GENERAL INFORMATION
14
• A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, or even out of the
boat.
• Impact damage to the outboard and/or boat.
Keep in mind, the most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage during an
impact 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 it for any broken or
loose parts. If damage is present or suspected, the outboard should be taken to an authorized dealer for
a thorough inspection and necessary repair.
The boat should also be checked for any hull fractures, transom fractures, or water leaks.
Operating a damaged outboard could cause additional damage to other parts of the outboard, or could
affect control of the boat. If continued running is necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.
!
WARNING
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.
Safety Instructions For Hand Tilled Outboards
No person or cargo should occupy the area directly in front of the outboard while the boat is in motion.
If an underwater obstacle is struck, the outboard will tilt up and could seriously injure anyone occupying
this area.
MODELS WITH CLAMP SCREWS:
Some outboards come with transom bracket clamp screws. The use of clamp bracket screws alone, is
insufficient to properly and safely secure the outboard to the transom. Proper installation of the outboard
includes bolting the engine to the boat through the transom. Refer to Installation - Installing Outboard for
more complete installation information.
!
WARNING
Failure to correctly fasten the outboard could result in the outboard propelling off the boat transom
resulting in property damage, serious injury, or death. Before operation, the outboard must be correctly
installed with the required mounting hardware. Do not accelerate above idle speed in water that may
contain underwater obstacles if the outboard is not attached to the transom correctly.
If an obstacle is struck at planing speed and the outboard is not securely fastened to the transom, it is
possible the outboard could lift off the transom and land in the boat.
Exhaust Emissions
BE ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines. This includes the
outboards, sterndrives and inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the generators that power
various boat accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which should not be confused with seasickness or
intoxication, include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
!
WARNING
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death. Keep the boat
well ventilated while at rest or underway and avoid prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide.
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