GENERAL INFORMATION
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A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, or even out of the boat.
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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.
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WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Continued boating with major impact damage can result
in sudden outboard component failure with or without subsequent impacts. Have the outboard thoroughly
inspected and any necessary repairs made.
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.
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WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from being struck by a disconnected outboard. Do not accelerate above idle speed
in water suspected of containing 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.
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WARNING
Avoid the combination of a running engine and poor ventilation. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide in
sufficient concentration can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.
GOOD VENTILATION
Ventilate passenger area, open side curtains, or forward hatches to remove fumes.
