YAMAHA FX HO CRUISER 2018 Owners Manual
Page 91 of 116
Operation
85
on the gunwale with your other hand or
your foot.
(3) Start the engine and operate the water-
craft at planing speed to drain the bilge
water from the engine compartment.
(See page 61 for information on draining
the bilge water. If the engine does not
start, see “Towing the watercraft” on
page 105 or “Submerged watercraft” on
page 105.) NOTICE: Do not run the en-
gine at full throttle for at least 1 minute
after the engine has been restarted.
Bilge water in the engine compart-
ment can splash into the engine,
which can result in severe damage.
[ECJ00554]
EJU43282
Beaching and docking the watercraft
To beach the watercraft:
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach.(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 110 m (360 ft) before you
reach the intended beaching area.
(3) Slowly approach the beach using the
throttle lever and RiDE lever to control
the watercraft speed. NOTICE: Never
run the engine in water that is less
than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom
of the watercraft, otherwise pebbles
or sand could be sucked into the jet
intake, causing impeller damage and
engine overheating.
[ECJ00473]
(4) After reaching land, stop the engine, and
then get off the watercraft and pull it up
on the beach.
To dock the watercraft:
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the dock.
(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 110 m (360 ft) away from
the dock.
(3) Slowly approach the dock using the
throttle lever and RiDE lever to control
the watercraft speed.
(4) After coming alongside the dock, stop
the engine, and then get off the water-
craft.
EJU37194Operating in weeded areas
Always avoid using your watercraft in areas
where weed growth is thick. If operating in
weeded areas is unavoidable, alternately
squeeze the throttle lever and relax your grip
on the throttle lever to vary the engine speed.
Weeds tend to become clogged more when
operating at a steady speed and at trolling
speed. If weeds may have clogged the intake
area, clean the jet intake. (See page 101 for
information on the jet intake.)
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Operation
86
EJU40242After removing the watercraft from
the water
NOTICE
ECJ01311
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.
After operating and removing the watercraft
from the water, promptly discharge the re-
maining water from the cooling water pas-
sages.
To discharge water from the cooling water
passages:
(1) Make sure that the area around the wa-
tercraft is clear, and then start the en-
gine.
(2) Discharge the remaining water out of the
cooling water passages by alternately
squeezing and releasing the throttle lever
quickly for 10 to 15 seconds.
(3) Stop the engine.
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Care and storage
87
EJU37146
Post-operation care
WARNING
EWJ00331
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.
EJU42222Flushing the cooling water passages
NOTICE
ECJ01311
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 and removable water-
tight storage compartment. (See page 48
for seat removal and installation proce-
dures and page 54 for information on the
removable watertight storage compart-
ment.)
(3) Open the stern storage compartment.
(See page 53 for information on the stern
storage compartment.)(4) Connect the garden hose adapter to a
garden hose.
(5) 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.
(6) Connect the garden hose to a water tap.
(7) 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-
1Garden hose adapter
2Garden hose
1Flushing hose connector
2Flushing hose connector cap
3Garden hose adapter
12
1
3
2
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Page 94 of 116
Care and storage
88
ter flows out continually from the jet
thrust nozzle.
(8) Run the engine at idling speed for about
3 minutes watching the engine condition.
If the engine stops while flushing, turn
the water supply off immediately and
perform the procedure again from step 7.
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]
(9) Turn the water supply off.
(10) Discharge the remaining water out of the
cooling water passages by alternately
squeezing and releasing the throttle lever
quickly for 10 to 15 seconds.
(11) Stop the engine.
(12) Remove the garden hose adapter, and
then securely install the flushing hose
connector cap by tightening it until it
stops.
(13) Securely close the stern storage com-
partment.
(14) Securely install the removable watertight
storage compartment and seats in their
original positions.
EJU33736Cleaning the watercraft
(1) Remove the seats. (See page 48 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)(2) 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]
(3) Drain the water from the engine com-
partment. (See page 61 for information
on draining the bilge water.)
(4) Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment with a dry cloth.
(5) Wash down the hull, deck, and jet pump
with fresh water.
(6) Wipe the hull, deck, and jet pump with a
dry cloth.
(7) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the seats and engine compart-
ment seals, with a vinyl protectant.
(8) To minimize corrosion, spray metallic
parts of the hull, deck, and engine with a
rust inhibitor.
(9) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seats.
(10) Securely install the seats in their original
positions.
EJU33688Battery 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.
WARNING
EWJ00792
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dan-
gerous, causing severe burns, etc. Elec-
trolyte contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Antidotes
External: Flush with water.
Internal: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
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Care and storage
89
egg, or vegetable oil. Call a physician im-
mediately.
Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc., well away.
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.
To remove the battery:
(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead.
(2) Disconnect the positive (+) battery lead.
(3) Disconnect the breather hose.
(4) 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.
Make sure that the breather hose is not
clogged or damaged.Checking the electrolyte level
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the maximum and minimum level
marks.
If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled wa-
ter to raise it to the specified level. NOTICE:
Use only distilled water for replenishing
the battery, otherwise battery life could be
shortened.
[ECJ00242]
If distilled water was added, check the bat-
tery voltage.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the battery voltage and charge the bat-
tery. If you charge the battery yourself, be
sure to read and follow the instructions pro-
vided with the battery tester and charger you
use. NOTICE: Do not attempt to charge a
battery hastily. Battery life could be short-
ened.
[ECJ00252]
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Battery band
3Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
4Breather hose
12
3
4
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
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Care and storage
90
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.
(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) Connect the breather hose to the bat-
tery. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is
damaged, obstructed, or not connect-
ed properly.
[EWJ00452]
(5) Make sure that the battery is securely
held in place.
1Battery band
1Battery terminal
Recommended water-resistant grease:
YAMALUBE MARINE
GREASE/Yamaha Grease A
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Care and storage
91
EJU33493
Long-term storage
WARNING
EWJ00331
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. (See
page 87 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 88 for in-
formation on cleaning the watercraft.)
Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
EJU44741Lubrication
To keep moving parts sliding or rotating
smoothly, lubricate them with water-resistant
grease.
Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end), elec-
tric trim rod (jet thrust nozzle end), and ball
joint
TIP:
Disconnect the electric trim rod from the ball
joint before lubricating.
Shift rod (reverse gate end) and ball joint
TIP:
Disconnect the shift rod from the ball joint be-
fore lubricating.
EJU40812Rustproofing
Spray metallic parts of the hull, deck, and en-
gine with a rust inhibitor.
Have a Yamaha dealer rustproof the internal
engine components.
Recommended water-resistant grease:
YAMALUBE MARINE GREASE /
Ya m a h a G r e a s e A
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Maintenance
92
EJU33769
Maintenance
Periodic checks and lubrication will keep
your watercraft in the safest and most effi-
cient condition possible. Therefore, make
sure to carry out the periodic maintenance.
Safety is an obligation of the watercraft own-
er. Proper maintenance must be carried out
to keep the exhaust emission and sound lev-
els within the regulated limits. The most im-
portant points of watercraft inspection and
lubrication are explained on the following pa-
ges.
See a Yamaha dealer for genuine Yamaha re-
placement parts and optional accessories
designed for your watercraft.
Remember, failures that are the result of the
installation of parts or accessories which are
not qualitatively equivalent to genuine
Yamaha parts are not covered by the limited
warranty.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and system
may be performed by any marine SI engine
repair establishment or individual. War-
ranty repair, however, must be performed
at an authorized Yamaha marine dealer-
ship.
WARNING
EWJ00312
Be sure to turn off the engine when you
perform maintenance unless otherwise
specified. If you are not familiar with ma-
chine servicing, this work should be done
by a Yamaha dealer or other qualified me-
chanic.
EJU33803Tool kit
A tool kit is included with this watercraft. Pla-
ce the tool kit in a waterproof bag and alwayscarry it with you whenever you use the water-
craft.
EJU42021Removing and installing the engine
cover
The engine cover is removable.
To remove the engine cover:
(1) Remove the seats. (See page 48 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the engine cover screws.
1Tool bag
2Screwdriver
3Garden hose adapter
410/12 mm box wrench
5Pliers
610/12 mm open-end wrench
1Engine cover screw
1
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Maintenance
93
(3) Lift up the engine cover to remove it.
To install the engine cover:
(1) Place the engine cover in its original po-
sition, and then push it down.
(2) Install the engine cover screws, and then
tighten them to the specified torque.
(3) Securely install the seats in their original
positions.
1Engine cover
Tightening torque:
Engine cover screw:
4.5 N·m (0.46 kgf·m, 3.3 lb·ft)
1
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Maintenance
94
EJU43101Periodic maintenance chart
The periodic maintenance chart gives general guidelines for periodic maintenance. Have a
Yamaha dealer perform the checks in the following chart. However, maintenance may need
to be performed more frequently depending on your operating conditions. If you have any
questions, consult a Yamaha dealer.
This “√” mark indicates items to be checked and serviced by a Yamaha dealer.
Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page
10 hours50 hours
or 12
months
*1100
hours or
12
months
*1200
hours or
24
months
*1
Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses and
clamps√—
Fuel filler cap/Wa-
ter separatorCheck O-rings for cracks
and deformation√—
Fuel tankCheck installation and
straps√—
Water inlet strainerCheck for clogs and dam-
age√—
Cooling water hos-
esCheck for damage and
leakage, and check
clamps√—
Engine oilReplace√√96
Oil filterReplace√96
Intermediate hous-
ingLubricate√—
Spark plugsCheck√√—
BatteryCheck state of charge,
terminals, bands, and
breather hose√—
Battery leadsCheck terminals√—
Steering masterCheck operation and for
looseness√√—
Steering cableCheck exterior and con-
nections, and lubricate√—
Electric trim rodCheck exterior and con-
nections, and lubricate√—
Shift rod and re-
verse gate Check exterior and con-
nections, and lubricate√—
Air filter elementCheck for damage and
dirt√—
Air intake hosesCheck for damage, and
check clamps√
—
Throttle bodyLubricate throttle valve√—
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