Yamaha EXCITER SE User manual

Owner’s Manual

TO THE OWNER
Thank you for choosing a Yamaha Jet
Boat. This Owner’s Manual contains
information you will need for proper
operation, maintenance, and care. A
thorough understanding of these sim-
ple instructions will help you to obtain
maximum enjoyment from your new
Yamaha. If you have any questions
about the operation or maintenance of
your Jet Boat, please consult aYamaha
dealer.
YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.
Because Yamaha has a policy of con-
tinuing product improvement, this prod-
uct may not be exactly as described in
this Owner’s Manual. Specifications
are subject to change without notice.
This manual should be considered a
permanent part of this Jet Boat and
should remain with it even if the boat is
subsequently sold.
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION:
In this manual, information of particular
importance is distinguished in the fol-
lowing ways:
The Safety Alert Symbol means
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
________________
Failure to follow WARNING instruc-
tions could result in severe injury or
death to the machine operator, a
bystander, or a person inspecting or
repairing the Jet Boat.
_______________
A CAUTION indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the Jet Boat.
NOTE:_________________________
A NOTE provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
CAUTION:
WARNING
EXCITER SE JET BOAT (EXS1200W)
OWNER’S MANUAL
©1997 byYamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
1st Edition, April 1997
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.
LIT-18626-03-11

2
FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
1
3
OPERATION
4
MAINTENANCE & CARE
5
TROUBLESHOOTING & SPECIAL PROCEDURES
6
CONSUMER INFORMATION
JET BOAT
SAFETY INFORMATION

Chapter 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Primary I.D. Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Hull Identification Number (H.I.N.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Engine Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
IMPORTANT LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Limitations On Who May Operate the Jet Boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Additional Equipment Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
Jet Boat Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Cruising Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12
Night Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-13
Waterskiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
BASIC BOATING RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Rules of the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Steering and Sailing and Sound Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Rules When Encountering Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16
Other Special Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-17
TO GET MORE BOATING SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
Boating Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
ACCIDENT REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20
ENJOYYOUR JET BOAT RESPONSIBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20

IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER RECORDS
Record your Primary I.D., H.I.N., and
engine number in the spaces provided
to assist you in ordering spare parts
from yourYamaha Jet Boat dealer.Also
record and keep these I.D. numbers in
a separate place in case your Jet Boat
is stolen.
PRIMARY I.D. NUMBER
The Primary I.D.number is stamped on
a label ➀attached to the inside of the
engine compartment.
HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(H.I.N.)
The H.I.N. is stamped on a plate ➁
attached to the right rear corner of the
hull.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The Engine Serial Number is stamped
on a label ➂attached to the back side
of the electrical box.
1
1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION
➀
➁
➂
V

1
1-2
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT LABELS
LOCATION
17
15
15
15
11
12
13
9
8
2
1
3
4
16
5
14
10
6
7

1
1-3
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT LABELS
➁
➀
➃
➂

1
1-4
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT LABELS
➈
➆
➄
➅
➇

IMPORTANT LABELS
1
1-5
SAFETY INFORMATION
11
10
12
13

1
1-6
SAFETY INFORMATION
16
17 18
14
15
IMPORTANT LABELS

SAFETY
INFORMATION
________________
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH MAY
RESULT IF YOU IGNORE ANY OF
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INFOR-
MATION.
●Before operating the Jet Boat, read
this entire manual, the Operation
Instruction card, and all warning
labels on the Jet Boat.Also view the
Basic Orientation video tape.These
materials should give you an under-
standing of the boat and its opera-
tion.
Never allow anyone to operate this
Jet Boat until they too have read this
Owner's Manual, the Operation
Instruction card, and all warning
labels.
LIMITATIONS ON WHO MAY
OPERATE THE JET BOAT
●This boat is recommended only for
operators 16 and older with a valid
boat license.
Even though a motor vehicle opera-
tor's license is not required for Jet
Boat operation in most states, it is
one indicator that the operator has
previously demonstrated a reason-
able degree of maturity, responsibil-
ity, and good judgment.
A responsible adult must supervise
operation of this boat by minors.
Many states have minimum age and
education requirements. Always
check state and local boating laws
before you operate the Jet Boat.
●Your Jet Boat is designed to carry
the operator, up to four passengers,
and cargo, as long as the total
weight does not exceed the maxi-
mum load capacity. Never have
more than five people on board.
Weight distribution affects perfor-
mance. Keep weight in the boat low
and evenly distributed. Remove any
unnecessary cargo and store it on
shore.
ATTENTION: __________________
Maximum load capacity: 930 lb
(421 kg)
Includes weight of operator, passen-
gers, and any cargo.
WARNING
1
1-7
SAFETY INFORMATION

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has
regulations which describe minimum
standards of safety. You must comply
with these regulations, which apply to
boats like your Jet Boat which are less
than 26 feet long.
●Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
Type I, II, or III as required for all
people on board (see “Apparel” for
more information), plus at least one
Type IV (throwable type).
●Fire Extinguisher:
At least one B-1 type hand-held
portable fire extinguisher.
●Visual Distress Signals:
Having USCG-approved visual dis-
tress signals on board is recom-
mended under all circumstances,
and required if you will be operating
on coastal waters, the Great Lakes,
territorial seas and waters connected
to them. Contact your dealer or the
Coast Guard for more information.
●Sound Signalling Device:
Your Jet Boat is equipped with a
horn which can be used to signal
other boats. See “Rules of the
Road” for more information.
●Navigation Lights:
Your Jet Boat is equipped with nav-
igation lights for use between sun-
set and sunrise, and during periods
of reduced visibility, such as fog. Be
sure these lights are working and
are turned on when necessary (see
page 2-12 and 3-9 for more infor-
mation).
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following equipment can help
make your boating experience safer
and more enjoyable:
●Mooring fenders and lines
●Anchor with suitable line (a
“Danforth” type anchor and line that
is at least 6-times the depth of the
water where you will drop anchor
are recommended)
●Manual-type bilge pump
●First Aid kit
●Waterproof Flashlight with extra
batteries
●Tool kit with assorted screwdrivers,
pliers, wrenches (including metric
sizes), and electrical tape
●Oar or paddle (look for one with a
boat hook on the other end)
●Spare parts, such as an extra set of
spark plugs and fuses
●Navigation charts for the waters
where you will be boating
●Tow rope
1
1-8
SAFETY INFORMATION

1
1-9
SAFETY INFORMATION
APPAREL
●Because of the drowning hazards
associated with water sports, the
operator and passengers must
always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-
approved vest-type personal flotation
device (PFD). Be sure the PFD is
properly fitting and in good condition.
●You should consider wearing slip-
resistant deck shoes or water shoes
for more secure footing while boating.
●Waterskiers and others engaging in
water sports behind the boat must
wear a wetsuit. A wetsuit can help
protect against strong streams of
water from the jet nozzle or impact
from the water surface. These haz-
ards could cause severe injuries to
certain body orifices (rectum and
vagina).
●Depending upon operating condi-
tions, you may consider wearing a
wetsuit while boating. A wet suit can
help protect against hypothermia
(low body temperature) when there
is water spray coming into the boat,
particularly if you are operating in
cold water or air temperature.
●You might also consider gloves
designed for water sports to help
protect hands during operation, as
well as while launching and docking
your boat.
●You may want to consider eye pro-
tection. Water spray could get in
your eyes in some circumstances
which could affect your vision.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
●Operating your Jet Boat requires
skills acquired only through practice
over a period of time. Take the time
to learn the basic operating tech-
niques well, before attempting more
difficult maneuvers.Your Jet Boat is
capable of truly exhilarating perfor-
mance. Don’t push your boat to the
limits beyond your ability. The oper-
ator should have at least 10 hours
of experience with the boat before
any abrupt acceleration, sharp
turns, or operation at full speed.
●NEVER operate the boat after con-
suming alcohol or taking drugs.

●Always perform the pre-operation
checks on page 3-4 before operat-
ing to be sure your equipment is
working properly.
●The operator should always attach
the engine stop switch lanyard
(cable) to his PFD so that the
engine will stop if the operator acci-
dentally leaves the helm. Failure to
attach the lanyard could result in a
runaway boat if the operator is
ejected.
Be sure the lanyard is not wrapped
around the steering wheel or tan-
gled in the controls which would pre-
vent the lanyard from pulling away.
To prevent accidental starting of the
engine, always remove the lanyard
from the stop switch when the
engine is not running.
➀Engine stop switch
➁Engine stop switch lanyard
➂Lanyard clipped to PFD
●Passengers must always sit in a
designated seating area, place feet
on the deck, and use the hand grips
provided while the boat is in motion.
UNDERWAY SEATING POSITIONS
MAXIMUM 5 PERSONS
●Always watch carefully for swim-
mers. 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!
Always watch for traffic; other
boaters may not be watching for
you. If they don't see you, or you
maneuver more quickly than other
boaters expect, you risk a collision.
1
1-10
SAFETY INFORMATION
➀
➁➂

●Maintain a safe distance from other
boats or watercraft, and also watch
for boat's ski ropes or fishing lines.
Obey the "Rules of the Road" (see
page 1-15), and be sure to check
behind you before making a turn.
●If you are pregnant or in poor
health, ask your doctor's advice on
whether it is safe for you to ride this
Jet Boat.
●Do not attempt to modify this Jet
Boat! Modifications to your boat may
reduce safety and reliability, and
may make the boat illegal for use.
JET BOAT CHARACTERISTICS
●Jet thrust turns the Jet Boat. If you
are going faster than idle speeds,
you must use engine power to turn.
If you pull the throttle lever back to
idle or shut off the engine, you can-
not turn – even if you turn the wheel.
Practice turning in an open area
without obstructions until you have
a good feel for this maneuver.
Yamaha Jet Boats are water-jet pro-
pelled.The jet pump is directly con-
nected to the engine. This means
that jet thrust will produce some
boat movement whenever the
engine is running. The Jet Boat has
a "neutral" position, but since the
Jet Boat is always producing thrust
while the engine is running, some
forward or reverse movement may
occur.
●Boats, including your Jet Boat, do
not have brakes. Pull the throttle
lever back to idle or stop the engine
and allow water resistance to slow
the boat down. Remember, howev-
er, that you have no steering control
without throttle. Do not use Reverse
to try to slow down from speed,
because you could be ejected, the
boat could be flooded, or damage
could occur to the shift mechanism.
Reverse can be used to slow down
or stop during slow-speed maneu-
vering, such as when docking.Once
the engine is idling, shift to Reverse
and gradually increase engine
speed to slow down or stop.
●Keep the following in mind when
using reverse:
Reverse is for launching and low
speed maneuvering only. Shift only
when the engine is idling or off. Do
not shift while applying throttle.
Make sure there are no obstacles or
people behind you before shifting
into reverse.
1
1-11
SAFETY INFORMATION

●Keep hands, feet, hair, and all other
parts of your body and clothing
away from jet intakes on the bottom
of the hull while engine is running
because they could be caught in the
intake. Stop the engine and remove
the lanyard before removing any
debris or weeds which may have
collected around the jet intake.
Refer to the Jet Pump Clean-Out
procedures on page 5-4 for further
information.
●Do not board from the rear, use
swim platform, or swim behind boat
when the engine is running. Strong
streams of water from the jet nozzle
can be dangerous and can result in
serious injury when directed at body
orifices (rectum and vagina).
●Never insert any object in the jet
pump outlet.
CRUISING LIMITATIONS
●Do not try to jump other boat's
wakes or follow another boat or
watercraft too closely or you will
increase your chance of colliding
with other boats. Do not go over a
water-ski jump, or attempt any other
kind of jumping maneuver with the
boat, since you risk injuring yourself
or damaging your Jet Boat.
●Watch for dangerous underwater
obstacles when boating in shallow
water. Never operate in water that is
less than 3 ft (90 cm) deep.
●Do not operate the boat in rough
water, bad weather or when visibili-
ty is poor; this may lead to an acci-
dent causing injury or death.
Operation in rough water can crack
the hull or damage internal parts.
1
1-12
SAFETY INFORMATION
3 ft (90 cm)
3 FT (90 CM)

1
1-13
SAFETY INFORMATION
Be alert to the possibility of adverse
weather.Take note of marine weath-
er forecasts and the prevailing
weather conditions before setting
out in your Jet Boat.
●Leave a “float plan” with a responsi-
ble person on shore. Tell where you
plan to go and when you plan to
arrive, and provide a description of
your boat. Advise this person if your
plans change and also when you
arrive to prevent false alarms. A
sample float plan is included on page
6-6.
NIGHT OPERATION
●When using your Jet Boat before
dawn and after dusk, you must have
both bow and stern lights operating.
When at anchor in the dark, the
stern light must be lit.See page 2-12
for instructions.

WATERSKIING
You can use the Jet Boat to tow a
waterskier, using the tow eye provided.
Do not attach the tow rope to any other
location on the boat.
It is the boat operator’s responsibility to
be alert to the safety of the waterskier
and others. Know and follow all state
and local waterskiing regulations in
effect for the waters in which you will
be operating. The following are some
important considerations for minimiz-
ing risks while waterskiing:
●Wear an approved PFD, preferably
a brightly colored one so boat oper-
ators can see you.
➀PFD
➁Gloves
➂Wetsuit
●Wear a wetsuit when waterskiing to
protect against injury to body orifices
(rectum and vagina) from impact with
the water surface if you fall or strong
streams of water from the boat’s jet
nozzles while in the water behind
the boat. A wetsuit can also help
protect against hypothermia (low
body temperature) and abrasions.
●A second person should be on
board as an observer to watch the
skier; in most states it is required by
law. Let the skier direct the opera-
tor’s control of boat speed and
direction with hand signals. The
observer should sit securely in the
seat, hold onto the handles or
straps provided, and place feet firm-
ly on the floor for proper balance
while facing to the rear to watch the
skier’s hand signals and condition.
The front, port-side seat has a han-
dle for a backward-facing observer.
●When preparing to pull a skier,
operate the Jet Boat at the slowest
possible speed until the boat is well
away from the skier and slack in the
tow rope is taken up.Be careful that
the rope is not looped around any-
thing.After checking that the skier is
ready and to be sure there is no traf-
fic or obstacles, apply enough throt-
tle to raise the skier.
●Make smooth, wide turns. The Jet
Boat is capable of very sharp turns
which could exceed the abilities of
the skier. Keep the skier at least
150 feet (49m), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard tow-rope from
any potential hazard.
●Be alert to the hazard from the han-
dle snapping back into the boat
when the skier falls or is unable to
get up on the skis.
1
1-14
SAFETY INFORMATION
➀
➁
➂

BASIC BOATING
RULES
RULES OF THE ROAD
YourYamaha Jet Boat is legally consid-
ered a power boat.Operation of the Jet
Boat must be in accordance with the
rules and regulations governing the
waterway on which it is used.
Just as there are rules which apply
when you are driving on streets and
highways, there are waterway rules
which apply when you are operating
your Jet Boat. 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 basi-
cally the same as the International
Rules of the Road.The rules presented
here in your Owner's Manual are con-
densed, 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 using your
Jet Boat.
STEERING AND SAILING RULES
AND SOUND SIGNALS
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 which 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 posi-
tive and timely action to stay out of the
way of the Stand-On vessel. Normally,
you should not cross in front of the ves-
sel 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.
1
1-15
SAFETY INFORMATION

RULES WHEN ENCOUNTERING
VESSELS
There are three main situations which
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 travelling across the
other vessel's path)
Overtaking (you are passing or being
passed by another vessel)
In the following illustration, your Jet
Boat 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 shad-
ed 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 ves-
sel 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 doesn't 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 star-
board (right) side must keep out of the
way of the other. If the other vessel is
on your right, 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 main-
tain course and direction, provided the
other vessel gives you the right-of-way
as it should.
1
1-16
SAFETY INFORMATION