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
12
Starting your Engine
Consult your engine an
d control owner’s manuals for proper engine starting, break-in, and
shut-down procedures.
Learning to Operate Your Boat
Take it easy for the first little while until you know how your boat responds to the throttle,
turning and encountering waves. The transition zone between planing and displacement
speeds can be abrupt at times. Also, a boat’s sensitivity to steering, wave impact and even
wind at high speed can be unpredictable, because there is very little of the boat in contact
with the water’s surface to provide stability and control. Practice docking your boat
carefully a few times to get the feel of your boat.
Your Passengers
The operator is responsible for the safety of all passengers. All passengers must be
wearing an approved personal floatation device suitable for their weight. All passengers
should be familiar with the location and use of all emergency equipment on board.
Boarding the boat
Never attempt to board a boat while the engine is running, whether from the water or from
the shore or dock. When boarding from a dock or the shore, ensure that the boat is
secured so that it cannot move away from you while you are boarding. Use a step if
necessary to board comfortably. When boarding from the water, use the swim platform,
and the ladder if so equipped. If the boat is not equipped with a dive ladder, use extra care
entering the water from the boat or boarding the boat from the water.
Stopping
We recommend that operators avoid stopping the boat abruptly because the boats wake
can catch up with the boat and lift the rear of the boat suddenly. Slow the boat down
gradually prior to stopping, and never use reverse gear as a brake.
Docking
Always enter marinas and dock areas at low speed ~ 5mph (8km/h) or as posted.
Approach the dock head-on, turning the steering wheel sharply as you come closer to the
dock, bringing the side of the boat you wish to dock on around to face the dock. Put the
boat into reverse gear and turn the wheel or tiller in the opposite direction to pull the stern
towards the dock, then
put the boat in “Neutral”. The boat should drift sideways, gently
towards the dock. Practice this often, carefully and at low speeds. Take advantage of any
assistance you may be offered when docking.
Leaving a Dock
When leaving a dock, check for traffic and start the engine in neutral. Then have a
passenger or someone on shore untie the boat and push the boat away from the dock.
Once the boat is clear of the dock by approximately 1m (3 ft) and is clear of any
obstructions or other boats, put the boat in gear and proceed with caution at the slowest
throttle setting until the boat is into open water.
