GENERAL INFORMATION
13
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.
The primary concern is the boat changing direction while in the midst of the jump. In such case the landing
may cause the boat to veer violently 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.
!
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.
There is another less common hazardous result from allowing your boat to launch off 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 to a nearly instantaneous
stop and can send the occupants flying forward. The boat may also steer sharply to one side.
Impact With Underwater Hazards
Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you drive a boat in shallow water areas, or in areas
where you suspect underwater obstacles may exist which could be struck by the outboard or the boat
bottom. The most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage from striking a
floating or underwater object is to control the boat speed. Under these conditions, boat speed should be
kept to a minimum planing speed of 24 to 40 km/h (15 to 25 MPH).
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.
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