Passenger Safety Message - Pontoon Boats And Deck Boats; Wave And Wake Jumping - Mercury 200 Operation And Maintenance Manual

Shift outboard into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing people to swim or be in the water near your boat.
Passenger Safety Message ‑ Pontoon Boats And Deck Boats
Whenever the boat is in motion, observe the location of all passengers. Do not allow any passengers to stand or
use seats other than those designated for traveling faster than idle speed. A sudden reduction in boat speed, such
as plunging into a large wave or wake, a sudden throttle reduction, or a sharp change of boat direction, could throw
them over the front of boat. Falling over the front of the boat between the two pontoons will position them to be run
over by the outboard.
BOATS HAVING AN OPEN FRONT DECK
No one should ever be on the deck in front of the fence while the boat is in motion. Keep all passengers behind
the front fence or enclosure.
Persons on the front deck could easily be thrown overboard or persons dangling their feet over the front edge could
get their legs caught by a wave and pulled into the water.
Avoid serious injury or death from falling over the front end of a pontoon or deck boat and being run over. Stay
back from the front end of the deck and remain seated while the boat is in motion.
BOATS WITH FRONT MOUNTED, RAISED PEDESTAL FISHING SEATS
Elevated fishing seats are not intended for use when the boat is traveling faster than idle or trolling speed. Sit only
in seats designated for traveling at faster speeds.
Any unexpected, sudden reduction in boat speed could result in the elevated passenger falling over the front of
the boat.

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 re‑enters the water.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
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