Yamaha EXCITER Owner's manual

Owner's / Operator's Manual
©1998 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Printed in U.S.A.
Exciter 135 Owner's / Operator's Manual
Exciter 135 Owner's / Operator's Manual
LIT-18626-03-53

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 (EXS1200X)
OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
©1998 byYamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
1st Edition, July 1998
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-18626-03-53

2
FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
1
3
OPERATION
4
MAINTENANCE & CARE
5
TROUBLESHOOTING & SPECIAL PROCEDURES
6
CONSUMER INFORMATION
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. ➁ is stamped into the hull
on the right rear corner.
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

1
1-2
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT LABELS
LOCATION
17
1515
15
11
12
13
9
8
2
1
3
4
16
5
14
18
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, all warning labels,
and, if possible, watched the video.
LIMITATIONS ON WHO MAY
OPERATE THE JET BOAT
●This boat is recommended only for
operators 16 and older with a valid
motor vehicle 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 edu-
cation requirements. Always check
state and local boating laws before
you operate the Jet Boat.
●The operator is responsible for the
safety of his or her passengers as
well as his or her own personal
safety.
●The operator is responsible for the
safety of his or her passengers as
well as his or her own personal
safety.
●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)

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.