31
Operation
Maneuvering to a Dock or Slip
Notice:
Your boat is equipped with triple or quad
engines and electronic control systems.
Depending on the control system options
selected, the following conditions could
apply that will affect the handling of your
boat as you maneuver to the dock:
If you are using the engine shift and throttle
controls to maneuver the boat, we recom-
mend turning the center engine or engines
off and using the port and starboard engines
to maneuver the boat to the dock or back
it into a slip.
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 control to maneu-
ver the boat to the dock or back into the slip.
Note that most joystick controls will be de-
activated if either throttle or 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.
Maneuvering to a Dock
Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40 degree
angle. Whenever possible, approach against the
wind or current. Turn the engines straight & shift
to neutral when you feel you have enough mo-
mentum to reach the dock. Use reverse on the
outboard engine while turning the steering wheel
towards the dock to slow the boat and pull the
stern toward the dock as the boat approaches.
Straighten the engines and use both engines to
stop the boat if it is still moving forward against
the pilings. If you executed your approach prop-
erly, the boat will lightly touch the pilings at the
same time the forward momentum is stopped.
Have the dock lines ready and secure the boat as
soon at it stops. Use fenders to protect the boat
while it is docked. Keep the engines running until
the lines are secured.
Backing into a Slip
Approach the slip with the stern against the wind
or current and the engines straight ahead. Use the
engines and turn the steering wheel to maneuver
the boat into alignment with the slip. Reverse the
engines and slowly back into the slip. Shift from
reverse to neutral frequently to prevent the boat
from gaining too much speed. Move the stern
right and left by shifting the engines in and out
of gear or turning the wheel. When nearly in the
slip all the way, straighten the engines and shift
to forward to stop. Keep the engines running until
the lines are secured.
Securing Dock Lines
Securing a boat that is tied along side the dock
typically requires a bow and stern line and two
spring lines. The bow and stern lines are usually
secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the stern
cleat and forward of the bow cleat. The after bow
Securing The Boat Along Side A Dock (Typical)
Securing The Boat In A Slip (Typical)
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After Bow Spring Cleat
Bow Cleat
Stern Cleat
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