Glacier bay 2013 Isle Runner 2780, Owner'S Manual, Page: 20 / 99

2013 Glacier Bay 2780 Owners Manual
Chapter 5: P
ERFORMANCE
5.1 O
VERVIEW
This chapter will provide information on the performance characteristics of your catamaran. This is not a
substitute for seamanship training or hands-on experience. First time boat owners should use the resources
detailed in Chapter 1 to learn proper methods of boat operation. Experienced boaters who have never owned
a catamaran, should study this chapter completely. Do not assume that previous boating experience will
apply to all situations, as there are several subtle differences in the handling characteristics of twin hulled
boats. For existing catamaran owners, this chapter should be a reference.
5.2 M
OTOR
T
RIM
All Models should have weight centered amidships when running at speed. Trimming engines so the boat is
running level is normally best for a soft ride. We’ve also had very good luck with Doelcher “Doel Fins”.
Typically, you will see about 4% fuel economy increase, combined with a very noticable decrease in side to
side roll underway and at rest. The Doel Fins also increase your ability to trim bow up or down. Doel Fins
work best with engines over 360lbs for example Honda 130’s or Yamaha 150 HPDI’s. On smaller lighter
engines you may find the Doel Fins add too much lift. You may find that one Doel Fin installed on the
outside edge of each engine works well with the lighter engine application. If you feel the ride is not feeling
great, we recommend trim up, or down, or increase the speed, 80% of the time makes a solid improvement.
If the ride still hasn’t improved you may need to slow down. Trim adjustments also can dramatically
improve your speed and fuel economy. Find that spot where the speed and RPM climb to their max without
a throttle change. Too much weight forward may cause spray to come aboard or in severe conditions, the
boat could plow through the waves. When running alone or lightly loaded at high speeds, do not trim the
engines too far out from the transom or dangerous bow lifting could result. NEVER TAKE ANY BOAT TO
THE POINT WHERE YOU DO NOT FEEL IN CONTROL!
5.3 E
NGINE
C
ONTROLS
All factory rigged boats will come equipped with a binnacle control specific to your type of engine. Located
at the helm, the binnacle controls the throttle, shift, and trim mechanisms for your engine. For diagrams and
general information about this system, review pages 80 thru 83 of the
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s
Manual. Also read the owner’s manual provided by your engine manufacturer to determine how to operate
the features on your binnacle. If any components of this system need to be replaced, be certain to use the
same style and length as the original equipment.
5.4 S
TEERING
C
ONTROLS
Catamarans offer unsurpassed steering control. The wide spacing of the engines, advanced steering
components, and handling characteristics of the Glacier Bay hull give operators exceptional maneuverability
in even the tightest spaces.
Because of the superior tracking abilities of the Glacier Bay hull, oversteering can present a problem,
especially for owners accustomed to operating conventional boats. Conventional vessels have a tendency to
lose tracking abilities in rough and following sea conditions, making constant course corrections necessary.
However, catamarans do not exhibit those traits and require operators to take a “hands off” approach. To do
so, relax your grip and fight the urge to make constant corrections.
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