Impact With Underwater Hazards - Mercury Ocean Runner 290 Owner's Manual

Impact with Underwater Hazards

Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you drive a
boat in shallow water, or where you suspect underwater
obstacles may exist that could be struck by the outboard or the
boat bottom. The most important thing you can do to help reduce
injury or impact damage from striking a floating or underwater
object is to control the boat speed. Under these conditions, boat
speed should be kept to a minimum planing speed of
24 to 40 km/h (15 to 25 MPH).
Striking a floating or underwater object could result in the
following:
• Part or all of the outboard could break loose and fly into the
boat.
• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction, causing
the occupants to be thrown out of their seats or out of the
boat.
• A rapid reduction in speed, causing the occupants to be
thrown forward or out of the boat.
• Impact damage to the outboard and boat.
Keep in mind that the most important thing you can do to help
reduce injury or impact damage during an impact is control the
boat speed. Boat speed should be kept to a minimum planing
speed when driving in waters known to have underwater
obstacles.
After striking a submerged object, stop the engine as soon as
possible and inspect it for any broken or loose parts. If damage
is present or suspected, the outboard should be taken to an
authorized dealer for a thorough inspection and repair.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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