Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
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 spring line is secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the
after bow spring cleat. The forward quarter spring is secured
to the dock at a 40° angle forward of the stern cleat. The
spring lines keep the boat square to the dock and reduce fore
and aft movement while allowing the boat to move up and
down with the tide.
Securing a boat that in a slip is somewhat different. It
typically requires two bow lines secured to pilings on each
side of the bow, two stern lines secured to the dock and two
spring lines that prevent the boat from hitting the dock. The
bow lines are typically secured with enough slack to allow
the boat to ride the tide. The stern lines are crossed. One line
runs from the port aft boat cleat to the starboard dock cleat
and the other line runs from the starboard aft boat cleat to the
port cleat on the dock. The stern lines center the boat, control
the forward motion, and allow the boat to ride the tide. Two
forward quarter spring lines typically are secured to the stern
cleats and to mid ship pilings or cleats. The spring lines keep
the boat from backing into the dock while allowing it to ride
the tide.
Leaving the Dock
Always start the engines and let them warm up for several
minutes before releasing the lines. Boats steer from the stern
and it is important that you achieve enough clearance at the
stern to maneuver the boat as quickly as possible. Push the
stern off and maneuver such that you get stern clearance
quickly. Proceed slowly until well clear of the dock and other
boats.
Mooring
Approach the mooring heading into the wind or current. Shift
to neutral when you have just enough headway to reach the
buoy. Position a crew member on the bow to retrieve the
mooring with a boat hook and secure the line. Keep the
engines running until the line is secured.
Leaving a Mooring
Start the engines and let them warm up for several minutes
before releasing the mooring line. The boat will already be
headed into the wind, so move it forward enough to loosen
the line and untie it. Back the boat away from the mooring
until you can see the buoy. Move the boat slowly away from
the mooring.
Anchoring
Make sure the bitter end of the anchor line is attached to boat
before dropping the anchor. Bring the bow into the wind or
current and put the engines in neutral. When the vessel comes
to a stop, lower the anchor over the bow. Pay out anchor line
so that it is at least 5 to 7 times the depth of the water and
secure the line to a cleat. Use caution to avoid getting your
feet or hands tangled in the line. Additional scope of 10
times the depth may be required for storm conditions. Check
landmarks on shore or your GPS position to make sure the
anchor is not dragging. If it is dragging, you will have to start
all over. It is prudent to use two anchors if your are anchoring
overnight or in rough weather.
Releasing the Anchor
Release the anchor by driving the boat slowly to the point
where the anchor line becomes vertical. It should release
when you pass that point. If the anchor doesn’t release right
away, stop the boat directly above the anchor and tie the line
to the cleat as tight as possible. The up and down movement
of the boat will usually loosen the anchor within a minute.
Make sure you secure the anchor and properly stow the line
before operating the boat.
NEVER ANCHOR THE BOAT BY THE STERN.
THE STERN OF THE BOAT IS VULNERABLE TO
SWAMPING FROM WAVE ACTION AND WIND AND
CURRENT WILL PUT MORE STRESS ON THE
ANCHOR WHEN IT IS ATTACHED TO THE STERN.
ONLY ANCHOR THE BOAT BY THE BOW
12.6 Controls, Steering, or
Propulsion System Failure:
If the propulsion, control or steering system fails while you
are operating the boat, bring the throttles to idle and shift to
neutral. Decide whether you need to put out the anchor to
prevent the boat from drifting or to hold the bow into the seas.
Investigate and correct the problem if you can. Turn the
engine off before opening the engine cowling to make repairs.
If you are unable to correct the problem, call for help.