MerCruiser 496 MAG Owner's Manual page 43

Table of Contents
Safe Boating Suggestions.................................................... 36
Be Alert to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning............................... 37
Good Ventilation ........................................................... 37
Poor Ventilation ........................................................... 37
Basic Boat Operation (Non-DTS Models)............................. 38
Launching and Boat Operation...................................... 38
Operation Chart ..................................................... 38
Starting and Stopping the Engine.................................. 38
Starting the Engine ................................................ 38
Stopping the Engine .............................................. 39
Starting the Engine After It Has Been Stopped While In
Gear...............................................................................39
Throttle-Only Operation................................................. 39
Trailering the Boat......................................................... 39
Freezing Temperature Operation.................................. 39
Drain Plug and Bilge Pump............................................ 40
Basic Boat Operation (DTS Models).................................... 40
Launching and Boat Operation...................................... 40
Operation Chart ..................................................... 40
Starting and Stopping the Engine.................................. 40
Starting the Engine ................................................ 40
Stopping the Engine .............................................. 41
Throttle-Only Operation................................................. 41
Trailering the Boat......................................................... 42
Freezing Temperature Operation.................................. 42
90-899883274 MARCH 2008
Section 3 - On the Water
Drain Plug and Bilge Pump............................................ 42
Protecting People in the Water............................................. 42
While You Are Cruising ................................................ 42
While Boat Is Stationary ............................................... 42
High-Speed and High-Performance Operation..................... 42
Passenger Safety in Pontoon Boats and Deck Boats.......... 43
Boats Having An Open Front Deck .............................. 43
Boats With Front-Mounted, Raised Pedestal Fishing Seats
...................................................................................... 43
Wave and Wake Jumping..................................................... 43
Impact with Underwater Hazards......................................... 44
Drive Unit Impact Protection ......................................... 44
Operating with Low Water Inlets in Shallow Water............... 45
Conditions Affecting Operation............................................. 45
Weight Distribution (Passengers and Gear) Inside the Boat
.......................................................................................45
The Bottom of the Boat.................................................. 45
Cavitation.......................................................................45
Ventilation......................................................................45
Elevation and Climate.................................................... 46
Propeller Selection......................................................... 46
Getting Started..................................................................... 46
20-Hour Break-In Period................................................ 46
After Break-In Period..................................................... 46
End of First Season Checkup........................................ 47
Section 3 - On the Water
3
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