255 Owner’s Manual
3-5
Operating Information
GETTING UNDERWAY
There are many things to consider when planning a
safe and enjoyable boating trip.
You are responsible for the safety of all passengers,
the boat and any damage the boat or its wake may
cause. Keep passengers from blocking your view
so that you do not run into other boats, swimmers,
water skiers, personal water vehicles or aids to
navigation.
Before Starting Checklist
The following checks are essential to safe boating
and must be performed before starting the engine.
Get into the habit of performing these checks in the
same order each time so that it becomes routine.
Pre-Operation:
• Refer to
Section 5,
Before Every Use
.
• Refer to
Launching Checklist
, in this section.
• Test operation of carbon monoxide detectors.
• Open all seacocks and check for leaks.
• Check seawater strainers for leaks and
accumulation of debris.
• Open windows, doors and hatches.
• Check that no fuel, oil or water is leaking or has
leaked into the bilge compartment.
• Check all hoses and connections for leaks and
damage.
• Verify the shift levers are in the NEUTRAL
position.
• Check that the steering system operates
properly.
• Operate bilge blowers for at least four minutes
before starting engines or generators.
• Do not overload your boat.
During Operation:
• Check gauges frequently for signs of abnormal
operation.
• Check that steering, shift and throttle controls
continue to operate smoothly.
• Check for excessive vibration.
• Monitor your fuel supply.
• Verify batteries are charged.
After Boating:
• To prevent marine growth from accumulating
on the hydraulic cylinder shafts, make sure trim
tabs are up and propulsion unit drives are in the
full IN position.
• Remove the ignition keys.
• Stow and secure all equipment.
• Pump bilges dry with manual switch.
• Close all water inlet seacocks.
• If possible, inspect the hull and propellers for
damage.
• Check for fuel, oil and water leaks.
• Clean any spills, stains or moisture from the
boat. Inspect sea strainers.
• Turn battery select switches off.
• Turn off DC breaker on electrical panel and if
not using shore power, turn off AC breaker.
• Remove any food, garbage and wet gear from
the boat.
• Secure lockers, hatches and canvas as
equipped.
A
DANGER
Avoid injury or death. Do not operate the
boat if any problem is found during this
inspection. A problem could lead to an
accident when using an unsafe boat.
Immediately have any problem attended
to by your authorized Cobalt dealer.
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