steering YAMAHA VXS 2012 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
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 .............. 25
Yamaha Security System ................ 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 ............................... 30
Watercraft operation modes ......... 31
Low RPM Mode ............................... 31
Instrument operation ...................... 33
Multifunction information center ... 33
Information display .......................... 33
Equipment operation ...................... 38
Equipment .................................... 38
Seat ................................................. 38
Handgrip .......................................... 39
Reboarding step (VXR) ................... 39
Bow eye ........................................... 39
Stern eyes ....................................... 40
Cleat ................................................ 40
Storage compartments .................... 40
Fire extinguisher holder and
cover ............................................ 42
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 44
Fuel 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
Post-launch checks ......................... 58
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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.
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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 (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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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:

Lock mode of the Yamaha Security System
has been selected. (See page 26 for
Yamaha Security System setting proce-
dures.)

Clip is removed from the engine shut-off
switch.

Throttle lever is squeezed.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
1Start switch
1Throttle lever
START
1
1
1Handlebar
2Jet 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 ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.52
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.52
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 52
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 52
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse systemCheck the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitterCheck 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
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.56
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.56
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.57
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.57
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 58
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Pre-operation checks
53
the dipstick. (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
1Dipstick
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
21
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
12
3
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Operation
62
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, 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 steer
without throttle. You may still have some
turning ability immediately after releasing
the throttle lever, but once the engine
1Shift lever
2Forward position
1
2
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Operation
63
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 sharplyif 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.
EJU41980Stopping 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 120 m (390 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
soon as the throttle lever is released, but will
coast for a distance before fully stopping. If
you are not sure you can stop in time before
hitting an obstacle, apply throttle and turn in
another direction.
WARNING
EWJ00744

Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
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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. (See
page 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)

Shift cable (shift lever end)Recommended water-resistant grease:
Yamaha Marine Grease/Yamaha
Grease A
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