G
E N E R A L
I
N F O R M A T I O N
3–4
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.
Trailering and relative information can be found on page 94 in
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts
Owner’s Manua
l.
P
REDEPARTURE
See the checklist on page 35 in
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual
before starting
out.
C
ASTING
O
FF
& 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 on page 42 of
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual.
T
OWING
In the event of a mishap or power loss you may need to tow a boat or be towed. You should
not tow a boat larger than your own. Always use safety and good judgement when towing. Never
tow a boat if you are not equipped with the proper lines. Passengers should never grasp a towline.
It should be secured to the boat. See page 30 in
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual.
A
NCHORING
Some factors that determine the size and type of anchor most suitable for your boat include
the size of your boat and the type of lake, sea or river bottom in your boating area.
Sportfish,
Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual
has a list of tips concerning anchoring starting on page 46.
W A R N I N G
As a precaution, passengers on both boats should stay clear of the towline; lines under stress could
snap and fly in either direction causing injury.
W A R N I N G
Never anchor off the stern of the boat especially in strong winds or currents. The weight of the
stern and flat surface to the seas can easily cause water to enter over the transom and swamp the
boat.
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