Impact With Underwater Hazards - Mercury 1.7 MI Manual

SECTION 3
0035.02

Impact With Underwater Hazards

Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you're driving a boat in shallow water
areas or in areas where the waters are suspected of having underwater obstacles that could
be struck by the underwater drive components, rudder 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 control the boat speed. Under these conditions, boat
speed should be kept to a minimum planing speed of 24 to 40 km/h (15 to 25 MPH).
Striking a floating/underwater object may result in an infinite number of situations. Some of
these situations could result in the following:
• The boat could move suddenly 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.
• A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, even out of
the boat.
• Impact damage to the underwater drive components, rudder and/or boat.
Keep in mind, one of the most important things 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 engine as soon as possible and inspect the drive
system for any broken or loose parts. If damage is present or suspected, the power package
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, water leaks.
Operating with damaged underwater drive components, rudder or boat bottom could cause
additional damage to other parts of the power package, 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 boating with
major impact damage can result in sudden component failure with or without
subsequent impacts. Have the power package thoroughly inspected and any
necessary repairs made.
CMD-3967823 / 90-865237030 OCTOBER 2003
INDEX
WARNING
ON THE WATER
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