28
Operation
Notice:
If the engines have been run at high speed
for a long period of time, allow them to cool
down by running the engines at idle speed
for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Turn the ignition keys to the OFF position.
• Raise the trim tabs to the full up position.
After Operation
• If operating in saltwater, wash the boat and
all equipment with soap and water. Flush the
engines using fresh water. Refer to the engine
owner’s manual for instructions on ushing
your outboard engines.
• Check the bilge area for debris and excess wa-
ter. Remove any debris and pump out excess
water as necessary.
• Fill the fuel tank to near full to reduce the
potential for condensation accumulation in
the tank. Allow enough room in the tank for
the fuel to expand without being forced out
through the vent.
• Turn o all electrical equipment except the
battery charger and automatic bilge pumps.
• If you are going to leave the boat for a long
period of time, put the battery main switches
in the OFF position and close all seacocks.
• Make sure the boat is securely moored.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE BOAT, CLOSE ALL SEACOCKS
BEFORE LEAVING THE BOAT.
2.5 Docking, Anchoring & Mooring
Docking and Dock Lines
Maneuvering the boat near the dock and secur-
ing the boat require skill and techniques that are
unique to the water, wind conditions and the layout
of the dock. If possible, position a crew member
at the bow and stern to man the lines and assist
in docking operations. While maneuvering close to
the dock consideration must be given to the wind
and current. You should anticipate the eect these
forces will have on the boat and use them to help
put the boat where you want it. It is important
to practice in open water using an imaginary dock
enough to develop a sense for the way your boat
handles in a variety of docking scenarios. You
must be able to foresee the possibilities and have
solutions in mind before problems occur.
Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in high
winds or strong currents requires a considerable
amount of skill. If you are new to boat handling,
you should take lessons from an experienced
pilot to learn how to maneuver your boat in tight
quarters in less than ideal conditions. You should
also practice away from the dock during windy
conditions.
Dock lines are generally twisted or braided nylon.
Nylon is strong and stretches to absorb shock. It
also has a long life and is soft and easy on the
hands. The line’s size will vary with the size of the
boat. Typically a 30 to 40 foot boat will use 5/8-
inch line and a 20 to 30 foot boat will use 1/2-inch
line. The number of lines and their conguration
will vary depending on the dock, the range of the
tide, and many other factors. Usually a combi-
nation of bow, stern and spring lines are used to
secure the boat.
Maneuvering - Twin Engine Boats
If your boat is equipped with a joystick in-
tegrated into the engine control system and
you are using the joystick to maneuver the
boat, you should leave all engines running
while using the joystick to maneuver the
boat to the dock or back into the slip.
Note that most joystick controls will be
deactivated if either throttle & shift control
lever is moved while maneuvering the boat.
Electronic control system and joystick op-
eration is unique to the engines installed
on your boat. Operation manuals for the
engines and control systems are included
with this manual. You should read these
manuals thoroughly and understand the
control system in theory and operation be-
fore operating your boat. Additionally, your
dealer should demonstrate the operation
of the control system and instruct you in
operating the controls properly.
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