Basic Boat Operation; Drain Plug And Bilge Pump; Freezing Temperature Operation; Protecting People In The Water - Mercury MerCruiser Axius 350 MAG User Manual

Section 3 - On The Water

2. Examples of poor ventilation while a boat is moving:
a

Basic Boat Operation

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.

Freezing Temperature Operation

IMPORTANT: If the boat is operated during periods of freezing temperature, precautions must be taken to prevent freeze damage
to the power package. Damage caused by freezing is not covered by 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 with which you are unfamiliar, 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 (90‑849250‑R2)
from your dealer, distributor or Mercury Marine.

Passenger Safety in Pontoon Boats and Deck Boats

Whenever the boat is in motion, observe the location of all passengers. Do not allow any passengers to stand or use seats other
than those designated for traveling faster than idle speed. A sudden reduction in boat speed, such as plunging into a large wave
or wake, a sudden throttle reduction, or a sharp change of boat direction, could throw them over the front of boat. Falling over the
front of the boat between the two pontoons will position them to be run over.

Boats Having An Open Front Deck

No one should ever be on the deck in front of the fence while the boat is in motion. Keep all passengers behind the front fence or
enclosure.
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b
21604
WARNING
!
a - Operating the boat with the trim
angle of the bow too high
b - Operating the boat with no
forward hatches open (station
wagon effect)
90-864197084 NOVEMBER 2008