OPERATION IN SHALLOW WATER (DF25A/25AR)
When operating your outboard motor in shallow water, use the shallow water position to tilt the motor slightly from the normal trim angle. When using the shallow water position, however, you should only operate the motor at slow speeds. After returning to deep water, be sure to release the shallow water position and move the release lever to the “lock” position.
To tilt the motor slightly, set the shallow water position as outlined in the SHALLOW WATER POSITION section.
When the shallow water position is used, the tilt lock will not work. As a result, forces such as from propeller thrust during operation in “REVERSE” gear, rapid deceleration, and striking an underwater object can cause the motor to lift out of the water, resulting in personal injury.
When using the shallow water position, proceed with caution and only at very low speeds.
If you do not take proper precautions when operating your boat in shallow water, your outboard motor or boat could be damaged.
• When you operate your motor in shallow water using the shallow water position, make sure that the water intake holes remain in the water at all times and that water is always spraying out of the water discharge hole.
• Do not allow your motor to hit bottom, particularly when operating in
“REVERSE” gear, or serious damage can result. When the motor hits bottom while operating in “REVERSE” gear, the shock acts directly on the transom, and both the motor and the boat could be damaged.
OPERATION IN SHALLOW WATER (DF25AT/25ATH/30AT/30ATH)
When operating your boat in shallow water, it may be necessary to tilt the motor higher than the normal trim angle. When you tilt the motor beyond the normal trim angle, however, you should only operate the boat at slow speeds. After returning to deep water, be sure to lower the motor to the normal trim angle.
To tilt the motor higher than the normal trim angle, use the Power Trim and Tilt switch. Refer to POWER TRIM AND TILT section.
When the motor is beyond the maximum trim position, the swivel bracket will not have side support from the clamp bracket and the tilt system will be unable to cushion the engine if the lower unit strikes an obstruction. This could lead to occupant injury. In addition, beyond the maximum trim position, the water intake holes may be above the water line, which can result in severe engine damage from overheating.
Do not operate the engine above 1500 r/min or operate the boat in a planning attitude with the engine beyond the maximum trim position.
If the motor hits bottom, serious damage can occur.
Do not allow the motor to hit bottom. If the motor does strike bottom, inspect it immediately for damage.