Wave And Wake Jumping; Impact With Underwater Hazards - Mercury 40 CT Maintenance And Installation Manual

Wave and Wake Jumping

Operating recreational boats over waves and wake is a natural part of boating.
However, when this activity is done with sufficient speed to force the boat hull
partially or completely out of the water, certain hazards arise, particularly when
the boat enters the water.
The primary concern is the boat changing direction while in the midst of the
jump. In such case, the landing may cause the boat to veer violently in a new
direction. Such a sharp change in direction can cause occupants to be thrown
out of their seats, or out of the boat.
Wave or wake jumping can cause serious injury or death from occupants
being thrown within or out of the boat. Avoid wave or wake jumping whenever
possible.
There is another less common hazardous result from allowing your boat to
launch off a wave or wake. If the bow of your boat pitches down far enough
while airborne, upon water contact it may penetrate under the water surface
and submarine for an instant. This will bring the boat to a nearly instantaneous
stop and can send the occupants flying forward. The boat may also steer
sharply to one side.

Impact with Underwater Hazards

Your outboard is equipped with a hydraulic trim and tilt system that also
contains a shock absorbing feature. This feature helps the outboard withstand
damage in the case of impact with an underwater object at low to moderate
speeds. At higher speeds, the force of the impact may exceed the system's
ability to absorb the energy of the impact and cause serious product damage.
No impact protection exists while in reverse. Use extreme caution when
operating in reverse to avoid striking underwater objects.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
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