warning YAMAHA GP1200 2003 Owner's Guide

3-25
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NOTE:@ The heavier the total weight of the operator
and passengers, the more difficult it will be
to balance the watercraft. Do not operate the
watercraft when the total weight exceeds
160 kg (353 lb) including any cargo. If it is
difficult to balance the watercraft at a stand-
still, proceed as follows:
1. The passenger must steady the water-
craft while the operator is boarding. The
operator pulls himself up onto the plat-
form into a seating position, then bal-
ances the watercraft.
2. Attach the lanyard to your left wrist, then
install the clip on the lanyard to the
engine shut-off switch. Start the engine
and keep it at idle.
3. The passenger pulls himself up on the
platform, kneels down, then crawls onto
the seat as the watercraft accelerates.
4. The watercraft can now be accelerated
to planing speed, then the operator can
reduce the throttle to the desired running
speed.
@
EJU01883
Capsized watercraft
If the watercraft capsizes, follow the pro-
cedures below carefully to prevent damage
or injury.
WARNING@ IMPROPER UPRIGHTING CAN CAUSE
INJURY:

Shut engine off, and be sure engine
shut-off cord is removed from the
engine shut-off switch.

Do not put hand in intake grate.

Watch so you are not hit by the water-
craft as it comes over.
@
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3-28
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WARNING@
Do not release the throttle 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 turning. Sharp high-speed turns
may cause the watercraft to slide side-
ways or spin, throwing the operator
and passengers overboard which
could cause an injury.
@
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3-29
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EJU01080
Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sep-
arate braking system. It is stopped by water
resistance when the throttle lever is
released. From full speed, the watercraft
comes to a complete stop in approximately
125 m (410 ft) after the throttle is released
and the engine is stopped, although this dis-
tance will vary depending on many factors,
including gross weight, water surface condi-
tions, and wind direction. The watercraft
slows down as soon as the throttle lever is
released, but will coast for a distance before
fully stopping. If you are not sure you can
stop in time before hitting an obstacle, apply
throttle and turn in another direction.
WARNING@
Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions.
Remember, watercraft and other boats
do not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds
and keep a safe distance away from
people, objects, and other watercraft
to give you time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slow-
ing down in case you need engine
power to steer away from a boat or
other obstacle that comes into your
path.
@
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EJU01085
Transporting
WARNING@ Always place the fuel cock knob in the
“OFF” position when transporting the
watercraft, otherwise fuel could leak out
into the engine or engine compartment,
which would create a fire hazard.
@
When transporting the watercraft on a
trailer, secure the tie downs to the trailer
through the bow eye and stern rope holes.
CAUTION:@ Do not route ropes or tie downs over the
seat, as they may leave permanent marks
on the seat’s surface. Also, wrap the
ropes or tie downs with towels or rags
where they touch the body of the water-
craft to avoid scratching or damage.
@
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EJU01087
Storage
WARNING@ Always place the fuel cock knob in the
“OFF” position when storing the water-
craft, otherwise fuel could leak out into
the engine or engine compartment,
which would create a fire hazard.
@
Storage for prolonged periods of time,
such as winter storage, requires preventa-
tive maintenance to ensure against deterio-
ration. It is advisable to have the watercraft
serviced by a Yamaha dealer prior to stor-
age. However, the following procedures can
be performed by the owner.
EJU01088
Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system is essential
to prevent the cooling system from being
clogged with salt, sand, or dirt.
CAUTION:@
Do not supply water to the cooling
water passages when the engine is not
running. The water could flow back
through the muffler into the crankcase
causing severe engine damage.

Do not run the engine for more
15 seconds without supplying water,
otherwise the engine may overheat.
@
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EJU01089
Lubrication
1. Remove the spark plugs and pour
approximately one tablespoon of oil into
each cylinder.
2. Grease the spark plug threads and rein-
stall the spark plugs.
3. Crank the engine within 3 seconds using
the start switch.
4. Lubricate all cables such as the throttle,
choke, 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
cables.
@
5. Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified under Lubrication points on
page 4-16.
EJU01964
Fuel system
Draining the fuel system prevents buildup
of varnishes and other harmful deposits that
result when gasoline sits for a prolonged
period of time.
WARNING@ GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!

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

Stop 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.
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EJU01970
Battery
If the watercraft will not be used for more
than a month, disconnect the negative (–)
lead first, then the positive (+) lead and
breather hose, and then remove the battery
from the watercraft.
Clean the battery casing using fresh
water.
If the battery terminals are dirty or cor-
roded, clean them with a wire brush.
Fully charge the battery, and then store it
in a cool, dark place.
Apply Yamaha marine grease or Yamaha
grease A to the battery terminals.
Check the battery at least every 2 months
and fully charge it if necessary.
WARNING@ Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could result
if the breather hose is damaged,
obstructed, or not connected properly.
@
CAUTION:@ The battery may not be usable again if
you store it for a long period without
charging it. Charge the battery periodi-
cally.
@
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EJU01094
Maintenance and
adjustments
Periodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your watercraft in the safest
and most efficient condition possible. Safety
is an obligation of the watercraft owner. The
most important points of watercraft inspec-
tion, adjustment and lubrication are
explained on the following pages.
See your Yamaha dealer for genuine
Yamaha replacement parts and optional
accessories designed for your watercraft.
Remember that failures that are the result
of the installation of parts or accessories
which are not qualitatively equivalent to gen-
uine Yamaha parts are not covered by the
limited warranty.
WARNING@
Be sure to turn off the engine when
you perform maintenance unless oth-
erwise specified, otherwise an acci-
dent or injury could result from
unexpected operation, moving parts,
or electric shock. If the owner is not
familiar with watercraft servicing, this
work should be done by a Yamaha
dealer. Improperly serviced compo-
nents could fail or stop operating cor-
rectly, which could result in an
accident.

Modifications to this watercraft not
approved by Yamaha may cause loss
of performance or excessive noise, or
render it unsafe for use. Consult a
Yamaha dealer before attempting any
changes.
@
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EJU01383
Inspecting the fuel system
WARNING@ Gasoline is highly flammable and explo-
sive. A fire or explosion can cause
severe injury or death. Shut off the
engine. Do not smoke. Avoid spilling
gasoline.
@
Check the fuel system for leaks, cracks,
or malfunctions. If any problem is found, do
the necessary repair or replacement as
required. If repair is necessary, consult a
Yamaha dealer.
Check:

Carburetor for leakage.

Fuel pump for malfunction or leakage.

Fuel tank for water or dirt.

Fuel tank for damage, cracks or leakage.

Fuel hose joint for leakage.

Fuel hose for cracks or other damage.

Fuel filter for leakage.

Fuel cock for leakage.

Air vent check valve for leakage.

Fuel tank filler cap for damage.
WARNING@ Failure to check for and repair any fuel
leakage may result in fire or explosion.
@
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EJU01953
Fuel filter
This watercraft is equipped with a one-
piece, disposable fuel filter 1. The fuel filter
should be replaced after the initial 10 hours
or first month of operation and every
200 hours or 24 months thereafter, or if
water is found in the filter. Have a Yamaha
dealer replace the fuel filter if necessary.
WARNING@ Do not try to replace the fuel filter your-
self. An incorrectly installed filter can
leak gasoline, which could lead to fire or
explosion. If necessary, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the fuel filter.
@
EJU01841
Fuel tank
Check the fuel tank 1 for leakage or
water in the tank. If water is found in the fuel
system or if the fuel tank needs to be
cleaned, have a Yamaha dealer service the
watercraft.
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