engine YAMAHA SUPERJET 2009 Owner's Manual

Operation
31
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation.
Push the start switch to start the engine. As
soon as the engine starts running, push the
engine stop switch to verify that the engine
stops immediately. Restart the engine, and
then pull the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch to verify that the engine stops immedi-
ately. (See pages 19 to 20 for information on
proper operation of the start switch, the en-
gine stop switch, and the engine shut-off
switch.)
EJU32680Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the cooling
water pilot outlet while the engine is runningand the watercraft is in the water. (See page
20 for more information.)
1Engine shut-off switch
2Start switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
4Engine stop switch
5Clip
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Operation
32
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.
EJU32752Engine break-in
NOTICE
ECJ00430
Failure to follow the engine break-in pro-
cedure could result in reduced engine life
or even severe engine damage.
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.
(1) Fill the fuel tank with fuel in a fuel-to-oil ra-
tio of 25:1.
(2) Launch the watercraft, start the engine,
and then board the watercraft. (See page
32 for engine starting procedures.)
(3) Run the engine at the lowest possible
speed for 5 minutes.
(4) Gradually apply throttle to 3/4 or less.
(5) Operate the watercraft at 3/4 throttle or
less for the first tankful of fuel.
(6) Fill the fuel tank once more with fuel in a
fuel-to-oil ratio of 25:1, and then proceed
with normal operation.
(7) After break-in, fill the fuel tank with fuel in
a fuel-to-oil ratio of 50:1.
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.
EJU32832Starting the engine
(1) Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any built-up pressure in the fuel tank due
to fuel expansion, and then install the fill-
er cap.
(2) Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft)
deep from the bottom of the watercraft.
NOTICE: Never operate 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
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Operation
33
the jet intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00471]
(3) Turn the fuel cock knob to “ON”.
(4) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch. It is not pos-
sible to start the engine with the clip re-
moved from the engine shut-off switch.
WARNING! Check that the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) is attached cor-
rectly. If the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not attached correctly, it may
not pull free when the operator fallsoff, allowing the watercraft to continue
to run and cause an accident.
[EWJ00581]
(5) Pull the choke knob all the way out to
start a cold engine.
TIP:
The choke should not be used when the en-
gine is warm.
(6) 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. If the engine does
not start in 5 seconds, release the start
switch, wait 15 seconds, and then try
again. WARNING! Do not apply too
much throttle when starting the en-
gine, otherwise the watercraft will ac-
celerate unexpectedly. This could
cause a collision or cause the opera-
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Operation
34
tor to be thrown overboard. [EWJ00591]
NOTICE: Never push the start switch
while the engine is running. Do not op-
erate 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.
[ECJ01040]
(7) After the engine has warmed up, push
the choke knob in to its original position.
TIP:
If the choke knob is left pulled out, the engine
will stall.
EJU32861Stopping the engine
To stop the engine, release the throttle lever,
and then push the engine stop switch (red
button). WARNING! You need throttle to
steer. Shutting the engine off can cause
you to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in severe
injury or death.
[EWJ00601]EJU32871
Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) to reduce the chance
of accidental starting or unauthorized use by
children or others.
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Operation
35
EJU32901
Operating your watercraft EJU32921Getting 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, the Riding Instruction card, and all
labels on the watercraft. Pay particular atten-
tion to the safety information on page 7.
These materials should give you an under-
standing 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.
EJU32981Learning to operate your watercraft
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.
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
26. 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 to
learn 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 (lanyard) to
your left wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if you, the oper-
ator, 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.
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Operation
37
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.
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.
EJU33102Boarding 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 38 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 from the bottom of the watercraft.
NOTICE: Never operate 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 dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00471]
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.
(3) Grip the handlebars with both hands.
Place one knee on the riding tray and bal-
ance there.
(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.
TIP:
The watercraft will become easier to balance
as the speed increases, because jet thrust
provides stability as well as directional control.
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Operation
38
EJU33121Boarding and starting in deep water
WARNING
EWJ01260
Be sure the operator have practiced
boarding from the water while still close to
shore before riding. A person who has
made many unsuccessful attempts to get
back on the watercraft may become fa-
tigued and suffer from exposure, increas-
ing the risk of injury and drowning.
(1) Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Attach
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) 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!
Avoid forceful jet thrust and limited
visibility while reboarding. Get to a
standing or kneeling position quickly,
but do not expose yourself to the
forceful jet thrust.
[EWJ00631]
(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.
(7) Once the bow drops, and the watercraft
has leveled out in the water and reached
planing speed, back off the throttle and
select your desired speed.
TIP:

The watercraft will become easier to bal-
ance as the speed increases, because jet
thrust provides stability as well as direction-
al control.

It will take longer for a heavier operator to
reach planing speed than it will for a light
operator.
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Operation
39
EJU33201Capsized watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00671
Improper uprighting can cause injury.

Be sure to shut the engine off by pulling
on the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.

Do not put your hands in the intake
grate.
If the watercraft capsizes, turn it over immedi-
ately.
Be sure to carefully follow the procedures be-
low to prevent injury, or damage to the water-
craft.
(1) Remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.
(2) Swim to the rear of the watercraft and up-
right it by turning it clockwise only.
If the port (left) side of the capsized wa-
tercraft is tilting up, push down on the
gunwale so that the port (left) side is
down before turning the watercraft clock-
wise. NOTICE: Do not turn the water-
craft over counterclockwise,
otherwise water can enter the engine,which can result in severe damage.
[ECJ00541]
(3) Start the engine and operate the water-
craft as straight as possible and above
planing speed for at least 2 minutes to
discharge any water remaining in the en-
gine compartment. (If the engine does
not start, see “Towing the watercraft” on
page 65 or “Submerged watercraft” on
page 65.) NOTICE: Do not operate the
engine at full throttle for at least 1
minute after the engine has been re-
started. Excessive water in the engine
compartment can splash into the en-
gine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
[ECJ00551]
To stabilize the watercraft when acceler-
ating to planing speed, maintain a low
center of gravity by operating it in the
kneeling position.
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Operation
40
EJU33241Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00761

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 turn-
ing. Sharp high-speed turns may cause
the watercraft to slide sideways or spin,
throwing the operator overboard, which
could cause an injury.
Steering control depends on the combination
of handlebar position and the amount of throt-
tle.
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 pro-
duced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the po-
sition 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 ap-
ply 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.
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Operation
41
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.
To maintain your balance, lean into a turn.
How much you lean depends on the sharp-
ness of the turn and your traveling speed. In
general, the higher the speed or the sharper
the turn, the more you lean.EJU33270Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sepa-
rate braking system. It is stopped by water re-
sistance when the throttle lever is released.
From full speed, the watercraft comes to a
complete stop in approximately 90 m (300 ft)
after the throttle lever is released or the en-
gine is stopped, although this distance will
vary depending on many factors, including
gross weight, water surface conditions, 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 ob-
stacle, apply throttle and turn in another direc-
tion.
WARNING
EWJ00720

Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, 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 slowing
down in case you need engine power to
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