Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless, Owner'S Manual

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3-38
Chapter 3 • Systems Overview and Operation
R
280 Dauntless
!
WARNING
Towing or being towed places extreme tension
on tow lines and strong points (cleats, bow
stern/eyes). Do not stand directly in line with
tow line. Serious injury or death and/or vessel
damage may occur if towing gear fails.
Propeller
Always carry spare propellers, propeller hardware
and a propeller wrench on board. Should
propellers become damaged they can then be
easily replaced.
Under no circumstances use a propeller
w h i c h a l l o w s t h e e n g i n e t o o p e r a t e
at a higher than recommended RPM.
NOTICE
The engines on this vessel have been equipped with
propellers best suited for general use under normal
conditions and load to achieve maximum RPMs
which meet Mercury requirements. Propellers
have two basic characteristics, diameter and
pitch. Diameter is that distance measured across
the propeller hub from the outer edge of the 360
degrees that is made by the propeller’s blade during
a single rotation. Pitch is that distance in inches that
a propeller travels if rotated one revolution without
any slippage. In general, changing to a lower pitch
propeller increases acceleration and load pulling
capability, with a slight decrease in top end speed.
All propellers are designed to provide maximum
forward thrust. Consult a Boston Whaler dealer
before changing propellers.
Towing, Docking, Lifting and Trailering
Towing
!
DANGER
Disconnect power by moving battery switches
to the off position prior to removing propeller.
Rotating propeller may cause serious injury or
death. Shut off engine when near persons are
in water.
!
WARNING
If it becomes necessary to have this vessel towed,
the U.S. Coast Guard or a private salvage company
experienced in this type of operation are better
equipped to perform this service. Only use another
recreational boat as a last resort as doing so may
cause damage to one or both boats due to operator
inexperience or other conditions such as weather and/
or current. The other boat may assist by standing by
and keeping the disabled boat’s bow at the proper
angle until help arrives.
When towing is necessary, create a bridle with a
line around the hull or use spring lines to secure
the disabled vessel to the towing vessel (see Figure
3.38.1), whenever possible. Either of these methods
distributes the load over a wide area. Be sure to use
fenders or other chafe protection at pressure points.
The bow eye (see Figure 3.39.2) is typically
used to haul out and hold this vessel on a trailer.
Before operating with a boat in tow, seek professional
advice and/or training (e.g., USCG Auxiliary, US
Power Squadrons, or BoatUS) to master towing
fundamentals. While operating with a boat in tow,
these regulations and guidelines must be followed:
• Display the proper markings and navigation
lights on towing vessel and disabled vessel.
• Disabled vessel should never be larger or
heavier than towing vessel.
• Ensure all tow lines/bridle are adequately sized
and in good condition.
Towing
Figure 3.38.1
BRIDLE
SPRING LINE
DISABLED
VESSEL