats break, the watercraft could fall,
which could result in severe injury.
[EWJ00822]
EJU35148
Storage compartments
This watercraft is equipped with the following
storage compartments.
Only the securely closed watertight storage
compartment is waterproof. If you carry ob-jects that must be kept dry, put them in a wa-
terproof bag.
Make sure that the storage compartments
are closed securely before operating the wa-
tercraft.
EJU43770Bow storage compartment
The bow storage compartment is located un-
der the hood.
To open the bow storage compartment:
Pull the hood latch up, and then lift up the
rear of the hood.
1Cleat
1Pull-up cleat
1
1
1Hood latch
1Bow storage compartment
Bow storage compartment:
Capacity:
72.0 L (19.0 US gal, 15.8 Imp.gal)
Load limit:
5.0 kg (11 lb)
1
1
1
UF4G74E0.book Page 46 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Operation and handling requirements
50
EJU31823
Fuel requirementsEJU44910Fuel
WARNING
EWJ00283
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are ex-
tremely flammable. To avoid fires and
explosions and to reduce the risk of in-
jury when refueling, follow these in-
structions.
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause in-
jury or death. Handle gasoline with care.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth. If you
should swallow some gasoline, inhale a
lot of gasoline vapor, or get some gaso-
line in your eyes, see your doctor imme-
diately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your
clothes.
NOTICE
ECJ00322
Do not use leaded gasoline. Leaded
gasoline can seriously damage the en-
gine.
Avoid getting water and contaminants in
the fuel tank. Contaminated fuel can
cause poor performance and engine
damage. Use only fresh gasoline that
has been stored in clean containers.
TIP:
This mark identifies the recommended fuel
for this watercraft as specified by European
regulation (EN228).
Check that gasoline nozzle has the same
identifier when fueling.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and
the fuel meets the minimum octane ratings.
E-85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol
and therefore must not be used in this water-
craft. All ethanol blends containing more than
10% ethanol can cause fuel system damage
or engine performance problems.
Yamaha does not recommend gasohol con-
taining methanol because it can cause fuel
system damage and engine performance
problems.
To fill the fuel tank:
(1) Before refueling, stop the engine. Do not
stand or sit on the watercraft. Never refu-
el while smoking, or while in the vicinity Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a mi-
nimum octane rating of
86
(Pump octane number) = (R + M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
E5E10
UF4G74E0.book Page 50 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Operation and handling requirements
53
EJU40291
Engine oil requirementsEJU43951Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00282
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Why Yamalube
YAMALUBE oil is a Genuine YAMAHA Part
born of the engineers’ passion and belief that
engine oil is an important liquid engine com-
ponent. We form teams of specialists in the
fields of mechanical engineering, chemistry,
electronics and track testing, and have them
develop the engine together with the oil it will
use. Yamalube oils take full advantage of the
base oil’s qualities and blend in the ideal ba-
lance of additives to make sure the final oil
clears our performance standards. Thus,
Yamalube mineral, semisynthetic and syn-
thetic oils have their own distinct characters
and value. Yamaha’s experience gained over
many years of research and development
into oil since the 1960’s helps make
Yamalube the best choice for your Yamaha
engine.Checking the engine oil level
WARNING
EWJ00341
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
NOTICE
ECJ00392
Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise
the engine could be damaged.
Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil tank filler hole. Debris and
water in the engine oil can cause serious
engine damage.
TIP:
When checking the engine oil level on land,
the engine must be running while water is
being supplied to the cooling water pas-
sages. (See “Flushing the cooling water
passages” on page 81 for information on
supplying water.)
When checking the engine oil level on wa-
ter, moor the watercraft so that it will not
drift away.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) With the engine stopped, place the wa-
tercraft in a precisely level position on
land or launch the watercraft.
(2) Look in all directions, and then start the
engine. (See page 69 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) Run the engine at idling speed for 6 mi-
nutes or more. Run the engine an addi-
tional 5 minutes if the ambient
temperature is 20 °C (68 °F) or less.
(4) Stop the engine.
(5) Remove the seats. (See page 43 for seat
removal and installation procedures.) Recommended engine oil:
YAMALUBE 4W or 4-stroke motor oil
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40,
20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL
UF4G74E0.book Page 53 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Pre-operation checks
58
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.
EJU41235Pre-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.60
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.60
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 61
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 61
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 61
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 61
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 61
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 62
RiDE lever (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)Check the RiDE lever for proper operation. 63
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation. 63
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser /
VX Limited)Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.63
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.63
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.64
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.64
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.64
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 65
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applica-
ble regulations is on board.65
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 65
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 65
UF4G74E0.book Page 58 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Pre-operation checks
60
EJU32282
Pre-operation check pointsEJU42384Pre-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 removable water-
tight storage compartment. (See page 43
for seat removal and installation proce-
dures and page 48 for information on the
removable watertight storage compart-
ment.)
(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 removable watertight storage
compartment and seats in their original
positions.
EJU32334Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00462
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.
EJU34215Fuel system checks
WARNING
EWJ00382
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
EJU36875Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 50 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
UF4G74E0.book Page 60 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Pre-operation checks
62
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-
aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00452]
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.
[EWJ01241]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32614Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle moves as the handlebars are turned,
and that there is no difference between the
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
32
UF4G74E0.book Page 62 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Pre-operation checks
63
right and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU43213RiDE lever checks (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Operate the RiDE lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the RiDElever returns automatically to its fully closed
position when released.
EJU42181Throttle 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.
EJU40113Remote control transmitter check
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and
page 33 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
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or tie it Difference between fully turned posi-
tions of jet thrust nozzle (distances A
and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
UF4G74E0.book Page 63 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM