
Pre-operation checks
68
EJU31984
EWJ00413
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.
EJU41237Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
ITEM ROUTINEPAGE
Engine compartment Ventilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.
70
Fuel system Check the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
70
Water separator Check the water separator for water. 70
Engine unit Check the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 71
Engine oil level Check the engine oil level. 71
Bilge water Check the engine compartment for bilge water. 71
Battery Check the battery connections. 71
Steering system Check the steering system for proper operation. 71
RiDE lever (VX /
VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED) Check the RiDE lever for proper operation.
72
Throttle lever Check the throttle lever for proper operation. 72
Yamaha Security System
(VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED) Check the Yamaha Security System for proper op-
eration.
72
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.
72
Switches VX-C:
Check the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.
VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED:
Check the engine start/stop switch and engine
shut-off switch for proper operation.
73
Storage compartments Check the storage compartments for damage and
water.
74
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and band Check the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.
74
Fire extinguisher Check the condition of the fire extinguisher. 74
Safety equipment Check that safety equipment meeting the applica-
ble regulations is on board.
74
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Pre-operation checks
70
EJU32282
Pre-operation check pointsEJU40099Pre-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 seat storagecompartment. (See page 54 for seat re-
moval and installation procedures and
page 59 for information on the seat stor-
age compartment.)
(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 seat storage compartment and
seats in their original positions.
EJU32334Engine compartment checkEWJ00462
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 checksEWJ00382
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 61 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32424Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
water separator, drain it. (See page 29 for in-
formation on draining the water separator.)
1Water separator
1
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Pre-operation checks
74
To check the operation of the switches
(VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX
LIMITED):
(1) VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VXLIMITED: If the lock mode is selected forthe Yamaha Security System setting, se-
lect the unlock mode. (See page 25 for
Yamaha Security System setting proce- dures.)
(2) Push the engine start/stop switch to make sure that the engine starts.
(3) As soon as the engine starts running, push the engine start/stop switch to
make sure that the engine stops immedi-
ately.
(4) Restart the engine, and then pull the en- gine shut-off cord (lanyard) to remove
the clip from the engine shut-off switch
to make sure that the engine stops im-
mediately.
EJU40102Storage compartment checks
Make sure that the storage compartments
are not damaged and that water has not col-
lected in the compartments. (See page 57 for
information on the storage compartments.)
EJU43800Fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
checks
Make sure that the fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and band are not damaged and that
the fire extinguisher is securely held in place
using the band. (See page 60 for information
on the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and
band.)
EJU32544Fire extinguisher check
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher on
board. To check the fire extinguisher, see the in-
structions supplied by the fire extinguisher
manufacturer. Always keep the fire extin-
guisher secured in the holder with its cover in
place.
Always carry a fire extinguisher on board. A
fire extinguisher is not standard equipment
with this watercraft. If you do not have one,
contact a Yamaha dealer or a fire extinguish-
er dealer to obtain one meeting the proper
specifications.
EJU40122Safety equipment check
Check that safety equipment meeting the ap-
plicable regulations is on board.
EJU32353Hull and deck check
Check the hull and deck for damage or other
problem.
EJU32657Jet intake checks
Make sure that the jet intake is not damaged
or clogged with weeds or debris. If the jet in-
take is clogged, clean it. (See page 106 for in-
formation on the jet intake.)
EJU43221Jet thrust nozzle and reverse gate check
(VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX
LIMITED) Check the jet thrust nozzle and reverse gate
for damage or other problem.
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Care and storage
91
EJU37148
Post-operation careEWJ00332
Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, other-
wise fuel could leak out into the engine or
engine compartment, which could create
a fire hazard.
After using the watercraft, always take it out
of the water, clean it, and store it. Leaving the
watercraft in the water for extended periods
will accelerate the rate of normal deteriora-
tion of the jet pump and hull. Marine organ-
isms and corrosion are some of the
conditions that can shorten the life of many
watercraft components.
EJU46370Flushing the cooling water passagesECJ01311
Do not run the engine over 4000 r/min on
land. Also, do not run the engine for more
than 15 seconds without supplying water,
otherwise the engine could overheat.
Flush the cooling water passages to prevent
them from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-tion.
(2) Remove the seats. (See page 54 for seat removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Connect the garden hose adapter to a garden hose. (4) Loosen the flushing hose connector cap
and remove it. Insert the garden hose
adapter into the flushing hose connector
by pushing and twisting it until it is se-
curely connected.
(5) Connect the garden hose to a water tap.
(6) Make sure that the area around the wa- tercraft is clear, and then start the en-
gine. Immediately after the engine starts,
fully turn the water supply on so that wa-
ter flows out continually from the jet
thrust nozzle.
1Garden hose adapter
2 Garden hose
1 Flushing hose connector cap
2 Flushing hose connector
3 Garden hose adapter
12
32
1
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Care and storage
92
(7) Run the engine at idling speed for about3 minutes watching the engine condition.
If the engine stops while flushing, turn
the water supply off immediately and
perform the procedure again from step 6.
NOTICE: Do not supply water to the
cooling water passages when the en-
gine is not running. The water could
flow back through the muffler into the
engine, causing severe engine dam-
age.
[ECJ00123]
(8) Turn the water supply off.
(9) Discharge the remaining water out of the cooling water passages by alternately
squeezing and releasing the throttle lever
quickly for 10 to 15 seconds.
(10) Stop the engine.
(11) Remove the garden hose adapter, and then securely install the flushing hose
connector cap by tightening it until it
stops.
(12) Securely install seats in their original po- sitions.
EJU43840Cleaning the watercraft
(1) Remove the seats. (See page 54 for seatremoval and installation procedures.)
(2) If the watercraft will be stored for a week or more, rustproof the internal engine
components to help prevent corrosion.
(See page 95 for information on rust- proofing the internal engine compo-
nents.)
(3) Rinse the engine and engine compart- ment with a small amount of water.
NOTICE: Do not use high-pressure
water when rinsing the engine or en-
gine compartment as severe engine
damage could result.
[ECJ00572]
(4) Drain the water from the engine com- partment. (See page 65 for information
on draining the bilge water.)
(5) Wipe the engine and engine compart- ment with a dry cloth.
(6) Wash down the hull, deck, and jet pump with fresh water.
(7) Wipe the hull, deck, and jet pump with a dry cloth.
(8) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components, such as the seats and engine compart-
ment seals, with a vinyl protectant.
(9) To minimize corrosion, spray metallic parts of the hull, deck, and engine with a
rust inhibitor.
(10) Allow the engine compartment to air dry completely before installing the seats.
(11) Securely install the seats in their original positions.
EJU3368DBattery care
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft, check it, and then store it in a cool, dry
place.
EWJ00794
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dan-
gerous, causing severe burns, etc. Elec-
trolyte contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc., well away.
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Care and storage
93
If using or charging the battery in an en-
closed space, make sure that it is well
ventilated. Always shield your eyes when
working near batteries.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Antidotes
External: Flush with water.
Internal: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
egg, or vegetable oil. Call a physician im-
mediately.
Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention.
To remove the battery:
(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead.
(2) Disconnect the positive (+) battery lead.
(3) Unhook the battery bands, and then re-move the battery from the watercraft.
Checking the battery
Make sure that the battery case is not dam-
aged.
Make sure that the battery terminals are
not corroded or damaged.
Checking the battery voltage and charging
the battery
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the battery voltage and charge the bat-
tery. Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat- tery as soon as possible if it seems to have
discharged. Keep in mind that the battery
tends to discharge more quickly if the vehicle
is equipped with optional electrical accesso-
ries.
NOTICE: To charge a VRLA (Valve
Regulated Lead Acid) battery, a special
(constant-voltage) battery charger is re-
quired. Using a conventional battery char-
ger will damage the battery.
[ECJ02810]
Checking the battery bands
Make sure that the battery bands are not
damaged.
To store the battery:
(1) Clean the battery case using fresh water.
(2) If the battery terminals are dirty or cor- roded, clean them using a wire brush.
(3) Apply water-resistant grease to the bat- tery terminals.
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2 Battery band
3 Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3
1
2
1
Battery band
1 Battery terminal
1
1
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Care and storage
94
(4) Store the battery in a cool, dry place.NOTICE: Storing the battery in an un-
charged condition can cause perma-
nent battery damage. Check the
battery periodically.
[ECJ00103]
To install the battery:
(1) Place the battery in the battery compart- ment and hook the battery bands onto
the holders.
(2) Connect the positive (+) battery lead (red) to the positive (+) battery terminal.
NOTICE: Reversal of the battery leads
will damage the electrical parts.
[ECJ00262]
(3) Connect the negative (–) battery lead (black) to the negative (–) battery termi-
nal.
(4) Make sure that the battery is securely held in place.
EJU33495
Long-term storageEWJ00332
Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, other-
wise fuel could leak out into the engine or
engine compartment, which could create
a fire hazard.
Storage for long periods of time, such as win-
ter storage, requires preventive maintenance
to ensure against deterioration. It is advisable
to have the watercraft serviced by a Yamaha
dealer prior to storage.
However, the following procedures can be
performed easily by the owner.
EJU40763Cleaning
(1) Flush the cooling water passages. (Seepage 91 for information on flushing the
cooling water passages.)
TIP
If you will be storing the watercraft for a pro-
longed period, such as winter storage, top off
the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add fuel
stabilizer and conditioner to the fuel tank ac-
cording to the manufacturer’s instruction be-
fore starting the engine.
(2) Clean the watercraft. (See page 92 for in-formation on cleaning the watercraft.)
Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
EJU43663Lubrication
To keep moving parts sliding or rotating
smoothly, lubricate them with water-resistant
grease.
Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end)
Recommended water-resistant grease:
YAMALUBE MARINE
GREASE/Yamaha Grease A
Recommended water-resistant grease:
YAMALUBE MARINE GREASE /
Ya m a h a G r e a s e A
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Care and storage
95
VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX
LIMITED: Shift rod (reverse gate end) and ball joint
TIP
Disconnect the shift rod from the ball joint be-
fore lubricating.
EJU46490Rustproofing
Rustproofing the hull, deck, and engine
Spray metallic parts of the hull, deck, and en-
gine with a rust inhibitor.
Rustproofing the internal engine compo-
nents
Rustproof the internal engine components
with a rust inhibitor.
To rustproof the internal engine compo-
nents:
(1) Remove the seats. (See page 54 for seat removal and installation procedures.) (2) Remove the plastic tie that is fastening
the fuel hose to the holder on the star-
board side of the air filter case.
(3) Release the hooks on the port side of the air filter case, and remove the air filter
case cover.
(4) Spray a rust inhibitor into the intake opening for 3 seconds. WARNING! Do
not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the
engine is hot. The sprayed substance
or propellants could catch fire.
[EWJ00262]
(5) Place the air filter case cover in its origi- nal position, and then fit the hooks onto
the cover.
1Hook
2 Air filter case cover
3 Fuel hose
4 Plastic tie
5 Holder
1 Intake opening
2
1 3
4
5
1
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