Yamaha WaveRunner VXS Owners Manual

Safety information
16
EJU36850
Hazard information 

Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide, a color-
less, odorless gas that may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a short
time. Always operate the watercraft in an
open area.

Do not touch the hot muffler or engine dur-
ing or immediately after engine operation;
they can cause serious burns.
EJU30920
Watercraft characteristics 

Jet thrust turns the watercraft....

Safety information
17

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 en-
gine speed. Make sure that there are no ob-
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-
gled in moving parts, resulting in severe in-
jury or drowning.

Never insert any...

Safety information
18
EJU30943
Water-skiing 
You can use the watercraft for water-skiing if
it has the seating capacity to carry the opera-
tor, a rearward-facing spotter, and the water-
skier when he or she is not skiing.
The watercraft must also have a cleat de-
signed to pull a ski rope; do not attach the
rope to any other location.
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...

Safety information
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Make sure that the rope is not looped
around anything.
After checking that the skier is ready and
that there is no traffic or other obstacles, ap-
ply enough throttle to raise the skier.

Make smooth, wide turns. The watercraft is
capable of very sharp turns, which could ex-
ceed the abilities of the skier. Keep the skier
at least 50 m (150 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard ski rope, from any po-
tential hazard.

Be alert to the hazard of the ski rope handle
snapping...

Safety information
20
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 al-
ways 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...

Safety information
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provided the other vessel gives you the right-
of-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...

Safety information
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Many bodies of water used by boaters are en-
tirely 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 dis-
tinctive shapes and colors to show regulatoryor advisory information. These markers are
white with black letters and orange borders.
They signify speed zones, restricted areas,
danger areas, and general information.
UF2M10E0.book  Page 22  Wednesday, July 14, 2010  5:02...

Safety information
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Remember, markings may vary by geograph-
ic location. Always consult local boating au-
thorities 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 follow-
ing.
United States Coast Guard
Consumer Affairs Staff (G-BC)
Office of Boating, Public, and Consumer Af-
fairs
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
Washington,...

Safety information
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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, wa-
ters, and wildlife with respect and courtesy.
Whenever and wherever you ride, think of
yourself as the guest of those around you. Re-
member, for example, that the sound of your
watercraft may be music to you, but it could be
just noise to others. And the...

Safety information
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waterways stay open for the enjoyment of a
variety of recreational opportunities.
UF2M10E0.book  Page 25  Wednesday, July 14, 2010  5:02 PM