steering YAMAHA VX 2018 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number............................................ 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ....... 1
Engine serial number.......................... 1
Manufactured date label .................... 2
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 4
Warning labels.................................... 5
Other labels ........................................ 8
Safety information ........................... 10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................. 10
Cruising limitations ........................ 11
Operation requirements ................ 12
Recommended equipment ........... 14
Hazard information........................ 15
Watercraft characteristics ............. 15
Wakeboarding and water-skiing ... 17
Safe boating rules ......................... 18
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................. 19
Description....................................... 20
Watercraft glossary ....................... 20
Location of main components ...... 21
Control function operation ............. 25
Watercraft control functions ......... 25
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser /
VX Limited) .................................... 25
Yamaha Security System
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser /
VX Limited) .................................... 26
Engine stop switch .......................... 27
Engine shut-off switch .................... 27
Start switch ..................................... 27
Throttle lever .................................... 28
RiDE lever ........................................ 28Steering system................................ 28
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 29
Water separator................................ 29
Watercraft operation ...................... 31
Watercraft operation functions ..... 31
Shift system ..................................... 31
Watercraft operation modes ......... 33
Low RPM Mode (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited) ................ 33
No-wake mode (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited) ................ 34
Cruise assist (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited) ................ 36
Instrument operation ...................... 38
Multifunction information center ... 38
Information display ........................... 38
Hour meter ....................................... 41
Voltmeter .......................................... 41
Equipment operation ...................... 43
Equipment..................................... 43
Seats ................................................ 43
Handgrip........................................... 44
Reboarding step ............................... 44
Bow eye............................................ 45
Stern eyes ........................................ 45
Cleat ................................................. 45
Pull-up cleats (VX Limited) ............... 46
Storage compartments .................... 46
Fire extinguisher holder and cover ... 48
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 50
Fuel requirements ......................... 50
Fuel................................................... 50
Engine oil requirements ................ 53
Engine oil .......................................... 53
Draining the bilge water ................ 54
Draining the bilge water on land....... 54
Draining the bilge water on water .... 55
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Safety information
11
EJU43321
Cruising limitations
Scan constantly for people, objects, and
other watercraft. Be alert for conditions
that limit your visibility or block your vision
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.
Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do not
have brakes. In addition, the Reverse with
Intuitive Deceleration Electronics (RiDE)
system is not a braking device for avoiding
dangerous situations. The RiDE system is
an electronic system for controlling the en-
gine speed and reverse gate, which is lo-
cated near the jet thrust nozzle. The RiDE
lever located at the left handlebar grip can
be used to change the direction of the jet
thrust so that the watercraft moves in re-
verse or is in neutral. The RiDE system as-
sists the operator when slowing down and
during slow-speed maneuvering, such as
launching, beaching, and docking.
Avoid sharp turns, slowing down rapidly by
squeezing the RiDE lever forcefully, and
other maneuvers that make it hard for oth-ers to avoid you or understand where you
are going.
Avoid areas with submerged objects or
shallow water.
Do not release the throttle lever when trying
to steer away from objects—you need
throttle to steer. Always check throttle and
steering controls before starting the water-
craft.
Ride within your limits and avoid aggres-
sive maneuvers to reduce the risk of loss of
control, ejection, and collision.
This is a high performance boat—not a toy.
Sharp turns or jumping wakes or waves
can increase the risk of back/spinal injury
(paralysis), facial injuries, and broken legs,
ankles, and other bones. Do not jump
wakes or waves.
Do not operate the watercraft in rough wa-
ter, bad weather, or when visibility is poor;
this may lead to an accident causing injury
or death. Be alert to the possibility of ad-
verse weather. Take note of weather fore-
casts and the prevailing weather
conditions before setting out on your wa-
tercraft.
As with any water sport, you should not op-
erate your watercraft without someone else
nearby. If you operate further than swim-
ming distance from shore, you should be
accompanied by another boat or water-
craft, but make sure you stay a safe dis-
tance away. It’s good, common sense.
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom of the wa-
tercraft, otherwise you increase your chan-
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Safety information
15
EJU43620
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.
Do not place magnets or objects with a
strong magnetic force near the throttle le-
ver or RiDE lever. The electronic throttle
mechanism of the levers can be adversely
affected, which could cause loss of control.
In addition, do not place objects suscepti-
ble to magnetic forces (i.e., credit cards,
watches, etc.) close to the throttle lever or
RiDE lever.
EJU42415
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 releasing the throttle lever. The OTS
system assists in turning by continuing to
supply some thrust while the watercraft is
decelerating, but you can turn more sharp-
ly if you apply throttle while turning the han-
dlebars.
The OTS system does not function below
planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the water-
craft will no longer turn in response to han-
dlebar input until you apply throttle again or
you reach trolling speed.
Practice turning in an open area without
obstacles until you have a good feel for this
maneuver.
This watercraft is water-jet propelled. The
jet pump is directly connected to the en-
gine. This means that jet thrust will produce
some movement whenever the engine is
running and the “F” (forward) or “R” (re-
verse) shift indicator is displayed. When the
“N” (neutral) shift indicator is displayed, the
forward and reverse thrust are balanced to
help keep the watercraft from moving in ei-
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Safety information
18
er’s or water-skier’s ability, as well as water
and weather conditions.
When preparing to pull a wakeboarder or
water-skier, operate the watercraft at the
slowest possible speed until the watercraft
is well away from the person being pulled
and slack in the ski rope is taken up. Make
sure that the rope is not looped around
anything.
After checking that the wakeboarder or wa-
ter-skier is ready and that there is no traffic
or other obstacles, apply enough throttle to
raise the person.
Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft is
capable of very sharp turns, which could
exceed the abilities of the wakeboarder or
water-skier. Keep the person being towed
at least 50 m (164 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard ski rope, away from
any potential hazard.
The operators of boats and other water-
craft may not be aware that you are pulling
a wakeboarder or water-skier. Together
with the spotter, pay attention to others
around you and cruise at safe speeds.
Be alert to the hazard of the ski rope handle
snapping back at the watercraft when the
wakeboarder or water-skier falls or is un-
able to get up.
Towing heavy or bulky objects other than
wakeboarders or water-skiers, such as an-
other boat or watercraft, can cause loss of
steering control and create a hazardous
condition. If you must tow another boat in
an emergency situation, operate slowly
and cautiously.
EJU30971
Safe boating rules
Your Yamaha watercraft is legally considered
a powerboat. Operation of the watercraft
must be in accordance with the rules and
regulations governing the waterway on which
it is used.
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Description
20
EJU43331
Watercraft glossary
Trolling speed
“Trolling” is the lowest maneuvering speed. You are applying little or no throttle. The water-
craft is down in the water, and there is no wake.
Sub-planing speed
“Sub-planing” is a medium speed. The bow of the watercraft is slightly up from the water sur-
face, but you are still traveling through the water. There is a wake.
Planing speed
“Planing” is a faster speed. The watercraft is more level and is skimming on top of the water.
There is a wake.
Bow
The front end of the watercraft.
Stern
The rear end of the watercraft.
Starboard
The right side of the watercraft when facing forward.
Port
The left side of the watercraft when facing forward.
Bilge water
Water that has collected in the engine compartment.
Yamaha Engine Management System (YEMS)
YEMS is an integrated, computerized management system that controls and adjusts ignition
timing, fuel injection, engine diagnostics, and the off-throttle steering (OTS) system.
Reverse with Intuitive Deceleration Electronics (RiDE)
RiDE is an electronic system that controls the reverse, neutral, and deceleration operations of
the watercraft.
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Control function operation
28
will not start. Also, the starter motor could
be damaged.
[ECJ01041]
The engine will not start under any of the fol-
lowing conditions:
Clip is removed from the engine shut-off
switch.
Throttle lever is squeezed.
Throttle lever is malfunctioning.
RiDE lever is squeezed.
RiDE lever is malfunctioning.
VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited: Lock
mode of the Yamaha Security System has
been selected. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures.)
EJU31212Throttle lever
The throttle lever increases the engine speed
when the lever is squeezed.
The throttle lever returns automatically to its
fully closed (idle) position when released.
EJU43342RiDE lever
When the RiDE lever is squeezed, the reverse
gate lowers and the watercraft starts moving
in reverse. If the watercraft is moving forward,
the watercraft gradually slows down until it
stops, and then the watercraft starts moving
in reverse.
When the RiDE lever is released, it automati-
cally returns to its fully closed (idle) position
and the reverse gate moves to the neutral po-
sition.
EJU31262Steering system
By turning the handlebars in the direction you
wish to travel, the angle of the jet thrust noz-
1Start switch
1Throttle lever
1
1
1RiDE lever
1
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Control function operation
29
zle is changed, and the direction of the water-
craft is changed accordingly.
Since the strength of the jet thrust determines
the speed and degree of a turn, throttle must
always be applied when attempting a turn,
except at trolling speed.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha En-
gine Management System (YEMS) that in-
cludes an off-throttle steering (OTS) system.
It will activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releasing
the throttle lever. The OTS system assists in
turning by continuing to supply some thrust
while the watercraft is decelerating, but you
can turn more sharply if you apply throttle
while turning the handlebars. The OTS sys-
tem 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.EJU35975Cooling water pilot outlet
When the engine is running, some of the
cooling water that is circulated in the engine
is discharged from the cooling water pilot
outlet.
There is a cooling water pilot outlet on the
port (left) side of the watercraft. To check for
proper operation of the cooling system, make
sure that water is being discharged from the
cooling water pilot outlet. If water is not being
discharged from the outlet, stop the engine
and check the jet intake for clogging. (See
page 94 for information on the jet intake.)
TIP:
It will take about 60 seconds for the water
to reach the outlet after the engine is start-
ed.
Water discharge may not be constant
when the engine is running at idling speed.
If this occurs, apply a little throttle to make
sure that water discharges properly.
EJU40323Water separator
The water separator prevents water from en-
tering the fuel tank by collecting any water
that has entered the fuel tank breather hose if
the watercraft was capsized.
1Handlebar
2Jet thrust nozzle
1
21Cooling water pilot outlet
1
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Pre-operation checks
58
EJU31982
WARNING
EWJ00412
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
EJU41234Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.60
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.60
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 60
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 61
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 61
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 61
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 61
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 62
RiDE lever Check the RiDE lever for proper operation. 63
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation. 63
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser /
VX Limited)Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.63
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.63
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.64
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.64
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.64
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 65
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applica-
ble regulations is on board.65
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 65
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 65
Jet thrust nozzle and re-
verse gate Check the jet thrust nozzle and reverse gate for
damage.65
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Pre-operation checks
62
aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00452]
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.
[EWJ01241]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32614Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout thewhole 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
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
32
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Operation
71
(idle) position. (See page 31 for shift system
operation procedures.)
EJU43422Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ01782
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 and passenger(s)
overboard, which could cause an injury.
Take early action to avoid collisions. The
RiDE system is not a braking device for
avoiding dangerous situations.
Steering control depends on the combination
of handlebar position and the amount of
throttle.
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
1“F” (Forward position)
1
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