WATER WISDOM
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
As we cannot possibly know of and
advise the boating public of all conceiv-
able boat! power package types and / or
poor operating practices, the final deci-
sion of whether or not to use an
Emergency Stop Switch rests with you,
the owner/driver.
We strongly recommend that other occu-
pants be instructed on proper starting
and operating procedures so they will
be prepared should they be required to
operate the power package and boat in
an emergency.
A WARNING
It is difficult for persons standing or
floating in the water to move clear if
they see a powerboat heading toward
them, even at slow speed. Shift the unit
to neutral and shut off engine when
your boat is near people in the water.
Serious injury
is likely if a person in the
water is struck by a moving boat, gear
housing, propeller, or accessory rigidly
attached to your boat or motor.
AWARNING
The use of accessories not manufactured
or sold by Mercury Marine is not recom-
mended for use with your MerCruiser
unit. If your MerCruiser unit is equipped
with an accessory not manufactured by
Mercury Marine, be sure to read the
Operation and Maintenance Manual for
that accessory before operation. If you
haven't been supplied with such a man-
ual. contact your dealer or the manu-
facturer of the accessory to secure the
applicable manual. .
It is the operator's responsibility to per-
form all safety checks; to ensure that all
lubrication and maintenance instructions
are complied with for safe operation; and
to return the unit to an Authorized
MerCruiser Dealerfor a periodic checkup.
Normal maintenance service and replace-
ment parts are the responsibility of the
owner / operator and as such, are not
considered defects in workmanship or
material within the terms of the warranty.
Individual operating habits and usage
contribute to the need for maintenance
service.
Proper maintenance and care of your
power package will ensure optimum per-
formance, and will keep your overall oper-
ating expenses at a minimum. See your
Authorized MerCruiser Dealer for service
aids.
BOATING SAFETY AND SEAMANSHIP
• Do not overload! Know your boat's
operating and loading limitations.
• Check safety equipment on board.
addition, here are suggestions of safety
equipment to carry when boating:
• Approved life jackets for each person
on board.
Boating safety and seamanship Courses
are periodically offered by the following
national, state and provincial organiza-
tions:
• Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• Power Squadrons.
• Red Cross.
• State or provincial agencies, charged
with water safety enforcement.
In the United States:
To help locate the course nearest you,
contact Boat/U.S. Foundation's toll-free
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national boating safety education hotline
at 1-800-336-BOA T.
You should also review the NMMA
Sources of Waterway Information booklet.
It lists regional Sources of safety, cruising
and local navigation and is available at no
charge by writing to:
Sources of Waterway Information
National Marine Manufacturers
Association
410 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Il 60611 U.S.A.
We strongly recommend that all power-
boat operators attend one of these
Courses.
MerCrUiser V6/V8
• Know your boating area and avoid
hazardous locations.
• Know signs of weather change and
avoid foul weather and rough-sea
boating.
• Tell someone where you are going and
when you expect to return.
• Know boating's "Rules of the Road"
(signals and navigation).
• Be on the alert! Watch "the other
guy", the water and your wake.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages and
drive a boat. Some state laws apply to
boats as well as motor vehicles.
In order to safely enjoy the waterways,
there are a few precautions that should
be observed. Check with authorities in
regard to local and other governmental
boating regulations and restrictions. In
MerCruiser V6/V8
• Approved throwable personal flotation
device.
• Approved fire extinguisher(s); paddle or
oar.
• Signal devices: flashlight, rockets or
flares, flag and whistle or horn.
• Spare propeller.
• Tools for necessary minor repairs; first
aid kit and book.
• Anchor and extra anchor line; water-
proof storage containers.
• Manual bilge pump and extra drain
plugs; compass and map or chart of area.
• Spare operating equipment; batteries,
bulbs, fuses, etc.
• Transistor radio; drinking water.
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