GEKKO GTS 20 2015, Owner'S Manual

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The phrase “on plane” is commonly used when referring to the running angle of a
boat in forward motion. When a boat is “on plane” its hull is running level or almost
level with the water’s surface. The level “plane” of the water’s surface is the most
efficient angle to run in. This means that the boat is running on top of the water and
not plowing through it.
The following guidelines provide a basic understanding of operation while under way:
• Always check your surroundings before proceeding. Be aware and stay
clear of people and obstacles in the water.
• Advise all passengers of your intention to get under way.
• Stow and secure all loose items.
• As you move the throttle forward in a controlled and constant motion the
boat will begin to move and the bow will rise. As acceleration increases, the
boat should begin to plane or level out within a few seconds. If the boat
does not plane, reduce your speed back to idle and check your load to make
sure it is properly balanced.
• Once the boat has planed, do not remove your hands from the steering
wheel while under way.
• Be aware of the wake you create and anticipate the affect it will have on
other boaters around you. You are responsible for you boat’s wake and any
damage or injury it causes.
• Obey no-wake zones and speed controlled areas.
• Stay clear of or at a safe distance from other boats.
• Keep an eye on gauges and signs of abnormal conditions.
Basic Maneuvering
Steering and maneuvering a boat can be very difficult and requires time and practice
to master.
Because both thrust and steering are at the stern of the boat, the stern will push
away from the direction the steering wheel is turned. Steering in reverse is a chal-
lenge in itself. You should always practice forward and reverse steering to gain com-
fort and to feel in control of your boat in any steering situation before going out boat-
ing. All boats pull to the starboard side when in reverse. Turning the rudder hard to
the port side will not always cause the boat to turn to port. Forward thrust may be
required with the rudder turned hard starboard to get the stern moving to port and
then shift into reverse to turn to port.
You should be prepared for wind and current when steering your boat. Steering in
wind or water currents is often times difficult and requires skill to be able to anticipate
and compensate for these effects.
Rotational thrust of the propeller is an aspect most propeller-driven boats share and
needs to be compensated for at slow speeds. A rotational thrust occurs when torque
is transmitted to the helm and may cause the boat to drift either port or starboard
when moving forward at a slow speed, constant steering corrections may be neces-
sary to maintain a straight course.
Rudders are designed to help reduce steering effort by pulling starboard at all
speeds.
Stopping
To stop the boat slowly bring the throttle to the neutral position. Be sure that you are
located in a safe location to be stopping the boat as the boat does not have brakes
and may have a continued momentum. You must also consider and learn to compen-
sate for the effects of the wind and current. Stopping in wind or water currents is diffi-
cult and requires skill to be able to anticipate and compensate for these effects. To
avoid collisions, note that at high speeds your boat will require more time and dis-
tance to stop or slow down. Once you have stopped the boat safely, turn the key to
the OFF position and remove the key from the key slot. Removing the key will en-
sure that you have turned off the electrical system, and prevent others from starting
or running your boat. If any problems were encountered while operating the boat,
have the boat inspected by an authorized Gekko dealer. Have all necessary repairs
taken care of before resuming the operation of your boat.
Docking and Tie-Up
When departing the dock be sure to have enough space to maneuver your boat,
other boats and obstacles may hinder your ability to maneuver safely. Be aware of
other boat traffic, wind and water conditions before leaving the dock. Make sure your
engine starts and that you have boat movement under control before casting off any
mooring lines. Always proceed slowly when departing from a dock.