2013 Chaparral SSi Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
5-6
Important: The presence of the capacity plate does not relieve the
boat operator from the responsibility of using common sense or
sound judgement. Turbulent waters and adverse weather condi-
tions reduce the maximum load capacity rating of the boat.
When loading your gear on board your boat, remember to distribute the
load evenly, keep the load low and do not overload. Always step onto the
boat, never jump! Have someone on the dock pass your gear aboard.
Secure all gear fi rmly so that it will not move or interfere with operation
of the boat.
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 SSi models. Exceeding this 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 ac-
cidents.
•
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 cre- ate a more desirable trim. On plan-
ing-type boats, utilize stern loading in order to slightly raise the bow.
CORRECT
Balanced load: g
i
ves
m
ax
im
u
m
perfor
m
ance
INCORRECT
Overload forward: causes
boat to "plow"
INCORRECT
Overload aft: causes
boat to "porpo
i
se"
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 fire and explosion that can cause serious bodily injury or
death. Inspect system before refueling.
