GENERAL INFORMATION
11
Impact with Underwater Hazards
Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you drive a
boat in shallow water areas, or in areas where you suspect
underwater obstacles may exist which could be struck by the
outboard 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 to 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 could result in an infinite
number of situations. Some of these situations could result in the
following:
• Part of the outboard or the entire outboard could break loose
and fly into the boat.
• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction. Such a
sharp change in direction can cause occupants to be thrown
out of their seats or out of the boat.
• 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.
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