Grady-White Boats Freedom 285, Owner'S Manual

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G
E N E R A L
I
N F O R M A T I O N
3–3
(7.9m) and over must display the placard below or a similar version at least 4” x 9” (10.2cm x
22.9cm) which details the regulations. If your boat is 26 feet or greater in length, an adhesive
backed label that meets these requirements is provided in your owner’s packet. It is your
responsibility to display this placard on the vessel in a prominent location readily accessible to
crew and passengers.
T
RAILERING
The adjustment and balance of your boat on the trailer determines how easily your boat may
be transported. The tongue weight on the hitch ball should be 5-10% of the total weight of your
boat, motor and trailer. Tail-heavy loads cause swaying while trailering. The rollers and/or
bunkers of your trailer should be adjusted so that the weight is distributed evenly across the stern
and forward throughout the keel sections. Your dealer can help adjust your trailer properly.
Practice maneuvering the trailer; the trailer always backs in the opposite direction of the
vehicle. To maneuver the trailer, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go.
Familiarize yourself with this manual and all aspects of your boat prior to initial launch. At the
launch site, go through a pre-launch checklist. The list should be suited to your specific needs.
Trailering and relative information can be found on page 105 in Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts
Owner’s Manual.
P
REDEPARTURE
See the checklist on page 44 in Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual before starting
out.
C
ASTING
O
FF
A
ND
A
PPROACHING
T
HE
D
OCK
Unlike an automobile, the stern of your boat reacts first when turning. A turn to the right will
swing the stern to the left and vice-versa. Remember that turning your boat away from an object,
such as a dock, will tend to swing the stern toward that object. Reference procedures for casting
off and approaching the dock starting on page 51 of
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual.