Shallow Water Operation; Outboard Transom Angle Adjustment; Adjusting Transom Angle; Operation - Mercury 6 Manual

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FEATURES & CONTROLS
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SHALLOW WATER OPERATION

This outboard has three shallow water drive positions to allow you to tilt the
outboard up to prevent hitting bottom.
1
Reduce engine speed to idle. Shift the outboard to neutral or forward gear
position. Tilt outboard up to one of the shallow water drive positions (a). Be sure
the cooling water intake (b) is submerged.
IMPORTANT: Operate outboard at slow speed for shallow water operation
and keep the water intake submerged.
2
To release down to run position, stop engine and tilt outboard up to one of the
tilt release positions (c) and gently lower it down.
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OUTBOARD TRANSOM ANGLE ADJUSTMENT

This outboard provides three different settings to allow for the transom angle of the
boat. Proper adjustment allows the boat to run stable, achieve optimum
performance, and minimize steering effort.
The outboard runs the most efficiently with the least amount of steering effort when
it is adjusted to run perpendicular to the water. See next page for adjusting.
Arrange passengers and load in the boat so the weight is distributed evenly.
1
Too Much Angle (Stern Down - Bow Up)
2
Not Enough Angle (Stern Up - Bow Down)
3
Angle Adjusted Properly (Bow Slightly Up)
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ADJUSTING TRANSOM ANGLE

1
Reduce engine speed to idle. Shift the outboard to neutral or forward gear
position. Place your outboard into one of the three transom angle settings (a).
2
To release your outboard to a lower transom angle setting, stop engine and tilt
the outboard up to one of the tilt release positions (b) and gently lower it down.
Move the transom angle preset knob (c) to the number 1 position for the lowest
setting.
3
Positioning the transom angle preset knob (c) to a selected setting will allow
the outboard to return to the desired preset transom angle position each time
it is lowered.
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OPERATION

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PRE-STARTING CHECK LIST

j Operator knows safe navigation, boating, and operating procedures.
j An approved personal flotation device of suitable size for each person aboard
and readily accessible (it is the law).
j A ring type life buoy or buoyant cushion designed to be thrown to a person in
the water.
j Know your boats maximum load capacity. Look at the boat capacity plate.
j Fuel supply OK.
j Arrange passengers and load in the boat so the weight is distributed evenly and
everyone is seated in a proper seat.
j Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
j It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
j Know the waters and area you will be boating; tides, currents, sand bars, rocks,
and other hazards.
j Make inspection checks listed in the Inspection and Maintenance Schedule.
Refer to Maintenance Section.
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OPERATING IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES

When using your outboard or having your outboard moored in freezing or near
freezing temperature, keep the outboard tilted down at all times so the gear case
is submerged. This prevents trapped water in the gear case from freezing and
causing possible damage to the water pump and other components.
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 drive shaft housing, it will block water flow to the engine causing possible
damage.
An engine thermostat (accessory) is available for your outboard. The thermostat
will help your outboard warm up and run at normal operating temperature more
quickly. See your dealer.
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90-10104R40