Conditions Affecting Operation; Weight Distribution; Bottom Of Boat - Mercury Ski User Manual

CA7

Weight Distribution

Positioning of weight (passengers and gear) inside the boat has the following effects:
Shifting weight to rear (stern) will:
Generally increases speed and engine RPM.
At extremes can cause boat to porpoise.
Causes bow to bounce in choppy water.
Increases danger of following wave splashing into boat when coming off plane.
Shifting weight to front (bow) will:
Improve ease of planing.
Improve rough water ride.
At extremes, can cause boat to veer back and forth (bow steer).
CA8

Bottom Of Boat

To maintain maximum speed, the following conditions of the boat bottom should be observed.
A. Clean, free of barnacles and marine growth.
B. Free of distortion; nearly flat where it contacts the water.
C. Straight and smooth, fore and aft.
Marine vegetation may accumulate when boat is docked. This growth must be removed before operation; it may
clog water inlets and cause engine to overheat.
10
Conditions Affecting
Operation