UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
8
UNDERSTAND THE BASICS
SHOCKWAVE SUSPENSION SEATS are designed to mitigate
shock and vibration encountered in high speed vessel operation
in rough seas. Following the recommendations in this section
will ensure that you are getting the most out of the product.
CHECK THE ACCURIDE GAUGE
The ACCURIDE gauge is indication that your shock absorber is
set up correctly. Keep green arrow in the green zone when seat
is occupied and operated.
OPERATE IN THE VESSEL’S DESIGN ENVELOPE
Driving the boat beyond its limitations can have damaging
effects on the hull, engines and equipment. SHOCKWAVE Seats
are designed to provide shock mitigation to the occupant. They
will not protect the occupants from injury caused from operating
the vessel outside of its operational envelope.
OPERATE THE VESSEL IN YOUR CREWS PHYSICAL
CONDITIONING ENVELOPE
Personal fitness is a limiting factor to the amount of
sustained G Loads a person can endure without injury. If you
have inexperienced, relatively unfit or overweight persons
aboard extra caution must be exercised to prevent injury. The
helmsman must be keenly aware of the shock loads being
transmitted to others not in a suspension seat or standing as
serious injury can occur. Installation of SHOCKWAVE Seats
provides an extra level of protection but they will not protect
a person from ALL shock loads.
OPERATE IN YOUR OWN ABILITY ENVELOPE
SHOCKWAVE Seating will increase the confidence of the
helmsman. Over confidence can lead to loss of boat control.
Generally, the seats will permit greater control of the vessel
and the helmsman should focus on using the control advan-
tages of shock mitigated seating to better care for the vessel
and crew.
DO NOT TIE THE BOAT UP WITH THE SEATS
As tempting as it may be SHOCKWAVE Seats are not designed
to tie up the boat. A sudden surge or wave with likely bend the
seats or attachment brackets and compromise performance.
ENSURE THAT SEAT IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY
Refer to the Danger, Caution, Warning and Important notes in
the Operations and Service Manual. The following is provided
as a general checklist.
Do not operate the seat if:
• The shock absorber setting or ride height is incorrect.
• Components are loose, broken or missing.
• The seat makes a strange noise.
USE SEAT BELTS - IF SUPPLIED
Seat belts prevent occupants from being ejected from the
vessel and the seat. When not in use, the seat belt buckle
clasps should be fastened to prevent damage to the seat, seat
belt and the suspension module.
ADJUST HEIGHT AND FORE AND AFT ADJUST
CORRECTLY - IF SUPPLIED
Correct ergonomics and posture enhances the ability to
operate the vessel safely and reduces the risk of shock and
vibration related injury. Take the time to adjust the seat so
that it is comfortable.
DO NOT SIT IN SEATS WITH HARD OR SHARP OBJECTS.
DO NOT WALK ON SEATS
Ensure that sharp objects and heavy gear are worn so that
they will not tear upholstery.
RINSE SEATS WITH FRESH WATER AFTER EACH USE
Rinse seat with fresh water after each use or every week if
being stored outside to prevent a buildup of salt and debris.
COVER SEATS WHEN NOT IN USE
Seat covers are available from SHOCKWAVE to cover all
seat. These are a custom order item and can be ordered by
contacting SHOCKWAVE.
TIE EVERYTHING DOWN
Pay attention to how you have stowed your gear. Elastic
shock cords and ratchet tie downs should be used to secure
all gear. Plastic containers of oil and other fluids must be
protected from chafing and puncture. Electronic equipment
must be secured to prevent damage from shock loads.
CHECK ALL EQUIPMENT
Conventional mounting brackets for heavy items such as fire
extinguishers are subject to much more loading than without
shock mitigation. Make sure all of your equipment brackets are
tight. Recheck major equipment bolts regularly. Wiring, cables
and fluid hoses should be bundled tightly and not allowed to flail.
Do not allow any objects under the seats or footrests. They will
limit the stroke of the seat, damage the objects or damage the
seat.
REMOVE OR PAD BODY STRIKE HAZARDS
Hard objects, particularly in the head strike zone, need to
be rounded and padded. When assessing your body strike
hazards take into account a generous portion of clearance,
as the body will stretch in a high G situation.
