Chaparral 2012 H2O Series, Owner'S/Operator'S Manual

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the left and vice versa. Inexperienced backers tend to turn the
wheel too far. Do not oversteer. Turn the wheel gradually until you
get the feel of safe backing.
LAUNCHING AND LOADING
The handling of your boat and trailer at the ramp requires practice,
skill and patience. With care and attention to the following tips, you
can launch and relaunch your boat with relative ease.
Important: Typically a beam of 8 feet 6 inches allows you to
tow without a special permit in most places. These boats are
considered “Trailerable” for this reason. Other boats have
wider beams and are still “trailerable,” but, in most cases you
need a permit to do so. Check with your state on permit
requirements before towing.
Roller Trailers – Launching
Here are some tips to remember when you are putting your
Chaparral boat in the water while using a roller trailer:
Important: Before launching your boat, make sure the transom
drain plug is installed. If it is not installed, the bilge could fill
with water quickly.
1. Always prepare the boat for launching before you get to the
ramp.
• Stop in a launching prep area near the ramp that doesn’t
block traffic and remove your tie-downs, tilt up your engine
or drive unit, replace your transom drain plugs, etc.
• Do not disconnect the wiring harness, winch cable or boat
bow safety chain until you are by the water, ready to launch.
Winch and trailer unit should be locked.
• You do not need to disconnect the electric trailer brakes
before launching the boat. If you disconnect the electric
trailer brakes, the trailer brakes will not work.
• Store all loose gear properly.
• Inventory your safety equipment.
• Tilt drive unit up to clear the ramp.
2. Have someone at the ramp to give you directions. Slowly back
the trailer down the ramp to the water. If there isn’t a ramp avail-
able, use a solid area of ground to the shore, with a slope if
possible. Avoid wet, soft sand. Always remember to launch your
boat at a right angle to the shore.
3. When the boat’s transom is in several inches of water:
• Do not put your trailer wheels and brakes in the water if pos-
sible, especially in salt water. Tie a mooring line to the boat
to help you control it in the water.
• Stop towing vehicle with manual transmission in gear or
automatic transmission in PARK. Remember to turn off
engine and set the parking brake.
• On average grade ramp, the rollers on your trailer will allow
your boat to gently roll back into the water. Do not remove
the boat bow safety chain or winch lock until the boat and
trailer are located in “launch” position.
5-3
WARNING: If the winch handle slips out of your hand, let it
spin. DO NOT try to stop it