OPERATION
38
Special Operating Instructions
OPERATING ON THE WATER
!
WARNING
A loss or reduction in water jet thrust will directly affect boat
directional control, and may result in property damage, personal
injury, or death. Boat directional control can also be substantially
reduced or lost altogether by a sudden loss of power such as
running out of gas, quickly backing off the throttle, turning off the
ignition switch, activating the lanyard stop switch, or plugging the
water intake to the jet pump. Use caution when maneuvering at
high speeds in areas where debris (weeds, logs, gravel, etc.)
could be picked up into the jet drive. The ability to take evasive
action is dependent on sufficient water jet thrust to control the
boat.
A jet drive boat has substantially different handling characteristics
compared to a propeller driven boat. It is suggested that you adjust
yourself to these characteristics by experimentation in open water
at both high and low speeds.
Although jet drive applications do not pose some of the risks
associated with exposed propeller driven systems, the following
steps must always be kept in mind.
1. The jet drive works by drawing water up through the bottom
water intake and redirects it to the rear for forward thrust. The
Mercury Jet Drive has a steerable rudder that can direct the
jet thrust to the right or left. If the engine stops or the water
flow is blocked, this will stop the jet thrust causing the boat to
slow to a stop. However, while slowing there will be no ability
to steer as steering is dependent on jet thrust.
2. Avoid the use of neutral or reverse when skiing to minimize
the chance that the ski rope will be drawn up into the jet pump
intake. Turn the engine off when waiting for skiers. Ensure the
ski rope is clear before starting the engine.
3. Avoid weed areas or traverse weed areas at high speeds. If
unavoidable, keep the boat on plane until cleared of weeded
area.
