steering YAMAHA VX SPORT 2013 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1Identification 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
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) ............. 25
Yamaha Security System (VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 26
Engine stop switch .......................... 27
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 27
Start switch ...................................... 27
Throttle lever ................................... 28
Steering system ............................... 28
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 29
Water separator ............................... 29
Watercraft operation ....................... 30 Watercraft operation functions ..... 30
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 30
Watercraft operation modes ......... 31
Low RPM Mode
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 31
Instrument operation ...................... 33Multifunction information center ... 33
Information display .......................... 33
Equipment operation ...................... 38Equipment .................................... 38
Seat ................................................. 38
Handgrip .......................................... 39
Reboarding step
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 39
Bow eye ........................................... 39
Stern eyes ....................................... 40
Cleat ................................................ 40
Storage compartments .................... 40
Fire extinguisher holder and cover ............................................ 42
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 44Fuel requirements ........................ 44
Fuel ................................................. 44
Engine oil requirements ............... 45
Engine oil ......................................... 45
Draining the bilge water ............... 47
Draining the bilge water on land ...... 47
Draining the bilge water on water .... 47
Transporting on a trailer ............... 48
First-time operation ........................ 49 Engine break-in ............................ 49
Pre-operation checks ..................... 50
Pre-operation checklist .................... 50
Pre-operation check points .......... 52
Pre-launch checks ........................... 52
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Safety information
15
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.
EJU30934
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.
●VX Sport: This watercraft is water-jet pro-
pelled. The jet pump is directly connected to
the engine. This means that jet thrust will
produce some movement whenever the en-
gine is running. There is no “neutral” posi-
tion.
●VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser: 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 either “for-
ward” or “reverse”, depending upon the
shift lever position.
●VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser: Do not use the re-
verse function to slow down or stop the wa-
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Safety information
18
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 (164 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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Description
20
EJU40302
Watercraft glossary
Trolling speed
“Trolling” is the lowest maneuvering speed. You are applying little or no throttle. The watercraft
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.
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Control function operation
28
will not start. Also, the starter motor could
be damaged.
[ECJ01040]
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.
●VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser: Lock mode of the
Yamaha Security System has been select- ed. (See page 26 for Yamaha Security Sys-
tem setting procedures.)
EJU31211Throttle 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.
EJU31261Steering system
By turning the handlebars in the direction you
wish to travel, the angle of the jet thrust nozzle
is changed, and the direction of the watercraft
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, ex-
cept 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
1 Start switch
1 Throttle lever
START
1
1
1Handlebar
2 Jet thrust nozzle
2
1
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Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31981
WARNING
EWJ00411
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.
EJU41232Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINEPAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartment Ventilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.
52
Fuel system Check the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
52
Water separator Check the water separator for water. 52
Engine unit Check the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil level Check the engine oil level. 52
Bilge water Check the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
Battery Check the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering system Check the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) Check the reverse system for proper operation.
54
Throttle lever Check the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.
55
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.
55
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.
55
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.
56
Storage compartments Check the storage compartments for damage and
water.
56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and band Check the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.
56
Fire extinguisher Check the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipment Check that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.
57
Hull and deck Check the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intake Check the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugs Check the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.
57
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Pre-operation checks
53
the dipstick attached to the oil tank filler cap.
(See page 45 for information on checking the
engine oil level.)
EJU32455Bilge water check
Make sure that no bilge water has collected in
the engine compartment. If bilge water has
collected in the engine compartment, drain it.
(See page 47 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32484Battery 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
1 Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1 Dipstick
2 Maximum level mark
3 Minimum level mark
1
213
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2 Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3 Breather hose
1 Maximum level mark
2 Minimum level mark
1 2
3
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Operation
62
throttle lever is in the fully closed (idle) posi-
tion.
VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser:
When the shift lever is in the forward position
and the engine is running, the watercraft will
move forward. The watercraft will move for-
ward at trolling speed even if the throttle lever
is in the fully closed (idle) position. (See page
30 for information on operating the shift lever.)EJU33254Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00771
●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.
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.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, sothe watercraft will turn more sharply.
1Shift lever
2 Forward position
1
2
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Operation
63
B. Less throttle produces lower thrust, sothe 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 position
alone 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.
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 (see condition C above).
The OTS system assists in turning by continu-
ing to supply some thrust while the watercraft
is decelerating, but you can turn more sharply
if you apply throttle while turning the handle-
bars. The OTS system does not function be-
low planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar in-
put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU33294Stopping 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 100 m (330 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
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Care and storage
75
EJU33492
Long-term storage
WARNING
EWJ00330
Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, other-
wise fuel could leak out into the engine or
engine compartment, which could create a
fire hazard.
Storage for long periods of time, such as win-
ter storage, requires preventive maintenance
to ensure against deterioration. It is advisable
to have the watercraft serviced by a Yamaha
dealer prior to storage.
However, the following procedures can be
performed easily by the owner.
EJU40762Cleaning
(1) Flush the cooling water passages. (Seepage 71 for information on flushing the
cooling water passages.)
TIP:
If you will be storing the watercraft for a pro-
longed period, such as winter storage, top off
the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add fuel
stabilizer and conditioner to the fuel tank ac-
cording to the manufacturer’s instruction be-
fore starting the engine.
(2) Clean the watercraft. (See page 72 for in-formation on cleaning the watercraft.)
Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
EJU40633Lubrication
Use a suitable marine grease applicator and
spray a rust inhibitor between the inner and
outer cables to lubricate the cables and purge
out any dirt and moisture.
To keep moving parts sliding or rotating
smoothly, lubricate them with water-resistant
grease.
●Throttle cable (throttle lever end)
●Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end)
●VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser:
Shift cable (shift lever end)Recommended water-resistant grease:
Yamaha Marine Grease/Yamaha
Grease A
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