Fuelling Procedures
Internal Built-In Fuel Tank
If fuelling the boat whilst in the water, be sure it is
securely moored to the dock.
Turn off all electrical equipment including the engine,
appliances, bilge blower, lights etc.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars or other items that
may produce a spark or flame.
Through-deck fittings are provided for fuel tank filling.
Remove the cap and insert the fuel supply nozzle,
allowing the nozzle to maintain contact with the
fitting; this will prevent possible static sparking.
If, when filling the tank, you can’t put fuel in at a
reasonable rate, check the fuel vent line to see that
it’s not kinked or blocked. If the problem persists
consult your dealer.
When you have finished fuelling, replace the fill cap
and wash off any fuel spillage.
Fuel up on your way to the water, not on your way
home or before you store your boat.
Allow for thermal expansion of the fuel on very hot
days. Do not over fill the fuel tank.
Our boats have many different fuel tanks to suit our
broad range. Some tanks are deeper than others.
Depending on the fuel tank depth and the length
of the fuel sender, the gauge may not give a true
indication of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
when the gauge reads ‘empty’.
The first time the tank is filled, have someone fill the
tank slowly while watching the fuel gauge. As soon
as the gauge moves (and remains) at a point above
“empty” stop filling the tank and note the amount of
fuel registered at the bowser. This is an indication
of the fuel reserve in the tank. Never assume there
is enough reserve in the tank to get home as the
fuel gauge may read differently while at sea due to
attitude, lean or list of the boat.
6
Static Float Attitude
The static floating attitude of your boat can be
affected by many variables. Optional equipment,
passengers and loading of gear are the biggest
contributors to a boat’s lean. After launching, the
floating attitude of any new boat can be adjusted.
If your boat leans to one side, load items on the
opposite side until the boat floats with a more level
attitude.
Practice – Practice – Practice
Before attempting your first launch, tow the boat
to a nearby empty parking lot and practice backing
the trailer. Whenever you are backing up, be sure to
have a lookout to help direct you.
Make sure the outboard is raised to clear obstacles.
Remember to swing wide when towing around sharp
turns to avoid cutting the corner with the trailer.
Operating
Many people would love to own and use a boat,
but are kept away from their dreams by fears they
would not be able to launch, operate and retrieve a
boat. This uncertainty is relieved with practice and
experience and you will soon gain confidence.
The following sections are designed to give you the
skills to become a more confident and aware boat
operator on protected waters.
HANDY TIP
Use fenders or fender boards to protect
your boat’s hull whenever mooring next to piers,
docks or other boats.
CAUTION
Your Boat is equipped with at least one transom
drain plug. Make sure this plug is tightly in place.
Failure to install the drain plug securely will result
in the boat filling with water when launched.
WARNING
Spilt fuel may damage the paint work, the plastic
side pocket material and the carpet on your
vessel. If a fuel spill occurs insure it is cleaned
up immediately.
Portable Fuel Tank
Remove the tank from the boat for filling.
If your outboard requires a petrol/oil mix, follow the
engine manual instructions for the proper lubrication
oil and petrol ratio mix.
Before placing the tank back in the boat, wash off
any spilled fuel.
Some portable tanks have vent screws which must
be open during engine operation.
Engine Use
The engine operating and maintenance manual
provided with your boat describes pre-start and
starting procedures. Modern engines are designed
to be started in a particular way. Read the starting
procedure for your engine carefully prior to
attempting operation.
Special Note: The following advantages and
disadvantages of a Lanyard Stop Switch should be
considered before electing to use such a switch.
Advantages
The purpose of a Lanyard Stop Switch is to stop
the engine when the operator leaves the control
station, either accidentally by falling in the boat or
by being ejected overboard. This is most likely in
certain types of boats such as low sided models or
high performance boats. And/or as a result of poor
operating practices such as sitting on the back of
the seat or standing at planing speeds, operating at
high speeds in shallow or obstacle infested waters,
drinking and driving, or daring high speed boat
manoeuvres.
Disadvantages
Inadvertent activation of the switch is also a
possibility. This could cause any or all of the
following potentially hazardous situations:
1. Loss of balance and falling forward of unstable
boat passengers – particularly in low bow rider
style boats.
2. Loss of power and directional control in heavy
seas, strong current or high winds.
3. Loss of control when docking.
Engine Starting
DO NOT continuously operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time.
On boats so equipped, check the oil pressure,
voltmetre and temperature gauges immediately after
the engine starts. Make a visual check to ensure a
strong jet of water is squirting from the engine tell
tail. Lack of water here may indicate a faulty impeller
or a block in the tell tail or water intake. Try clearing
the outlet with a suitable piece of wire before
proceeding, or contact your nearest dealer.
Before You Leave
Providing you have not encountered any problems,
you are almost ready to go. (If you did encounter
problems, do not attempt to operate your boat until
they are corrected). Before you leave, perform the
following steps:
WARNING
The flotation material used in your boat can be
affected by petrol and petroleum based products.
Check the condition of the flotation material
periodically by removing the floor. If a petroleum-
based product is spilt inside your boat, check the
condition of the flotation material prior to your
next trip.
WARNING
Do not use fuels that incorporate any form of
alcohol or alcohol derivatives or ethanol. Alcohol
and ethanol’s may destroy marine fuel system
hoses and components, which could lead to
hazardous leaks, fire or explosion.
WARNING
As we cannot possibly know of and advise the
boating public of all conceivable boat/power
package types and/or poor operating practices,
the final decision of whether or not to use a
Lanyard Stop Switch rests with you, the owner/
driver. It is recommended that the lanyard be
attached to the driver/operator when ever the
engine is in operation.
6 Owner’s Manual 7
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