Regal 32 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 189 / 364

8
Chapter 6
KNOTS
Knots are useful in docking, towing and other emergency
situations. Learning to tie knots requires practice. As they
say “ Practice makes perfect”. Some of the knots used in
boating are the square, bowline, anchor bend, clove hitch,
fi gure eight and half hitch. There are several periodicals
available that explain various knots and how to tie them
effectively. An experienced skipper will know the basic
nautical knots and will use them when on the water. Take
the time to know the basic knots.
Figure 8 Knot
Tied To Cleat
A useful knot to learn for general docking is the fi gure
eight with one end reversed. By turning the free end of
the line back under, the knot can be released without
disturbing the boat. After some practice one person can
secure a vessel easily to a dock or pier in a variety of
weather conditions. This knot normally is used to tie the
bow and stern. Then the vessel can further be fastened
by tying the spring lines in the fi gure eight knot. Wrap it
around the cleat 2 or 3 times.
DOCKING-GENERAL
As a general note docking and slow speed maneuvering
can be one of those operations many skippers dread. The
IPS joysick with a little practice makes you look like a
pro while docking your vessel in wind, current, and tight
mooring situations.
Read your engine manual to become familiar with the
joystick and remote control components. It is a good idea
to practice your beginning docking techniques in an open
area. Remember practice mak
es perfect!
Helpful hints using the joystick;
1. For better control hold the joystick knob lightly almost
like you would a delicate object. Push the joystick to the
port or starboard, forward or aft and the rig instaneously
follows the fi ne fi nger movements on the joystick knob.
Twist the knob and the boat spins on its own axis.
2. There are 2 buttons on the joystick. Use the gentler
left one for most docking (Max. RPM’s 1200). The right
boost button is most useful in high wind/current situations
(Max. RPM’s 2000). This mode shows a marked increase
in joysitick power.
3. Remember that both engines need to be in neutral before
activating the joystick buttons or it will not work.
4.To disengage the joystick press the left joystick button
again or engage one of the engine controls into gear.
5.The joystick brain responds to the turns not the position
of the wheel. So whatever position you have the wheel
facing when you disengage the stern drive joystick that is
your new straight ahead position. Most seasoned skippers
would position the wheel straight before disengaging the
system.
6. You do not have to worry about disengaging the joystick
and shifting the control into the drive mode at too high
an rpm as the EVC system prevents any shifting above
750 rpm’s.