OPERATION
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If you need a tow, or wish to tow another boat, use great care. The boat struc-
ture can be damaged by excessive pulling strain. You should always offer
help to a boat in trouble; however, towing a capsized, grounded, or hull-dam-
aged boat is dangerous. Give assistance to the occupants, and then call the
proper authorities.
ANCHORING
Dropping Anchor
There are many types of anchors available on the market. The choice of one
anchor over another depends on many factors. An anchor will usually hold
best in a mixture of mud and clay or in hard sand. A lightweight Danforth
anchor is recommended for general boating. For more information on anchors,
see your dealer.
WARNING
SINKING OR DROWNING HAZARD
Anchoring at the stern can pull a boat under water and keep it there.
DO NOT anchor at the stern.
• Make sure the line is tied to the anchor and tie the other end of the line to
the bow lifting eye. Having approximately 2 feet of heavy chain between
the line and anchor will help the anchor place.
• Head the boat into the wind or current over the spot where you want to
lower the anchor.
• Stop the boat before lowering the anchor.
• When the anchor hits bottom, slowly back up the boat, keeping tension on
the line. Let out an anchor line that is four to six times the depth of the water.
For example, if you are in 10 ft (3 m) of water, let out 40 to 60 ft (12 to 18 m)
of line.
• Secure anchor line to the bow-lifting eye. Pull on line to make sure
anchor is holding.
• Occasionally check your position against the shoreline. If the anchor is
dragging and you are drifting, reset the anchor.
Weighing (Pulling In) Anchor
Start engine and move forward until anchor line is straight up and down.
Pull hard to lift anchor from the bottom material. If the anchor is stuck, allow the
up and down motion of the bow from wave action to loosen the anchor from
the bottom. If the anchor remains stuck, slowly maneuver the boat around
the anchor until the anchor pulls loose. Be sure to keep the line tight during this
procedure.
PERFORMANCE BOATING
Some boat models, especially those with high horsepower engines, are capa-
ble of truly exhilarating performance. Do not be tempted to push your boat to its
limits until you are completely familiar with the boat’s operating characteristics.
The operator should have at least 10 hours of experience with the boat before
any extended full throttle operation.
Here are some guidelines for performance operation. Read and practice them,
and soon you will be operating your boat to its full capability.
Before Running
• Keep the bottom clean and free of scum, barnacles and other growth.
Growth on the hull can slow the boat down considerably.
• Prepare the boat. Be sure all gear is properly stowed and compartments
are latched.
• Keep weight in the boat low and evenly distributed. Remove unnecessary
eight and keep it onshore. Weight distribution affects performance.
• The propeller should be of the proper pitch to turn the recommended RPM
rating for the engine and of the proper type for your average load and
individual requirements. Your ATX boat is already equipped with the proper
propeller to achieve maximum performance with an average load for your
boat. If you have questions, see your ATX Dealer.
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