Stopping The Boat In An Emergency; Steering The Boat - Mercury 25 Jet FourStroke Operation, Maintenance And Installation Manual

Stopping the Boat in an Emergency

A jet powered boat has emergency stopping capability unique to this form of
propulsion.
Using the emergency stopping capability of a jet drive unit will slow down the
boat in an emergency. However, sudden stopping may cause the occupants
of the boat to be thrown forward or out of the boat resulting in serious injury
or death. Use caution when performing the emergency stopping procedure,
and be sure to practice in a safe area.
In an emergency, putting the jet outboard into reverse and applying reverse
throttle can rapidly slow down the boat and reduce stopping distance. However,
such a maneuver may cause occupants in the boat to be thrown forward or
possibly out of the boat.

Steering the Boat

The jet drive is dependent on water jet thrust for steering the boat. If the water
jet thrust should ever stop (water blockage, engine stops, etc.), the boat will
slow to a stop. However, while slowing there will be a reduced ability to steer
the boat.
Steering the vessel in a tight turn can result in loss of boat control. In some
cases, the boat can spin out or roll over, causing serious injury or death.
Avoid steering beyond the capabilities of the vessel, especially at high
speeds.
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.
eng
OPERATION
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
39