Bennington Owner’s Manual 19
Thoroughly clean the boat. Clean the tubes, hull, deck, furniture and storage areas when the boat is
removed from the water for storage. This thorough cleaning will help keep your boat looking good
for years to come.
Remove water from the livewell, motor pod, and all storage areas.
Lubricate steering mechanism, shifter and shift cables. Please refer to your engines owner’s manual
for more information.
Store your boat in a dry clean area. Cover your boat during storage to help keep it clean for future
use. If possible store your boat inside.
If you store your boat on a trailer, block the trailer wheels off the ground to avoid tire deterioration.
To prepare engine for storage refer to your engine manual.
Before “lifting” your pontoon for storage please check with your dealer for specifi c instructions.
Before placing your pontoon on “blocks” for storage please check with your dealer for specifi c
instructions.
This section of the manual provides basic information for typical boating excursions. All boaters
are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. Even though you may be an experi-
enced boat user, you can still benefi t from reviewing the boating recommendations discussed in this
section. Before you get underway, make sure you are familiar with local and governmental boating
restrictions and policies.
BOATER’S CHECK LIST: *
For Maximum enjoyment and safety, check each of these items recommended by the NMMA.
Before you start your engine check each item before each boat use:
DRAIN PLUG for Deck Boat & IO Pontoon (Securely in place?)
Life-Saving Devices (One for every person on board?)
STEERING SYSTEM (Working smoothly and properly?)
FUEL SYSTEM (Adequate fuel? Leaks? Fumes?)
Battery (Fully charged? Terminal clean & tight?)
Engine (in neutral?)
Capacity plate (Are you overloaded or overpowered?)
WEATHER CONDITIONS (Safe to go out?) *copyright NMMA 2000
Electrical Equipment (Lights, horn, pump ect.?)
EMERGENCY GEAR
(Fire Extinguisher, bailer, paddle, anchor & line, signaling device, tool kit etc.)
Launching Your Boat:
Launch ramps are usually busy places. You should make all preparations for launching before ap-
proaching the ramp. It is a good idea to watch others before you make your move. This way you
can observe any specifi c wind and water changes on the ramp itself. Always confi rm length of ramp
prior to launching or retrieving your boat. If your trailer tires go beyond the end of the ramp, damage
to your trailer could occur. Please check to make certain your engine will start before leaving the
trailer. Lower the engine into the water and start according to engine manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove safety cables and winch line and drive off the trailer. If the boat has diffi culty getting off
the trailer it may be necessary to back into deeper water. After launching tie the boat up and remove
the trailer from the boat ramp to allow others to use the ramp.
Reloading Your Boat:
Back the trailer down the ramp until the trailer bunks are about 3/4 submerged in the water. Ap-
proach the trailer with your boat at minimum speed. Tilt engine as much as possible to avoid hitting
bottom. Center the boat on the support bunks and steer the boat straight at the winch stand. Drive
between the guide bunks up toward the winch stand using slow speed with short bursts of power.
Shut the engine down at once and tilt up to avoid scraping the ramp. Connect the winch strap to the
boat and crank the winch handle until the boat is on the trailer. Pull the trailer up and off the ramp to
allow others to load. Turn off all boat accessories and drain the livewell (if equipped). Attach safety
chains and connect the trailer light harness and check all lights for proper operation.
Lower and secure the canopy. Secure the engine. Attach rear tie down straps prior to towing.
Please refer to your boat trailer’s owner’s manual for additional information.
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UNDERWAY WITH YOUR BENNINGTON
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