engine YAMAHA XL 700 2003 Owners Manual
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EJU00993 
GENERAL AND 
SAFETY 
INFORMATION
Identification numbers ............................ 1-1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) 
number ................................................... 1-1
Hull Identification Number (HIN) ............ 1-1
Engine serial number ............................. 1-1
Important labels ....................................... 1-2
Label location  ......................................... 1-2
Warning labels  ....................................... 1-3
Other labels  ............................................ 1-6
Safety information ................................... 1-7
Limitations on who may operate the 
watercraft ................................................ 1-7
Cruising limitations  ................................. 1-8
Operation requirements ......................... 1-9
Recommended equipment  .................. 1-11
Hazard information  .............................. 1-12
Watercraft characteristics  .................... 1-12
Water-skiing ......................................... 1-13
Safe boating rules ................................. 1-15
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ...... 1-15
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EJU01830
Identification numbers 
Record the Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number, Hull Identification Number (HIN)
and engine serial number in the spaces pro-
vided for assistance when ordering spare
parts from a Yamaha dealer. Also record
and keep these ID numbers in a separate
place in case your watercraft is stolen.
EJU01831
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) 
number 
The PRI-ID number is stamped on a
label1 attached inside the engine compart-
ment.
EJU01205 
Hull Identification Number 
(HIN) 
The HIN is stamped on a plate 2
attached to the aft deck.
EJU00997 
Engine serial number 
The engine serial number is stamped on
a label 3 attached to the engine unit.
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Do not attempt to modify this watercraft! 
Modifications to your watercraft may
reduce safety and reliability, and render
the watercraft unsafe or illegal for use. 
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off. After riding, remove the
engine shut-off cord from the watercraft to
avoid accidental starting or unauthorized
use by children or others. 
Scan carefully for swimmers and stay
away from swimming areas. Swimmers
are hard to see and you could acciden-
tally hit someone in the water. 
Avoid being hit by another boat! You
should always take the responsibility to
watch for traffic; other boaters may not be
watching for you. If they do not see you,
or you maneuver more quickly than other
boaters expect, you risk a collision. 
Maintain a safe distance from other boats
or watercraft, and also watch for boats’ ski
ropes or fishing lines. Obey the “Safe
boating rules,” and be sure to check
behind you before making a turn. (See
Safe boating rules on page 1-15.)
EJU01382 
Recommended equipment 
The following items should be carried on
board your watercraft: 
Sound-signaling device 
You should carry a whistle or other sound-
signaling device that can be used to sig-
nal other boats. 
Visual distress signals 
It is recommended that an authority-
approved pyrotechnic device be stored in
a waterproof container on your watercraft.
A mirror can also be used as an emer-
gency signal. Contact your Yamaha
dealer for more information. 
Watch 
A watch is helpful so you will know how
long you have been operating. 
Towline 
A towline can be used to tow a disabled
watercraft in an emergency.
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EJU01003 
Hazard information  
When transporting or storing your water-
craft, always place the fuel cock knob in
the “OFF” position, otherwise gasoline
may overflow from the carburetor. 
Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide,
a colorless, odorless gas that may cause
loss of consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate the watercraft
in an open area.
EJU01980
Watercraft characteristics 
Jet thrust turns the watercraft. Releasing
the throttle completely produces only min-
imum 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,
but once the engine slows down, the
watercraft will no longer respond to han-
dlebar input until you open the throttle
again or you reach a trolling speed. Prac-
tice turning in an open area without
obstructions 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 pro-
duce some movement whenever the
engine is running. There is no “neutral”
position. 
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Keep away from intake grate 1 while the
engine is on. Items such as long hair,
loose clothing, or PFD straps can become
entangled in moving parts resulting in
severe injury or drowning. 
Never insert any object into the jet thrust
nozzle 2 while the engine is running.
Severe injury or death could result from
coming in contact with the rotating parts
of the jet pump. 
Stop the engine and remove the clip 3
from the engine shut-off switch 4 before
removing any debris or weeds, which may
have collected around the jet intake.
EJU01896
Water-skiing 
You can use the watercraft for water-ski-
ing if it has the seating capacity to carry the
operator, a rearward-facing spotter, and the
water-skier when he or she is not skiing. 
The watercraft must also have a cleat 1
designed to pull a ski tow rope; do not attach
the tow rope to any other location. 
It is the watercraft operator’s responsibility
to be alert to the safety of the water-skier
and others. Know and follow all local water-
skiing regulations in effect for the waters in
which you will be operating. 
The operator should be comfortable car-
rying passengers before attempting to pull a
skier. 
The following are some important consid-
erations for minimizing risks while water-ski-
ing. 
The skier should wear an approved PFD,
preferably a brightly colored one so boat
operators can see the skier. 
The skier should wear protective clothing.
Severe internal injuries can occur if water
is forced into body cavities as a result of
falling into the water. Normal swimwear
does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into rectum or vagina.
The skier should wear a wetsuit bottom or
clothing that provides equivalent protec-
tion. 
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EJU01007 
FEATURES AND 
FUNCTIONS
Location of main components .............. 2-1
Operation of controls and other 
functions ................................................... 2-4
Rear seat ................................................ 2-4
Front seat  ............................................... 2-5
Hood ....................................................... 2-6
Fuel tank filler cap  .................................. 2-7
Oil tank filler cap ..................................... 2-7
Fuel cock knob  ....................................... 2-8
Engine stop switch  ................................. 2-9
Engine shut-off switch ............................ 2-9
Choke knob  ............................................ 2-9
Throttle lever  ........................................ 2-10
Start switch ........................................... 2-10
Cooling water pilot outlet  ..................... 2-11
Steering system  ................................... 2-11
Handgrip ............................................... 2-12
Finger grip  ............................................ 2-12
Engine overheat warning system  ........ 2-13
Oil level warning lamp .......................... 2-14
Storage compartments  ........................ 2-15
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EJU01008 
Location of main components 
1Cooling water pilot outlet
Use to verify cooling water flow.
2Bow eye
Use to attach rope for transporting, mooring or
towing the watercraft in an emergency.
3Front storage compartment
4Hood
5Fuel cock knob
Use to select either normal or reserve fuel flow
from the fuel tank to the carburetors, or to shut
off fuel flow.
6Handlebars
Use to control direction.
7Fuel tank filler cap
8Rope hole
Use to attach a rope for mooring only.
9Oil tank filler cap
0Choke knob
Use to start a cold engine.AFootwell
Use to place feet for balance.
BFootrest
To keep proper balance while facing to the rear
to watch the skier.
CFire extinguisher container
Use to store the fire extinguisher.
DIntake grate
Prevents debris from getting into the jet pump.
EHandgrip
Use for suppor t when boarding the watercraft
or when seated facing rearward and acting as
a spotter for a water-skier.
FRear seat
GFront seat
HGlove compartment
ISeat storage compartments
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1Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
Attach to wrist so that the engine stops if the
operator falls off the watercraft.
2Engine stop switch
Push to stop the engine normally.
3Clip
Insert into the engine shut-off switch to enable
starting of the engine.
Remove to stop the engine or prevent acci-
dental star ting of the engine or unauthorized
use of the watercraft.
4Engine shut-off switch
Remove the clip to stop the engine and dis-
able it from starting.
5Start switch
Push to start the engine.6Oil level warning lamp
7Throttle lever
Use to accelerate and decelerate.
8Stern drain plugs
Use to drain water in the bilge when the water-
craft is on dry land.
9Jet thrust nozzle
Changes the direction of jet thrust according
to handlebar position.
0Cleat
Use to attach a towrope for pulling water-skier
or a rope mooring the watercraft.
ARide plate
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1Silencer
Prevents water from getting into the engine
and reduces air intake noise.
2Spark plugs/caps
3Electrical box
Protects electrical components from water.
4Spark plug lead
5Muffler6Fuel tank
7Oil tank
8Fuel filter
9Flush hose connector
Use to flush the engine cooling water pas-
sages.
0Battery
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EJU01014 
Fuel cock knob  
The fuel cock supplies fuel from the fuel
tank to the carburetors. 
The fuel cock knob 1 positions are
explained as follows and are shown in the
illustration. 
OFF: 
With the fuel cock knob in this position,
fuel does not flow. Always turn the fuel cock
knob to this position when the engine is not
running. 
ON: 
With the fuel cock knob in this position,
fuel flows to the carburetors. Turn the fuel
cock knob to this position when starting the
engine and operating the watercraft. 
RES: 
This indicates reserve. With the fuel cock
knob in this position, the fuel reserve is
made available. Tur n the fuel cock knob to
this position if you run out of fuel while oper-
ating the watercraft. When this occurs,
refuel as soon as possible and be sure to
turn the fuel cock knob back to “ON”!
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