HIGH-SPEED OPERATION
Quick maneuvers can cause people and objects in the boat to be
thrown about, possibly resulting in death or serious personal
injury. DO NOT make quick or high-speed maneuvers when you or
your passengers are not prepared, and keep both hands on the
controls at all times.
Use caution when operating your craft at high speed. Good experience and judgment
by the operator is a must during turns and sudden turns at any speed. Passengers
can be thrown from their seats and even from the boat if caution and good judgment
are not exercised. Make sure the operator has enough experience with the craft
before any full-throttle operation. DO NOT operate your craft until you are completely
experienced or comfortable with its handling characteristics. Some guidelines to
follow if you are comfortable with performance operation:
•
Watch the tachometer and keep the engine within the manufacturer’s
operating range. Make sure the propeller is correct for the recommended RPM
rating for the engine with an average boat load. Refer to your Engine
Operation and Maintenance Manual.
•
Know your stopping distance.
•
Keep the hull clean and free of marine growth.
•
Make sure all gear is stowed and compartments are latched.
•
Keep weight in the boat to a minimum and evenly distributed.
High-speed operation on smooth water is very stable, but quick reactions and
adjustments are needed to maintain control. Know your limits and stay within them.
Always keep one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the throttle; constant
adjustments are necessary for rapidly changing conditions. Small inputs of throttle
and steering are exaggerated at high speeds. Depending on the speed, keep watch
well ahead so you may have enough time to react.
DRIVE TRIM ANGLE
Trim angle is the angular relationship between the lower drive unit of the engine and
the transom of the craft. Using the trim while underway greatly affects the craft’s
performance and efficiency. To use power trim effectively, always start with the engine
trimmed in (DOWN, bow down). When the craft planes, increase the angle out (UP,
bow up). Getting a feel for how the trim works will give you a better understanding of
proper trim. For best results, the craft should be on plane and trimmed to reduce the
wetted surface. With less boat in the water, both speed and fuel economy increase.
The trim angle should be adjusted continuously at different ranges for best results.
Boat Handling and Operation
3-37
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual
Crownline_OM_sec3.qxp 11/13/2006 8:33 AM Page 3-37
