Drive Unit Impact Protection; Operating With Low Water Inlets In Shallow Water; Conditions Affecting Operation; Weight Distribution (Passengers And Gear) Inside The Boat - Mercury 350 MAG Manual

IMPORTANT: The most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage from striking a floating or underwater
object is control the boat speed. Under these conditions, boat speed should be kept to a maximum speed of 24 to 40 km/h
(15 to 25 mph).
Striking a floating/underwater object may result in an infinite number of situations. Some of these situations could result in the
following:
• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction or turn can cause occupants to be thrown
out of their seats or out of the boat.
• A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, even out of the boat.
• Impact damage to the underwater drive components, rudder and/or boat.
Keep in mind, one of the most important things you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage in these situations is control
the boat speed. Boat speed should be kept to a minimum planing speed when driving in waters known to have underwater
obstacles.
After striking a submerged object, stop the engine as soon as possible and inspect the drive system for any broken or loose parts.
If damage is present or suspected, the power package should be taken to an authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer for a thorough
inspection and necessary repair.
The boat should be checked for hull fractures, transom fractures and water leaks.
Operating with damaged underwater drive components, rudder or boat bottom could cause additional damage to other parts of
the power package, or could affect control of the boat. If continued operation is necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.
Operating a boat or engine with impact damage can result in product damage, serious injury, or death. If the vessel experiences
any form of impact, have an authorized Mercury Marine dealer inspect and repair the vessel or power package.

Drive Unit Impact Protection

The power trim hydraulic system is designed to provide impact protection for the sterndrive unit. If a submerged object is struck
while the boat is moving forward, the hydraulic system will cushion the kickup of the sterndrive unit as it clears the object, reducing
damage to the unit. After the sterndrive unit has cleared the object, the hydraulic system allows the sterndrive unit to return to its
original operating position, preventing loss of steering control and engine overspeed.
Use extreme caution when operating in shallow water or where underwater objects are known to be present. No impact protection
is provided in reverse; use extreme care to prevent striking submerged objects while operating in reverse.
IMPORTANT: Impact protection system cannot be designed to ensure total protection from impact damage under all conditions.

Operating with Low Water Inlets in Shallow Water

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Operating in shallow water can cause severe engine damage due to clogged water inlets. Ensure that the water inlets on the
gearcase do not ingest sand, silt, or other debris, which can restrict or stop cooling water supply to the engine.
Extreme care should be exercised when operating a boat equipped with low water inlets while maneuvering in shallow water. Also,
avoid beaching a boat with the engine operating.

Conditions Affecting Operation

Weight Distribution (Passengers and Gear) Inside the Boat

Shifting weight to rear (stern):
90-8M0050539 MAY 2011
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WARNING
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a - Low Water Inlets
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NOTICE
Section 3 - On the Water
Page 59