Yamaha FX SHO User Manual

Name: Yamaha FX SHO
Brand: Yamaha
SKU: 1273701
Rating: 4 (1 reviews)

4 (1)

2009 WaveRunner

FX SHO

FX Cruiser SHO

OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL

U.S.A. Edition

Read this manual carefully before operating this watercraft.

LIT-18626-08-16 F1W-F8199-11

Read this manual carefully before operating this watercraft. This manual should stay with the WaveRunner if it is sold.

Important manual information

EJU30181

To the owner/operator

Thank you for choosing a Yamaha watercraft. This owner’s/operator’s manual contains information you will need for proper operation, maintenance, and care. A thorough understanding of these simple instructions will help you to obtain maximum enjoyment from your new Yamaha. If you have any questions about the operation or maintenance of your watercraft, please consult a Yamaha dealer. Because Yamaha has a policy of continuing product improvement, this product may not be exactly as described in this owner’s/operator’s manual. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of this watercraft and should remain with it even if the watercraft is subsequently sold.

In this manual, information of particular importance is distinguished in the following ways:

The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

EWJ00071

WARNING

A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

ECJ00091

NOTICE

A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the watercraft or other property.

TIP:

A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.

EJU30221

Any reprinting or unauthorized use without the written permission of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is expressly prohibited.

Printed in U.S.A.

P/N LIT-18626-08-16

General and important labels...........	1
Identification numbers ....................	1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ...........................................	1
Hull Identification Number (HIN) ........	1
Engine serial number ........................	1
Emission control information ..........	2
Approval label of emission control
certificate ........................................	2
Manufactured date label ....................	3
Star labels .........................................	3
Important labels ..............................	5
Warning labels ...................................	6
Other labels .......................................	8
Safety information...........................	10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................	10
Cruising limitations .......................	11
Operation requirements ...............	13
Recommended equipment ...........	15
Hazard information .......................	16
Watercraft characteristics .............	16
Water-skiing .................................	18
Rules of the Road ........................	20
To get more boating safety
information ................................	24
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................	25
Features and functions...................	26
Location of main components ......	26
Operation of controls and other
functions ....................................	30
Seats ...............................................	30
Hood ................................................	31
Fuel tank filler cap ...........................	31
Remote control transmitter ..............	31
Engine stop switch ..........................	33
Engine shut-off switch .....................	33
Start switch ......................................	33
Right handlebar switches ................	34
Throttle lever ...................................	34

Cooling water pilot outlets ...............	34
Steering system ...............................	35
Tilt lever ...........................................	35
Shift lever ........................................	36
Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
selector ........................................	36
Handgrip ..........................................	38
Reboarding step ..............................	38
Bow eye ...........................................	38
Stern eyes .......................................	39
Pull-up cleats
(for FX Cruiser SHO) ...................	39
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ...........................	39
Yamaha Security System ................	39
No-wake mode ................................	41
Cruise assist ....................................	42
Multifunction information center ......	44
Storage compartments ....................	54
Operation .........................................	57
Fuel and oil ..................................	57
Fuel .................................................	57
Engine oil .........................................	58
Pre-operation checks ...................	59
Pre-operation check list ...................	59
Pre-operation check points ..............	61
Operation .....................................	69
Engine break-in ...............................	69
Launching the watercraft .................	69
Starting the engine ..........................	69
Stopping the engine ........................	70
Shifting ............................................	71
Leaving the watercraft .....................	71
Operating your watercraft ............	72
Getting to know your watercraft .......	72
Learning to operate your
watercraft .....................................	72
Riding with passengers ...................	73
Starting the watercraft .....................	73
Boarding and starting in deep
water ............................................	74
Capsized watercraft .........................	77
Turning the watercraft .....................	78

Table of contents

Stopping the watercraft ...................	79
Beaching the watercraft ...................	80
Docking the watercraft .....................	80
Reverse on waterways ....................	80
Operating in weeded areas .............	81
Post-operation care ......................	81
Transporting .................................	82
Maintenance and care.....................	83
Storage .........................................	83
Flushing the cooling system ............	83
Lubrication .......................................	84
Battery .............................................	84
Cleaning the watercraft ...................	84
Maintenance and adjustments .....	85
Owner’s/operator’s manual and
tool kit ...........................................	85
Periodic maintenance chart .............	87
Checking the fuel system ................	89
Engine oil and oil filter .....................	89
Air filter element ..............................	89
Checking the jet thrust nozzle
angle ............................................	89
Checking the shift cable ..................	90
Checking and adjusting the throttle
cable ............................................	90
Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs ............................................	92
Lubrication points ............................	93
Checking the battery .......................	95
Fuel injection system .......................	96
Specifications ..................................	97
Specifications ................................	97
Trouble recovery .............................	98
Troubleshooting ...........................	98
Troubleshooting chart ......................	98
Emergency procedures ..............	101
Cleaning the jet intake and
impeller ......................................	101
Jumping the battery .......................	102
Replacing the fuses .......................	102
Towing the watercraft ....................	104

Submerged watercraft ...................	104
Consumer information .................	105
Limited warranty .........................	105
YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE
(Y.E.S.) ...................................	107

General and important labels

EJU30261

Identification numbers

Record the Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number, Hull Identification Number (HIN), and engine serial number in the spaces provided for assistance when ordering genuine parts from a Yamaha dealer. Also record and keep these ID numbers in a separate place in case your watercraft is stolen.

EJU30281

Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number

The PRI-ID number is stamped on a plate attached inside the engine compartment.

MODEL:

FX1800-H (FX SHO) FX1800A-H (FX Cruiser SHO)

1Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number location

EJU30300

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

The HIN is stamped on a plate attached to the aft deck.

1 Hull Identification Number (HIN) location

EJU30310

Engine serial number

The engine serial number is stamped on a plate attached to the engine unit.

1 Engine serial number location

F1W

General and important labels

EJU30350

Emission control information

This engine conforms to 2009 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations for marine SI engines.

This engine is certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline.

EJU30400

Approval label of emission control certificate

This label is attached to the top of the cylinder head and to the inside of the engine compartment.

1 Emission control information label location

EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION SFI

ENGINE FAMILY : 9YMXM1.814GA

THIS ENGINE CONFORMS TO 2009 CALIFORNIA AND U.S. EPA EMISSION REGULATIONS FOR SI MARINE ENGINES. REFER TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.

FEL :	16.22		g/kw-hr		ADVERTISED POWER :	154.5	kw	FUEL: UNLEADED REGULAR GASOLINE
SPARK PLUG :					TROLLING SPEED : 1250±100rpm			VALVE LASH(mm) IN:0.14-0.23	EX:0.28-0.37
	LFR6A
DISPLACEMENT :				cm³	SPARK PLUG GAP (mm):0.8-0.9
		1812

INFORMATION ANTIPOLLUTION SFI

CATÉGORIE DU MOTEUR : 9YMXM1.814GA

CE MOTEUR EST CONFORME AUX NORMES D'ÉMISSIONS 2009 EPA DES É.-U. ET DE LA CALIFORNIE POUR MOTEURS NAUTIQUES SI. POUR CONNAÎTRE LES SPÉCIFICATIONS ET LES RÉGLAGES À EFFECTUER, CONSULTEZ LE MANUEL DU PROPRIÉTAIRE.

FEL :

16.22

g/kw-hr

PUISSANCE AFFICHÉE :

154.5

CABURANT: ESSENCE NORMALE SANS PLOMB

BOUGIE :

RALENTI : 1250±100 tr/mm

JEU DE SOUPAPE(mm)ADM:0.14

LFR6A

-0.23ÉCH:0.28-0.37

CYLINDRÉE :

cm³

BOUGIE-ÉCARTEMENT (mm):0.8-0.9

1812

General and important labels

EJU30430

Manufactured date label

This label is attached to the top of the cylinder head.

1 Manufactured date label location

EJU30440

Star labels

This watercraft is labeled with a California Air Resources Board (CARB) star label. See below for a description of your particular label.

1 Star label location

One Star - Low Emission

The one-star label identifies engines that meet the Air Resources Board’s Personal Watercraft and Outboard marine engine 2001 exhaust emission standards. Engines meeting these standards have 75% lower emissions than conventional carbureted twostroke engines. These engines are equivalent to the U.S. EPA’s 2006 standards for marine engines.

Two Stars - Very Low Emission

The two-star label identifies engines that meet the Air Resources Board’s Personal Watercraft and Outboard marine engine 2004 exhaust emission standards. Engines meeting these standards have 20% lower emissions than One Star-Low Emission engines.

Three Stars - Ultra Low Emission

The three-star label identifies engines that meet the Air Resources Board’s Personal Watercraft and Outboard marine engine 2008

General and important labels

exhaust emission standards or the Sterndrive and Inboard marine engine 2003-2008 exhaust emission standards. Engines meeting these standards have 65% lower emissions than One Star-Low Emission engines.

Four Stars - Super Ultra Low Emission

The four-star label identifies engines that meet the Air Resources Board’s Sterndrive and Inboard marine engine 2009 exhaust emission standards. Personal Watercraft and Outboard marine engines may also comply with these standards. Engines meeting these standards have 90% lower emissions than One Star-Low Emission engines.

General and important labels

EJU30451

Important labels

Read the following labels before operating this watercraft. If you need any additional information, contact a Yamaha dealer.

9	1
	3

7	6
12

General and important labels

EJU35911

Warning labels

If any of these labels are damaged or missing, contact a Yamaha dealer for replacements.

1-0

W-

General and important labels

EJU35923

Other labels

General and important labels

The following label indicates the correct direction to upright a capsized watercraft.

Safety information

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The safe use and operation of this watercraft is dependent upon the use of proper riding techniques, as well as upon the common sense, good judgment, and expertise of the operator. Every operator should know the following requirements before riding the watercraft.

●Before operating the watercraft, read this owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Practice Guide, the Riding Instruction card, and all labels on the watercraft. Also, watch the Basic Orientation Video provided with your watercraft. These materials should give you an understanding of the watercraft and its operation.

●Never allow anyone to operate this watercraft until they too have read this owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Practice Guide, the Riding Instruction card, and all labels, and, if possible, watched the Basic Orientation Video.

Showing them the video may help reinforce the information contained in these materials.

EJU30730

Limitations on who may operate the watercraft

●Yamaha recommends a minimum operator age of 16 years old.

Adults must supervise use by minors. Know the operator age and training requirements for your state. A boating safety course is recommended and may be required in your state. You can find local rules by contacting the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, or your local Power Squadron.

●This watercraft is designed to carry the operator and up to 2 passengers. Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a water-skier is being pulled) to ride the watercraft at any time.

Maximum load: 240 kg (530 lb)

Load is the total weight of cargo, operator, and passengers.

●Do not operate the watercraft with any passengers on board until you have considerable practice and experience riding alone. Operating the watercraft with passengers requires more skill. Take the time to become accustomed to the handling charac-

Safety information

teristics of the watercraft before trying any	EJU30761

	difficult maneuvers.	Cruising limitations
	difficult maneuvers.	● Scan constantly for people, objects, and
		● 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.

● Avoid sharp turns or other maneuvers that make it hard for others to avoid you or understand where you are going.

● Avoid areas with submerged objects or shallow water.

● Take early action to avoid collisions. Remember, watercraft and other boats do not have brakes.

● 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 watercraft.

● Ride within your limits and avoid aggressive 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, an-

Safety information

kles, and other bones. Do not jump wakes or waves.

●Do not operate the watercraft in rough water, bad weather, or when visibility is poor; this may lead to an accident causing injury or death. Be alert to the possibility of adverse weather. Take note of weather forecasts and the prevailing weather conditions before setting out on your watercraft.

●As with any water sport, you should not operate your watercraft without someone else nearby. If you operate further than swimming distance from shore, you should be accompanied by another boat or watercraft, but make sure you stay a safe distance away. It’s good, common sense.

●Never operate in water that is less than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom of the watercraft, otherwise you increase your chance of hitting a submerged object, which could result in injury.

●This watercraft is not equipped with lighting required for night operation. Do not operate the watercraft after sunset or before dawn, otherwise you increase the risk of colliding

with another boat, which could result in severe injury or death.

●Follow navigation rules, and state/provincial and local laws that apply to watercraft.

Safety information

EJU30812

Operation requirements

●All riders must wear a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved personal flotation device (PFD) that is suitable for personal watercraft use.

●Wear protective clothing. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into the water or being near the jet thrust nozzle.

Normal swimwear does not adequately protect against forceful water entry into the rectum or vagina. All riders must wear a wetsuit bottom or clothing that provides equivalent protection. Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven, sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as denim, but does not include spandex or similar fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts.

1USCG approved PFD

2Wetsuit bottom

●Eye protection is recommended to keep wind, water, and glare from the sun out of your eyes while you operate your watercraft. Restraining straps for eyewear are made which are designed to float should your eyewear fall in the water.

Footwear and gloves are recommended.

●Helmets meeting Snell or DOT standards are required for IJSBA-sanctioned races. You must decide whether to wear a helmet while you ride for recreation. You should

know that a helmet could help protect you in certain kinds of accidents and that it could injure you in others.

A helmet is designed to provide some head protection. Although helmets cannot protect against all foreseeable impacts, a helmet might reduce your injuries in a collision with a boat or other obstacle.

A helmet may have potential safety hazards, as well. Falling into the water could risk the chance of the helmet catching water, commonly known as “bucketing”, and the resulting strain on your neck could cause choking, severe and permanent neck injuries, or death. A helmet could also increase the risk of an accident if it reduces your vision or hearing, or if it distracts you or increases your fatigue.

How should you decide if a helmet’s potential safety benefits outweigh its potential risks for you? Consider your particular riding conditions. Consider factors such as your riding environment and your riding style and ability. Also consider the likelihood of traffic congestion, and the water surface conditions.

If you decide to wear a helmet based upon your riding circumstances, choose one carefully. Look for a helmet designed for personal watercraft use, if possible. Consider a helmet meeting Snell or DOT standards. If you will be engaging in closedcourse competition, follow the helmet requirements of the sanctioning organization.

●Never operate the watercraft after consuming alcohol or taking other drugs.

●For reasons of safety and proper care of the watercraft, always perform the pre-opera- tion checks listed on page 59 before operating the watercraft.

Safety information

●The operator and passengers should always keep their feet on the floor of the footwell when the watercraft is in motion. Lifting your feet increases the chances of losing your balance, or hitting objects outside the watercraft with your feet. Do not give a ride to children if their feet cannot reach the floor of the footwell.

●The passengers should hold on firmly, either to the person in front of them or to the handgrip provided.

●Never allow a passenger to ride in front of the operator.

●Always consult your doctor on whether it is safe for you to ride this watercraft if you are pregnant or in poor health.

●Do not attempt to modify this watercraft. Modifications to your watercraft may reduce safety and reliability, and render the watercraft unsafe or illegal for use.

●Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to your left wrist and keep it free from the handlebars so that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall off. After riding, remove the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) from the wa-

tercraft to avoid accidental starting or unauthorized use by children or others.

●Scan carefully for swimmers and stay away from swimming areas. Swimmers are hard to see and you could accidentally hit someone in the water.

●Avoid being hit by another boat. You should always take the responsibility to watch for traffic; other boaters may not be watching for you. If they do not see you, or if you maneuver more quickly than other boaters expect, you risk a collision.

●Maintain a safe distance from other boats and watercraft, and also watch for ski ropes or fishing lines. Obey the “Rules of the Road” and be sure to check behind you before making a turn. (See “Rules of the Road” on page 20.)

●According to the USCG, boats under 6.1 m (20 ft) in length like your watercraft must carry a fire extinguisher of a B-1 classification, with a capacity of two pounds or more when navigating in waters under USCG jurisdiction. In addition, most state and local

Safety information

boating laws also require that the fire extinguisher be approved by the USCG.

EJU30830

Recommended equipment

The following items should be carried on board your watercraft:

●Sound-signaling device

You should carry a whistle or other soundsignaling device that can be used to signal other boats. See “Rules of the Road” for more information.

●Visual distress signals

It is recommended that a U.S. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic device be stored in a waterproof container on your watercraft. A mirror can also be used as an emergency signal. Contact a Yamaha dealer or the U.S. Coast Guard for more information.

●Watch

A watch is helpful so you will know how long you have been operating the watercraft.

●Towline

A towline can be used to tow a disabled watercraft in an emergency.

Safety information

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 colorless, 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 during 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) 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 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 obstacles 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 either “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 impact 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.

Safety information

● Reverse can be used to slow down or stop	any debris or weeds, which may have col-
during slow-speed maneuvering, such as	lected around the jet intake.
when docking. Once the engine is idling,
shift into reverse and gradually increase en-	2
gine speed. Make sure that there are no ob-	2
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-	1
gled in moving parts, resulting in severe in-
jury or drowning.	1 Clip
● Never insert any object into the jet thrust	1 Clip
nozzle while the engine is running. Severe	2 Engine shut-off switch
nozzle while the engine is running. Severe
injury or death could result from coming in
contact with the rotating parts of the jet
pump.

1Intake grate

2Jet thrust nozzle

●Stop the engine and remove the clip from the engine shut-off switch before removing

Safety information

EJU30941

Water-skiing

You can use the watercraft for water-skiing if it has the seating capacity to carry the operator, a rearward-facing spotter, and the waterskier when he or she is not skiing.

The watercraft must also have a cleat designed to pull a ski rope; do not attach the rope to any other location.

is 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

1 Cleat

It is the watercraft operator’s responsibility to be alert to the safety of the water-skier and others. Know and follow all state and local wa- ter-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 considerations 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 most states it

Safety information

watch the skier’s hand signals and condition.

1 Handgrip

FX SHO

1 Handgrip

FX Cruiser SHO

1 Handgrip

●Your control while pulling a water-skier is affected by the skier’s ability, as well as water 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 skier and slack in the ski rope is taken up. 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, apply enough throttle to raise the skier.

●Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft is capable of very sharp turns, which could exceed the abilities of the skier. Keep the skier at least 50 m (150 ft), about twice the distance of a standard ski rope, from any potential 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 create a hazardous condition. If you must tow another boat in an emergency situation, operate slowly and cautiously.

Safety information

EJU30961

Rules of the Road

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.

Just as there are rules that apply when you are driving on streets and highways, there are waterway rules that apply when you are operating your watercraft. These rules are used internationally, and are also enforced by the United States Coast Guard and local agencies. You should be aware of these rules, and follow them whenever you encounter another vessel on the water.

Several sets of rules prevail according to geographic location, but are all basically the same as the International Rules of the Road. The rules presented here in this owner’s/operator’s manual are condensed, and have been provided for your convenience only. Consult your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Department of Motor Vehicles for a complete set of rules governing the waters in which you will be operating your watercraft.

Steering and sailing rules

Whenever two vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way; it is called the “stand-on” vessel. The vessel that does not have the right-of-way is called the “give-way” or “burdened” vessel. These rules determine which vessel has the right-of-way, and what each vessel should do.

Stand-on vessel

The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty to continue its course and speed, except to avoid an immediate collision. When you maintain your direction and speed, the other vessel will be able to determine how best to avoid you.

Give-way vessel

The vessel which does not have the right-of- way has the duty to take positive and timely action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel. Normally, you should not cross in front of the vessel with the right-of-way. You should slow down or change directions briefly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move in such a way that the operator of the other vessel can see what you are doing. The General Prudential Rule regarding the right-of-way is that if a collision appears unavoidable, neither boat has the right-of-way. Both boats must avoid the collision.

In other words, follow the standard rules except when a collision will occur unless both vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the case, both vessels become give-way vessels.

Rules when encountering vessels

There are three main situations that you may encounter with other vessels which could lead to a collision unless the Steering Rules are followed:

Meeting: you are approaching another vessel head-on

Crossing: you are traveling across another vessel’s path

Overtaking: you are passing or being passed by another vessel

In the following illustration, your watercraft is in the center. You should give the right-of-way to any vessels shown in the white area (you are the give-way vessel). Any vessels in the shaded area must yield to you (they are the

Safety information

give-way vessels). Both you and the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.

provided the other vessel gives you the right- of-way as it should.

Meeting

If you are meeting another power-driven vessel head on, and are close enough to run the risk of collision, neither of you has the right-of- way. Both of you should alter course to avoid an accident. You should keep the other vessel on your port (left) side. This rule does not apply if both of you will clear one another if you continue on your set course and speed.

Crossing

When two power-driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on the starboard (right) side must keep out of the way of the other. If the other vessel is on your starboard (right) side, you must keep out of its way; you are the give-way vessel. If the other vessel is on your port (left) side, remember that you should maintain course and direction,

Overtaking

If you are passing another vessel, you are the give-way vessel. This means that the other vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed. You must stay out of its way until you are clear of it. Likewise, if another vessel is passing you, you should maintain your speed and direction so that the other vessel can steer itself around you.

Other special situations

There are three other rules you should be aware of when riding your watercraft around other vessels.

Narrow channels and bends

When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep to the right when it is safe and practical to do so. If the operator of a powerdriven vessel is preparing to go around a bend that may obstruct the view of other water vessels, the operator should sound a prolonged blast of four to six seconds on the whistle. If another vessel is around the bend, it too should sound the whistle. Even if no reply is heard, however, the vessel should still proceed around the bend with caution. If you navigate such waters with your watercraft, you will need to carry a portable air horn, available from local marine supply stores.

Safety information

Fishing vessel right-of-way

All vessels fishing with nets, lines, or trawls are considered to be “fishing vessels” under the International Rules. Vessels with trolling lines are not considered fishing vessels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way regardless of position. Fishing vessels cannot, however, impede the passage of other vessels in narrow channels.

Sailing vessel right-of-way

Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:

(1)When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel, the power-driven vessel has the right-of-way.

(2)Sailing vessels should keep clear of any fishing vessel.

(3)In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not hamper the safe passage of a power-driven vessel that can navigate only in such a channel.

Reading buoys and other markers

The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers, and lights to show which side of the buoy a boater should pass on when navigating in a particular direction. The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward (the boater is going towards the harbor). Red buoys are passed on your starboard (right) side when proceeding from open water into the harbor, and black buoys are to your port (left) side. An easy way to remember the meaning of the colors is the phrase “red right returning”. When navigating out of the harbor, your position with respect to the buoys should be reversed; red buoys should be to port and black buoys to starboard.

Many bodies of water used by boaters are entirely within the boundaries of a particular state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System has been devised for these waters.

This system uses buoys and signs with distinctive shapes and colors to show regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with black letters and orange borders.

Safety information

They signify speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas, and general information.

Remember, markings may vary by geographic location. Always consult local boating authorities before riding your watercraft in unfamiliar waters.

Safety information

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To get more boating safety information

Be informed about boating safety. Additional publications and information can be obtained from many organizations, including the following.

United States Coast Guard

Consumer Affairs Staff (G-BC)

Office of Boating, Public, and Consumer Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

Washington, D.C. 20593-0001

Boating Safety Hotline: 1-800-368-5647

Other sources

You can find local rules by contacting the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, or your local Power Squadron.

Watercraft Education and Training

The Online Boating Safety Course, available through the watercraft section of the yamahamotor.com website, is a free, 50 question learning course available to the public. Upon successful completion of 80 percent or better, the user can request a certificate of completion by mail or can download one immediately. The Online Boating Safety Course, provided by the Boat/US Foundation, is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the United States Coast Guard. This course meets the education requirement for those states that recognize nonproctored, NASBLA-approved courses.

Yamaha is the watercraft industry’s leading manufacturer to build awareness and support for boating education. In 1997, Yamaha launched its GET W.E.T. (Watercraft Education and Training) initiative and has since reached out to over one million Americans promoting the benefits of boating education.

The Online Boating Safety Course:

http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse/

Safety information

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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, waters, and wildlife with respect and courtesy.

Whenever and wherever you ride, think of yourself as the guest of those around you. Remember, 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 enjoy.

Avoid riding close to shoreline homes and waterfowl nesting areas or other wildlife areas, and keep a respectful distance from fishermen, 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 regulated limits. You have the responsibility to make sure that the recommended maintenance 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. Dispose of water and any fuel and oil residue in the engine compartment according to local regulations. And keep your surroundings pleasant for the people 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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