Yamaha VXR, VXS User Manual
2012 WaveRunner
VXS
VXR
OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Read this manual carefully
before operating this watercraft.
U.S.A. Edition
LIT-18626-09-36
F2M-F8199-11
Read this manual carefully before operating this watercraft. This manual
should stay with the WaveRunner if it is sold.
Important manual information
EJU30182
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.
In this manual, information of particular importance is distinguished in the following ways:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used
to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow
this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
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.
EJU40400
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.
EJU30222
WaveRunner VXS / VXR
OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
©2011 by Yamaha Motor Corporation,
U.S.A.
1st Edition, June 2011
All rights reserved.
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-18626-09-36
TIP:
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
Table of contents
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 .................... 2
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 ........................ 19
To get more boating safety
information ................................ 23
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 24
Description....................................... 26
Watercraft glossary ...................... 26
Location of main components ...... 27
Control function operation .............31
Watercraft control functions ......... 31
Remote control transmitter .............. 31
Yamaha Security System ................ 32
Engine stop switch .......................... 33
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 33
Start switch ...................................... 33
Throttle lever ................................... 34
Steering system ............................... 34
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 35
Water separator ............................... 35
Watercraft operation ....................... 37
Watercraft operation functions ..... 37
Reverse system ............................... 37
Watercraft operation modes ......... 38
Low RPM Mode ............................... 38
Instrument operation ...................... 40
Multifunction information center ... 40
Information display .......................... 40
Equipment operation ...................... 45
Equipment .................................... 45
Seat ................................................. 45
Handgrip .......................................... 46
Reboarding step (VXR) ................... 46
Bow eye ........................................... 46
Stern eyes ....................................... 47
Cleat ................................................ 47
Storage compartments .................... 47
Fire extinguisher holder and
cover ............................................ 49
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 51
Fuel requirements ........................ 51
Fuel ................................................. 51
Engine oil requirements ............... 52
Engine oil ......................................... 52
Draining the bilge water ............... 54
Draining the bilge water on land ...... 54
Draining the bilge water on water .... 54
Transporting on a trailer ............... 55
First-time operation ........................ 56
Engine break-in ............................ 56
Pre-operation checks ..................... 57
Pre-operation checklist .................... 57
Table of contents
Pre-operation check points .......... 59
Pre-launch checks ........................... 59
Post-launch checks ......................... 65
Operation ......................................... 66
Operating your watercraft ............. 66
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 66
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 66
Riding position ................................. 67
Launching the watercraft ................. 67
Starting the engine on water ........... 67
Stopping the engine ........................ 68
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 68
Operating the watercraft .................. 68
Turning the watercraft ..................... 69
Stopping the watercraft ................... 70
Operating the watercraft in
reverse ......................................... 71
Boarding the watercraft ................... 71
Starting off ....................................... 74
Capsized watercraft ......................... 75
Beaching and docking the
watercraft ..................................... 76
Operating in weeded areas ............. 76
After removing the watercraft from
the water ...................................... 77
Periodic maintenance chart ............. 86
Engine oil and oil filter ..................... 87
Specifications.................................. 88
Specifications................................ 88
Trouble recovery............................. 89
Troubleshooting ........................... 89
Troubleshooting chart ...................... 89
Emergency procedures ................ 92
Cleaning the jet intake and
impeller ........................................ 92
Jumping the battery ......................... 93
Replacing the fuses ......................... 93
Towing the watercraft ...................... 95
Submerged watercraft ..................... 95
Consumer information ................... 96
Limited warranty ........................... 96
YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE
(Y.E.S.) ..................................... 98
Care and storage ............................. 78
Post-operation care ...................... 78
Flushing the cooling water
passages ...................................... 78
Cleaning the watercraft ................... 79
Battery care ..................................... 79
Long-term storage ........................ 82
Cleaning .......................................... 82
Lubrication ....................................... 82
Rustproofing .................................... 83
Maintenance..................................... 84
Maintenance ................................. 84
Tool kit ............................................. 84
Removing and installing the engine
cover ............................................ 84
General and important labels
EJU30262
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.
EJU40500
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number
The PRI-ID number is stamped on a plate attached inside the engine compartment. (See
page 45 for seat removal and installation procedures.)
MODEL:
VX1800-L (VXS)
VX1800A-L (VXR)
1
EJU30300
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The HIN is stamped on a plate attached to the
aft deck.
1
1 Hull Identification Number (HIN) location
EJU30311
Engine serial number
The engine serial number is stamped on a
plate attached to the engine unit. (See page
45 for seat removal and installation procedures.)
1 Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number loca-
tion
MODEL
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
ASSEMBLED IN U.S.A. FROM AMERICAN AND JAPANESE
COMPONENTS.
ASSEMBLÉ AUX ÉTATS-UNIS DE PIÈCES AMÉRICAINES ET
JAPONAISES.
F
2M
PRI-I.D.
F2M
1
1
1 Engine serial number location
General and important labels
EJU30352
Emission control information
This engine conforms to U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and/or California Air
Resources Board (CARB) regulations for marine SI engines applicable at the time of manufacture.
This engine is certified to operate on regular
unleaded gasoline.
EJU41900
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. (See page 45 for seat removal and in-
stallation procedures and page 84 for engine
cover removal and installation procedures.)
1
1 Emission control information label location
1
1 Emission control information label location
EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
THIS ENGINE CONFORMS TO CALIFORNIA AND U.S. EPA EXHAUST REGULATIONS
FOR SI MARINE ENGINES. REFER TO THE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS. THIS VESSEL MEETS U.S. EPA EVAP STANDARDS.
FELS (HC+NOx/CO) : g/kW-hr
TROLLING SPEED : rpm
FUEL : UNLEADED REGULAR GASOLINE
CERTIFIED COMPONENTS :
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
EJU40490
ENGINE FAMILY:
MAX POWER : kW
SPARK PLUG :
VALVE LASH (mm) IN : EX :
DISPLACEMENT : Liters
SPARK PLUG GAP (mm) :
Manufactured date label
This label is attached to the top of the cylinder
head. (See page 45 for seat removal and in-
2
General and important labels
stallation procedures and page 84 for engine
cover removal and installation procedures.)
1
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.
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.
1
1 Star label location
One Star - Low Emission
The one-star label identifies engines that
meet the Air Resources Board’s Personal
3
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
exhaust emission standards or the Sterndrive
and Inboard marine engine 2003-2008 exhaust emission standards. Engines meeting
General and important labels
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.
4
General and important labels
EJU30452
Important labels
Read the following labels before using this watercraft. If have any questions, consult a Yamaha
dealer.
8
9
7
1 6
4
3
2
12
10
11
5
5
General and important labels
EJU35913
Warning labels
If any of these labels are damaged or missing, contact a Yamaha dealer for replacements.
1
2
6
General and important labels
7
EJU35925
Other labels
General and important labels
8
General and important labels
The following label indicates the correct direction to upright a capsized watercraft.
9
Safety information
EJU30671
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 water-
craft 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 op-
erator 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 pas-
sengers 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-
10
Safety information
teristics of the watercraft before trying any
difficult maneuvers.
EJU30761
Cruising limitations
● Scan constantly for people, objects, and
other watercraft. Be alert for conditions that
limit your visibility or block your vision of
others.
● Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people, objects, and other watercraft.
● Do not follow directly behind watercraft or
other boats.
● Do not go near others to spray or splash
them with water.
● 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. Re-
member, 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-
11
Safety information
kles, and other bones. Do not jump wakes
or waves.
● Do not operate the watercraft in rough wa-
ter, bad weather, or when visibility is poor;
this may lead to an accident causing injury
or death. Be alert to the possibility of 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 op-
erate 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.
with another boat, which could result in severe injury or death.
● Follow navigation rules, and state/provin-
cial and local laws that apply to watercraft.
60 cm (2 ft)
● 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
12
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.
1 USCG approved PFD
2 Wetsuit 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 poten-
tial 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 consum-
ing alcohol or taking other drugs.
● For reasons of safety and proper care of the
watercraft, always perform the pre-operation checks listed on page 57 before operating the watercraft.
13
Safety information
● The operator and passengers should al-
ways 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, ei-
ther 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 19.)
● 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
14
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.
15
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 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) 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.
16
Safety information
● Reverse can be used to slow down or stop
during slow-speed maneuvering, such as
when docking. Once the engine is idling,
shift into reverse and gradually increase engine speed. Make sure that there are no obstacles 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 entangled in moving parts, resulting in severe injury or drowning.
● Never insert any object into the jet thrust
nozzle while the engine is running. Severe
injury or death could result from coming in
contact with the rotating parts of the jet
pump.
2
any debris or weeds, which may have collected around the jet intake.
2
1
STOP
1 Clip
2 Engine shut-off switch
1
1 Intake grate
2 Jet thrust nozzle
● Stop the engine and remove the clip from
the engine shut-off switch before removing
17
Safety information
EJU30943
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.
1
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 water-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
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
watch the skier’s hand signals and condition.
1 Handgrip
1
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.
18
Safety information
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.
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/opera-
tor’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.
19
Safety information
Give-way vessel
The vessel which does not have the right-ofway 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
give-way vessels). Both you and the meeting
vessel must alter course to avoid each other.
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-ofway. 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,
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Safety information
provided the other vessel gives you the rightof-way as it should.
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.
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.
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Safety information
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.
They signify speed zones, restricted areas,
danger areas, and general information.
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Safety information
Remember, markings may vary by geographic location. Always consult local boating authorities before riding your watercraft in
unfamiliar waters.
EJU30982
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
http://www.uscgboating.org/
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.
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Safety information
The Online Boating Safety Course:
http://www.boatus.org/
EJU30991
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
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Safety information
waterways stay open for the enjoyment of a
variety of recreational opportunities.
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