Wave And Wake Jumping - Mercury SST120 User Manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Wave And Wake Jumping

Operating recreational boats over waves and wakes is a natural part
of boating. However, when this activity is done with speed to force the
boat hull partially or completely out of the water, certain hazards
arise, particularly when the boat re-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 violently
veer in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction or turn can
cause occupants to be thrown out of their seats or out of the boat.
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 nearly to a stop in an instant and can send the occupants
flying forward. The boat may also steer sharply to one side.
Avoid serious injury or death from being thrown within or out
of a boat when it lands after jumping a wave or wake. Avoid
wave or wake jumping whenever possible. Instruct all occu-
pants that if a wake or wave jump occurs, get low and hang on
to any boat hand hold.
WARNING
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