21. Dinghy & Outboard
The driver of the dinghy must be over 18, and must at all times be
wearing the kill cord. Never operate the dinghy under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
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Always tow your dinghy on a short line while motoring and a long line
while sailing, always tow with the engine leg up as it gives you an extra
half knot.
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Most of the time it is fine to leave the outboard on the dinghy, but if
conditions are very rough, the outboard needs to be mounted on the push-
pit.
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When going ashore for an evenings entertainment allocate a dinghy
captain, someone who will bring the whole crew back to the boat safely,
allowing the rest of the crew to enjoy various local cocktails and
concoctions.
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To start the engine, lower the motor into the water using the lever on the
starboard side of the engine. The lever position corresponds to the motor
position, up and fwd for towing and back and down for driving. Check you
are in neutral and the safety cord is in place. For starting an engine that
has been at rest for 3 or more hrs use the choke. Pull the choke out, and
set a few revs with the throttle. Do not twist the throttle trying to prime
the engine. You will only flood it. Face the engine and pull the start cord
and push the choke back in as soon as it runs. If it runs for a second but
cuts out, try again without the choke.
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To stop the engine, press the button on top of the kill cord, or pull the kill
cord out.
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Keep the kill cord with you to prevent anyone from borrowing it. You have
been provided a dinghy lock and cable. Use them.
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Do not drag the dinghy onto a beach; anchor it off or put it on a dock with
a stern anchor to prevent damage from going under or hitting the dock.
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Do not speed in and around other yachts, speeding fines have been
introduced.
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At night an all round white light must be displayed along with red & green
side lights, and it is always a good idea to have a flashlight with you, to
show the way, and warn other vessels of your presence.
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Wear the life preservers provided in the cockpit lockers when in the dinghy.
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GAS to OIL ratio, 1 Gall = 3 ounces.
