OPERATION IN SHALLOW WATER (DF9.9BT/9.9BTH/15ATH/20AT/20ATH)
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 Tilt switch. Refer to POWER 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. It the motor does strike bottom, inspect it immediately for damage.
OPERATION IN SALT WATER
After operating the motor in salt water, you should flush the water passages with clean, fresh water as outlined in the FLUSHING THE WATER PASSAGES section. If you do not flush the water passages, salt can corrode the motor and shorten its life.
OPERATION IN FREEZING WEATHER
When operating your outboard motor in freezing temperatures, you should keep the lower unit submerged in the water at all times.
When taking motor out of the water, stand it up in a vertical position until the cooling system drains completely.
If you leave your outboard motor out of the water in freezing temperatures with water still in the cooling system, the water can freeze and expand, causing severe damage to the motor.
When your outboard is in the water in freezing temperatures, keep the lower unit submerged in the water at all times. When the motor is stored out of the water in freezing temperatures stand it up in the vertical position so that the cooling system drains completely.