KINGFISHER
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L
w w w . k i n g f i s h e r b o a t s . c o m
10
SECTION 4 - BOAT CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATION
Your boat will always turn more aggressively the faster that you are going. Always be
aware of your surroundings and give yourself lots of room to manoeuvre safely.
Placing heavy objects over to one side of the boat or very far forward in your boat can
result in poor boat performance; or in an extreme situation result in loss of control or
capsizing of the boat. Always distribute any cargo evenly around the centre of the
passenger carrying area of your boat.
Safe Operation, Care and Attention
Operating your boat with due care and attention requires that the operator be aware of
the surrounding environment at all times.
A sudden stop or change of direction can cause loss of control of the boat
resulting in injury or death.
Operate the boat defensively at all speeds and keep a safe distance from
people, objects, and other watercraft.
Following directly behind other boats or operating the boat in an erratic manner
can lead to collision, injury and death.
Operators should reduce speed and exercise extreme caution when operating
the boat in shallow areas or where there might be submerged objects.
Be aware of the weather conditions at all times. If wind and waves begin to rise
or visibility begins to deteriorate, return to the dock or boat ramp. Operating the
boat in bad weather can lead to injury or death.
Operators should always ensure that a responsible person on shore knows
your boating plans and a description of your boat, so that if you fail to arrive at
your destination at the expected time help can be called for in a timely manner.
Night Operation/Anchoring
Your boat is equipped with navigation lights which must be turned on from dusk till dawn.
The anchor
or “all-round” light must be displayed while at anchor during the night in any
area that experiences marine traffic. Never operate your boat after dusk if the navigation
and anchor lights are not functioning properly.
Stern Drive and Outboard Trimming
If your boat is equipped with power trim, you can change the angle the propeller shaft by
adjusting the trim switch. See your engine operating and maintenance manual for an
explanation of the handling characteristics caused by trimming your stern drive or
outboard.
Your boat is designed for quick acceleration, with a minimum amount of time spent in the
transitional bow-up condition. Planing your boat is most easily and quickly accomplished
by trimming the stern drive or outboard (if applicable) fully “down” or “in”. However, once
on plan
e, the stern drive or outboard should be trimmed “up” or out a little to avoid a called
“plowing”. Plowing can cause “bow-steering” or “over-steering” and increase fuel
consumption. In this condition (plowing), if attempting a turn or encountering diagonal
waves, a more abrupt turn than intended may result.