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Section 2 - On the Water
Impact With Underwater Hazards
Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you're driving a boat in shallow water areas or in areas where the waters
are suspected of having underwater obstacles that could be struck by the underwater drive components, rudder, or the boat
bottom. 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 minimum planing speed of 24 to 40
km/h (15 to 25 MPH).
Striking a floating or 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 throw occupants out of their
seats or out of the boat.
•
A rapid reduction in speed. This will throw occupants forward, even out of the boat.
•
Impact damage to the underwater drive components, rudder, 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, take the power package to an authorized dealer for a thorough inspection and
necessary repair.
The boat should also be checked for any 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 running 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.
Conditions Affecting Operation
Weight Distribution (Passengers and Gear) Inside the Boat
Shifting weight to rear (stern):
•
Generally increases speed and engine RPM
•
Causes bow to bounce in choppy water
•
Increases danger of following wave splashing into the boat when coming off plane
•
At extremes, can cause the boat to porpoise
Shifting weight to front (bow):
•
Improves ease of planing
•
Improves rough water ride
•
At extremes, can cause the boat to veer back and forth (bow steer)
Bottom of Boat
To maintain maximum speed, ensure that the boat bottom is:
•
Clean, free of barnacles and marine growth.
•
Free of distortion, nearly flat where it contacts water.
•
Straight and smooth, fore and aft.
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WARNING
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90-8M0133679
JUNE 2017
eng
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Troubleshooting
