12. BOAT OPERATING INSTRUCTION
CAUTION
1.
A BAD DISTRIBUTION OF THE LOAD CAN
DESTABILIZE THE BOAT AND MAY RESULT IN A
LOSS OF CONTROL.
2.
THE BOAT REACTS MORE ROUGH WHEN LIGHTLY
LOADED.
3.
BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL WHEN YOU
ACCELERATE OR CHANGE DIRECTION.
4.
ADJUST LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND TRIM WHEN
NAVIGATION CONDITIONS OR WAVES DIRECTION
CHANGE.
WARNING
GET REQUIRED INFORMATION AND INFORM OTHER
PASSENGERS:
1.
GET INFORMED on local regulations and hazards
related to water activities and boat operation.
2.
CHECK weather forecast, local currents, tides and
wind conditions.
3.
ADVISE someone on land of time you plan to be back.
4.
EXPLAIN basic boat operation to all passengers.
5.
BE SURE that one of your passengers can operate the
boat in case of emergency.
6.
LEARN how to determine the distance you can cover
with a full fuel tank. Always be sure you have enough
fuel to reach a shelter.
CHECK THE GOOD WORKING OF THE BOAT AND
EQUIPMENT:
1. CHECK
inflation
pressure.
2.
INSPECT the valve caps. Remove the bailer plug.
3.
CHECK the tightening of the motor clamps. For not
bolted, secure the engine with a safety lanyard.
4.
TOP OFF fuel and oil level.
5.
CHECK the secure and correct installation of fuel tank.
6.
BE SURE motor is not in gear before starting.
7.
CHECK the load is evenly distributed.
8.
CHECK that required safety equipment Is on board:
a. One personal flotation device per person.
b. The foot-pump, paddles or oars, repair kit.
c. The boat papers and your boating license.
d. Lights are required if operating in dark.
a) Distribution of the load
Evenly distribute the load. (For example, fixing the fuel tank on the front can
help to offset the weight of the outboard).
b) Check-list before departure:
a) Motor height
For different makes of motors, even inside the same type of
shaft, the length of the shaft can vary. It is necessary to add
a shim to ensure correct height.
Correct motor height
: it may vary from 0 to 30mm
clearance between keel line and anti-cavitation plate of the
motor. Check the motor manual for exact instructions.
Motor adjusted too high
: propeller aeration may
occur with loss of forward thrust (capitation).
Motor adjusted too low
: loss of speed and more
difficult steering may occur (splashes).
b) Motor trim:
The motor must be positioned so that the axis of the propeller is parallel with the
water surface. For better performance it can be adjusted either manually or with
power trim, if the motor is equipped with it.
Optimum position: axis of the
propeller is parallel with the water
surface.
Motor tilted outwards too far
from the transom: the boats
will porpoise.
Motor tilted inwards too near
the transom: the boat will
bow down.
WARNING
1. FOR NOT BOLTED MOTORS TO THE TRANSOM:
ALWAYS CHECK IF THE CLAMPS ARE PROPERLY
TIGHTENED BEFORE DEPARTURE AND ON THE WAY.
2. FOR OUTBOARDS WITH REMOTE STEERING UNIT:
CHECK IF ALL THE CONNECTIONS AND NUTS ARE IN
GOOD ORDER AND TIGHTENED.
6.5. MOTOR ADJUSTMENTS
The motor requires an adjustment of its position in trim and height for better
performance in different navigation conditions and load distribution in the boat.
WARNING
1. MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS OF THE MOTOR ONLY
WHEN THE MOTOR IS SHUT OFF.
2. FOR ANY INFORMATION ABOUT MOTOR ITSELF
REFER TO THE MOTOR’S MANUAL
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