GENERAL INFORMATION
13
Impact With Underwater Hazards
Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you drive a boat in shallow water areas, or in areas
where you suspect underwater obstacles may exist which could be struck by the outboard or the boat
bottom. The most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage from striking a
floating or underwater object is to control the boat speed. Under these conditions, boat speed should be
kept to a minimum planing speed of 24 to 40 km/h (15 to 25 MPH).
Striking a floating or underwater object could result in an infinite number of situations. Some of these
situations could result in the following:
• Part of the outboard or the entire outboard could break loose and fly into the boat.
• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction can cause
occupants to be thrown out of their seats or out of the boat.
• A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, or even out of the
boat.
• Impact damage to the outboard and/or boat.
Keep in mind, the most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage during an
impact is control the boat speed. Boat speed should be kept to a minimum planing speed when driving
in waters known to have underwater obstacles.
After striking a submerged object, stop the engine as soon as possible and inspect it for any broken or
loose parts. If damage is present or suspected, the outboard should be taken to an authorized dealer for
a thorough inspection and necessary repair.
The boat should also be checked for any hull fractures, transom fractures, or water leaks.
Operating a damaged outboard could cause additional damage to other parts of the outboard, or could
affect control of the boat. If continued running is necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.
!
WARNING
Operating a boat or engine with impact damage can result in product damage, serious injury, or death.
If the vessel experiences any form of impact, have an authorized Mercury Marine dealer inspect and
repair the vessel or power package.
Exhaust Emissions
BE ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines. This includes the
outboards, sterndrives and inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the generators that power
various boat accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which should not be confused with seasickness or
intoxication, include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
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