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Launching
As a courtesy to other boaters, prepare your Skeeter boat for launching before using the ramp. Each launch
may have particular differences, such as ramp angle, prevailing wind, waves, and water currents. If possible,
watch a couple of boaters launch their boats first to notice any problems. While every boater develops a pre-
ferred launch procedure, here is a recommended general procedure:
1. Perform the Pre-Operation Checks shown on Page 1-20 that can be performed on land, including operating
the blower for at least 4 minutes.
2. Remove all trailering tie-down lines from the boat and attach your docking lines and fenders, if used.
3. Back the trailer down the ramp as close to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If possible, have a second per-
son stand aside as an observer. Stop when the wheels are at least halfway submerged. Set the parking
brake.
4. Remove the bow line from the bow eye.
5. Back the trailer farther into the water until just the tops of the fenders show, then reset the parking brake.
Board the boat and start it. If possible, remain on the trailer until the engine is warm and is responding to
throttle.
6. Back the boat out into the water, watching carefully for people, other boats, or obstacles.
RUNNING
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