Impact Damage Protection - Evinrude E-TEC Operator's Manual

Using Your Evinrude E-TEC Outboard

IMPACT DAMAGE PROTECTION

Your outboard has a shock absorption system
designed to help withstand damage from im-
pact with underwater objects at low to moder-
ate speeds. High speed impacts with rigid
underwater objects like pilings or boulders
can be beyond the capability of the absorption
system. Such impacts can result in serious
damage to your outboard and injury to boat
occupants from the outboard or its parts en-
tering the boat. Occupants can also be eject-
ed or injured by falling against portions of the
boat as a result of rapid deceleration following
impacts.
When boating in unfamiliar, shallow, or de-
bris-laden waters, seek information on safe
boating areas and navigation hazards from a
reliable local source. Reduce your speed and
keep a sharp lookout!
IMPORTANT: Impact damage is NOT cov-
ered by the outboard warranty.
NOTICE
The outboard's shock absorp-
tion system does not work while operat-
ing in reverse. If you back into an object,
either in the water or while trailering, your
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boat and outboard can be seriously dam-
aged.
If you hit any object:
• STOP immediately and examine the out-
board for loosening of attaching hardware.
• INSPECT for damage to swivel and stern
brackets, and steering components.
• EXAMINE the boat for structural damage.
• TIGHTEN any loosened hardware.
If the collision occurred in the water, proceed
slowly to harbor. Before boating again, have
your Dealer thoroughly inspect all compo-
nents.
Failure to inspect for damage after an
accident or striking an object could
result in sudden, unexpected component
failure, loss of boat control, and personal
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injury. Unrepaired damage could reduce
your boat and outboard's ability to resist
future impacts.
A WARNING
DR4412