2013 Chaparral H2O Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
5-5
The way your passengers are seated and gear stowed in the boat affects
your boat’s performance. Passengers should board the boat one at a
time and fi nd a seat. Passengers should remain seated during loading
of gear to maintain an even trim. Distribute your passengers and gear so
that your boat is balanced side to side and front to rear (Figure 5.1).
Note: The swim platform is designed for weight loads up to 300
pounds on the H2O Series. Exceeding weight limit could cause
damage to your boat or personal injury. The swim platform is not
designed to carry personal watercraft.
As the operator, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers.
•
Do not
allow passengers to ride on the bow with feet hanging over the
side.
•
Do not
allow passengers to ride sitting on the stern or gunwales. Fall-
ing from moving boats is a major cause of fatal recreational boating
accidents.
•
Do not
allow passengers to sit in the bow rider area (if so equipped)
while underway; doing so will obscure the operator’s vision.
A shift in passenger weight changes the planing angle of the hull or the
thrust of the propeller. This has the same effect on the boat as if the angle
of the drive unit were changed. Minor defi ciencies in your boat’s ride can
be quickly corrected by shifting passengers or gear forward or aft. By tak-
ing a little extra time to carefully place such gear as coolers, water jugs,
tackle box, anchor, and tools, you create a more desirable trim. On plan-
ing-type boats, utilize stern loading in order to slightly raise the bow.
CORRECT
Balanced load: gives
maximum performance
INCORRECT
Overload forward: causes
boat to "plow"
INCORRECT
Overload aft: causes
boat to "porpoise"
Figure 5.1 Boat Loading
FUELING
Improper fueling procedures are the most common cause of boat fi res.
DANGER
: Fuel leaking from any part of the fuel system can lead
to fi re and explosion that can cause serious bodily injury or death.
Inspect systems before refueling.
WARNING
: Do not smoke, extinguish all open fl ames, STOP
engine and other devices that could cause sparks. Do not use
electrical switches or accessories.
