General Information; Boater's Responsibilities; Before Operating Your Outboard; Boat Horsepower Capacity - Mercury Jet 40 Manual

Boater's Responsibilities

The operator (driver) is responsible for the correct and safe operation of the boat and safety of its occupants and
general public. It is strongly recommended that each operator (driver) read and understand this entire manual
before operating the outboard.
Be sure at least one additional person on board is instructed in the basics of starting and operating the outboard
and boat handling in case the driver is unable to operate the boat.

Before Operating Your Outboard

Read this manual carefully. Learn the difference in handling characteristics between a jet drive boat and a propeller
driven boat. If you have any questions, contact your dealer.
STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS
Unlike propeller driven boats, the jet drive boat tends to lose steering control as less water is drawn in and expelled.
Increase speed slightly to regain steering.
MANEUVERABILITY
The jet drive is highly maneuverable at higher speeds, more so, than propeller driven boats. Use caution when
turning to prevent spin-outs.
IN NEUTRAL
The impeller will continue to rotate while the engine is in neutral. Although the approximate balancing of forward
and reverse thrust will minimize boat movement, the boat may tend to move slowly forward or backward. This is
normal for a direct-drive jet driven boat. The operator should be aware of this and use caution whenever the engine
is running.
Safety and operating information that is practiced, along with using good common sense, can help prevent personal
injury and product damage.
This manual as well as safety labels posted on the outboard use the following safety alerts to draw your attention
to special safety instructions that should be followed.
DANGER - indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury
or property damage. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

Boat Horsepower Capacity

Using an outboard that exceeds the maximum horsepower limit of a boat can: 1) cause loss of boat control 2)
place too much weight at the transom altering the designed flotation characteristics of the boat or 3) cause the
boat to break apart particularly around the transom area. Overpowering a boat can result in serious injury, death
or boat damage.
Do not overpower or overload your boat. Most boats will carry a required capacity plate indicating the maximum
acceptable power and load as determined by the manufacturer following certain federal guidelines. If in doubt,
contact your dealer or the boat manufacturer.

GENERAL INFORMATION

DANGER
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
8