Section 3 - On the Water
Page 30 90-866938081 MAY 2009
IMPORTANT: The most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage
from striking a floating or underwater object is control the boat speed. Under these
conditions, reduce boat speed to a minimum.
The following demonstrate some, but not all, examples of what can happen if the boat
strikes a floating or underwater object:
• The boat could move in a new direction. Such an unexpected change in direction or
turn can throw occupants out of their seats or out of the boat.
• A rapid reduction in speed. This can cause occupants to be thrown forward, even out
of the boat.
• Impact damage to the underwater drive components, skeg, or boat.
Keep in mind that one of the most important things you can do to help reduce injury or
impact damage in these situations is control the boat speed when driving in waters known
to have underwater obstacles.
After striking a submerged object, stop the engine as soon as possible and inspect the
drive systems for any broken or loose parts, and the hull for any damage. If damage is
present or suspected, the power package should be taken to an Authorized Cummins
MerCruiser Diesel Repair Facility for a thorough inspection and any necessary repair.
The boat should be checked for hull fractures, transom fractures, and water leaks.
!
WARNING
Operating a boat with impact damage can result in product damage, serious injury, or
death. If the boat experiences an impact, have an Authorized Cummins MerCruiser
Diesel Repair Facility inspect the vessel and power package and perform repairs as
necessary.
Operating with damaged underwater drive components or boat bottom could cause
additional damage to other parts of the power package, or could affect control of the
boat. If continued operation is necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.
Zeus Drive Impact Protection
IMPORTANT: Although the design of the Zeus drive provides some impact protection, no
design can ensure total protection from impact damage under all conditions.
The Zeus drive has some impact protection by design, since the drive is mounted in a
tunnel above the bottom of the hull. If the drive strikes a floating or submerged object while
the boat is moving, the skeg is designed to break away, absorbing some of the impact and
possibly reducing damage to the propellers and the exposed lower part of the drive. In
extreme cases, large fixed or floating objects struck by the skeg and the exposed lower
part of the drive may cause the lower part of the drive to shear off. This shearing off of the
lower part of the drive is a design feature to protect the hull and drive system.
NOTE: If the lower part of the drive shears off due to a severe impact, make immediate
note of the GPS location to assist in recovery efforts. If recovery of the damaged parts of
the drive is possible, return the damaged parts to your Authorized Cummins MerCruiser
Diesel Repair Facility for possible repair and reuse.
If an impact occurs and damage is present or suspected, if the boat does not respond as
it should, or if water is present in the gear lube monitor bottle, have your boat inspected at
the nearest Authorized Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Repair Facility.
Operating in reverse gear offers less impact protection. Use extreme caution when
operating in shallow water or where underwater objects are known to be present. Use
extreme care to prevent striking submerged objects while operating in reverse.
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