2013 Robalo R180 & R200 Owner’s Manual
Robalo Boats, LLC
Nashville, GA
robalo.com
5-7
Getting Up To Cruising Speed
After slowly motoring from the dock area to open water, you can safely
accelerate to cruising speed. Advance throttle to setting which provides
your desired engine speed (RPMs). As you move the throttle forward,
engine RPMs increase, and your boat moves faster through the water.
Important: Acceleration at full throttle is not recommended during
the engine “break-in period.” This “break-in period” coincides with
the engine “20-hour check-up.” Do not attempt full throttle accelera-
tion during the fi rst 20 hours of operation.
When you throttle up and accelerate, your boat increases the trim angle
and causes the boat to ride bow-high. From a maximum angle, the boat
levels out to its planing attitude as you continue to accelerate. (Figure
5.2)
The maximum angle is commonly known as the “hump.” You should get
over the hump as quickly as possible because visibility, handling, and
performance are limited until you do. Only a few seconds at full throt-
tle should be needed; however, the way your boat is loaded, the wind,
and sea conditions affect the time required. When the boat gets over the
hump, it reaches its planing attitude. Then, accelerate until your boat
reaches a comfortable plane and then throttle down to cruising speed.
This also provides for better fuel ef
fi
ciency.
When maneuvering at low speeds you can reverse (move throttle forward
or aft) the shift mechanism. This will react in a braking action.
Accelerate
Bow Planing
Attitude
Trimming Your Boat
Trim refers to the way a boat
fl
oats on the water. Your boat will work best
when it is trimmed to run at an angle between 3 to 5 degrees to the water.
You can trim your boat by shifting gear or passengers or, if your boat is so
equipped, by adjusting the drive unit angle or the trim tabs.
Power Trim
Figure 5.2: Boat Acceleration and attitude
CAUTION: When shifting between forward and reverse, always
pause in neutral for a few seconds before reversing the rotation
of the propeller. This will prevent unnecessary damage to the
drive system.
The operator can adjust this boat to the ideal boat angle for load and
water conditions by trimming the drive unit (Figure 5.3). The power trim
system allows the operator to adjust the drive angle while underway by
changing the angle of the outdrive in relation to the boat’s transom. It also
allows the operator to raise and lower the drive for trailering, beaching,
launching, or operation in shallow water.
Note: Refer to your engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for infor-
mation concerning maintenance and operation.
C A U TIO N : H igh speed acceleration in reverse can create a w ake
that could w ash over the transom and flood the boat.
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