MerCruiser Tow Sports 5.7 MPI, User Manual

Page: 48 / 102

Section 3 - On the Water
Page 40 90-865253073 DECEMBER 2007
Any unexpected, sudden reduction in boat speed could result in the elevated passenger
falling over the front of the boat.
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Wave and Wake Jumping
!
WARNING
Wave or wake jumping can cause serious injury or death from occupants being thrown
within or out of the boat. Avoid wave or wake jumping whenever possible.
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Operating recreational boats over waves and wakes is a natural part of boating. However,
when this activity is done with enough 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
cases 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 of 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 veer sharply to one side.
Impact with Underwater Hazards
Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you're driving a boat in shallow water
or in areas where the waters are suspected of having underwater obstacles that could be
struck by the underwater drive components, rudder or the boat bottom.
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