Mooring The Boat; Water Intake Blockage - Mercury Jet OptiMax 80 Manual

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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.

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.

OPERATION

WARNING

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