Mercury 2.8 EI 200, Manual

Page: 45 / 118

ON THE WATER
SECTION 3
CMD-4081877 / 90-865861040 MARCH 2004 Page 37
0036
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)
0037
Bottom Of Boat
To maintain maximum speed, the boat bottom should be:
•
Clean, free of barnacles and marine growth
•
Free of distortion; nearly flat where it contacts the water
•
Straight and smooth, fore and aft
Marine vegetation may accumulate when the boat is docked. This growth must be removed
before operation; it may clog the water inlets and cause the engine to overheat.
0039 w changes to fit these diesel engines
Elevation And Climate
NOTE: Engines equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) reduce the effects of
changes in elevation and climate by automatically adjusting fuel flow for weather conditions
and elevation. ECM controlled engines however, do not compensate for increased loading
or hull conditions.
Elevation and climate changes will affect the performance of your power package. Loss of
performance can be caused by:
• Higher elevations
• Higher temperatures
• Low barometric pressures
• High humidity
For you to have optimum engine performance under changing weather conditions, it is
essential that the engine be propped to allow the engine to operate at or near the top end
of the Rated Engine rpm with a normal boat load during your normal boating weather
conditions.
In most cases, performance can be regained by changing to a lower pitch propeller.