Drain Plug And Bilge Pump; Protecting People In The Water; While You Are Cruising; While Boat Is Stationary - Mercury Mercruiser Tow Sport 5.7 MPI Manual

Section 3 - On The Water

Drain Plug and Bilge Pump

The engine compartment in your boat is a natural place for water to collect. For this reason, boats are normally equipped with a
drain plug and/or a bilge pump. It is very important to check these items on a regular basis to ensure that the water level does
not come into contact with your power package. Components on your engine will be damaged if submerged. Damage caused
by submersion is not covered by the Mercury MerCruiser Limited Warranty.

Protecting People in the Water

While You Are Cruising

It is very difficult for a person in the water to take quick action to avoid a boat heading in their direction, even at slow speeds.
Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are boating in an area where there might be people in the water.
Whenever a boat is moving (even coasting) and the gear shift is in neutral, there is sufficient force by the water on the propeller
to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral propeller rotation can cause serious injury.

While Boat Is Stationary

A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached to the boat can cause serious injury or death to swimmers.
Stop the engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat.
Shift into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing people to swim or be in the water near your boat.
High‑Speed and High‑Performance Operation
If your boat is considered a high‑speed or high‑performance boat and you are unfamiliar with its operation, we recommend that
you never operate it at its high speed capability without first requesting an initial orientation and demonstration ride with your
dealer or an operator experienced with your boat. For additional information, refer to Hi‑Performance Boat Operation booklet
(90‑849250R03) from your dealer, distributor, or Mercury Marine.

Wave and Wake Jumping

Wave or wake jumping can cause serious injury or death from occupants being thrown within or out of the boat. Avoid wave
or wake jumping whenever possible.
Operating recreational boats over waves and wakes is a natural part of boating. However, when this activity is done with
enough speed to force the boat hull partially or completely out of the water, certain hazards arise, particularly when the boat
reenters the water.
The primary concern is the boat changing direction while in the midst of the jump. In such cases the landing may cause the
boat to violently veer in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction or turn can cause occupants to be thrown out of their
seats or out of the boat.
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90-8M0076545 NOVEMBER 2012
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