BRP Evinrude E-TEC Series Service Manual page 302

SAFETY
If weakened, parts could fail later on the water, when not expected
When rigging or fixing
any boat, if transom
looks weak, tell the
owner.
If transom is
curved, outboard
may come loose.
Use bolts, nuts, and washers
supplied with outboard. They are
usually special, and will not rust or
weaken.
If owner tells you "I hit something really hard..."
Check for a high speed blow to the lower unit.
S–12
If boat plate
shows...
Use only
or smaller
Mount on flat surface only.
Use shims to make surface flat.
"I was backing up and I think the
outboard may have hit a tree or
something."
Check for a slow, heavy squash to
the outboard.
•
Look for damaged parts and
loosened nuts and bolts in both the
steering and mounting systems.
Replace damaged parts.
OR...