2013 Chaparral SSX Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
2-11
• Operate the bilge blower for AT LEAST FOUR MINUTES before start-
ing an inboard or sterndrive engine. If you still smell fumes, try to locate
the source and make repairs before starting the engine.
• Make sure all passengers know where to fi nd your fi re extinguishers
and how to operate them.
• Before refueling, close all hatches, ports and other openings; shut off
engines, motors, pumps and blowers; and DO NOT SMOKE. Fill all
portable tanks on the dock.
• After refueling, wipe up or wash off any excess or spilled fuel; open all
hatches and ports; and let the boat air out. “Sniff” your bilges. Oper-
ate the bilge blower for AT LEAST FOUR MINUTES before starting the
engine.
Important: Do not operate your boat until the source of a fuel leak is
identifi ed. Have a qualifi ed service technician correct the condition.
NEVER USE A MATCH TO INSPECT FOR LEAKS.
At Least Annually:
(Performed by a qualifi ed marine technician)
• Replace fuel system components if any evidence of cracking, corrosion
or deterioration is found.
• Inspect fuel tanks annually. Pay particular attention to bottom surfaces
that may have contacted bilge water. Also, check to see if any part of the
tank is corroded or damaged from rubbing and abrasion. Permanently
installed fuel tanks must be vented to the atmosphere outside the boat.
Closed compartments that contain fuel tanks and engines or non-igni-
tion protected electrical components must be ventilated.
• Be sure the fi ll pipe is securely mounted, grounded and located where
spilled fuel is directed overboard. Dry and cracked or soft and mushy
fuel fi ll hoses should be replaced immediately.
• If your boat is equipped with bilge blowers, ensure they are working
properly.
Fuel System
Everyone who owns or operates a boat must practice fi re safety. Each
year, boat fi res and explosions injure hundreds of individuals and cause
millions of dollars in property damage. Many of these accidents can be
prevented.
Be alert for damage to your boat’s fuel system. Over time, fuel fi ttings
and fuel hoses wear out. Inspect these fi ttings and hoses regularly, es-
pecially near the engine where engine heat and vibration can accelerate
deterioration.
What to do
1. Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspec-
tions by experienced and trained technicians.
2. Inspect fuel systems annually, particularly hoses, connections and tank
surfaces. Use only USCG-approved fuel hoses.
3. Before fueling, shut down engines and auxiliary equipment and all
electrical equipment. Also close all hatches and doors on board.
4. Do not allow equipment or gear to contact fuel-system components.
Monitor side storage areas where fi ll and vent hoses are often locat-
ed.
5. Do not store portable fuel tanks in enclosed areas, including the en-
gine room compartment (even though it may be “ventilated”).
6. Ensure that all blowers and hoses are operational and intact. Verify
good airfl ow at the vent located on the boat.
7. Take a boating safety course and learn the correct type and use of a
fi re extinguisher aboard a boat.
Each Trip
• Before starting the engine “sniff” your bilges. Getting down on your hand
and knees and using your nose is the best fuel/vapor detector.
