Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR, Owner'S Manual

Page: 58 / 212

Operating Your Boat
Cruiser
7-5
GETTING UNDER WAY
The following basic boat maneuvering and
operation principles do not cover all conditions or
situations you may encounter during operation. It
is important for you and anyone else operating
the boat to have certified instruction from local
boating authorities.
Always advise all passengers on-board of your
steering, stopping and accelerating intentions to
avoid personal injury or even death.
Make sure all passengers are properly seated
and not riding on the bow, bow pulpit, deck,
gunwale or rear sun deck while under way. Use
caution when riding in the bow. Move to the aft
passenger seats during rough water operation.
The following information is intended as a basic
guideline only and may not apply to your specific
engine or controls. See the
Engine Operator’s
Manual or control manufacturer’s information for
instructions on starting and operating the engine,
adjustments and maintenance.
• Secure your boat to the dock before starting the
engine.
• Check that the throttle is in the NEUTRAL
position.
• Turn the battery selector switch to the
appropriate ON position.
• Operate the bilge blower (if equipped) long
enough to fully evacuate the engine and bilge
compartments of explosive fumes.
• Attach the engine emergency stop switch
lanyard to the boat operator.
• Check that all passengers are seated properly.
• Position the lower drive power trim to the full
DOWN position.
• Start the engine.
Steering
Steering a boat is very different from steering an
automobile. Steering and maneuvering a boat is
far more difficult and requires time and practice to
master.
When steering a boat, it is important to
understand the causes and effects of turning.
Since both thrust and steering are at the stern of
the boat, the stern will push away from the
direction the steering wheel (helm) or tiller arm is
turned. The boat seems to skid across the water
while turning, which feels very different from an
automobile making a turn.
Steering in reverse has its own challenges.
Practice forward and reverse steering to gain
comfort and to feel in control of your boat in any
steering situation.
Be prepared for wind and current while steering
your boat. Steering in wind or water currents is
difficult and requires skill to be able to anticipate
and compensate for these effects.
Figure 7-4
Figure 7-5
KC-0029-B
BACKING TO LEFT
Turn wheel to left—
Stern will pull to left.
RIGHT TURN
Turn wheel to right—
Stern will move to left
.
LEFT TURN
Turn wheel to left—
Stern will move to right.