Dougherty Everglades 273CC, Owner'S Manual

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Operation
2.4 Operating Your Boat
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FIRE OR EXPLOSION, DO NOT
START THE ENGINES WHEN FUEL FUMES ARE PRESENT.
FUEL FUMES ARE DANGEROUS AND HARMFUL TO YOUR
HEALTH.
After Starting the Engines
• Visibly check the engines to be sure there are
no apparent water, fuel or oil leaks.
• Check the operation of the engine cooling
systems.
• Check the engine gauges. Make sure they are
reading normally.
• Check the controls and steering for smooth
and proper operation.
• Make sure all lines, cables, anchors, etc. for
securing a boat are on board and in good
condition. All lines should be coiled, secured
and off the decks when underway.
• Have a safe cruise and enjoy yourself.
Remember:
When you operate a boat, you accept the respon-
sibility for the boat, for the safety of passengers
and for others out enjoying the water.
• Avoid sea conditions that are beyond the skill
and experience of you and your crew.
• Alcohol and any drugs can severely reduce
your reaction time and affect your better judg -
ment.
• Alcohol severely reduces the ability to react to
several different signals at once.
• Alcohol makes it difficult to correctly judge
speed and distance, or track moving objects.
• Alcohol reduces night vision, and the ability to
distinguish red from green.
WARNING
YOU SHOULD NEVER OPERATE YOUR BOAT WHILE UNDER
THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS.
WARNING
M A K E S U R E O N E O T H E R P E R S O N O N T H E B O AT I S
INSTRUCTED IN THE OPERATION OF THE BOAT AND
ALWAYS OPERATE THE BOAT IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL
STATE AND LOCAL LAWS GOVERNING THE USE OF A BOAT.
DO NOT OPERATE THE BOAT UNLESS IT IS COMPLETELY
A S S E M B L E D . K E E P A L L FA S T E N E R S T I G H T. K E E P
ADJUSTMENTS ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Before operating the boat for the first time, read
the engine break-in procedures. The break-in pro-
cedures are found in the owner’s manual for the
engines. The manual is in the literature packet.
Correct break-in operation is critical to ensure
proper performance and longer engine life.
CAUTION
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE BREAK-IN PROCEDURE MAY
RESULT IN REDUCED ENGINE LIFE OR EVEN SEVERE
ENGINE DAMAGE. MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE BREAK-
IN PROCEDURE EXACTLY.
As different types of engines are used to power
the boat, have the dealer describe the operating
procedures for your boat. For more instructions
on “How to Operate the Boat,” make sure you
read the instructions given to you in the owner’s
manual for the engine you have selected.
Notice:
For more instructions on safety, equipment
and boat handling, enroll in one of the several
free boating courses offered. For information
on the courses offered in your area, call the
“Boating Safety Hotline,” 800-368-5647, or
the “Boat U.S. Foundation Course Hotline,”
1-800-336-2628, for further information on
boating safety courses.
Notice:
If the drive unit hits an underwater object,
stop the engines. Inspect the drive unit for
damage. If the unit is damaged, contact your
dealer for a complete inspection and repair
of the unit.
To stop the boat, follow this procedure:
• Bring the throttles back to the idle speed posi-
tion.
• Move the shifting levers to the neutral position.
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