Edgewater Networks 318CC, Owner Assistance Manual

Page: 22 / 213

21
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Getting Underway
After clearing the dock, make sure the power trim (if so equipped) is trimmed down. (This will
bring the boat up on plane more quickly and easily.) Give the engine sufficient throttle to bring it
to plane briskly, then back down to the cruising speed of your choice, based on the sea conditions
and your planned activity.
After coming on plane, raise the trim to a point where the engine is level with or slightly above the
plane of the water. This is usually with the bow at about 3
o
to 5
o
above level. This will provide the
smoothest, most economical operation.
Keep a constant vigil for other boats and watercraft and be prepared to give way, or slow down, if
necessary. (We suggest you enroll in a boating safety course offered by the U.S. Power
Squadron or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.)
When coming off plane, allow the engine to come back to an idle speed until the boat slows down.
Shift to the neutral position.
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While underway keep a constant vigil for other craft that may be approaching, the gauges on your
boat, location of passengers and the general sound and feel of your craft. Often, a change in the
way the engine sounds or the boat feels will presage a problem. Your early attention may prevent
a more serious problem.
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Sooner or later your will have the misfortune of having to be towed in or needing to tow someone
back to a safe landing. It is important that this be done properly so that a difficult situation does
not become worse. This comes under a longstanding, unwritten law of the sea that one boater will
aid another in time of distress. The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to those assisting
others at sea as ”Good Samaritans” and absolves them of civil liability rising from the aid being
provided.
When being towed, it is best to have a line passed from the tow boat to the one being towed,
assuming the towing boat has a line of adequate size and length. The towboat should also tow the
disabled vessel from as close to amidships as possible. This reduces the
tendency to yaw. If possible, the towing boat should use a bridle attached to the
two stern ski tow eyes. The vessel being towed should attach the towline to the
bow eye that holds the boat onto the trailer. This provides an optimal tow
position and a strong tow point. Have the occupants of the boat being towed sit
aft of amidships, but not all in the stern. Attention should be given so the boat
remains balanced and on an even keel. Some boats tow better with the engine
tilted out of the water, others need the engine to act as a rudder to be able to
maintain a straight line. Start with the engine tilted. If that does not work well
lower the engine until it is about perpendicular.