MerCruiser Sterndrive 350 MAG MPI, User Manual

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Section 2 - Getting to Know Your Power Package
90-864195061 NOVEMBER 2006 Page 23
The lanyard is a cord usually between 122 and 152 cm (4 and 5 feet) in length when
stretched out, with an element on one end made to be inserted into the switch and a snap
on the other end for attaching to the operator. The lanyard is coiled to make its at‑rest
condition as short as possible to minimize the likelihood of lanyard entanglement with
nearby objects. Its stretched‑out length is made to minimize the likelihood of accidental
activation should the operator choose to move around in an area close to the normal
operator's position. If it is desired to have a shorter lanyard, wrap the lanyard around the
operator's wrist or leg, or tie a knot in the lanyard.
Activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine immediately, but the boat will
continue to coast for some distance depending upon the velocity and degree of any turn
at shut down. However, the boat will not complete a full circle. While the boat is coasting,
it can cause injury to anyone in the boat's path as seriously as the boat would when under
power.
We strongly recommend that other occupants be instructed on proper starting and
operating procedures should they be required to operate the engine in an emergency (e.g.
if the operator is accidentally ejected).
!
WARNING
Should the operator fall out of the boat, the possibility of serious injury or death from being
run over by the boat can be greatly reduced by stopping the engine immediately. Always
properly connect both ends of the stop switch lanyard to the stop switch and the operator.
Accidental or unintended activation of the switch during normal operation is also a
possibility. This could cause any, or all, of the following potentially hazardous situations:
• Occupants could be thrown forward due to unexpected loss of forward motion, a
particular concern for passengers in the front of the boat who could be ejected over the
bow and possibly struck by the propulsion or steering components.
• Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong current or high winds.
• Loss of control when docking.
!
WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from deceleration forces resulting from accidental or
unintended stop switch activation. The boat operator should never leave the operator's
station without first disconnecting the stop switch lanyard from the operator.
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