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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.
W
W ARNIN G
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 ot her 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, go too close to other
boats, or go too fast for the traffic conditions.
Avoid areas with submerge d objects or shallow water.
VX-C: Avoid sharp turns or other maneuvers that make it hard for others to avoid
you or understand where you are going.
VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED: 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 je t 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.
Take early action to avoid collisions. Remember, PWCs and other boats do not have
brakes.
VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED: The RiDE system is not a braking
device for avoiding dangerous situations.
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Exercise 2: Starting and stopping engine
Drill 1: Starting the engine
1. VX-C / VX: Skip to step 2. (Your watercraft is not equipped with Yamaha Security System.)
VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED:
Check that the unlock mode indicator “1” is displayed on the multifunction information
center to confirm that the unlock mode of the Yamaha Security System is selected.
(See the “Yamaha Security System” section in the owner’s/operator’s manual for more
information.)
2. Attach the engine shut-off cord “3” to your wrist. Insert the clip “1”, under the engine shut-off switch “2”. Make sure to keep the engine shut-off cord free from the handle-
bars so the engine stops if the operator falls off. The clip may not pull free if the cord is
wrapped around the handlebars.
1
12
3
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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 turn360°.
2. Practice turning both clockwise and counterclockwise to get a feel for how the water- craft responds to handlebar movement.
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