Yamaha XR1800Z User manual

WATERCRAFT
Owner’s / Operator’s Manual

Thank you for choosing aYamaha Sport
Boat. This Owner’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 max-
imum enjoyment from your new
Yamaha. If you have any questions
about the operation or maintenance of
your Sport Boat, please consult a
Yamaha dealer .
BecauseYamaha has a policy of contin-
uing product improvement, this product
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 Sport 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 Sport Boat.
A CAUTION indicates special precau-
tions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the Sport Boat.
NOTE: A NOTE provides key informa-
tion to make procedures easier or clear-
er.
TO THE OWNER
XR1800Z SPORT BOAT
OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
©2000 byYamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
1st Edition, June 2000
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-18626-04-09
00-188
CAUTION:
WARNING

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

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
Emission Control Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
IMPORTANT LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Limitations On Who May Operate the Sport Boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
Additional Equipment Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
Cruising Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Hazard Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12
Sport Boat Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12
Cruising Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-13
Night Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14
Waterskiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
RULES OF THE ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Steering and Sailing Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Rules When Encountering Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16
Other Special Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-17
Reading Buoys and Other Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
TO GET MORE BOATING SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
Boating Education and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-19
ACCIDENT REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20
ENJOYYOUR SPORT BOAT RESPONSIBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20

1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION 1
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER RECORDS
Record your Primary I.D., H.I.N., and
engine numbers in the spaces provided
to assist you in ordering spare parts
from your Yamaha Sport Boat dealer.
Also record and keep these I.D. num-
bers in a separate place in case your
Sport Boat is stolen.
PRIMARY I.D. NUMBER
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
The Primary I.D. number is stamped on
a label 1attached to the inside of the
engine compartment.
HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(H.I.N.)
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
The H.I.N. 2 is stamped into the hull
on the right rear corner.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
PORT
STARBOARD
The Engine Serial Numbers are
stamped on a label ➂attached to the
top of the engine crankcase.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
XRT1200Z FOR
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
2
1
3

EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION
This engine family conforms to U.S.
EPA regulations for marine SI engines.
APPROVAL LABEL OF EMISSION
CONTROL CERTIFICATE
This label is attached to the electrical
box.
1Emission control information
label
MANUFACTURED DATE LABEL
2Manufactured date label
1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-2
EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
ENGINE FAMILY :
THIS ENGINE CONFORMS TO U.S. EPA REGULATIONS FOR MARINE S1 ENGINES
FELs g/low - hr SPARK PLUG GAP (mm) :
TROLLING SPEED : rpm
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., CO, LTD.
YAMAHA
Manufactured:
11
22

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-3
IMPORTANT LABELS

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
13
2
4
MAXIMUM 5 PERSONS
UNDERWAY SEATING POSITIONS
YAMAHA F0R-U416E-10
U.S. COAST GUARD
MAXIMUM CAPACITIES
5
PERSONS OR 1300 LBS
1300 LBS PERSONS, GEAR
THIS BOAT COMPLIES WITH U.S. COAST
GUARD SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON
DATE OF CERTIFICATION
MANUFACTURER:
MODEL:
YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.
CYPRESS, CA
XRT1200
LOAD CAPACITY * COMPARTMENT VENTILATION
STEERING, FUEL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
INTERNATIONAL LIGHTS * BASIC FLOTATION
MANEUVERABILITY
NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSN.
DESIGN COMPLIANCE WITH NMMA REQUIREMENTS BELOW IS
VERIFIED. MFGR. RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCTION CONTROL

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-5
5
6
7
8
9
10
XRT1200Z FOR
Do not touch or remove electrical parts
when starting or running engine.
YAMAHA 6R7-83623-40

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-6
11
12 15
13
16
17
14
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH MAY
RESULTS IF YOU IGNORE ANY OF
THE FOLLOWING.
• Turn off and remove both ignition
keys, remove lanyard, and wait
for all movement to stop before
removing access port caps.
• Never override interlocks to run
engines with hatch open.
YAMAHA GP1-U418G-10
YAMAHA U418K-00
Lock access port cap securely in place.
A loose cap could be forced out of the port by water pressure,
causing loss of performance and possible damage.
BEFORE LAUNCHING:
• Make sure drain plug at the back
of the hull is tightened securely.
• See Owner's Manual for draining
procedure.
YAMAHA F0R-U419C-10
After removing from the water:
• Flush drive system and hull with fresh water. Open the
drain plug at the back of the hull.
• Start the engine and rapidly move throttle lever from
idle to half-throttle and back for 10~15 seconds to drain
any leftover water in exhaust system.
• Refer to the Owner's Manual for complete maintence
and storage information.

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-7
18 24
19
25
20
21 26
22
23
AVOID SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY DUE TO
ROTATION OF SEAT LOCK SWIVEL WHEN
SPEED EXCEEDS 5 MPH
WARNING
!
YAMAHA
Stay away from the stern when the engine is running on
land. Hot water and steam spurting from exhaust outlet
into the air can cause serious burns.
F0C-U416M-00
YAMAHA F0D-U416N-00
Do not start the engine on land until everyone is away
from the stern. Hot water and steam spurting from
exhaust outlet into the air can cause serious burns.
YAMAHA F0D-U416P-00
Hot muffler surfaces can cause serious burns. Do not
touch any muffler surface during or after engine operation.
The catalytic converter gets hotter after the engine stops.
Do not run the engine over 4,000 r/min on land.
The catalytic convertor could result in serious
damage. FOD-U411A-00
CAUTION

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-8
SAFETY
INFORMATION
The safe use and operation of this
boat is dependent upon the use of
proper operating techniques, as well
as upon the common sense, good
judgment, and expertise of the oper-
ator. Every operator should know
the following requirements before
operating the sport boat.
Before operating the boat, read the
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, the
Operation Instruction card, and all
warning and caution labels on the
boat. Also, watch the Basic
Orientation Video provided with your
Sport Boat. These materials should
give you an understanding of the
boat and its operation.
Never allow anyone to operate this
boat until they too have read the
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, the
Operation Instruction Card, and all
warning and caution labels, and if
possible watched the Basic
Orientation Video. Showing them
the video may help reinforce the
information contained in these
materials.
LIMITATIONS ON WHO MAY
OPERATE THE SPORT BOAT
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 boat-
ing safety course is recommended
and may be required in your state.
You can find local rules by contact-
ing the United States Coast Guard
(USCG), the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators,
or your local Power Squadron.
This Sport Boat is designed to carry
the operator, up to 4 passengers,
and cargo. Never exceed the maxi-
mum load limit or allow more than 5
persons (or 4 persons if a water
skier is being pulled) to ride in the
boat at one time.Weight distribution
affects performance. Keep weight in
the boat low and evenly distributed
from side to side and front to back.
Remove any unnecessary cargo
and store it on shore.
ATTENTION:
Maximum Load Capacity: 1100 lb
499 kg)
Includes weight of operator, passen-
gers, and any cargo.

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-9
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 Sport 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 “Operational
Requirements” for more informa-
tion), 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 connect-
ed to them. Contact your dealer or
the Coast Guard for more informa-
tion.
Sound Signalling Device:
Your Sport Boat is equipped with a
horn that can be used to signal
other boats. See “Rules of the
Road” for more information.
Navigation Lights:
Your Sport Boat is equipped with
navigation lights for use between
sunset and sunrise, and during peri-
ods of reduced visibility, such as
fog.Be sure these lights are working
and are turned on when necessary
(see page 2-13 and 3-9 for more
information).
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 bat-
teries
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

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-10
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 from peo-
ple, objects, and other watercraft.
Do not follow directly behind other
boats.
Do not go near others to spray or
splash them with water.
Avoid sharp turns or other maneu-
vers that make it hard for others to
avoid you or understand where you
are going.
Avoid areas with submerged objects
or shallow water.
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
waves or wakes can increase the
risk of back/spinal injury (paralysis),
facial injuries, and broken legs,
ankles, and other bones. Do not
jump waves or wakes.
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. Be
alert to the possibility of bad weath-
er. Take note of weather forecasts
and the prevailing weather condi-
tions before setting out in your boat.
Never operate in water that is less
than 3 ft (90 cm) deep, otherwise
you increase your chance of hitting
a submerged object, which could
result in injury.
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.
3 FT (90 CM)

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-11
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All riders must wear a Coast Guard
approved personal flotation device
(PFD).
Eye protection is recommended to
keep wind, water, and glare from the
sun out of your eyes while you oper-
ate your Sport Boat. Restraining
straps for eyewear are made which
are designed to float should your
eyewear fall into the water.
Footwear and gloves are recom-
mended.
NEVER operate the boat after con-
suming alcohol or taking drugs.
For reasons of safety and proper
care of the Sport Boat, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed
on page 3-4 before operating.
Passengers must always sit in a
designated seating area, place feet
on the deck, and use the handgrips
provided when the boat is in motion.
Always consult your doctor on
whether it is safe for you to ride in
this boat if you are pregnant or in
poor health.
Do not attempt to modify this Sport
Boat! Modifications to your boat
may reduce safety and reliability,
and render the boat unsafe or illegal
to use.

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-12
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) to PFD and keep it free from
steering wheel or other controls so
that the engine stops if the operator
accidentally leaves the helm.Failure
to attach the engine shut-off cord
could result in a runaway boat if the
operator is ejected.
After operation, remove the engine
shut-off cord and the keys to avoid
accidental starting or unauthorized
use by children or others.
1Engine Shut-Off Switch
2Engine Shut-Off Cord with Clip
3Cord connected to PFD
Scan constantly 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 responsibility to
watch for other traffic; other boaters
may not be watching for you. If they
do not see you, or you maneuver
more quickly than they expect, you
risk a collision.
Maintain a safe distance from other
boats or watercraft, and also watch
for boats’ ski ropes or fishing lines.
Obey the “Rules of the Road” (see
page 1-16), and be sure to check
behind you before making a turn.
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 death within a short
time. Always operate the boat in an
open area.
SPORT BOAT CHARACTERISTICS
Jet thrust turns the Sport Boat.
Pulling the throttle levers completely
back to idle produces only minimum
thrust. If you are traveling at speeds
above trolling, you will have rapidly
decreasing ability to steer without
throttle. You may still have some
turning ability immediately after
pulling the throttle levers back to
idle, but once the engine slows
down, the Sport Boat will no longer
respond to steering wheel input until
you apply throttle again or you reach
a trolling speed. Practice turning in
an open area without obstructions
until you have a good feel for the
maneuver.
Yamaha Sport Boats are water-jet
propelled. The pumps are directly
connected to the engines. This
means that the jet thrust will pro-

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-13
duce some movement whenever the
engines are running.The Sport boat
has a “neutral” position, but since
the Sport boat is always producing
thrust while the engines are run-
ning, some forward or reverse
movement may occur.
Do not use the reverse function to
slow down or stop the boat as it
could cause you to lose control, be
ejected, or impact the steering
wheel or other parts of the boat.
This could increase the risk of seri-
ous injury. It could also damage 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. Make sure that there are no
obstacles or people behind you
before shifting into reverse.
Keep away from the intake grates
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.
Stop the engines and remove the
clip from the engine shut-off switch
before removing any debris or
weeds, which may have collected
around the jet intakes.
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.
NIGHT OPERATION
When using your Sport Boat before
dawn or 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.

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-14
WATERSKIING
You can use the Sport Boat to tow a
water skier, using the tow cleat provid-
ed.
It is the boat 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 following are some important con-
siderations 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 or while reboarding. Normal
swimwear does not adequately pro-
tect against forceful water entry into
rectum or vagina. The skier should
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.
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 opera-
tor’s control of speed and direction
with hand signals. The port-side
seat swivels for a backward-facing
observer. Be sure the seat is locked
in place (pg. 2-13) before getting
underway.
When preparing to pull a skier, oper-
ate the boat at the slowest possible
speed until the boat is well away
from the skier and slack in the
towrope is taken up. Make sure that
the rope is not looped around any-
thing.
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 Sport
Boat is capable of very sharp turns,
which could exceed the abilities of
the skier. Keep the skier at least
50m (150 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard towrope, away
from any potential hazard.
Be alert to the hazard of the towrope
handle snapping back at the boat
when the skier falls or is unable to
get up on the skis.

SAFETY INFORMATION 1
1-15
RULES
OF THE ROAD
YourYamaha Sport Boat is legally con-
sidered a powerboat. Operation of the
Sport Boat 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 high-
ways, there are waterway rules that
apply when you are operating your
boat.These rules are used internation-
ally, 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 this Owner’s/Operator’s Manual
are condensed, and have been provid-
ed 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 boat.
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.
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.

1SAFETY INFORMATION
1-16
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 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 ves-
sel). 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 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 acci-
dent.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 star-
board (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,
provided the other vessel gives you the
right-of-way as it should.