Operating In Shallow Water - Mercury 540 Bravo Manual

The boat should also be checked for any hull fractures, transom fractures, or
water leaks.
Operating a damaged sterndrive could cause additional damage to other parts
of the sterndrive, or could affect control of the boat. If continued running is
necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.

Operating in Shallow Water

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 only
low water inlets while maneuvering in shallow water. Due to a small amount of
total water inlet area, there is high suction at the water inlets. These inlets will
easily clog with bottom contact and are susceptible to clogging when operated
in shallow or weedy water.
Low water inlet gearcase
a - Low water inlets
The design of the dual water inlet gearcase reduces the risk of restricting or
shutting off the water supply to the engine, but caution should still be used
when operating in shallow or weedy water.
CLEARING A DUAL WATER INLET GEARCASE
1. Idle the boat out to deep water.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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NOTICE
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