Operating In Saltwater Or Polluted Water; Operating In Shallow Water - Mercury Jet OptiMax 110 Manual

OPERATION
If there is a chance of ice forming on the water, the outboard
should be removed and drained completely of water. If ice
should form at the water level inside the outboard driveshaft
housing, it will block water flow to the engine causing possible
damage.

Operating in Saltwater or Polluted Water

We recommend that you flush the internal water passages of
your outboard with fresh water after each use in salt or polluted
water. This will prevent a buildup of deposits from clogging the
water passages. Refer to Maintenance ‑ Flushing the Cooling
System.
If you keep your boat moored in the water, always tilt the
outboard so the gearcase is completely out of water (except in
freezing temperatures) when not in use.
Wash the outboard exterior and flush out the exhaust outlet of
the propeller and gearcase with fresh water after each use. Each
month, spray Mercury Precision or Quicksilver Corrosion Guard
on external metal surfaces. Do not spray on corrosion control
anodes as this will reduce the effectiveness of the anodes.

Operating in Shallow Water

The life of the impeller and water intake can be greatly increased
by avoiding the intake of sand and gravel. The intake suction will
act like a dredge when the water intake comes close to the
bottom. It is better to stop the engine and drift up to shore when
landing, and to shove off with an oar when leaving. The engine
can idle through areas of water less than 61 cm (2 ft) deep, but
there should be more than 61 cm (2 ft) of water under the boat
when increasing speed to reach full plane.
Once the boat is on plane, the boat speed will prevent the
ingestion of gravel and other debris from the bottom. The suction
is still present, but the water intake passes too quickly over the
bottom to allow debris to be drawn into the water intake.
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