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the low fuel level. Make a log of this information and have it available when using your boat.
Other statistics you should determine include the following:
Minimum and maximum speeds for effective and safe steering.
Turning radius at different speeds.
Response to steering at low speeds.
Response to steering at high speeds.
Control of the boat using both engines in close quarters.
Time and distance to bring the boat to a stop at different speeds.
BOAT PERFORMANCE
Maximum performance is dependent on many factors and cannot be guaranteed in every
condition. These factors vary with changing conditions. These factors include:
Hull Design
The boats we manufacture are all planning hulls. This hull type has a v-shaped bottom that is
designed to glide on the surface of the water (i.e., plane) as the boat gains speed. Most
powerboats have this type of hull because they require less power to attain higher speeds. In
the Bonefish brand we offer a variant of a planning hull known as a stepped hull. Steps are
essentially elevation breaks in the hull bottom that create multiple running surfaces. As the boat
increases speed, the hull rides on these surfaces, with the area that is in contact with the water
moving progressively aft and reducing in size. This results in more speed with less power than a
conventional planning hull. Stepped hulls aren’t for everyone. They demand a higher level of
skill and attention by their operator. They are NOT for novice boat operators. They have
limitations in trim capability that don’t allow operators to dictate the boat’s attitude (i.e., “fly” the
boat) with complete autonomy/independence using tabs and engine trim (They tend to ride at a
particular attitude based upon the hull’s design with reduced ability to effect pitch and yaw).
Stepped hulls are also much more sensitive to weight. Heavier weight greatly effects the ability
of a stepped hull to reach its designed efficiency. Weight additions (particularly up high) also
present the risk of excess chine immersion (sinking the step vents below the water line) which
blocks air flow to the steps and can result in a low-pressure spike that causes a loss of
directional control. For these reasons, the operator of a stepped hull must pay close attention to
the weight limitations provided with the boat. To the extent weight is added to the boat, you
must distribute it evenly from port to starboard, mostly in the stern and as low as possible in the
hull. If a tower or other elevated driving station is offered on a stepped hull boat, it is the only
elevated station we believe is safe for a recreational boater. Do
not
purchase a tower or other
elevated driving station from someone other than us for your step bottom boat. Metal fabricators
know absolutely nothing about hydrodynamics or what impact their creations can have on a
boat’s center of gravity. They create unnecessary risks for the operator. Considerable time
should be spent by the boat’s operator learning the boat’s handling characteristics and
experimenting with weight distribution prior to taking passengers onboard and being responsible
for their safety. There is absolutely no substitute for time behind the wheel.
Engine Efficiency
Engines operate most efficiently at the RPM confirmed in the engine operating manuals,
assuming your boat is equipped with the correct engines, the engines are properly tuned and
the drive systems are in good condition. Efficiency will decrease if normal care and maintenance
is not performed. If engines are neglected power will drop and speed will decrease. In addition,
