Stopping The Boat In An Emergency; Steering The Boat - Mercury Jet OptiMax 80 Manual

The jet drive is always drawing water into the housing when the
engine is running. Do not operate the jet drive with the grate
removed from the water intake. Keep hands, feet, hair, loose
clothing, life jackets, etc., away from the water intake. Never insert
an object into the water intake or water outlet nozzle when the
engine is running.

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.
OPERATION
WARNING
!
WARNING
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