Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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Leaving the Dock
Always start the engine(s) and let them warm up for
several minutes before releasing the lines. Boats
steer from the stern and it is important that you
achieve enough clearance at the stern to maneuver
the boat as quickly as possible. Push the stern off
and maneuver such that you get stern clearance
quickly. Proceed slowly until well clear of the dock
and other boats.
Mooring
Approach the mooring heading into the wind or
current. Shift to neutral when you have just enough
headway to reach the buoy. Position a crew member
on the bow to retrieve the mooring with a boat hook
and secure the line. Keep the engine(s) running until
the line is secured.
Leaving a Mooring
Start the engine(s) and let them warm up for several
minutes before releasing the mooring line. The boat
will already be headed into the wind, so move it
forward enough to loosen the line and untie it. Back
the boat away from the mooring until you can see
the buoy. Move the boat slowly away from the
mooring.
Anchoring
Make sure the bitter end
of the anchor line is
attached to boat before
dropping the anchor. Bring
the bow into the wind or
current and put the engine in neutral. When the
vessel comes to a stop, lower the anchor over the
bow. Pay out anchor line so that it is at least 5 to 7
times the depth of the water and secure the line to
a cleat. Use caution to avoid getting your feet or
hands tangled in the line. Additional scope of 10
times the depth may be required for storm
conditions. Check landmarks on shore or your GPS
position to make sure the anchor is not dragging. If
it is dragging, you will have to start all over. It is
prudent to use two anchors if your are anchoring
overnight or in rough weather.
Releasing the Anchor
Release the anchor by driving the boat slowly to the
point where the anchor line becomes vertical. It
should release when you pass that point. If the
anchor doesn't release right away, stop the boat
directly above the anchor and tie the line to the
cleat as tight as possible. The up and down
movement of the boat will usually loosen the anchor
within a minute. Make sure you secure the anchor
and properly stow the line before operating the
boat.
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