Mercury 75 Operation Maintenance Warranty Installation Manual page 78

A loss or reduction in water jet thrust will directly affect boat directional
control, and may result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Boat
directional control can also be substantially reduced or lost altogether by a
sudden loss of power such as running out of gas, quickly backing off the
throttle, turning off the ignition switch, activating the lanyard stop switch, or
plugging the water intake to the jet pump. Use caution when maneuvering at
high speeds in areas where debris (weeds, logs, gravel, etc.) could be picked
up into the jet drive. The ability to take evasive action is dependent on
sufficient water jet thrust to control the boat.
While steering the boat at engine speeds above idle, the boat will respond
quickly; but, due to the relatively flat‑bottom hulls and lack of a gearcase in the
water, the boat will tend to skid on turns. Turns must be started early and use
sufficient power to maintain steering control.
MOORING THE BOAT
Be sure to tilt the jet drive out of the water when the boat is pulled onto a beach
or tied to a dock in shallow water. Failure to do this may cause the water intake
housing to fill with sand or debris and could prevent the outboard from cranking
over for starting.
WATER INTAKE BLOCKAGE
A rotating impeller could cause injury if contact is made with hands, clothing,
or tools. To avoid injury, keep hands and clothing away from the inlet or
outlet of the jetdrive, regardless of whether the boat is in the water. Secure
tools and loose items to avoid being struck by projectiles as a result of
contact with the rotating impeller, and to prevent damage to the impeller.
A large amount of debris being drawn into the water intake may result in a loss
of power. Intake suction holding debris against the grate will result in restricted
water flow. Shutting the engine off may allow the debris to fall off the intake
grate allowing full power to be restored. If debris does not fall off the intake
grate, the engine must be shut off and debris physically removed from the
grate.
CLEARING A LODGED IMPELLER
Rotating the flywheel to free a lodged impeller can accidentally start the
engine, resulting in serious injury or death. Always turn the ignition key or
lanyard stop switch to the "OFF" position and remove all spark plug leads
from the spark plugs.
OPERATION
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
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