p. 8
Owners Manual
BASIC MANOEUVRING
Remember all boats steer by the stern (the feeling
is much like steering your car in reverse). For
example, when turning the steering wheel to the
left, the stern of the boat will swing to the right
as the boat goes into a left turn. This is particularly
important to remember when docking, or in close
quarters with other boats.
There are no brakes on a boat. Stopping is
accomplished by allowing the boat to slow down
(under 10 km/p/h) and putting the engine in
reverse. Gently increasing reverse power allows
you to stop the boat in a very short distance. A
boat does not respond to steering in reverse nearly
as well as it does when going forward, so do not
expect to accomplish tight turning manoeuvres
when backing up.
Once you are away from the dock, devote some
time to learning how to manoeuvre:
• Practice docking by using an imaginary dock.
• Practice stopping and reversing.
• When operating in close quarters or docking,
all manoeuvring should be done at idle
speed.
• Proceed with caution in congested areas.
• Gradually increase your speed. Familiarise
yourself with the boat before attempting any
full throttle operation.
PREPARATION
Proper docking requires preparation. Start by
making sure you have adequate mooring gear that
is stowed correctly and ready for use. Your dealer
is the best source for information concerning the
amount and type of equipment you should carry.
APPROACHING THE DOCK
When approaching a dock, lower your speed
within reasonable distance to allow the wake to
subside before it reaches other boats, or docks.
As you get close to the dock, check for any wind
or current action that may affect your manoeuvre,
then make a conservative approach with these
factors in mind. Try to use the elements to your
advantage. Allow them to carry the boat into the
dock. If there are high winds or strong currents, it
is best to approach from the lee side (against the
wind and current). With a mild current and little or
no wind, it is best to approach from the windward
side (with the wind and current).
While approaching, ensure all lines are attached to
the cleats on the side facing the dock. Also ensure
fenders are lowered on the same side. Be sure to
check the fenders are hung at the proper height.
Approach at idle RPM at an angle approximately
45 degrees to the dock. When the bow is within
a few metres of the dock (starboard side) the stern
can be brought alongside by turning hard to port.
Next, turn to starboard and at idle RPM put the boat
into reverse. This will stop the boat and bring the
stern closer to the dock. These steps are reversed
for docking to port. A precaution should be taken
not to allow limbs between the boat and the dock.
LEAVING THE DOCK
Take into account the wind, tide, current and other
forces that affect manoeuvring when leaving the
dock. Most manoeuvring to and from a dock is
best accomplished at idle speeds. Do not forget
to release the mooring lines and stow the fenders.
When leaving a dock on the starboard side and the
bow cannot be pushed away from the dock first
observe the following points:
Start forward with the steering wheel turned to
starboard for two or three feet.
Then shift to reverse with steering full to port.
Repeat if necessary to shift the stern far enough
away from the dock to be clear of other boats that
may be moored ahead. (Reverse these steps when
leaving a dock located to port.)
BOLARDS
DO NOT tow your boat or use your boat to tow
other boats:
Damage caused to a boat due to
towing behind another vessel or towing another
vessel
WILL NOT
be covered under warranty. The
stress caused by towing in this way is outside the
design specifications for our boats. A customer
using a boat as a tender for a larger vessel must
transport the boat on the larger vessel.
MANOEUVRING
