PERSUIT DC 235 DUAL CONSOLE, Owner'S Manual

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10-6
Section 10 Operation
DC235
10.6 Fishing
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting
for the operator of the boat when the action
gets intense. Be conscious that your primary
responsibility is operating the boat safely to
protect yourself, your passengers and other
boats around you. Make sure the helm is
properly manned and is never left unat-
tended while trolling.
If you are fishing in an area that is crowded
with other fishing boats, it may be difficult to
follow the rules of the road. This situation
can become especially difficult when most
boats are trolling. Be courteous and exercise
good common sense. Avoid trying to assert
your right of way and stay clear to prevent-
ing tangled or cut lines and other unpleasant
encounters. Also, keep in mind that fishing
line wrapped around a propeller shaft can
cause damage to the lower unit seal.
10.7 Docking, Anchoring and
Mooring
Docking and Docklines
Maneuvering a boat near a dock and secur-
ing it requires skill and techniques that are
unique to water and wind conditions, and the
dock layout. If possible, position a crew
member at the bow and stern to assist with
the lines and docking. While maneuvering
close to the dock, compensate for wind and
current, and anticipate how you can use
them to help docking. Practice in open water
using an imaginary dock to develop a sense
for how the boat handles in different scenar-
ios. You must be able to understand docking
techniques before problems occur.
Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in
high winds or strong currents requires skill. If
you are new to handling a boat, take lessons
from an experienced pilot and learn to
maneuver in tight quarters in less than ideal
conditions. Also, practice away from the
dock during windy conditions.
Dock lines are generally twisted or braided
nylon. Nylon is strong and stretches to
absorb shock. Nylon also has a long life and
is soft and easy on the hands. The size of
the line, will vary with the size of the boat.
Typically a 30 to 40 foot boat will use 5/8-
inch line and a 20 to 30 foot boat will use 1/
2-inch line. The number of lines and their
configuration will vary depending on the
dock, the range of the tide, and other fac-
tors. Usually a combination of bow, stern
and spring lines is used to secure the boat.
Maneuvering to the Dock
Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40
degree angle. When possible, approach
against the wind or current. Turn the engines
straight and shift to neutral when you feel
you have enough momentum to reach the
dock. Use reverse to slow the boat and pull
the stern toward the dock as the boat
approaches. If you approached properly, the
boat will lightly touch the pilings at the same
time forward momentum is stopped. Have
the dock lines ready and secure the boat as
soon at it stops. Use fenders to protect the
boat while it is docked. Keep the engines
running until the lines are secured.
Backing into a Slip
Approach the slip with the stern against the
wind or current and the engines straight
ahead. Use the engines and turn the steer-
ing wheel to maneuver the boat into align-
ment with the slip. Reverse the engines and
slowly back into the slip. Shift from reverse
to neutral frequently at idle to prevent the
boat from gaining too much speed. Move the
stern right and left by shifting the engines in
and out of gear or turning the wheel. When
nearly in the slip all the way, straighten the
engines and shift to forward to stop. Keep
the engines running until the lines are
secured.
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage, close all sea-
cocks before leaving the boat.