Axopar 28 CABIN/AC User Manual Download

Page: 27 / 68

For safe navigation under all weather conditions, proper sound signal-
ling equipment in compliance with regulations (COLREG, 1972) must
be carried on board. Make sure that the sound signalling equipment on
your boat is compliant with these regulations.

LEAVING THE JETTY

Before casting off, consider how best to leave the jetty. What is the wind
direction? Using a bow thruster, it is easy to move the bow out and then
engage the propeller.

If your boat has two engines, it is easy to move away from the jetty by
engaging the engine nearer the jetty astern at idling speed and engag-
ing the other engine ahead at idling speed on. The boat will swing out
from the jetty astern. As the bow will move against the jetty, it is impor-
tant to fend off properly.

With only one engine this can be a little more challenging, especially if
the wind is pressing the boat firmly against the jetty. Then you have to
use a spring to get the stern out. Firmly fend off the bow from the jet-
ty. Take a line from the bow around a bollard or cleat, so that it can be
easily let go. Engage idling speed ahead and turn the rudder so that the
stern glides out from the jetty. When the boat has reached a position,
where it can safely be reversed, release and retrieve the line, quickly cen-
tre the rudder and engage astern.

CAUTION!

Gather in all lines and fenders while you are still in sheltered water. A
rope around the propeller can disable a boat.

STABILITY AND BUOYANCY

All weight dispositions (for example installing a fishing tower, radar or
furling mast, engine replacement etc.) can have a significant impact on
the stability, trim, and performance of your boat. The bilge water lev-
el should be kept at a minimum. The stability of your boat will be com-
promised if any weight is placed in a high position. In stormy weather
all hatches, compartments and doors should be kept closed to minimise
the risk of flooding. The stability can be diminished when towing or lift-
ing heavy objects using the davit or jib crane. Breaking waves represent
a serious significant danger to stability.

CAUTION!

To avoid the risk of flooding, always keep sea valves closed when not in
use. (For example the sea valve for the toilet’s flushing water).

DRIVING THE BOAT

Going out in a motor boat involves a responsibility, not just to those on
board but also to others we meet on the water. Showing consideration
for others makes boating comfortable. Everyone has the same right to
be at sea, whatever kind of craft they go afloat in.

The physical laws that apply to a boat are rather different from those
affecting a car, for example. You can influence a boat’s behaviour and
the level of comfort on board primarily by adapting the speed to the
prevailing sea conditions and by the intelligent use of the trim tabs. A
planing boat rides almost level in the water at maximum speed. As the
speed of the boat is reduced the trim angle increases and the bow ris-
es slightly. This is normal, and is a prerequisite for good performance.