Installation32NOTICEECM01630● During water testing, check the buoy-ancy of the boat, at rest, with its maxi-mum load. Check that the static waterlevel on the exhaust housing is lowenough to prevent water entry into thepower head when water rises due towaves when the outboard is not run-ning.● Incorrect engine height or obstructionsto the smooth flow of water (such as thedesign or condition of the boat, or ac-cessories such as transom ladders ordepth finder transducers) can createairborne water spray while the boat iscruising. If the motor is operated con-tinuously in the presence of airbornewater spray, enough water could enterthe engine through the intake openingon the cowling to cause severe enginedamage. Eliminate the cause of the air-borne water spray.ZMU01762