Ranger Fisherman Series, Owner'S Manual

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Getting To Know and Handle Your Ranger ® Boat
Your speed will increase and the bow will lift. The boat will begin to run
with the back rear portion of the hull in contact with the water and steering
will become easier. Over-trimming will result in excessively high RPM
(note your tachometer) and the steering can develop “torque” or a “pull”
toward the right. Trim back down slightly for best operation. A different
trim setting (see your trim indicator) will be required for different throttle
settings. You will soon develop an instinctive feel for these settings. Your
ear will become attuned to the sound of the proper engine RPM. Again,
over trimming is to be avoided as excessive RPM can cause engine
damage and can also cause your prop to “blow out” (lose its grip on the
water because it is too near the surface). If the bow of your boat should
begin to bob up and down (called porpoising) you will probably have over
trimmed. Bump the trim button down a little until the motion stops.
If your boat should continue to “porpoise”, a slight increase in throttle
and speed will generally correct the condition. Proper distribution of the
load in your boat will make a great difference in its operation. Moving
tackle boxes or ice chests rearward or toward the front can greatly effect
boat performance and handling.
When beginning a turn with the engine trimmed in the higher positions,
the trim switch should be pressed to LOWER the engine further into the
water just prior to and during the turning of the steering wheel. Practice
and experience will determine just how far down you will need to trim for
safely handling a turn at various speeds and water conditions. Just
remember to MAKE SAFETY YOUR GUIDE when attempting any new
or unfamiliar maneuver. Proceed ONLY AT SPEEDS AT WHICH YOU
FEEL SAFE AND IN CONTROL!
Naturally, it is impossible to describe here all the different situations
that you may encounter. Just remember that COMMON SENSE is your
best safety precaution. Your new boat is built to safely carry you in
NORMAL OPERATION, but it is up to you to stay alert and to avoid
dangerous situations. Safe boating is in the hands of the operator.
Even the pleasant experience of the “first ride in your new boat” must
sometime come to an end. Hopefully you have purchased a “drive on”
trailer with your boat. The key to simple and effortless loading of your boat
is having the trailer in the proper position. This “right” position is
determined by the steepness of the ramp. Here, you will have to
experiment with the proper depth to have your trailer in. The most
4
Improper use of power trim may lead to
excessive bow steer or steering torque
(pull) and could lead to accidental injury or death.
WARNING