FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge displa ys the amount of fuel in
the fuel tank(s). The most accurate reading of
the gauge is at idle speed and when your boat
is at a le vel position. While r unning, the fuel
gauge will usually read higher than the actual
level because the bow of the boat is higher
.
Since gauge readings are approximate, it is
best to compare them to the hour s of use ver-
sus known fuel consumption or gallons per hour
(GPH). The most common practice of good fuel
management is the one-third (1/3) r ule. Use
one-third (1/3) of your total fuel on board to
travel to your destination, one-third (1/3) to
return, and reser ve the remaining one-third for
emergencies.
VOLTMETER
The voltmeter measures the condition of the
main or cranking batter y in volts DC. Nor mal
operating voltage when the engine is r unning at
1000 RPM or higher is betw een 12 and 15
volts. If your batter y is fully charged, the volt-
meter should read in the 11.5 to 12.5 volt
range when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. Check your batter y and charging
system if the voltmeter reads below these nor-
mal ratings. An oscillating voltmeter reading
may indicate loose belts or loose electrical con-
nections.
POWER TRIM GAUGE
The power trim gauge indicates the relative posi-
tion of the drive unit. Read gauge carefully , as it
does not show position of unit in degrees.
Proper trim should be indicated b y bow attitude
and engine RPM. F or more infor mation see your
engine owner’s manual.
STEERING
Become familiar with the “feel” of your boat’
s
steering system. Steering does var y from boat
to boat depending on hull shape, engine type,
water and wind conditions and load. V arious
steering systems are used on different models.
On smaller boats, a push/pull cable system is
used, on larger boats, pow er assisted and fully
hydraulic systems are common.
All steering systems require periodic mainte-
nance to be trouble–free and safe. Regular
checks are essential. Be sure to read the manu-
facturer supplied operator’ s manual before
heading out on the w ater.
A manually adjustable trim tab is pro vided on
some outboard motor s. Follow the instr uctions
provided by the engine manufacturer for proper
adjustment. This trim tab, when cor rectly
adjusted, will help reduce steering effor t
through the entire trim range.
5-2
VOLTS
12
14
16
10
TRIM
UP
DN
FUEL
E
1/2
F
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