SECTION : OPERATION
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62
WINTERIZATION
At the end of the season and before the temperatures drop below freezing,
drain the engine completely when the boat is removed from the water. Your
Tigé Dealer can provide the service.
TOWING PROCEDURE
If water is rough, it may not be easy to extend the tow line from one boat to
another. In these cases, use a light throwing line with a weight on one end
and with the heavier towing line secured to it.
Never attempt to tow a much larger or grounded vessel. Because of the
tremendous stress caused by towing, use a tow line that is rated at least
four times the gross weight of the boat being towed. Tow ropes must always
be in good condition, free of any cuts or abrasions.
Attach tow line to the bow lifting eye on the disabled boat. Attach the
opposite end of the bridle only to the stern lifting eyes of the tow boat. Wrap
the bridle with chafing gear where it rubs against the boat or any corners.
Leave at least two boat lengths between the boats for adequate movement.
When towing, use only the bow and stern eyes; never use cleats, handrails,
etc. Do not allow anyone to be in line with the tow rope. If the rope should
break or pull free, a dangerous recoil could occur.
Adjust the tow line to match wave action. Keep the boats on the crest or
in the trough of the waves at the same time. In protected, calm waters,
shorten the line for better handling. Always tow at moderate speed, allowing
for adverse wind and wave conditions. Have the operator of the towed boat
steer with you if possible.
If you need a tow, or wish to tow another boat, use great care. The boat
structure can be damaged by excessive pulling strain. You should always
offer help to a boat in trouble; however, towing a capsized, grounded, or hull-
damaged boat is dangerous. Give assistance to the occupants, and then
call the proper authorities.
ANCHORING
Dropping Anchor
There are many types of anchors available on the market. The choice of one
anchor over another depends on many factors. An anchor will usually hold
best in a mixture of mud and clay or in hard sand. A lightweight Danforth
anchor is recommended for general boating. For more information on
anchors, see your dealer.
WARNING
SINKING OR DROWNING HAZARD
Anchoring at the stern can pull a boat under water and keep it there.
DO NOT anchor at the stern.
• Make sure the line is tied to the anchor and tie the other end of the
line to the bow lifting eye. Having approximately 2 feet of heavy chain
between the line and anchor will help the anchor place.
• Head the boat into the wind or current over the spot where you want to
lower the anchor.
• Stop the boat before lowering the anchor.
• When the anchor hits bottom, slowly back up the boat, keeping tension
on the line. Let out an anchor line that is four to six times the depth of
the water. For example, if you are in 10 ft (3 m) of water, let out 40 to
60 ft (12 to 18 m) of line.
• Secure anchor line to the bow-lifting eye. Pull on line to make sure
anchor is holding.
• Occasionally check your position against the shoreline. If the anchor is
dragging and you are drifting, reset the anchor.
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