Exhaust Emissions; Be Alert To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Mercury 200 User Manual

To avoid serious injury or death from all or part of an outboard coming into the boat after striking a
floating or underwater obstacle maintain a top speed no greater than minimum planing speed.
Striking a floating or underwater object could result in an infinite number of situations. Some of these
situations could result in the following:
• Part of the outboard or the entire outboard could break loose and fly into the boat.
• The boat could move suddenly 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.
• A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, or even out of the
boat.
• Impact damage to the outboard and/or boat.
Keep in mind, 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 necessary repair.
The boat should also be checked for any hull fractures, transom fractures, or water leaks.
Operating a damaged outboard could cause additional damage to other parts of the outboard, or could
affect control of the boat. If continued running is necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.
Avoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Continued boating with major impact damage
can result in sudden outboard component failure with or without subsequent impacts. Have the
outboard thoroughly inspected and any necessary repairs made.

Exhaust Emissions

BE ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines. This includes the
outboards, sterndrives and inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the generators that power
various boat accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which should not be confused with seasickness or
intoxication, include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Avoid the combination of a running engine and poor ventilation. Prolonged exposure to carbon
monoxide in sufficient concentration can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
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WARNING
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WARNING
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