YAMAHA VX 2008 Owner's Manual

Safety information
14
EJU30870
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 oil tank, muffler, or en-
gine during or immediately after engine op-
eration; they can cause serious burns.
EJU30930
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 (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser).

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
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
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Safety information
15
legs, ankles, and other bones. You could
also damage the shift mechanism.

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
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
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Safety information
16
EJU30950
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
watch the skier’s hand signals and condi-
tion.

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 speed
until the watercraft is well away from the ski-
er and slack in the ski rope is taken up.
1Cleat1Handgrip
1Handgrip
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Safety information
17
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.
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.
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Safety information
18
EJU30990
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. And
keep your surroundings pleasant for the peo-
ple and wildlife that share the waterways:
don’t litter!
When you ride responsibly, with respect and
courtesy for others, you help ensure that our
waterways stay open for the enjoyment of a
variety of recreational opportunities.
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Features and functions
19
EJU31010
Location of main components
Front view
1Handlebars
2Seat
3Footwell
4Sponsons
5Gunwale
6Cooling water pilot outlet
7Fuel tank filler cap
8Bow eye
9Hood
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Features and functions
20
Rear view
1Handgrip
2Cleat
3Intake grate
4Speed sensor
5Stern drain plugs
6Stern eyes
7Ride plate
8Jet thrust nozzle
9Reverse gate (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
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Features and functions
21
Control system
1Start switch
2Engine shut-off switch
3Clip
4Multifunction information center
5Rearview mirrors
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
6Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
7Throttle lever
8Glove compartment
9Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
10Engine stop switch
11Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Features and functions
22
Engine compartment
1Air filter case
2Water separator
3Fuel tank
4Battery
5Flushing hose connector
6Oil tank
7Spark plugs/Spark plug caps/Ignition coils
8Muffler
9Electrical box
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Features and functions
23
EJU31020
Operation of controls and other
functions
EJU31031Seat
There is a seat latch at the rear of the seat to
remove the seat.
To remove the seat:
Pull the seat latch up, and then pull the seat
off.
VX/VX Deluxe
VX Cruiser
To install the seat:
Insert the projection on the front of the seat
into the stay on the deck, and then push therear of the seat down to lock it in place secure-
ly.
NOTE:
Make sure that the seat is securely installed
before operating the watercraft.
EJU31071Hood
To open the hood, pull the hood latch up, and
then lift up the hood.
1Seat latch
1Seat latch
1Hood latch
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