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Operating
When the dinghy is stored, the motor should be tilted up and may be resting on a
locking pin (red grip). This pin must be pulled back for the motor to be tilted down.
To remove, tilt the motor up off of the pin (tilt control for the motor is on the end of
the throttle), pull the pin back, and then lower the motor.
The dinghy should be
stored with the air tubes slightly deflated to prevent damage due to
overexpansion on a hot day.
Therefore, you will probably need to add some air to
the tubes once in the water. There is a hand pump under the bridge seating.
There is a choke lever near where the key is inserted, but
this is typically not
needed
. Improper use of the choke will more than likely flood the engine. The motor
usually starts right up even after periods without use. The dinghy uses unleaded
gasoline and stored in it’s internal tank. It is important not to fill beyond 3/4 full as
the gas can expand on a hot day and vent causing a fuel spill (particularly after
being taken out of the cold water). You must use the switch on the center console to
read the fuel level.
Remember to turn this switch off as it can drain the
battery if left on for extended periods without the engine running.
Be very careful when going ashore not to dig the prop or damage the bottom. You
will typically have to kill the engine, tilt the motor up, and then coast in the last few
feet. Remember to tilt the motor back down before starting. There is a mushroom
anchor located in the center console compartment to keep the dinghy from drifting
off as the tide comes in or to allow you to keep the dinghy off shore so it doesn’t get
stuck when the tide goes out.
Important: this is an inflatable boat, do not drag it
along the shore, rocks or sharp objects.
Lifting
Lifting the dinghy back on to the boat is basically the reverse procedure from
lowering it with a few twists/techniques.
Make sure the motor is tilted up or it
will strike the boat!
Start by having the dinghy facing aft (believe me it works).
Raise the dingy all the way up and then swing the bow towards the boat. It is easier
to control the boat not the davit arm. The dinghy will swing around as you pull it in.
You may need to push down on the bow of the dinghy slightly during the final
alignment to help bring the stern up. Using a line on the aft, starboard cleat will help
give leverage to swing the dinghy over. Once you have it in the proper location,
lower it down on to the chocks and secure with the strap. Let a little air out of each
tube to prevent damage due to overexpansion from the heat. The tubes can rupture
if this happens.
