2013 Chaparral H2O Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
4-2
CAUTION
: Compass reading may be erroneous if compensator
is not properly adjusted. Always make a deviation table and use it
when navigating with compass.
STEERING
Other than the common sense and good judgment of the operator, the
steering system is the most important safety system on your boat. Fac-
tors requiring operator attention for safe steering include engine torque,
trim tabs settings, waves and speed.
tery. If the voltmeter display fl uctuates, the alternator may not be charging
properly.
The
water temperature gauge
indicates the temperature of the cooling
water circulating inside your engine. A thermostat keeps the temperature
of the water at a preset temperature. If the temperature raises or con-
tinues to rise above normal, shut down your engine and determine the
cause of the high temperature.
The
trim gauge
indicates the angle of the engine outdrive. This gauge
will assist in the planning and overall performance of your boat.
Depth Finder
The optional depth fi nder measures the depth of the water form the bot-
tom of your boat. See the manufacturer’s instruction manual for details
about proper operation and maintenance.
Compass
The compass (optional on some models) indicates the direction or head-
ing in which your boat is traveling. Have the compass calibrated by an
experienced technician. See the manufacturer’s instruction manual for
details about proper operation and maintenance.
Power steering provides positive steering control while providing the op-
erator with the steering sensitivity and “feel” needed for good steering
control. An enclosed cable system connects the steering wheel to the
stern drive. Check cables regularly and tighten them as needed.
Note: Your boat has a mechanical steering system. Refer to the
steering manufacturer’s owner’s manual found in your Owner’s
Packet, for detailed information regarding use, care and mainte-
nance of the steering system.
Note: Refer to the engine manufacturer’s information found in your
Owner’s Packet for use, care and maintenance instructions for pow-
er steering units installed on their motors.
THROTTLE
The throttle controls the boat’s speed and the direction the boat travels. If
the throttle is in its center neutral position, the boat will not move forward
or aft with the engine running. Moving the throttle forward from center
moves the boat forward. Moving the throttle aft moves the boat back-
ward. The speed at which the boat moves is directly related to how far the
operator pushes the throttle.
Note: The throttle must be in its center neutral position before the
engine will start. See your engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual
for specifi c starting instructions.
POWER TRIM
The power trim system allows the operator to raise and lower the stern
drive to adjust the drive angle while underway. It also allows the opera-
tor to raise and lower the drive for trailering, beaching, and operation in
shallow water. Control your trim setting with the trim switch on the control
handle. Section 5 discusses the importance of proper trim while operat-
ing your boat.
Note: DRIVE MUST BE IN UNTRIMMED POSITION TO START EN-
GINE.
Refer to your engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for informa-
tion concerning maintenance and operation.
