Dougherty Everglades 273CC, Owner'S Manual

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29
Operation
Leaving a Mooring
Start the engines and let them warm up for sev-
eral minutes before releasing the mooring line.
The boat will already be headed into the wind,
so move it forward enough to loosen the line and
untie it. Back the boat away from the mooring
until you can see the buoy. Move the boat slowly
away from the mooring.
Anchoring
Make sure the
bitter end of the
anchor line is at-
tached to the boat
before dropping
the anchor. Bring
the bow into the wind or current and put the
engines in neutral. When the vessel comes to
a stop, lower the anchor over the bow. Pay out
anchor line so that it is at least 5 to 7 times the
depth of the water and secure the line to a cleat.
Use caution to avoid getting your feet or hands
tangled in the line. Additional scope of 10 times
the depth may be required for storm conditions.
Check landmarks on shore or your GPS position
to make sure the anchor is not dragging. If it
is dragging, you will have to start all over. It is
prudent to use two anchors if you are anchoring
overnight or in rough weather.
Releasing the Anchor
Release the anchor by driving the boat slowly to
the point where the anchor line becomes verti-
cal. It should release when you pass that point.
If the anchor doesn’t release right away, stop the
boat directly above the anchor and tie the line to
the cleat as tight as possible. The up and down
movement of the boat will usually loosen the an-
chor within a minute. Make sure you secure the
anchor and properly stow the line before operat-
ing the boat.
WARNING
NEVER ANCHOR THE BOAT BY THE STERN. THE STERN
OF THE BOAT IS VULNERABLE TO SWAMPING FROM WAVE
ACTION AND WIND AND CURRENT WILL PUT MORE STRESS
ON THE ANCHOR WHEN IT IS ATTACHED TO THE STERN.
ONLY ANCHOR THE BOAT BY THE BOW
2.6 Controls, Steering, or
Propulsion System Failure
If the propulsion, control or steering system fails
while you are operating the boat, bring the throt-
tles to idle and shift to neutral. Decide whether
you need to put out the anchor to prevent the boat
from drifting or to hold the bow into the seas. In-
vestigate and correct the problem if you can. Turn
the engine off before opening the engine cowling
to make repairs. If you are unable to correct the
problem, call for help.
If your boat is equipped with twin engines and only
one engine has failed, you can usually run home
on the other engine. Be careful not to apply too
much power to the engine that is running. When
only one engine is used to power a twin engine
boat, that engine is over propped and can be over-
loaded if too much throttle is applied. You should
contact your dealer or the engine manufacturer
for the maximum power settings when running
without one engine.
2.7 Collision
If your boat is involved in a collision with another
boat, dock, piling or a sandbar, your first priority is
to check your passengers for injuries and admin-
ister first aid if necessary. Once your passenger’s
situations are stabilized, thoroughly inspect the
boat for damage. Check below decks for leaks and
the control systems for proper operation. Plug all
leaks or make the necessary repairs to the control
systems before proceeding slowly and carefully to
port. Request assistance if necessary. Haul the
boat and make a thorough inspection of the hull
and running gear for damage.
2.8 Grounding, Towing &
Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel
to render assistance to any individual or vessel in
distress, as long as his vessel is not endangered
in the process.
If the boat should become disabled, or if another
craft that is disabled requires assistance, great
care must be taken. The stress applied to a boat
during towing may become excessive. Excessive
stress can damage the structure of the boat and
create a safety hazard for those aboard.
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