Conditions Affecting Operation; Weight Distribution; Bottom Of Boat - Mercury HP 500 EFI Bravo XR/XZ/III User Manual

CA7
CONDITIONS AFFECTING

Weight Distribution

Positioning of weight (passengers and gear) inside the boat has the
following effects:
Shifting weight to rear (stern) will:
•
Generally increases speed and engine rpm.
•
At extremes can cause boat to porpoise.
•
Causes bow to bounce in choppy water.
•
Increases danger of following wave splashing into boat when
coming off plane.
Shifting weight to front (bow) will:
•
Improve ease of planing.
•
Improve rough water ride.
•
At extremes, can cause boat to veer back and forth (bow steer).
CA8

Bottom Of Boat

To maintain maximum speed, the following conditions of the boat
bottom should be observed:
•
Clean, free of barnacles and marine growth.
•
Free of distortion; nearly flat where it contacts the water.
•
Straight and smooth, fore and aft.
Marine vegetation may accumulate when boat is docked. This
growth must be removed before operation; it may clog water inlets
and cause engine to overheat.
68
OPERATION
500 EFI Bravo