Weight and passenger loading placed well forward
increases the “wetted area” of the boat bottom and,
in some cases, virtually destroys the good perform-
ance and handling characteristics of the boat. Opera-
tion in this configuration can produce an extremely
wet ride, from wind-blown spray, and could even be
unsafe in certain weather conditions or where bow
steering may occur.
Elevation and Climate
Elevation has a very noticeable effect on the
wide-open- throttle power of an engine. Since air
(containing oxygen) gets thinner as elevation in-
creases, the engine begins to starve for air. Humidity,
barometric pressure and temperature do have a no-
ticeable effect on the density of air. Heat and humidity
thin the air. This phenomenon can become particu-
larly annoying when an engine is propped out on a
cool dry day in spring and later, on a hot, sultry day
in August, doesn’t have its old zip.
Weight distribution is not confined strictly to fore and
aft locations, but also applies to lateral weight distri-
bution. Uneven weight concentration to port or star-
board of the longitudinal centerline can produce a se-
vere listing attitude that can adversely affect the
boat’s performance, handling ability and riding com-
fort. In extreme rough water conditions, the safety of
the boat and passengers may be in jeopardy.
Although some performance can be regained by
dropping to a lower pitch propeller, the basic problem
still exists. The propeller is too large in diameter for
the reduced power output. The experienced marine
dealer or a Quicksilver Propeller Repair Station can
determine how much diameter to remove from a low-
er-pitch propeller for specific high-elevation loca-
tions. In some cases, a gear-ratio change to the drive
unit to more reduction is possible and very beneficial.
It is a known fact that weather conditions exert a pro-
found effect on power output of internal combustion
engines. Therefore, established horsepower ratings
refer to the power that the engine will produce at its
rated RPM under a specific combination of weather
conditions.
Water in Boat
When a boat loses performance, check bilge for wa-
ter. Water can add considerable weight to the boat,
thereby decreasing the performance and handling.
Make certain that all drain passages are open for
complete draining.
Index
90-823224--2 796
GENERAL INFORMATION - 1A-7
| Categories | Mercury MerCruiser Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Mercury MerCruiser 454 CID, Mercury MerCruiser 502 CID |
| Model Year | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| Download File |
|
| Document File Type | |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
(4 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)
Marine readers have rated 1993 1997 Mercury-MerCruiser GM V8 454 CID 7.4L and 502 CID 8.2L Marine Engines Service Manual Number 16 4.5 out of 5.0 based on 4 product reviews. Hugely helpful service manual! Perfect. Thank you!
Manuals are all Important for Technician
This book is invaluable if you do your own repairs. Great book.
Could not find a copy until a search brought me here.
Excellent print.
Thank you