warning YAMAHA SUPERJET 2008 User Guide

Operation
29
draining water or use a dry cloth to soak up
any water that could spill into the watercraft. If
any water spills into the watercraft, be sure to
wipe it up with a dry cloth. Also, be sure to in-
stall the drain screw after draining the water
separator.
EJU32430Bilge
Check the bilge for moisture and fuel residue.
CAUTION:
ECJ00340
Excessive water in the bilge can splash
into the carburetor and engine, which can
result in severe damage.
EJU32481Battery
Check the battery electrolyte level and check
that the battery has sufficient power to start
the engine easily. Recharge the battery or re-
place it if it is not in good condition. (See page
60 for battery recharging procedures.)
Also, check that the battery leads are tight-
ened securely and that there is no corrosion
on the battery terminals. Check that the
breather hose is securely connected to the
battery and that it is not pinched.
WARNING
EWJ00450

The battery must always be fully
charged and in good condition. Loss of
battery power may leave you stranded.
Never operate the watercraft if the bat-
tery does not have sufficient power to
start the engine or if it shows any other
signs of decreased power.

Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could re-
sult if the breather hose is damaged, ob-
structed, or not connected properly.
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32500Fire extinguisher
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher on
board.
The fire extinguisher container is located on
the hood under the steering pole.
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
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Operation
30
To open the fire extinguisher container:
(1) Grasp the tab, pull the band to the rear,
and then pull it up.
(2) Lift the container about 30 degrees from
the storage position.
CAUTION:
ECJ00400
Do not force the fire extinguisher contain-
er up more than 30 degrees from the stor-
age position, otherwise the container and
hood could be damaged.
(3) Remove the cap to access the fire extin-
guisher.
To close the fire extinguisher container:
(1) Insert the fire extinguisher into the con-
tainer, and then install the cap and tighten
it securely.(2) Lower the container on the hood to its
storage position and secure it with the
band.
NOTE:

To check the fire extinguisher, see the in-
structions supplied by the fire extinguisher
manufacturer. Always keep the fire extin-
guisher in the fire extinguisher container.

Always carry a fire extinguisher on board. A
fire extinguisher is not standard equipment
with this watercraft. If you do not have one,
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.
EJU32600Steering system
Check the handlebars for looseness.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that operation is
1Fire extinguisher holder and cover
2Ta b
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Operation
31
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the jet
thrust nozzle moves as the handlebars are
turned, and that there is no free play between
the handlebars and the jet thrust nozzle.
EJU32620Steering pole
Check the steering pole for looseness.
Move the steering pole up and down to make
sure that operation is smooth and unrestricted
throughout the whole range. Also, make sure
that the steering pole does not have any side
play.
EJU32650Jet intake
Carefully check the jet intake for weeds, de-
bris, or anything else that might restrict the in-
take of water. If the jet intake is clogged,
cavitation could occur, reducing jet thrust, and
possibly damaging the jet pump.
In some cases, the engine may overheat be-
cause of lack of cooling water, and damage tothe engine could result. Cooling water is fed to
the engine by the jet pump. (See page 65 for
jet intake cleaning procedures.)
WARNING
EWJ00470

Keep away from the intake grate while
the engine is on. Items such as long hair,
loose clothing, or PFD straps can be-
come entangled in moving parts, result-
ing in severe injury or drowning.

Stop the engine and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch before
removing any debris or weeds, which
may have collected around the jet in-
take.
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Operation
33
EJU32730
Operation
WARNING
EWJ00510
Before operating your watercraft, become
familiar with all of the controls. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func-
tion that you do not fully understand. Fail-
ure to understand how the controls work
could cause an accident or prevent you
from avoiding an accident.
EJU32751Engine break-in
The engine break-in period is essential to al-
low the various components of the engine to
wear and polish themselves to the correct op-
erating clearances. This ensures proper per-
formance and promotes longer component
life.
CAUTION:
ECJ00421

For the first 2 tankfuls of fuel, premix the
fuel in a fuel-to-oil ratio of 25:1.

After break-in, premix the fuel in a fuel-
to-oil ratio of 50:1 for normal operation.
(1) Launch the watercraft, start the engine,
and then board the watercraft. (See page
33 for engine starting procedures.)
(2) Run the engine at the lowest possible
speed for 5 minutes.
(3) Gradually apply throttle to 3/4 or less.
(4) Operate the watercraft at 3/4 throttle or
less for the first tankful of fuel.
(5) Fill the fuel tank once more with fuel in a
fuel-to-oil ratio of 25:1, and then proceed
with normal operation.
CAUTION:
ECJ00430
Failure to follow the engine break-in pro-
cedure could result in reduced engine life
or even severe engine damage.
EJU32820Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.
After the watercraft is in the water, turn it
around so that the bow faces the direction you
wish to go. Start the engine, and then slowly
move away from the launching area. If there
are waves, someone should make sure that
the watercraft is not pushed into the trailer af-
ter launching the watercraft.
EJU32831Starting the engine
WARNING
EWJ00560
Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Ex-
haust 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.
NOTE:
If the watercraft has been sitting for a while,
remove the fuel tank filler cap to release any
built-up pressure in the fuel tank due to fuel
expansion, and then install the filler cap be-
fore starting the engine.
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Operation
34
(1) Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft)
deep.
WARNING
EWJ00570
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise you increase
your chance of hitting a submerged ob-
ject, which could result in injury.
CAUTION:
ECJ00470
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise pebbles or sand
could be sucked into the jet intake, caus-
ing impeller damage and engine overheat-
ing.
(2) Turn the fuel cock knob to “ON”.(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
WARNING
EWJ00580
Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken, and keep it free from the
handlebars so that the engine stops if the
operator falls off. The engine shut-off cord
may not pull free if wrapped around the
handlebars when the operator falls off, al-
lowing the watercraft to continue to run
and cause an accident.
NOTE:
It is not possible to start the engine with the
clip removed from the engine shut-off switch.
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord
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Operation
35
(4) Pull the choke knob all the way out to
start a cold engine.
NOTE:
The choke should not be used when the en-
gine is warm.
(5) While lightly squeezing the throttle lever,
push the start switch (green button), and
then release the switch as soon as the
engine starts to run.
WARNING
EWJ00590
On this watercraft, the engine is connect-
ed directly to the jet pump. Starting the en-
gine generates some thrust immediately.
Apply only enough throttle to keep the en-
gine running.
CAUTION:
ECJ00480

Never push the start switch while the en-
gine is running.

Do not operate the start switch for more
than 5 seconds, otherwise the battery
will be discharged and the engine will
not start. Also, the starter motor could
be damaged. If the engine does not start
in 5 seconds, release the start switch,
wait 15 seconds, and then try again.
(6) After the engine has warmed up, push
the choke knob in to its original position.
NOTE:
If the choke knob is left pulled out, the engine
will stall.
EJU32860Stopping the engine
To stop the engine, release the throttle lever,
and then push the engine stop switch (red
button).
WARNING
EWJ00600
You need throttle to steer. Shutting the en-
gine off can cause you to hit an obstacle
you are attempting to avoid. A collision
could result in severe injury or death.
EJU32870Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the engine
shut-off cord to reduce the chance of acciden-
tal starting or unauthorized use by children or
others.
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Operation
36
EJU32900
Operating your watercraft EJU32920Getting to know your watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills ac-
quired through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques
well before attempting more difficult maneu-
vers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of
pleasure. However, it is essential to familiar-
ize yourself with the operation of the water-
craft to achieve the skill level necessary to
enjoy riding safely.
Before operating this watercraft, read this
owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Prac-
tice Guide, and all warning and caution labels
on the watercraft. Pay particular attention to
the safety information on page 7. These ma-
terials should give you an understanding of
the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator only. Never have more than
one person on the watercraft at any time.
EJU32980Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
27. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and re-
liability.
Check local laws before operating your water-
craft.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area tolearn in, where there is good visibility and light
boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with some-
one nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob-
jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for
conditions that limit your visibility or block your
vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist and keep it free from the handlebars so
that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall
off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). The
operator must wear a PFD that is approved by
the appropriate authorities and is suitable for
personal watercraft use.
Wear protective clothing. Severe internal inju-
ries can occur if water is forced into body cav-
ities as a result of falling into the water or
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal swim-
wear does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into the rectum or vagina.
The operator must wear a wetsuit bottom or
clothing that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven,
sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as den-
im, but does not include spandex or similar
fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full
wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia
(subnormal body temperature) and abra-
sions.
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
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Operation
37
Eye protection is recommended to keep wind,
water, and glare from the sun out of your eyes
while you operate your watercraft. Restraining
straps for eyewear are made which are de-
signed to float should your eyewear fall in the
water.
You should grip the handlebars firmly and get
to a standing or kneeling position quickly.
Keep both feet or knees on the riding tray
when the watercraft is in motion.
WARNING
EWJ00500

Do not apply throttle when anyone is at
the rear of the watercraft—turn the en-
gine off or keep it at idle. Water and/or
debris exiting the jet thrust nozzle can
cause severe injury.

Avoid the forceful jet thrust and make
sure that your visibility is not limited
while reboarding. Get to a standing or
kneeling position quickly, but do not ex-
pose yourself to the forceful jet thrust.
EJU33170Operating positions
After you are underway, you may choose to
kneel or stand, depending upon watercraft
speed, your skill level, and your preference.
Here are some guidelines.
EJU33180Kneeling
It is easier to maintain your balance when
kneeling than when standing. This position is
recommended when traveling at sub-planing
speeds. (At sub-planing speeds, there is awake, but the watercraft is moving through the
water rather than skimming on top of it.)
NOTE:
At very slow speeds, it may be necessary to
support your upper-body weight with your el-
bows resting on the gunwales, trailing your
legs in the water.
EJU33190Standing
After you are comfortable handling the water-
craft from a kneeling position, try standing as
the watercraft gains speed. The watercraft will
become easier to balance as the speed in-
creases, because jet thrust provides stability
as well as directional control. When you are
moving slowly, or preparing to stop, you will
probably need to return to the kneeling posi-
tion to maintain your balance.
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Operation
38
EJU33070Starting the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00700

Scan constantly for people, objects, and
other watercraft. Be alert for conditions
that limit your visibility or block your vi-
sion of others.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft.

Do not follow directly behind watercraft
or other boats. Do not go near others to
spray or splash them with water. Avoid
sharp turns or other maneuvers that
make it hard for others to avoid you or
understand where you are going. Avoid
areas with submerged objects or shal-
low water.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes. Do not release the
throttle lever when trying to steer away
from objects—you need throttle to steer.

Practice deep-water starting near shore
before riding in deep water.
The watercraft is less stable when at a stand-
still or at a slow speed. It takes skill to keep the
watercraft upright when starting.
Even though it is easier to start in shallow wa-
ter, you must learn deep-water boarding first.You will inevitably fall off, so be sure you know
how to get back on the watercraft once you
are away from shore.
EJU33101Boarding and starting in shallow water
Be sure to learn the deep-water starting meth-
od before operating the watercraft in water
where it is too deep for you to stand. (See
page 39 for the deep-water starting method.)
(1) Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft)
deep.
WARNING
EWJ00570
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise you increase
your chance of hitting a submerged ob-
ject, which could result in injury.
CAUTION:
ECJ00470
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise pebbles or sand
could be sucked into the jet intake, caus-
ing impeller damage and engine overheat-
ing.
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
(3) Grip the handlebars with both hands.
Place one knee on the riding tray and bal-
ance there.
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Operation
39
(4) Start the engine and begin to accelerate.
(5) Pull your other knee up onto the riding
tray as the watercraft speed increases.
(6) Move as far forward as possible without
interfering with the movement of the han-
dlebars. Keep your body perpendicular to
the water, with your weight forward and
low.
NOTE:
The watercraft will become easier to balance
as the speed increases, because jet thrust
provides stability as well as directional control.
EJU33120Boarding and starting in deep water
(1) Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your left wrist,
and then attach the clip to the engine
shut-off switch.
(2) Grip the handlebars with both hands. Pull
your body up onto the riding tray and bal-ance there, using your elbows on the
gunwales for leverage.
(3) Start the engine and begin to accelerate.
(4) Continue to pull your body up onto the
watercraft as the watercraft speed in-
creases.
(5) Bring your knees up onto the riding tray
and change to a kneeling position as
soon as you can do so.
WARNING
EWJ00630
Avoid forceful jet thrust and limited visibil-
ity while reboarding. Get to a standing or
kneeling position quickly, but do not ex-
pose yourself to the forceful jet thrust.
(6) Move as far forward as possible without
interfering with the movement of the han-
dlebars. Keep your body perpendicular to
the water, with your weight forward and
low.
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