4-4 CHAPTER 4: OPERATION
Sport Boat Owner’s Manual
All boats have a tendency to wander somewhat at slow speeds. A natural reaction
to this effect is to steer the boat back and forth in an attempt to compensate for
wandering. Invariably, the compensation will result in oversteer and only worsen
the effect. Keep the steering wheel in the center position, the boat will wander
back and forth somewhat, but the overall course will be a straight one.
Stopping
1.
Slowly bring the control lever to the idle position. If the boat has been driven
for a long period of time at high speed, allow the engine a 2-3 minute cool-
down period at low idle.
2.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
3.
If any problems were encountered during the outing, have the boat inspected
by your dealer and request any necessary repairs before the next outing.
Do not use the engine stop switch for normal shut down. Doing so may
impair your ability to re-start the engine quickly or may create a haz-
ardous swamping condition.
Docking
Practice docking before attempting it for the first time. Use a float, like a plastic
milk jug with a line and small weight, as your docking target.
Never use your hand, arm or other part of your body to attempt to
keep the boat from hitting the dock. The boat could push against the
dock, causing severe injury.
Follow these guidelines when docking:
•
Approach docks with the port side of the boat if possible.
•
Come to a stop a short distance from the dock, then proceed slowly.
•
Have fenders, mooring lines and crew ready.
•
Observe how the wind and current are moving your boat. Approach the dock
with the boat pointed into the wind, if possible. If the wind or current is push-
ing you away from the dock, use a sharper angle of approach. If you must
approach the dock downwind or down current, use a slow speed and shallow
angle. Be ready to reverse to stop and maintain position.
•
If there is no wind or current, approach the dock at a 10 to 20 degree angle.
•
If possible, throw a line to a person on the dock and have that person secure a
bow line.
•
With the bow secure, swing the stern in with the engine, or pull it in with a
boat hook.
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WARNING
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WARNING