Recording Serial Number - Mercury Jet 40 Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways. Boat operators should complete a boating safety
course. Courses are offered in the U.S.A. by 1) The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2) The Power Squadron, 3) The
Red Cross and 4) any state boating law enforcement agency. Inquiries may be made to the Boating Hotline,
1-800-368-5647 or the Boat U.S. Foundation information number 1-800-336-BOAT.
Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat that
was not intended for such use. This includes the back of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing
seats, any rotating fishing seat; or anywhere that an 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.
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the law). Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment
and greatly reduces the ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other person on board in the basics of starting and operating
the jet drive, and boat handling, in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are boarding, unloading, or are near the back (stern)
of the boat. Just shifting the outboard into neutral is not sufficient.
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing. The
operator must have an unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load, or fishing seats should
block the operators view when operating the boat above idle speed.
Avoid shallow water conditions. Never operate the jet drive in very shallow water or where there is a noticeable
amount of floating debris or weeks. Always be in at least 61 to 91 cm (2 to 3 ft.) of water. Any loose material such
as sand, shells, seaweed, grass, tree branches, etc., can be pulled in by the pump. This may not only block the
water flow and cause lost of steering control, but can be expelled from the rear of the pump as a high-speed
projectile.
Watch for boat movement in neutral. When the jet drive is in neutral, the drive impeller continues to rotate. 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.
Never drive the boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier falls. As an example, a boat traveling at 40 km/hr
(25 MPH) will overtake a fallen skier 61 m (200 ft.) in front of the boat in 5 seconds.
Watch fallen skiers. When using the boat for water skiing or similar activities, always keep a fallen or down skier
on the operator's side of the boat while returning to assist the skier. The operator should always have the down
skier in sight and never back up to the skier or anyone in the water.
Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state boating law
enforcement agency when the boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident must be reported
if 1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life, 2) there is personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first
aid, 3) there is damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds $500.00 or 4) there is complete
loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law enforcement.

Recording Serial Number

It is important to record this number for future reference. The serial number is located on the outboard as shown.
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