PURSUIT S 408 SPORT 2017, Owner'S Manual

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Operation Section 10
10-7
sengers.
• Be alert for waves and boat wakes; the
motion of the boat is exaggerated in the
tower.
• Exercise good common sense and
judgment when operating a boat from
the tower.
• If the engine alarm sounds, put the boat
in NEUTRAL and shut “OFF” the engine
immediately until the problem is found.
• Always put the boat in NEUTRAL before
moving to and from the tower helm and
cockpit.
Use common sense, judgment and exercise
caution when operating the boat with some-
one in the tower. DO NOT allow anyone in
the tower when the water is rough or when
operating in unfamiliar waters where running
aground is a possibility. Remember, weight in
the tower affects center of gravity and motion
of the boat is greatly exaggerated for people
in the tower.
10.8 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 mem-
ber at the bow and stern to assist with the
lines and docking. While maneuvering close
to the dock, compensate for wind and cur-
rent, 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 scenarios. You
must be able to understand docking tech-
niques 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 les-
sons 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 factors. Usually a combina-
tion 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 steering
wheel to maneuver the boat into alignment
with the slip. Reverse the engines and slowly
back into the slip. Shift from reverse to neu-
tral 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 run-
ning until the lines are secured.