steering YAMAHA FX HO 2007 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Hull Identification Number (HIN) ........ 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 3
Warning labels ................................... 4
Other labels ....................................... 8
Safety information ........................... 10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................ 10
Cruising limitations ....................... 11
Operation requirements ............... 12
Recommended equipment ........... 14
Hazard information ....................... 15
Watercraft characteristics ............. 15
Water-skiing ................................. 17
Safe boating rules ........................ 19
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 19
Features and functions ................... 20
Location of main components ...... 20
Operation of controls and
other functions ........................... 24
Seats ............................................... 24
Hood ................................................ 25
Fuel tank filler cap ........................... 26
Remote control transmitter .............. 26
Engine stop switch .......................... 27
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 27
Start switch ...................................... 27
Throttle lever ................................... 28
Cooling water pilot outlets ............... 28
Steering system ............................... 28
Tilt lever ........................................... 29
Shift lever ......................................... 29
Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
selector ........................................ 30Handgrip .......................................... 32
Reboarding step ............................... 32
Bow eye ........................................... 32
Stern eyes ....................................... 33
Pull-up cleats
(for FX Cruiser High Output) ........ 33
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ........................... 33
Yamaha Security System ................ 33
Multifunction information center ...... 34
Storage compartments .................... 45
Operation ......................................... 49
Fuel and oil .................................. 49
Gasoline .......................................... 49
Engine oil ......................................... 50
Filling the fuel tank .......................... 50
Pre-operation checks ................... 51
Pre-operation check list ................... 51
Pre-operation check points .............. 53
Operation ..................................... 61
Engine break-in ............................... 61
Launching the watercraft ................. 61
Starting the engine .......................... 61
Stopping the engine ........................ 63
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 63
Operating your watercraft ............ 64
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 64
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 64
Riding with passengers ................... 65
Starting the watercraft ..................... 65
Boarding and starting in
deep water ................................... 66
Capsized watercraft ......................... 69
Turning the watercraft ..................... 70
Stopping the watercraft ................... 72
Beaching the watercraft ................... 72
Docking the watercraft ..................... 72
Reverse on waterways ..................... 72
Rough water operation .................... 73
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Safety information
15
EJU30870
Hazard information

Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide, a color-
less, odorless gas that may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a short
time. Always operate the watercraft in an
open area.

Do not touch the hot oil tank, muffler, or en-
gine during or immediately after engine op-
eration; they can cause serious burns.
EJU30920
Watercraft characteristics

Jet thrust turns the watercraft. 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.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha
Engine Management System (YEMS) that
includes an off-throttle steering (OTS) sys-
tem. It will activate at planing speeds should
you attempt to steer the watercraft after re-
leasing the throttle lever. The OTS system
assists in turning by continuing to supply
some thrust while the watercraft is deceler-
ating, but you can turn more sharply if you
apply throttle while turning the handlebars.
The OTS system does not function below
planing speeds or when the engine 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.
Practice turning in an open area without ob-
stacles until you have a good feel for this
maneuver.

This watercraft is water-jet propelled. The
jet pump is directly connected to the engine.
This means that jet thrust will produce some
movement whenever the engine is running.
There is no “neutral” position. You are in ei-
ther “forward” or “reverse”, depending upon
the shift lever position.

Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or im-
pact the handlebars.
This could increase the risk of back/spinal
injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and broken
legs, ankles, and other bones. You could
also damage the shift mechanism.
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Safety information
18
watch the skier’s hand signals and condi-
tion.
FX High Output
FX Cruiser High Output

Your control while pulling a water-skier is
affected by the skier’s ability, as well as wa-
ter and weather conditions.

When preparing to pull a skier, operate the
watercraft at the slowest possible speeduntil the watercraft is well away from the ski-
er and slack in the ski rope is taken up.
Make sure that the rope is not looped
around anything.
After checking that the skier is ready and
that there is no traffic or other obstacles, ap-
ply enough throttle to raise the skier.

Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft is
capable of very sharp turns, which could ex-
ceed the abilities of the skier. Keep the skier
at least 50 m (150 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard ski rope, from any po-
tential hazard.

Be alert to the hazard of the ski rope handle
snapping back at the watercraft when the
skier falls or is unable to get up on the skis.

Towing heavy or bulky objects other than
skiers, such as another boat or watercraft,
can cause loss of steering control and cre-
ate a hazardous condition. If you must tow
another boat in an emergency situation, op-
erate slowly and cautiously.
1Handgrip
1Handgrip
1Handgrip
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Features and functions
28
squeezed. (See page 33 for Yamaha Security
System lock and unlock mode selection pro-
cedures.)
EJU31210Throttle lever
Squeeze the throttle lever to increase engine
speed.
Release the throttle lever to decrease engine
speed or to return it to the idle position.
EJU31240Cooling water pilot outlets
This watercraft is equipped with cooling water
pilot outlets.
When the engine is running, cooling water is
circulated in the engine, and then it is dis-
charged from the pilot outlets.
To check for proper operation of the cooling
system, check that water is being discharged
from the port (left) pilot outlet. If water is not
being discharged from this outlet, cooling wa-
ter may not be circulating in the engine. Whenthis occurs, stop the engine and check for the
cause. (See pages 40 and 94 for more infor-
mation.)
NOTE:

If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 60 seconds for the water to
reach the outlet after the engine is started.

Water discharge may not be constant at
idle, therefore, open the throttle a little to
check that water discharges properly.

Water discharge may not be constant at the
starboard (right) pilot outlet, however, if it is
constant at the port (left) pilot outlet, the
cooling system is operating normally.
EJU31260Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning the
handlebars in the direction you wish to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the angle of
the jet thrust nozzle is changed, and the direc-
tion of the watercraft is changed accordingly.
Since the strength of the jet thrust determines1Throttle lever
1Handlebar
2Jet thrust nozzle
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Features and functions
29
the speed and degree of a turn, throttle must
always be applied when attempting a turn, ex-
cept at trolling speed.
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. The OTS system assists in
turning by continuing to supply some thrust
while the watercraft is decelerating, but you
can turn more sharply if you apply throttle
while turning the handlebars.
The OTS system does not function below
planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar in-
put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU31290Tilt lever
The tilt lever is located in front of the glove
compartment and is used to adjust the tilt of
the handlebars.To adjust the tilt, pull the tilt lever up, and then
move the handlebars up or down to the de-
sired position.
WARNING
EWJ00040

Never touch the tilt lever during opera-
tion, otherwise the handlebars may sud-
denly change position, which may lead
to an accident.

Make sure that the tilt lever returns to its
original position and that the handlebars
are locked in place after adjusting them,
otherwise the handlebars may suddenly
change position, which may lead to an
accident.
EJU31300Shift lever
The shift lever is located on the starboard
(right) side of the watercraft and is used to
control the reverse gate, which allows the wa-
tercraft to move in reverse or forward.
1Tilt lever
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Operation
51
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31990Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the accom-
panying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING
EWJ00410
If any item in the pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and
repaired before operating the watercraft, otherwise an accident could occur.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seats to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.53
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 54
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 55
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 57
Steering systemCheck for proper operation.
Check that the handlebars are locked in place.57
Shift lever and reverse gateCheck for proper operation. 57
QSTSCheck for proper operation. 58
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.53, 53
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 54
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 55
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 25
Front and rear seatsCheck that the seats are securely installed. 24
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.53
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 59
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 56
Engine shut-off cordCheck the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 59
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.60
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.60
Multifunction information
centerCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 60
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Operation
57
contact a Yamaha dealer or a fire extin-
guisher dealer to obtain one meeting the
proper specifications.
EJU32590Throttle lever
Check the throttle lever for proper operation.
Squeeze and release the throttle lever several
times to make sure that there is no hesitation
in its travel. It should be smooth over the com-
plete range and spring back to the idle posi-
tion when released.
WARNING
EWJ00490
Before starting the engine, always check
the operation of the throttle lever.
EJU32610Steering system
Check the handlebars for looseness.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the jet
thrust nozzle moves as the handlebars areturned, and that there is no free play between
the handlebars and the jet thrust nozzle.
Check that the handlebars are locked in
place. (See “Tilt lever” on page 29 for more in-
formation.)
EJU32630Shift lever and reverse gate
Check the shift lever and reverse gate for
proper operation.
Make sure that the reverse gate goes down
completely when the shift lever is pulled up.
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Operation
70
ride plate while pushing down on the gun-
wale with your right hand or foot.
NOTE:
If the port (left) side of the capsized watercraft
is tilting up, push down on the gunwale so that
the port (left) side is down before turning the
watercraft clockwise.
CAUTION:
ECJ00540
Do not turn the watercraft over counter-
clockwise, otherwise water can enter the
engine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
(3) Start the engine and operate the water-
craft to discharge any water remaining in
the engine compartment. (If the engine
does not start, see “Towing the water-
craft” on page 97 or “Submerged water-
craft” on page 97.)
CAUTION:
ECJ00550
Do not operate the engine at full throttle
for at least 1 minute after the engine has
been restarted. Excessive water in the
bilge can splash into the engine, which
can result in severe damage.
NOTE:
To efficiently discharge water from the engine
compartment, operate the watercraft as
straight as possible and above planing speed
for at least 2 minutes.
EJU33250Turning the watercraft
Steering control depends on the combination
of handlebar position and the amount of throt-
tle.
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.
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Operation
71
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 releasing
the throttle lever, but once the engine
slows down, the watercraft will no longer
respond to handlebar input until you ap-
ply 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.
WARNING
EWJ00770

Do not release the throttle lever when
trying to steer away from objects—you
need throttle to steer. A collision could
result in severe injury or death.

When operating at higher speeds, make
gradual turns or slow down before turn-
ing. Sharp high-speed turns may cause
the watercraft to slide sideways or spin,
throwing the operator and passengers
overboard, which could cause an injury.
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 continu-
ing to supply some thrust while the watercraft
is decelerating, but you can turn more sharply
if you apply throttle while turning the handle-
bars. The OTS system does not function be-
low planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar in-
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Maintenance and care
77
water passages by alternately squeezing
and releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds, making sure not to run the
engine over 6000 r/min.
(8) Stop the engine.
(9) Remove the garden hose adapter and in-
stall the flushing hose connector cap.
EJU33600Lubrication
WARNING
EWJ00260
Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or pro-
pellants could catch fire.
(1) Remove the seats. (See page 24 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the air filter case cover and the
air filter element. (See page 84 for air fil-
ter case cover and air filter element re-
moval and installation procedures.)
(3) Spray a rust inhibitor into each intake
opening for 3 seconds.
(4) Install the air filter element in the air filter
case, and then install the air filter case
cover.
(5) Start the engine in a well-ventilated area
and let it run at idle for 15 seconds.
CAUTION:
ECJ00160
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds, otherwise the engine could over-
heat.
(6) Lubricate all cables such as the throttle
and steering cables.
NOTE:
Use a suitable marine grease applicator to
pressure-lubricate the cables and purge out
any moisture between the inner and outer ca-
bles.
(7) Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified in “Lubrication points” on page
87.
EJU36380Fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00280
GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE HIGH-
LY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!

Do not smoke when refueling, and keep
away from sparks, flames, and other
sources of ignition.

Stop the engine before refueling.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the
watercraft in a horizontal position.

Do not stand or sit on the watercraft
while refueling in case of fire.

Take care not to spill gasoline. If gaso-
line spills, wipe it up immediately with
dry rags. Always properly dispose of
gasoline-soaked rags.

Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Stop fill-
ing when the fuel level reaches approxi-
mately 50 mm (2 in) from the top of the
fuel tank. Fuel expands as it warms up
and could overflow if the fuel tank has
been overfilled. If temporarily leaving
the watercraft with a full fuel tank, do not
1Intake opening
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