Let me start off by saying that I've had several boats in my life and I consider myself an "experienced" boater. When I bought my boat close to 2 years ago I gave the Engine Owner's Manual a quick look and tossed it aside (heck, I know how to run an engine
). Well, it's been a long enough of a winter here in Virginia and I'm ready to get back on the water so I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about fishing, boating, etc. I ran across the Mercury Owner's manual recently and started reading more out of bordom than anthing else. Then right there in black and white was something I didn't know...my engine has two 20 amp fuses in the starting system. A quick look and the boat and sure enough, just where the manual says they are. I make a note to myself to pick up some extra fuses. Hmmm...maybe I don't know everything
. So I read further, with more interest. A few pages further, another not so hidden goodie.
I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that viewed those manuals as more of a liability disclaimer for the company than anything of real value. I was wrong.
If you're like me and just chucked your manual aside, you may want to dig it out and re-read it. I'm sure reading mine will make me a better prepared boater.