Protecting People In The Water; High-Speed And High-Performance Boat Operation - Mercury 350 Mag MPI Manual

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Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Don't allow anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat
that was not intended for such use. This includes backs of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised
fishing seats, any rotating fishing seat; anywhere that sudden unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping,
unexpected loss of boat control or sudden boat movement could cause a person to be thrown overboard or
into the boat. See that all passengers have a proper seat and are in it before any boat movement.
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Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the law). They impair your judgment
and greatly reduce your ability to react quickly.
CA282
While You Are Cruising
It is very difficult for a person standing or floating in the water to take quick action to avoid a boat heading in his/her
direction even at slow speed.
Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are boating in an area where there might be people
in the water.
Whenever a boat is moving (coasting) and the drive unit is in neutral position, there is sufficient force by the water
on the propeller to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral propeller rotation can cause serious injury.
While Boat Is Stationary
Shift the drive unit into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing people to swim or be in the water near
your boat.
Stop your engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat. Serious injury to the
person in the water is likely if contacted by a rotating propeller, a moving boat, a moving gear case,
or any solid device rigidly attached to a moving boat or gear case.
CC828

High-Speed And High-Performance Boat Operation

If your boat is considered a high-speed or high-performance boat with which you are unfamiliar, we recommend
that you never operate it at its high speed capability without first requesting an initial orientation and familiariza-
tion demonstration ride with your dealer or an operator experienced with your boat. For additional information,
obtain a copy of our "Hi-Performance Boat Operation" booklet (Part Number 90-849250--1) from your dealer,
distributor, or Mercury Marine.

Protecting People In The Water

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