Wave And Wake Jumping; Impact With Underwater Hazards; Exhaust Emissions - Mercury 140 Manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION
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WAVE AND WAKE JUMPING

Operating recreational boats over waves and wakes is a natural part of boating.
However, when this activity is done with sufficient speed to force the boat hull
partially or completely out of the water, certain hazards arise, particularly when the
boat re-enters the water.
The primary concern is the boat changing direction while in the midst of the jump.
In such case the landing may cause the boat to veer violently 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.
There is another less common hazardous result from allowing your boat to launch
off a wave or wake. If the bow of your boat pitches down far enough while airborne,
upon water contact it may penetrate under the water surface and "submarine" for
an instant. This will bring the boat to a nearly instantaneous stop and can send the
occupants flying forward. The boat may also steer sharply to one side.
WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from being thrown within or out of a boat
when it lands after jumping a wave or wake. Avoid wave or wake jumping
whenever possible. Instruct all occupants that if a wake or wave jump oc-
curs, get low and hang on to any boat hand hold.
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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 of 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 (15 to
25 MPH).
WARNING
To avoid serious injury or death from all or part of an outboard coming
into the boat after striking a floating or underwater obstacle maintain a
top speed no greater than minimum planing speed.
Striking a floating or underwater object could result in an infinite number of
situations. Some of these situations could result in the following:
a. Part of the outboard or the entire outboard could break loose and fly into
the boat.
b. 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.
c. A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward,
or even out of the boat.
d. Impact damage to the outboard and/or boat.
90-10126R40
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IMPACT WITH UNDERWATER HAZARDS
Keep in mind, the most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact
damage in these situations 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
the outboard 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.
Avoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Continued boat-
ing with major impact damage can result in sudden outboard component
failure with or without subsequent impacts. Have the outboard thorough-
ly inspected and any necessary repairs made.
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EXHAUST EMISSIONS

Be Alert To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion
engines including the outboards, stern drives 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.
Avoid the combination of a running engine and poor ventilation. Pro-
longed exposure to carbon monoxide in sufficient concentration can
lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.
Good Ventilation
Ventilate passenger area, open side curtains, or forward hatches to remove
fumes.
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Example of desired air flow through the boat.
a
c
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EXHAUST EMISSIONS (CONTINUED)
Poor Ventilation
Under certain running and/or wind conditions, permanently enclosed or canvas
enclosed cabins or cockpits with insufficient ventilation may draw in carbon
monoxide. Install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in your boat.
Although the occurrence is rare, on a very calm day, swimmers and passengers
in an unclosed area of a stationary boat that contains or is near a running engine
may be exposed to a hazardous level of carbon monoxide.
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Examples of Poor Ventilation:
While boat is stationary
a. Running the engine when the boat is moored in a confined space.
b. Mooring close to another boat that has its engine running.
While boat is moving
c. Running the boat with the trim angle of the bow too high.
d. Running the boat with no forward hatches open (station wagon effect).
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WARNING
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Courtesy of ABYC
WARNING
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