warning YAMAHA VX CRUISER 2020 User Guide

Operation and handling requirements
50
EJU31823
Fuel requirementsEJU44910Fuel
WARNING
EWJ00283
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are ex-
tremely flammable. To avoid fires and
explosions and to reduce the risk of in-
jury when refueling, follow these in-
structions.
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause in-
jury or death. Handle gasoline with care.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth. If you
should swallow some gasoline, inhale a
lot of gasoline vapor, or get some gaso-
line in your eyes, see your doctor imme-
diately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your
clothes.
NOTICE
ECJ00322
Do not use leaded gasoline. Leaded
gasoline can seriously damage the en-
gine.
Avoid getting water and contaminants in
the fuel tank. Contaminated fuel can
cause poor performance and engine
damage. Use only fresh gasoline that
has been stored in clean containers.
TIP:
This mark identifies the recommended fuel
for this watercraft as specified by European
regulation (EN228).
Check that gasoline nozzle has the same
identifier when fueling.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and
the fuel meets the minimum octane ratings.
E-85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol
and therefore must not be used in this water-
craft. All ethanol blends containing more than
10% ethanol can cause fuel system damage
or engine performance problems.
Yamaha does not recommend gasohol con-
taining methanol because it can cause fuel
system damage and engine performance
problems.
To fill the fuel tank:
(1) Before refueling, stop the engine. Do not
stand or sit on the watercraft. Never refu-
el while smoking, or while in the vicinity Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a mi-
nimum octane rating of
86
(Pump octane number) = (R + M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
E5E10
UF4G74E0.book Page 50 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Operation and handling requirements
53
EJU40291
Engine oil requirementsEJU43951Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00282
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Why Yamalube
YAMALUBE oil is a Genuine YAMAHA Part
born of the engineers’ passion and belief that
engine oil is an important liquid engine com-
ponent. We form teams of specialists in the
fields of mechanical engineering, chemistry,
electronics and track testing, and have them
develop the engine together with the oil it will
use. Yamalube oils take full advantage of the
base oil’s qualities and blend in the ideal ba-
lance of additives to make sure the final oil
clears our performance standards. Thus,
Yamalube mineral, semisynthetic and syn-
thetic oils have their own distinct characters
and value. Yamaha’s experience gained over
many years of research and development
into oil since the 1960’s helps make
Yamalube the best choice for your Yamaha
engine.Checking the engine oil level
WARNING
EWJ00341
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
NOTICE
ECJ00392
Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise
the engine could be damaged.
Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil tank filler hole. Debris and
water in the engine oil can cause serious
engine damage.
TIP:
When checking the engine oil level on land,
the engine must be running while water is
being supplied to the cooling water pas-
sages. (See “Flushing the cooling water
passages” on page 81 for information on
supplying water.)
When checking the engine oil level on wa-
ter, moor the watercraft so that it will not
drift away.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) With the engine stopped, place the wa-
tercraft in a precisely level position on
land or launch the watercraft.
(2) Look in all directions, and then start the
engine. (See page 69 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) Run the engine at idling speed for 6 mi-
nutes or more. Run the engine an addi-
tional 5 minutes if the ambient
temperature is 20 °C (68 °F) or less.
(4) Stop the engine.
(5) Remove the seats. (See page 43 for seat
removal and installation procedures.) Recommended engine oil:
YAMALUBE 4W or 4-stroke motor oil
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40,
20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL
UF4G74E0.book Page 53 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

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.
EJU41235Pre-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. 61
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 (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)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
UF4G74E0.book Page 58 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Pre-operation checks
60
EJU32282
Pre-operation check pointsEJU42384Pre-launch checks
Perform the pre-launch checks in the pre-op-
eration checklist while the watercraft is on
land.
To perform the pre-launch checks:
(1) Remove the seats and removable water-
tight storage compartment. (See page 43
for seat removal and installation proce-
dures and page 48 for information on the
removable watertight storage compart-
ment.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
(3) After completing these checks, securely
install the removable watertight storage
compartment and seats in their original
positions.
EJU32334Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00462
Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in a fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak.
Ventilate the engine compartment. Leave the
engine compartment open for a few minutes
to allow any fuel vapors to escape.Make sure that there is no damage inside the
engine compartment.
EJU34215Fuel system checks
WARNING
EWJ00382
Leaking fuel can result in fire or explosion.
Check for fuel leakage regularly.
If any fuel leakage is found, the fuel sys-
tem must be repaired by a qualified me-
chanic. Improper repairs can make the
watercraft unsafe to operate.
Make sure that there is no damage, leakage,
or other problem in the fuel system.
Check:
Fuel filler cap and seal for damage
Fuel tank for damage and leakage
Fuel hoses and joints for damage and leak-
age
Fuel tank breather hose for damage and
leakage
EJU36875Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 50 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
UF4G74E0.book Page 60 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Pre-operation checks
62
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-
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 the
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
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
32
UF4G74E0.book Page 62 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Pre-operation checks
63
right and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU43213RiDE lever checks (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Operate the RiDE lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the RiDElever returns automatically to its fully closed
position when released.
EJU42181Throttle 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.
EJU40113Remote control transmitter check
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and
page 33 for Low RPM Mode activation pro-
cedures.)
EJU32664Engine 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 Difference between fully turned posi-
tions of jet thrust nozzle (distances A
and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
UF4G74E0.book Page 63 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Pre-operation checks
66
Securely install the stern drain plugs by tight-
ening them until they stop.
EJU43810Hood check
Push down the hood latch and make sure
that it is securely closed.
EJU40146Post-launch checks
Perform the post-launch checks in the pre-
operation 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 69 for
information on launching the watercraft.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
EJU40553Cooling water pilot outlet check
Make sure that water is discharged from the
cooling water pilot outlet while the engine is
running. (See page 29 for information on the
cooling water pilot outlet.)
EJU32715Multifunction information center check
Make sure that the multifunction information
center operates properly. (See page 38 for in-
formation on proper operation of the multi-
function information center.)
EJU43392Shift system check (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Operate the throttle lever and RiDE lever, and
check that the watercraft moves or does not
move according to the displayed shift indica-
tor. (See page 31 for shift system operation
procedures.) WARNING! To avoid colli-
sions, operate at safe speeds and keep a
1Stern drain plug
1
UF4G74E0.book Page 66 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Operation
68
EJU32903
Operating your watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00511
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.
EJU32965Getting 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 10. These materials should give you an
understanding of the watercraft and its oper-
ation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or al-
low more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a
wakeboarder or water-skier is being pulled)
to ride the watercraft at any time.
EJU33006Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
58. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and
reliability.
Check local laws before operating your wa-
tercraft.
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.
You should grip the handlebars firmly and
keep both feet on the floor of the footwell. Do
not attempt to ride with passengers until your
operating skills are fully developed.Maximum load:
240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, op-
erator, and passengers.
UF4G74E0.book Page 68 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Operation
69
EJU40212Riding position
Operator riding position
The operator should grip the handlebars firm-
ly with both hands and sit astride the seat
with both feet on the floor of the footwell.
Passenger riding position
The passenger(s) should hold on firmly, either
to the person in front of them or to the hand-
grip provided, and sit astride the seat with
their feet on the floor of the footwell. Never al-
low a passenger to ride in front of the opera-
tor. (See page 17 for information on the riding
position when pulling a wakeboarder or wa-
ter-skier.)
EJU32803Launching 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.
EJU36346Starting the engine on water
WARNING
EWJ01531
Do not apply throttle when anyone is at the
rear of the watercraft. Turn the engine off
or keep it at idle. Water and debris exiting
the jet thrust nozzle can cause severe in-
jury.
To start the engine:
(1) VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited: If
the lock mode is selected for the
Yamaha Security System setting, select
the unlock mode. (See page 26 for
Yamaha Security System setting proce-
dures.)
(2) 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 bottom 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 intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00473]
(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
27 for information on operating the en-
gine shut-off switch.) WARNING! Check
UF4G74E0.book Page 69 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM

Operation
70
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.
[EWJ00582]
(4) With the throttle lever released, push the
start switch (green button) to start the
engine. (See page 27 for information on
operating the start switch.)
EJU32863Stopping the engine
Release the throttle lever, and then push the
engine stop switch (red button) to stop the
engine. WARNING! You need throttle to
steer. Shutting the engine off can cause
you to hit an obstacle you are attemptingto avoid. A collision could result in severe
injury or death.
[EWJ00602]
EJU32873
Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the clip from
the engine shut-off switch to prevent acci-
dental starting or unauthorized operation by
children or others.
EJU44990Operating the watercraft
VX-C:
When the engine is running, the watercraft
will move forward at trolling speed even if the
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
12
3
UF4G74E0.book Page 70 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM