steering YAMAHA GP1300R 2003 Owners Manual

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EJU20020
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 colorless, odorless gas that may cause
loss of consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate the watercraft
in an open area.

Do not start engine on land until everyone
is away from stern. Hot water and steam
spurting from exhaust outlet can cause
serious burns.

Hot muffler surfaces can cause serious
burns. Do not touch any muffler surface
during or after engine operation. Catalytic
converter gets hotter after engine stops.
EJU20030
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 has the Yamaha
Engine Management System (YEMS)
that includes 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
input until you apply throttle again or you
reach trolling speed. Practice 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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EJU10070
FEATURES AND
FUNCTIONS
Location of main components .............. 2-1
Operation of controls and other
functions ................................................... 2-5
Seat ........................................................ 2-5
Hood ....................................................... 2-6
Fuel tank filler cap .................................. 2-6
Oil tank filler cap ..................................... 2-6
Engine stop switch ................................. 2-7
Engine shut-off switch ............................ 2-7
Throttle lever .......................................... 2-7
Start switch ............................................. 2-8
Cooling water pilot outlet ....................... 2-8
Steering system ..................................... 2-9
Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
selector ................................................. 2-10
Handgrip ............................................... 2-11
Engine overheat warning system ........ 2-12
Exhaust temperature warning system 2-13
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ................................... 2-14
Multifunction information center .......... 2-15
Tachometer .......................................... 2-16
Speedometer ....................................... 2-16
Fuel meter ............................................ 2-16
Hour meter/Voltmeter .......................... 2-17
Fuel warning indicator .......................... 2-17
Oil warning indicator ............................ 2-18
Check engine warning indicator .......... 2-18
Engine overheat warning indicator ...... 2-19
Exhaust temperature warning
indicator ................................................ 2-19
Storage compartments ........................ 2-20
Yamaha Adjustable Sponson
(Y.A.S.) ................................................. 2-21
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EJU19950
Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning
the handlebars 1 in the direction you wish
to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle 2 is changed
and the direction of the watercraft is
changed accordingly. Since the strength of
the jet thrust determines the speed and
degree of a turn, throttle must always be
applied when attempting a turn, except at
trolling speed.
This model has the Yamaha Engine Man-
agement System (YEMS) that includes an
Off-Throttle Steering (OTS) system. It will
activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releas-
ing 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.
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CAUTION:@ This model is equipped with a catalytic
converter.

When the exhaust temperature warn-
ing system is activated, reduce engine
speed (below 4,000 r/min) and beach
the watercraft.

If you cannot locate and correct the
cause of the overheating, consult a
Yamaha dealer. Continuing to operate
at higher speeds could result in severe
engine damage.
@
NOTE:@ Press the select button on the multifunction
information center to stop the buzzer.
@
EJU19940
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS)
This model is equipped with an inte-
grated, computerized management system
that controls and adjusts ignition timing, fuel
injection, engine diagnostics, and the Off-
Throttle Steering (OTS) system.
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EJU13460
Pre-operation checks
EJU13470
Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the
accompanying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING@ 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.
@
POC-***
NOTE:@ Pre-operation checks should be made thoroughly each time the watercraft is used. This pro-
cedure can be completed in a short time. It is worth the time spent to assure safety and reli-
ability.
@
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Engine compartment Remove the seat and front storage compartment
to ventilate engine compartment. Check for fuel
vapors or loose electrical connections3-7
Bilge Check for water and fuel residue and remove if
necessary3-8
Throttle Check that the throttle lever springs back 3-11
Steering system Check for proper steering system operation 3-11
Fuel and oil Check fuel and oil level and add if necessary
Check hoses and tanks for leakage3-7
Water separator Check for water and drain if necessary 3-8
Battery Check electrolyte level and battery condition 3-9
Hood Check that the hood is properly secured 2-6
Seat Check that the seat is properly secured 2-5
Hull/Deck Check the hull and deck for cracks or other dam-
age—
Jet unit Check for debris and remove if necessary 3-12
Fire extinguisher Check the condition and replace if necessary 3-10
Engine shut-off cord Check condition and replace is frayed or broken 3-12
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch and
engine shut-off switch for proper operation when
the watercraft is in the water3-13
Cooling water pilot outlet Check that water is discharged while the engine
is running and the watercraft is in the water3-13
Multifunction information center Check for warning indications and proper opera-
tion3-13
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EJU18340
Throttle
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 complete range, and spring back to
the idle position when released.
WARNING@ Before starting the engine, always check
the operation of the throttle lever.
@
EJU10570
Steering system
Check for looseness in the handlebars.
Turn them as far as possible to the right
and left to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle also changes directions as the han-
dlebars are turned, and that there is no free
play between the handlebars and the jet
thrust nozzle.
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EJU19960
Turning the watercraft
Steering control depends on the combi-
nation of handlebar position and the amount
of throttle.
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 produced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the
position of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.
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 apply 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.
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WARNING@
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 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.
@
This model has the Yamaha Engine Man-
agement System (YEMS) that includes an
Off-Throttle Steering (OTS) system. It will
activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releas-
ing the throttle lever (see condition C
above). 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 input until you
apply throttle again or you reach trolling
speed.
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EJU20100
Lubrication
WARNING@ Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the
engine is hot. The sprayed substance or
propellants could catch fire.
@
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
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 4-15.
EJU20221
Fuel system
WARNINGGASOLINE 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.
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EJU18890
Inspecting the jet thrust nozzle
angle
Check for smooth operation of the handle-
bars and jet thrust nozzle.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to
the right and left and check that the differ-
ence of distance A and B between the jet
thrust nozzle and the nozzle is within 5 mm.
If steering is stiff or misadjusted, have a
Yamaha dealer service it. Difference of A and B:
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
EJU11040
Inspecting and adjusting the
throttle cable
Check that the throttle cable moves back
to the set position smoothly and that free
play is within specification.
1. Squeeze and release the throttle lever. If
the lever does not return smoothly, have
a Yamaha dealer service it.
2. Adjust free play a by loosening the lock-
nut 1 and turning the adjuster 2.
Throttle lever free play:
4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
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