Read this manual carefully before operating this watercraft. This manual
should stay with the WaveRunner if it is sold.
Important manual information
EJU41841
Declaration of Conformity for Personal Watercraft (PWC)
with the requirements of Directive 94/25/EC, as amended by Directive 2003/44/EC
Name of Engine Manufacturer:YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Address: 2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka 438-8501, Japan
Name of Authorised Representative: YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE N.V.
Address: Koolhovenlaan 101, 1119 NC Schiphole-Rijk, The Netherlands
Name of Notified Body for exhaust and noise emission assessment: Luxcontrol SA
Address: 1. avenue des Terres Rouges BP 349, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4004. Luxembourg
Name of Notified Body for exhaust and noise emission assessment: SNCH
Address: 11, route de Luxembourg BP 32, Sandweiler, L-5230. Luxembourg
Conformity assessment module used:
for construction:
for exhaust emissions:
for noise emissions:
Other Community Directives applied
Directive 2004/108/EC relating to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Directive 2006/42/EC relating to Machinery.
DESCRIPTION OF CRAFT
Craft model Identification Number, starting from :
Model name / Commercial name :
CDesign Category :
DESCRIPTION OF ENGINE
Engine Type:
PWC engine
IDENTIFICATION OF ENGINE COVERED BY THIS DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Name of engine model
6CN
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential requirements
I.A design and constructionEN ISO 13590
I.B exhaust emission*EN ISO 8178-1
I.C noise emission*EN ISO 14509
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the PWC manufacturer. I declare on behalf of the PWC
manufacturer that the craft model and engine(s) mentioned above complies (comply) with all applicable essential
requirements in the way specified and is (are) in conformity with the type(s) for which above mentioned EC type-examination
certificate(s) has (have) been issued.
Name / Title: H. Yamaji / President of YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE N.V.
(identification of the person empowered to sign on behalf of the engine manufacturer or his authorised representative)
AaAaB+C
A
A
D
VX1800A-L / VXR, VX1800-L / VXS
B+C
B+D
B+E
B+D
B+E
US-YAMA1001 I 112
Fuel Type:
Petrol
EC Type–examination certificate number
LC*2003/44*10030
*
*
other normative
document / method
standards
B+F
B+FGG
H
H
G
H
Standards
CISPR 12
EN 61000-6-2
Combustion cycle:
4 stroke
Name / ID number of Notified Body
Luxcontrol SA / 0882
technical file
Please specify in more detail
(* = mandatory standard)
ID Number:
ID Number:
0882
0499
Signature and title:
(or an equivalent marking)
Date and place of issue: 1st / August / 2011, Schiphol-Rijk, The Netherlands
Important manual information
EJU30192
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. If you have any questions about the operation or maintenance of
your watercraft, please consult a Yamaha
dealer.
This manual is not a course on boating safety
or seamanship. If this is your first watercraft,
or if you are changing to a type of watercraft
you are not familiar with, for your own comfort
and safety, please ensure that you obtain
proper training or practice before operating
the watercraft by yourself. In addition, a
Yamaha dealer or boating organization will be
pleased to recommend local sea schools, or
competent instructors.
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.
EJU40410
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.
Engine oil and oil filter ..................... 80
General and important labels
EJU36451
Identification numbers
Record the Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number, Craft Identification Number (CIN),
and engine serial number in the spaces provided for assistance when ordering spare
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 38 for seat removal and installation procedures.)
MODEL:
VX1800-L (VXS)
VX1800A-L (VXR)
1
EJU36550
Craft Identification Number (CIN)
The CIN is stamped on a plate attached to the
aft deck.
1
1 Craft Identification Number (CIN) location
EJU30311
Engine serial number
The engine serial number is stamped on a
plate attached to the engine unit. (See page
38 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 Engine serial number location
1
General and important labels
EJU42030
Manufactured date label
This label is attached to the top of the cylinder
head. (See page 38 for seat removal and installation procedures and page 77 for engine
cover removal and installation procedures.)
1
1 Manufactured date label location
EJU30320
Model information
EJU30331
Builder’s plate
Watercraft with this label conform to certain
portions of the European Parliament directive
relating to machinery.
Part of the information is given on the builder’s
plate affixed on the craft. A full explanation of
this information is given in the relevant sections of this manual.
1
1 Builder’s plate location
Design category of this personal watercraft: C
Category C:
This watercraft is designed to operate in
winds up to Beaufort force 6 and the associated wave heights (significant wave heights up
to 2 m (6.56 ft); see the following TIP). Such
conditions may be encountered in exposed
inland waters, in estuaries, and in coastal waters in moderate weather conditions.
2
General and important labels
TIP:
The significant wave height is the mean
height of the highest one-third of the waves,
which approximately corresponds to the wave
height estimated by an experienced observer.
However, some waves will be double this
height.
3
General and important labels
EJU30452
Important labels
Read the following labels before using this watercraft. If have any questions, consult a Yamaha
dealer.
2
11
15
110 3 4
6
7
13
5
12
9
14
8
4
General and important labels
EJU35913
Warning labels
If any of these labels are damaged or missing, contact a Yamaha dealer for replacements.
1
2
5
General and important labels
3
4
6
General and important labels
7
General and important labels
EJU36125
Other labels
8
General and important labels
The following label indicates the correct direction to upright a capsized watercraft.
The following CE marking is located on the back of the remote control transmitter.
9
Safety information
EJU30682
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. Before using this
watercraft, make sure that its use is permitted under local laws, bylaws, and regulations, and always operate the watercraft
in full conformity with any requirements
and limitations imposed. 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. 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.
EJU30740
Limitations on who may
operate the watercraft
● Yamaha recommends a minimum operator
age of 16 years old.
Adults must supervise use by minors.
Know your local operator age and training
requirements.
● 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.
10
● 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 characteristics of the watercraft before trying any
difficult maneuvers.
Safety information
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-
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.
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
11
Safety information
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.
EJU30821
Operation requirements
● All riders must wear a personal flotation de-
vice (PFD) that is approved by the appropriate authorities and 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.
12
1 Authority-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.
● You must decide whether to wear a helmet
while you ride for recreation. You should
know that a helmet could help protect you in
Safety information
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. If you
will be engaging in closed-course 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 50 before operating the watercraft.
● 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-
13
Safety information
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 “Safe boating
rules” and be sure to check behind you before making a turn. (See “Safe boating
rules” on page 18.)
EJU30840
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.
● Visual distress signals
It is recommended that a pyrotechnic device, which is approved by the appropriate
authorities, be stored in a waterproof container on your watercraft. A mirror can also
be used as an emergency signal. Contact a
Yamaha dealer 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.
14
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.
15
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
16
Safety information
EJU30953
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 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 many places 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.
17
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.
EJU30970
Safe boating rules
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.
18
Safety information
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 en-
joy.
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.
19
Description
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 surface, 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.