Mercury Ocean Runner 290 User manual

eng i
All of us at Mercury Marine want to thank you for choosing a
Mercury Marine inflatable boat. You have made a sound
investment in boating pleasure. We firmly believe it will bring
you many years of boating fun and excitement.
This owner's manual contains safety and operating
information you need to get the most out of your inflatable
boat. It also contains information on how to provide care and
maintenance to help protect your investment. Store this
manual for future reference.
The operator, passengers, and craft are governed by local,
national, and when applicable, international rules and
regulations of the waterways. If you are not familiar with
these rules and regulations, your state or provincial boating
law enforcement agency can assist you. Safety courses are
available from national and local organizations and are
highly recommended for anyone who is not familiar with the
rules and regulations on operating a boat.
Please read and understand this manual carefully before
operating your inflatable boat.
Warranty Message
The product you have purchased comes with a limited
warranty from Mercury Marine. The terms of the warranty
are set forth in the Warranty Information section of this
manual. The warranty statement contains a description of
what is covered, what is not covered, the duration of
coverage, how to best obtain warranty coverage, important
disclaimers and limitations of damages, and other related
information. Please review this important information.
The description and specifications contained herein were in
effect at the time this manual was approved for printing.
Mercury Marine, whose policy is one of continued
improvement, reserves the right to discontinue models at
any time, and to change specifications, designs, methods, or
procedures without notice and without incurring obligation.
© 2013 Mercury Marine Ocean Runner 290/300, 340/350, 420/430 Inflatable Boat 90-8M0075322 213

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Record your hull identification number (HIN) and engine model/
serial number. The HIN is located on the back of the boat on the
starboard side. The engine model/serial number is located on the
swivel bracket. You will need this information to obtain parts or
warranty service or to provide information if your inflatable boat
is stolen.
Purchase Date
Dealer Name
Address
Phone
HIN
Engine Serial Number
Engine Model Number
Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin U.S.A.
© 2013, Mercury Marine
Alpha, Axius, Bravo One, Bravo Two, Bravo Three, Circle M with
Waves Logo, K‑planes, Mariner, MerCathode, MerCruiser,
Mercury, Mercury with Waves Logo, Mercury Marine, Mercury
Precision Parts, Mercury Propellers, Mercury Racing,
MotorGuide, OptiMax, Quicksilver, SeaCore, Skyhook,
SmartCraft, Sport‑Jet, Verado, VesselView, Zero Effort, Zeus,
and #1 On the Water are registered trademarks of Brunswick
Corporation. Mercury Product Protection is a registered service
mark of Brunswick Corporation.

eng iii
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Transfer of Warranty.................................................................... 1
Warranty Registration United States and Canada....................... 1
Mercury Inflatable Boat Limited Warranty United States and
Canada........................................................................................ 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Boater's Responsibilities.............................................................. 6
Before Operating Your Boat ....................................................... 6
Lanyard Stop Switch.................................................................... 7
Protecting People in the Water.................................................. 10
Wave and Wake Jumping.......................................................... 11
Impact with Underwater Hazards...............................................12
Exhaust Emissions.................................................................... 13
Safe Boating Recommendations............................................... 15
Ocean Runner Specifications.................................................... 19
Manufacturer's Plate.................................................................. 20
BOAT COMPONENTS
Ocean Runner Component Location......................................... 22
TRANSPORTING
Trailering the Boat..................................................................... 25

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OPERATION
Inflating...................................................................................... 26
Lifting the Boat with a Hoist....................................................... 29
Drain Valve Operation............................................................... 30
Outboard Power.........................................................................30
Pre‑Operating Check List.......................................................... 31
Loading...................................................................................... 32
Towing....................................................................................... 33
Air Chamber Deflates Accidently............................................... 34
Beaching.................................................................................... 34
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Procedure................................................................... 35
Deflating.....................................................................................35
REPAIRS
General Repair Information....................................................... 37
Air Chamber Repair—CSM Fabric............................................ 37
Air Chamber Repair—PVC Fabric............................................. 39
STORAGE
Storage Preparation...................................................................41
OWNERS SERVICE ASSISTANCE
Service Assistance.................................................................... 42
Parts and Accessories Inquiries................................................ 42
Service Away from Home.......................................................... 42

WARRANTY INFORMATION
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Transfer of Warranty
The limited warranty is transferable to a subsequent purchaser,
but only for the remainder of the unused portion of the limited
warranty. This will not apply to products used for commercial
applications.
To transfer the warranty to the subsequent owner, send or fax a
copy of the bill of sale or purchase agreement, new owner’s
name, address and hull identification number (HIN) to Mercury
Marine’s warranty registration department. In the United States
and Canada, mail to:
Mercury Marine
Attn: Warranty Registration Department
W6250 W. Pioneer Road
P.O. Box 1939
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939
920-929-5054
Fax [phone]
Upon processing the transfer of warranty, Mercury Marine will
mail registration verification to the new owner of the product.
There is no charge for this service.
For products purchased outside the United States and Canada,
contact the distributor in your country, or the Marine Power
Service Center closest to you.
Warranty Registration United States and Canada
Outside United States and Canada—Check with your local
distributor.
1. You may change your registered address at any time,
including at the time of a warranty claim, by calling Mercury
Marine or sending a letter or fax with your name, old
address, new address, and hull identification number (HIN)
to Mercury Marine’s warranty registration department. Your
dealer can also process this change of information.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
2 eng
Mercury Marine
Attn: Warranty Registration Department
W6250 W. Pioneer Road
P.O. Box 1939
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939
920-929-5054
Fax [phone]
NOTE: Registration lists must be maintained by Mercury Marine
and any dealer on marine products sold in the United States, in
case a safety recall notification under the Federal Safety Act is
required.
2. To be eligible for warranty coverage, the product must be
registered with Mercury Marine. At the time of sale, the
dealer should complete the warranty registration and
immediately submit it to Mercury Marine via MercNET,
E‑mail, or mail. Upon receipt of this warranty registration,
Mercury Marine will record the registration.
3. Upon processing the warranty registration, Mercury Marine
will send registration verification by mail to the purchaser of
the product. If this registration verification is not received
within 30 days, please contact your selling dealer
immediately. Warranty coverage is not effective until your
product is registered with Mercury Marine.
Mercury Inflatable Boat Limited Warranty United
States and Canada
Outside United States and Canada—Check with your local
distributor.
WHAT IS COVERED
Mercury Marine Inflatable Boats are warranted to be free of
defects in material and workmanship during the period described
following.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
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DURATION OF COVERAGE
The fiberglass hull, Air Deck® floor, all hull attachments and
accessories, including but not limited to floorboards, seats, rope
holders, oar locks, oars, rope, air pump, lifting handles, d‑rings,
oar holders, valves, seat webbings, and transom integrity are
covered by this Limited Warranty for one (1) year from the date
the product is first sold, or the date on which the product is first
put into service, whichever occurs first. All the air‑holding fabrics
are warranted against defects in material or workmanship that
cause blistering and delaminating for five (5) years for PVC
fabrics and ten (10) years for CSM fabrics. The repair,
replacement of parts, or the performance of service under this
warranty does not extend the life of this warranty beyond its
original expiration date. Unexpired warranty coverage can be
transferred to a subsequent purchaser upon proper registration
of the product.
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO OBTAIN
WARRANTY COVERAGE
Warranty coverage is available only to retail customers that
purchase from a dealer authorized by Mercury Marine to
distribute the product in the country in which the sale occurred.
Warranty coverage becomes available upon proper registration
of the product by the authorized dealer. Routine maintenance
outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be
performed in a timely manner in order to maintain warranty
coverage. If the retail customer performs this maintenance,
Mercury Marine reserves the right to make future warranty
coverage contingent on proof of proper maintenance.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
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WHAT MERCURY MARINE WILL DO
Mercury Marine’s sole exclusive obligation under this warranty is
limited, at our option, to repairing a defective part, replacing such
part or parts with new or Mercury Marine certified
remanufactured parts, or refunding the purchase price of the
Mercury product. Mercury Marine’s sole and exclusive obligation
under the limited warranty against fabric delimitation is the
replacement of the boat skin (only the boat skin). Mercury Marine
reserves the right to improve or modify products previously
manufactured.
HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE
The customer must provide Mercury Marine with a reasonable
opportunity to repair, and reasonable access to the product for
warranty service. Warranty claims shall be made by delivering
the product for inspection to a Mercury Marine dealer authorized
to service the product. If the purchaser cannot deliver the
product to such a dealer, written notice must be given to Mercury
Marine's service department. We will then arrange for the
inspection and any covered repair. The purchaser shall pay for
all related transportation charges and travel time. If the service
provided is not covered by this warranty, the purchaser shall pay
for all related labor,nd material, and any other expenses
associated with that service. The purchaser shall not, unless
requested by Mercury Marine, ship the product or parts of the
product directly to Mercury Marine. Proof of registered ownership
must be presented to the dealer at the time warranty service is
requested to obtain coverage.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
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WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This Limited Warranty does not cover routine maintenance
items, adjustments, normal wear and tear, puncture,
discoloration, oxidation, abrasion or damage caused by abuse,
abnormal use, neglect, accident, improper service, use of an
accessory or part not manufactured or sold by Mercury Marine,
or alteration or removal of parts. Use of the product for racing or
other competitive activity, at any point, even by a prior owner of
the product, voids the warranty. The engine, engine accessories,
controls, props, batteries or other accessories, carry their own
individual warranties.
Expenses related to haul‑out, launch, towing, storage, telephone,
rental, inconvenience, slip fees, insurance coverage, loan
payments, loss of time, loss of income, or any other type of
incidental or consequential damages are not covered by this
warranty.
No individual or entity, including Mercury Marine‑authorized
dealers, has been given the authority by Mercury Marine to make
any affirmation, representation, or warranty regarding the
product, other than those contained in this limited warranty, and
if made, shall not be enforceable against Mercury Marine.
DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS:
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. TO THE
EXTENT THAT THEY CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LIFE OF THE
EXPRESS WARRANTY. INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARE EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE UNDER THIS WARRANTY. SOME
STATES/COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW FOR THE DISCLAIMERS,
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS IDENTIFIED ABOVE, AS A RESULT,
THEY MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL
RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE AND COUNTRY TO
COUNTRY.

GENERAL INFORMATION
6 eng
Boater's Responsibilities
The operator (driver) is responsible for the safe operation of the
boat and the safety of its occupants and the general public. It is
strongly recommended that the operator read and understand
this entire manual before operating the boat.
Be sure that at least one additional person on board is instructed
in the basics of starting and operating the outboard and boat
handling in case the driver is unable to operate the boat.
Before Operating Your Boat
Read and understand this manual carefully. Learn how to
operate your boat properly. If you have any questions, contact
your dealer.
Safety and operating information that is practiced, along with
using good common sense, can help prevent personal injury and
product damage.
This manual uses the following safety alerts to draw your
attention to special safety instructions that should be followed.
! DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
! WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
! CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in
engine or major component failure.

GENERAL INFORMATION
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Lanyard Stop Switch
The purpose of a lanyard stop switch is to turn off the engine
when the operator moves far enough away from the operator's
position (as in accidental ejection from the operator's position) to
activate the switch. Tiller handle outboards and some remote
control units are equipped with a lanyard stop switch. A lanyard
stop switch can be installed as an accessory—generally on the
dashboard or side adjacent to the operator's position.
The lanyard is a cord, usually 122–152 cm (4–5 feet) long 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.
a - Lanyard cord
b - Lanyard stop switch
Read the following Important Safety Information.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
8 eng
Important Safety Information: The purpose of a lanyard stop
switch is to stop the engine when the operator moves far enough
away from the operator's position to activate the switch. This
would occur if the operator accidentally falls overboard or moves
within the boat a sufficient distance from the operator's position.
Falling overboard and accidental ejections are more likely to
occur in certain types of boats, such as low sided inflatables,
bass boats, high performance boats, and light, sensitive handling
fishing boats operated by a hand tiller. Falling overboard and
accidental ejections are also likely to occur as a result of poor
operating practices such as sitting on the back of a seat or
gunwale at planing speeds, standing at planing speeds, sitting
on elevated fishing boat decks, operating at planing speeds in
shallow or obstacle infested waters, releasing your grip on a
steering wheel or tiller handle that is pulling in one direction,
drinking alcohol, consuming drugs, or performing daring
high‑speed boat maneuvers.
While activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine
immediately, a 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 (if the operator
is accidentally ejected).
! WARNING
If the operator falls out of the boat, stop the engine immediately
to reduce the possibility of serious injury or death from being
struck by the boat. Always properly connect the operator to the
stop switch using a lanyard.

GENERAL INFORMATION
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! 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.
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 gearcase or propeller.
• Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong
current, or high winds.
• Loss of control when docking.
KEEP THE LANYARD STOP SWITCH AND LANYARD
CORD IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION
Before each use, check to ensure that the lanyard stop switch
works properly. Start the engine and stop it by pulling the lanyard
cord. If the engine does not stop, have the switch repaired before
operating the boat.
Before each use, inspect the lanyard cord to ensure that it is in
good working condition and that there are no breaks, cuts, or
wear to the cord. Check that the clips on the ends of the cord are
in good condition. Replace any damaged or worn lanyard cords.

GENERAL INFORMATION
10 eng
Protecting People in the Water
WHILE YOU ARE CRUISING
It is very difficult for a person standing or floating in the water to
take quick action to avoid a boat heading in his/her direction,
even at slow speed.
21604
Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you
are boating in an area where there might be people in the water.
Whenever a boat is moving (coasting) and the outboard gear
shift is in neutral position, there is sufficient force by the water on
the propeller to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral
propeller rotation can cause serious injury.
WHILE THE BOAT IS STATIONARY
! WARNING
A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device
attached to the boat can cause serious injury or death to
swimmers. Stop the engine immediately whenever anyone in
the water is near your boat.
Shift the outboard into neutral and shut off the engine before
allowing people to swim or be in the water near your boat.

GENERAL INFORMATION
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Wave and Wake Jumping
Operating recreational boats over waves and wakes 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.
14463
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 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 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 to a nearly instantaneous stop
and can send the occupants flying forward. The boat may also
steer sharply to one side.

GENERAL INFORMATION
12 eng
Impact with Underwater Hazards
Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you drive a
boat in shallow water, or where you suspect underwater
obstacles may exist that 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).
14462
Striking a floating or underwater object could result in the
following:
• Part or all of the outboard could break loose and fly into the
boat.
• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction, causing
the occupants to be thrown out of their seats or out of the
boat.
• A rapid reduction in speed, causing the occupants to be
thrown forward or out of the boat.
• Impact damage to the outboard and boat.
Keep in mind that the most important thing you can do to help
reduce injury or impact damage during an impact is control the
boat speed. Boat speed should be kept to a minimum planing
speed when driving in waters known to have underwater
obstacles.
After striking a submerged object, stop the engine as soon as
possible and inspect it for any broken or loose parts. If damage
is present or suspected, the outboard should be taken to an
authorized dealer for a thorough inspection and repair.

GENERAL INFORMATION
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The boat should also be checked for any hull fractures, transom
fractures, or water leaks.
Operating a damaged outboard could cause additional damage
to other parts of the outboard, or could affect control of the boat.
If continued running is necessary, do so at low speed.
! WARNING
Operating a boat or engine with impact damage can result in
product damage, serious injury, or death. If the vessel
experiences any form of impact, have an authorized Mercury
Marine dealer inspect and repair the vessel or power package.
Exhaust Emissions
BE ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that is present in the
exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines, including the
engines that propel boats, and the generators that power boat
accessories. By itself, CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless,
but if you can smell or taste engine exhaust, you are inhaling
CO.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which are similar
to the symptoms of seasickness and intoxication, include
headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
! WARNING
Inhaling engine exhaust gases can result in carbon monoxide
poisoning, which can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage,
or death. Avoid exposure to carbon monoxide.
Stay clear from exhaust areas when engine is running. Keep
the boat well‑ventilated while at rest or underway.

GENERAL INFORMATION
14 eng
STAY CLEAR OF EXHAUST AREAS
41127
Engine exhaust gases contain harmful carbon monoxide. Avoid
areas of concentrated engine exhaust gases. When engines are
running, keep swimmers away from the boat, and do not sit, lie,
or stand on swim platforms or boarding ladders. While underway,
do not allow passengers to be positioned immediately behind the
boat (platform dragging, teak/body surfing). This dangerous
practice not only places a person in an area of high engine
exhaust concentration, but also subjects them to the possibility of
injury from the boat propeller.
GOOD VENTILATION
Ventilate the passenger area, open side curtains or forward
hatches to remove fumes.
Example of desired air flow through the boat:
21622
POOR VENTILATION
Under certain running and/or wind conditions, permanently
enclosed or canvas enclosed cabins or cockpits with insufficient
ventilation may draw in carbon monoxide. Install one or more
carbon monoxide detectors in your boat.

GENERAL INFORMATION
eng 15
Although the occurrence is rare, on a very calm day, swimmers
and passengers in an open area of a stationary boat that
contains, or is near, a running engine may be exposed to a
hazardous level of carbon monoxide.
1. Examples of poor ventilation while the boat is stationary:
a - Operating the engine when the boat is moored in a
confined space
b - Mooring close to another boat that has its engine
operating
2. Examples of poor ventilation while the boat is moving:
a - Operating the boat with the trim angle of the bow too high
b - Operating the boat with no forward hatches open (station
wagon effect)
Safe Boating Recommendations
To safely enjoy the waterways, familiarize yourself with local and
all other governmental boating regulations and restrictions and
consider the following suggestions.
Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways.
21626
a
b
ab
21628

GENERAL INFORMATION
16 eng
• We recommend that all powerboat operators complete a
boating safety course. In the U.S., the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary, the Power Squadron, the Red Cross, and your
state or provincial boating law enforcement agency provide
courses. For more information in the U.S., call the Boat U.S.
Foundation at 1‑800‑336‑BOAT (2628).
Perform safety checks and required maintenance.
• Follow a regular schedule and ensure that all repairs are
properly made.
Check safety equipment onboard.
• Here are some suggestions of the types of safety equipment
to carry when boating:
Approved fire extinguishers
Signal devices: flashlight, rockets or flares, flag, and
whistle or horn
Tools necessary for minor repairs
Anchor and extra anchor line
Manual bilge pump and extra drain plugs
Drinking water
Radio
Paddle or oar
Spare propeller, thrust hubs, and an appropriate wrench
First aid kit and instructions
Waterproof storage containers
Spare operating equipment, batteries, bulbs, and fuses
Compass and map or chart of the area
Personal flotation device (one per person onboard)
Watch for signs of weather change and avoid foul weather
and rough‑sea boating.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to
return.
Passenger boarding.