YAMAHA SVHO 2009 Owner's Manual

Safety information
14
tercraft to avoid accidental starting or unau-
thorized use by children or others.

Scan carefully for swimmers and stay away
from swimming areas. Swimmers are hard
to see and you could accidentally hit some-
one in the water.

Avoid being hit by another boat. You should
always take the responsibility to watch for
traffic; other boaters may not be watching
for you. If they do not see you, or if you ma-
neuver more quickly than other boaters ex-
pect, you risk a collision.

Maintain a safe distance from other boats
and watercraft, and also watch for ski ropes
or fishing lines. Obey the “Safe boating
rules” and be sure to check behind you be-
fore making a turn. (See “Safe boating
rules” on page 19.)
EJU30840
Recommended equipment
The following items should be carried on
board your watercraft:

Sound-signaling device
You should carry a whistle or other sound-
signaling device that can be used to signal
other boats.

Visual distress signals
It is recommended that a pyrotechnic de-
vice, which is approved by the appropriate
authorities, be stored in a waterproof con-
tainer on your watercraft. A mirror can also
be used as an emergency signal. Contact a
Yamaha dealer for more information.

Watch
A watch is helpful so you will know how long
you have been operating the watercraft.

Towline
A towline can be used to tow a disabled wa-
tercraft in an emergency.
UF1W71E0.book Page 14 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Safety information
15
EJU36850
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 color-
less, odorless gas that may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a short
time. Always operate the watercraft in an
open area.

Do not touch the hot muffler or engine dur-
ing or immediately after engine operation;
they can cause serious burns.
EJU30920
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 is equipped with the Yamaha
Engine Management System (YEMS) that
includes an off-throttle steering (OTS) sys-
tem. It will activate at planing speeds should
you attempt to steer the watercraft after re-
leasing 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.
Practice turning in an open area without ob-
stacles 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 produce some
movement whenever the engine is running.
There is no “neutral” position. You are in ei-
ther “forward” or “reverse”, depending upon
the shift lever position.

Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or im-
pact the handlebars.
This could increase the risk of back/spinal
injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and broken
legs, ankles, and other bones. You could
also damage the shift mechanism.
UF1W71E0.book Page 15 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Safety information
16

Reverse can be used to slow down or stop
during slow-speed maneuvering, such as
when docking. Once the engine is idling,
shift into reverse and gradually increase en-
gine speed. Make sure that there are no ob-
stacles or people behind you before shifting
into reverse.

Keep away from the intake grate while the
engine is on. Items such as long hair, loose
clothing, or PFD straps can become entan-
gled in moving parts, resulting in severe in-
jury or drowning.

Never insert any object into the jet thrust
nozzle while the engine is running. Severe
injury or death could result from coming in
contact with the rotating parts of the jet
pump.

Stop the engine and remove the clip from
the engine shut-off switch before removingany debris or weeds, which may have col-
lected around the jet intake.
1Intake grate
2Jet thrust nozzle
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
2
1
UF1W71E0.book Page 16 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Safety information
17
EJU30951
Water-skiing
You can use the watercraft for water-skiing if
it has the seating capacity to carry the opera-
tor, a rearward-facing spotter, and the water-
skier when he or she is not skiing.
The watercraft must also have a cleat de-
signed to pull a ski rope; do not attach the
rope to any other location.
It is the watercraft operator’s responsibility to
be alert to the safety of the water-skier and
others. Know and follow all local water-skiing
regulations in effect for the waters in which
you will be operating.
The operator should be comfortable carrying
passengers before attempting to pull a skier.
The following are some important consider-
ations for minimizing risks while water-skiing.

The skier should wear an approved PFD,
preferably a brightly colored one so boat
operators can see the skier.

The skier should wear protective clothing.
Severe internal injuries can occur if water is
forced into body cavities as a result of falling
into the water. Normal swimwear does not
adequately protect against forceful water
entry into the rectum or vagina. The skier
should wear a wetsuit bottom or clothing
that provides equivalent protection.

A second person should be on board as a
spotter to watch the skier; in many places itis required by law. Let the skier direct the
operator’s control of speed and direction
with hand signals.
The spotter should sit astride the rear of the
seat and hold onto the handgrip with both
feet firmly on the floor of the footwell for
proper balance while facing to the rear to
1Cleat
1
UF1W71E0.book Page 17 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Safety information
18
watch the skier’s hand signals and condi-
tion.
FX SHO
FX Cruiser SHO

Your control while pulling a water-skier is
affected by the skier’s ability, as well as wa-
ter and weather conditions.

When preparing to pull a skier, operate the
watercraft at the slowest possible speeduntil the watercraft is well away from the ski-
er and slack in the ski rope is taken up.
Make sure that the rope is not looped
around anything.
After checking that the skier is ready and
that there is no traffic or other obstacles, ap-
ply enough throttle to raise the skier.

Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft is
capable of very sharp turns, which could ex-
ceed the abilities of the skier. Keep the skier
at least 50 m (150 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard ski rope, from any po-
tential hazard.

Be alert to the hazard of the ski rope handle
snapping back at the watercraft when the
skier falls or is unable to get up on the skis.

Towing heavy or bulky objects other than
skiers, such as another boat or watercraft,
can cause loss of steering control and cre-
ate a hazardous condition. If you must tow
another boat in an emergency situation, op-
erate slowly and cautiously.
1Handgrip
1Handgrip
1Handgrip
1
UF1W71E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Safety information
19
EJU30970
Safe boating rules
Your Yamaha watercraft is legally considered
a powerboat. Operation of the watercraft must
be in accordance with the rules and regula-
tions governing the waterway on which it is
used.
EJU30991
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly
You share the areas you enjoy when riding
your watercraft with others and with nature.
So your enjoyment includes a responsibility to
treat these other people, and the lands, wa-
ters, and wildlife with respect and courtesy.
Whenever and wherever you ride, think of
yourself as the guest of those around you. Re-
member, for example, that the sound of your
watercraft may be music to you, but it could be
just noise to others. And the exciting splash of
your wake can make waves others won’t en-
joy.
Avoid riding close to shoreline homes and wa-
terfowl nesting areas or other wildlife areas,
and keep a respectful distance from fisher-
men, other boats, swimmers, and populated
beaches. When travel in areas like these is
unavoidable, ride slowly and obey all laws.
Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure
that the exhaust emission and sound levels of
your watercraft will continue to be within regu-
lated limits. You have the responsibility to
make sure that the recommended mainte-
nance in this owner’s/operator’s manual is
carried out.
Remember, pollution can be harmful to the
environment. Do not refuel or add oil where a
spill could cause damage to nature. Remove
your watercraft from the water and move it
away from the shoreline before refueling. Dis-
pose of water and any fuel and oil residue in
the engine compartment according to local
regulations. And keep your surroundings
pleasant for the people and wildlife that share
the waterways: don’t litter.
When you ride responsibly, with respect and
courtesy for others, you help ensure that our
UF1W71E0.book Page 19 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Safety information
20
waterways stay open for the enjoyment of a
variety of recreational opportunities.
UF1W71E0.book Page 20 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Features and functions
21
EJU31010
Location of main components
Front view
11
8
9765 4 3 2 1
10
1Handlebars
2Rear seat
3Front seat
4Footwell
5Sponsons
6Gunwale
7Pull-up cleat (for FX Cruiser SHO)
8Cooling water pilot outlet9Bow eye
10Hood
11Fuel tank filler cap
UF1W71E0.book Page 21 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Features and functions
22
Rear view
1
2 12
11
10
8
7
6543
9
1Intake grate
2Speed sensor
3Stern eyes
4Stern drain plugs
5Reverse gate
6Ride plate
7Jet thrust nozzle
8Reboarding step
9Boarding platform
10Electric bilge pilot outlet
11Cleat
12Handgrip
UF1W71E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM

Features and functions
23
Control system
10
11
12 2
20 34
5
1
9876
17
18
19 16
14 15 13
1Remote control transmitter
2Watertight compartment
3Start switch
4Engine shut-off switch
5Clip
6Engine stop switch
7Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
8Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS) selector
9QSTS selector lock lever
10Multifunction information center
11Beverage holder
12Rearview mirrors
13Throttle lever
14Shift lever
15Tilt lever
16Glove compartment17Up switch (for cruise assist)
18Down switch (for cruise assist)
19“SET” switch (for cruise assist)
20“NO-WAKE MODE” sw itch
UF1W71E0.book Page 23 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 11:46 AM