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OPERATION
STARTING THE ENGINE
DANGER!
Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to be aware of the
risks with engine exhausts. Under certain conditions (e.g. turbulence
or disadvantageous wind conditions), exhaust can enter the boat. If
this happens you should avoid idling the engines. Should these prob
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lems occur under way, do not open hatches and ventilators, as this can
worsen the problems. Instead, a solution to the problem might be to
change the boat’s speed or weight distribution for example.
Read the engine manufacturer’s manual.
01 Set the engine lever in neutral.
02 Turn the ignition on and check the fuel level.
03 Start the engine by turning the ignition key.
04 Check that the gauges for oil pressure and volt meter show nor
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mal values.
05 Run the engine to operating temperature at idling speed. Never
rev up a cold engine.
For further information, read the engine manufacturer’s manual.
BEFORE WEIGHING ANCHOR
WARNING!
• Never climb the bathing ladder when the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before inspecting the steering and propellers.
CAUTION!
• Before leaving harbour it is important to check that the boat and its
equipment are in seaworthy condition.
• All persons on board should wear an appropriate life vest when on
deck. Note that, in some countries, it is a legal requirement to wear a
life vest in accordance with national regulations at all times.
• Always listen to long-term weather forecasts when planning longer
trips.
• Always make sure there is enough fuel and freshwater in the tanks.
• Always keep the engine compartment closed when starting the
engine.
• Check that all items on board are properly stowed and adequately
secured to manage rough sea and wind conditions.
• Make sure that the bathing ladder is raised out of the water before
moving off.
• Make sure that the steering is correctly positioned before starting.
• Always brief your crew on how you plan to leave the jetty.
For safe navigation under all weather conditions, proper sound sig-
nalling equipment in compliance with regulations (COLREG, 1972) must
be carried on board. Make sure that the sound signalling equipment on
your boat is compliant with these regulations.
LEAVING THE JETTY
Before casting off, consider how best to leave the jetty. What is the wind
direction? Using a bow thruster, it is easy to move the bow out and then
engage the propeller.
If your boat has two engines, it is easy to move away from the jetty by
engaging the engine nearer the jetty astern at idling speed and enga
-
ging the other engine ahead at idling speed on. The boat will swing out
from the jetty astern. As the bow will move against the jetty, it is import
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ant to fend off properly.
With only one engine this can be a little more challenging, especially if
the wind is pressing the boat rmly against the jetty. Then you have to
use a spring to get the stern out. Firmly fend off the bow from the jetty.
Take a line from the bow around a bollard or cleat, so that it can be eas
-
ily let go. Engage idling speed ahead and turn the rudder so that the
stern glides out from the jetty. When the boat has reached a position,
where it can safely be reversed, release and retrieve the line, quickly
centre the rudder and engage astern.
CAUTION!
Gather in all lines and fenders while you are still in sheltered water. A
rope around the propeller can disable a boat.
STABILITY AND BUOYANCY
All weight dispositions (for example installing a shing tower, radar or
furling mast, engine replacement etc.) can have a signicant impact on
the stability, trim, and performance of your boat. The bilge water level
should be kept at a minimum. The stability of your boat will be com
-
promised if any weight is placed in a high position. In stormy weather
all hatches, compartments and doors should be kept closed to minim
-
ise the risk of ooding. The stability can be diminished when towing or
lifting heavy objects using the davit or jib crane. Breaking waves repres
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ent a serious signicant danger to stability.
CAUTION!
To avoid the risk of ooding, always keep sea valves closed when not in
use. (For example the sea valve for the toilet’s ushing water).
DRIVING THE BOAT
Going out in a motor boat involves a responsibility, not just to those on
board but also to others we meet on the water. Showing consideration
for others makes boating comfortable. Everyone has the same right to
be at sea, whatever kind of craft they go aoat in.
The physical laws that apply to a boat are rather different from those
affecting a car, for example. You can inuence a boat’s behaviour and
the level of comfort on board primarily by adapting the speed to the
prevailing sea conditions and by the intelligent use of the trim tabs. A
planing boat rides almost level in the water at maximum speed. As the
speed of the boat is reduced the trim angle increases and the bow rises
slightly. This is normal, and is a prerequisite for good performance.
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