PURSUIT OS 375 Owner'S Manual Download

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OS 375

enough to develop a sense for the way your boat handles in a variety of docking scenarios. You must be able
to foresee the possibilities and have solutions in mind before problems occur.

Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in high winds or strong currents requires a considerable amount
of skill. If you are new to boat handling, you should take lessons from an experienced pilot to learn how to
maneuver your boat in tight quarters in less than ideal conditions. You should 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. It also has
a long life and is soft and easy on the hands. The line's size 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 many other factors.
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. Whenever 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
executed your approach properly, the boat will lightly touch the pilings at the same time the 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 steering wheel to maneuver the boat into alignment with the slip. Reverse the engines and slowly
back into the slip. Shift from reverse to neutral frequently 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.

SECURING DOCK LINES

Securing a boat along side the dock typically requires a bow and stern line and two spring lines. The bow
and stern lines are usually secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the stern cleat and forward of the bow cleat.
The after bow spring line is secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the after bow spring cleat. The forward
quarter spring is secured to the dock at a 40° angle forward of the stern cleat. The spring lines keep the boat
square to the dock and reduce fore and aft movement while allowing the boat to move up and down with the
tide.

Securing a boat in a slip is somewhat different. It typically requires two bow lines secured to pilings on each
side of the bow, two stern lines secured to the dock and two spring lines that prevent the boat from hitting the
dock. The bow lines are typically secured with enough slack to allow the boat to ride the tide. The stern lines
are crossed. One line runs from the port aft boat cleat to the starboard dock cleat and the other line runs from
the starboard aft boat cleat to the port cleat on the dock. The stern lines center the boat, control the forward
motion, and allow the boat to ride the tide. Two forward quarter spring lines typically are secured to the stern
cleats and to mid ship pilings or cleats. The spring lines keep the boat from backing into the dock while
allowing it to ride the tide.

LEAVING THE DOCK

Always start the engines and let them warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before releasing the lines. Boats steer from
the stern and it is important that you achieve enough clearance at the stern to maneuver the boat as quickly