YAMAHA SUPERJET 2012 Service Manual

Pre-operation checks
35
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 28 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32423Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
water separator, drain it. (See page 21 for in-
formation on draining the water separator.)
EJU40181Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU41011Bilge water check
Make sure that no bilge water has collected in
the engine compartment. If bilge water has
collected in the engine compartment, wipe it
up with a dry cloth. NOTICE: Excessive wa-
ter in the engine compartment can splash
into the engine, which can result in severe
damage.
[ECJ00341]
EJU32484
Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals and
breather hose are not damaged and that the
battery leads and breather hose are connect-
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00451]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa-
tercraft if the battery does not have suffi-
cient power to start the engine or if it
shows any other signs of decreased pow-
er. Loss of battery power may leave you
stranded.
[EWJ01240]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32613Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
1Water separator
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
UF2F74E0.book Page 35 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Pre-operation checks
36
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle moves as the handlebars are turned,
and that there is no difference between the
right and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.EJU32622Steering pole check
Move the steering pole up and down several
times to make sure that operation is smooth
and unrestricted throughout the whole range,
and that the free play is not excessive. Also,
make sure that the steering pole does not
have any side play.
EJU32594Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that the
throttle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.
Difference between fully turned positions
of jet thrust nozzle (distances A and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
UF2F74E0.book Page 36 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Pre-operation checks
37
Make sure that there is the proper amount of
throttle lever free play when the throttle lever
is in the fully closed (idle) position.
EJU32663Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) check
Make sure that the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not damaged. If the cord is damaged,
replace it. WARNING! Never try to repair
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or tie it
together. The engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) may not pull free when the operator
falls off, allowing the watercraft to contin-
ue to run and cause an accident.
[EWJ01220]EJU41020
Switch checks
NOTICE
ECJ01360
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds on land without supplying water,
otherwise the engine could overheat.
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation. (See pages 18 to 18 for in-
formation on operating each switch.)
To check the operation of the switches:
(1) Push the start switch to make sure that
the engine starts.
(2) As soon as the engine starts running,
push the engine stop switch to make sure
that the engine stops immediately.
(3) Restart the engine, and then pull the en-
gine shut-off cord (lanyard) to remove the
clip from the engine shut-off switch to
make sure that the engine stops immedi-
ately.
EJU41210Storage pouch checks
Make sure that the storage pouch is not dam-
aged and that water has not collected in the
pouch. Also, make sure that the storage
1Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
7.0–10.0 mm (0.28–0.39 in)
1Engine shut-off switch
2Clip
3Start switch
4Engine stop switch
5Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
123
4
5
UF2F74E0.book Page 37 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Pre-operation checks
38
pouch is securely installed. (See page 24 for
information on the storage pouch.)
EJU41071Fire extinguisher container checks
Make sure that the fire extinguisher container
is not damaged and is securely held in place.
(See page 25 for information on the fire extin-
guisher container.)
EJU32503Fire extinguisher check
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher on
board.
To check the fire extinguisher, see the instruc-
tions supplied by the fire extinguisher manu-
facturer. Always keep the fire extinguisher 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 extinguisher
dealer to obtain one meeting the proper spec-
ifications.
EJU40121Safety equipment check
Check that safety equipment meeting the ap-
plicable regulations is on board.
EJU32352Hull and deck check
Check the hull and deck for damage or other
problem.
EJU32656Jet intake checks
Make sure that the jet intake is not damaged
or clogged with weeds or debris. If the jet in-take is clogged, clean it. (See page 65 for in-
formation on the jet intake.)
EJU40702Hood check
Make sure that the hood is securely closed.
(See page 23 for information on the hood.)
EJU40144Post-launch checks
Perform the post-launch checks in the pre-op-
eration checklist while the watercraft is in the
water and the engine is running.
To perform the post-launch checks:
(1) Launch the watercraft. (See page 40 for
information on launching the watercraft.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
EJU40552Cooling water pilot outlet check
Make sure that water is discharged from the
cooling water pilot outlet while the engine is
running. (See page 20 for information on the
cooling water pilot outlet.)
UF2F74E0.book Page 38 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Operation
39
EJU32902
Operating your watercraft
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.
EJU32923Getting 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 beginning on
page 7. These materials should give you an
understanding of the watercraft and its opera-
tion.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator only. Never have more than
one person on the watercraft at any time.
EJU32984Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
32. 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
practice maneuvering 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.
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.
EJU33171Operating 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.
Kneeling
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 a
UF2F74E0.book Page 39 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Operation
40
wake, but the watercraft is moving through the
water rather than skimming on top of it.)
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.
Standing
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.
EJU32821Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.If the watercraft is launched from a trailer,
someone should make sure that waves do not
push the watercraft into the trailer.
After the watercraft is in the water, turn it
around so that the bow faces the direction you
wish to go.
EJU32835Starting the engine on water
WARNING
EWJ01520
Do not apply throttle when others are at
the rear of the watercraft. Turn the engine
off or keep it at idle. Water and debris exit-
ing the jet thrust nozzle can cause severe
injury.
To start the engine:
(1) Move the watercraft to an area that is free
from weeds and debris, and has a water
depth of at least 60 cm (2 ft) from the bot-
tom of the watercraft. NOTICE: Never
run the engine 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 in-
take, causing impeller damage and en-
gine overheating.
[ECJ00472]
UF2F74E0.book Page 40 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Operation
41
(2) Turn the fuel cock knob to “ON”.
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch. (See page
18 for information on operating the en-
gine shut-off switch.) WARNING! Check
that the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
is attached correctly. If the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) is not attached
correctly, it may not pull free when the
operator falls off, allowing the water-
craft to continue to run and cause an
accident.
[EWJ00581]
(4) 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.
(5) While lightly squeezing the throttle lever,
push the start switch (green button) to
start the engine. (See page 18 for infor-
mation on operating the start switch.)
WARNING! Do not apply too much
throttle when starting the engine, oth-
erwise the watercraft will accelerate
unexpectedly. This could cause a col-
lision or cause the operator to be
thrown overboard.
[EWJ00591]
(6) 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.
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
12
3
START
UF2F74E0.book Page 41 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Operation
42
EJU32862Stopping the engine
Release the throttle lever, and then push the
engine stop switch (red button) to stop the en-
gine. 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 in-
jury or death.
[EWJ00601]
EJU32872
Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the clip from
the engine shut-off switch to prevent acciden-
tal starting or unauthorized operation by chil-
dren or others.
EJU41171Operating the watercraft
When the engine is running, the watercraft will
move forward at trolling speed even if thethrottle lever is in the fully closed (idle) posi-
tion.
EJU33243Turning 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.
STOP
UF2F74E0.book Page 42 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Operation
43
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 positionalone 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.
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
UF2F74E0.book Page 43 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM

Operation
44
general, the higher the speed or the sharper
the turn, the more you lean.
EJU33272Stopping 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 beforehitting an obstacle, apply throttle and turn in
another direction.
WARNING
EWJ00722

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
steer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.
EJU33074Starting off
WARNING
EWJ00711
To avoid collisions:

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
UF2F74E0.book Page 44 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 8:42 AM