6-4
Table Of Contents
www.SkeeterBoats.com
OPERATION
Leaving a Dock
Because boats steer from the stern, the stern first moves in the direction opposite your desired turn.
It is especially important to understand this characteristic when leaving a dock. If you simply turn the
wheel to steer the bow away from the dock, as you would when driving a car out of a parking space,
you will drive the stern of the boat into the dock. Following is a basic maneuvering technique which
can be used in most circumstances.
1. With engine idling and the bow still moored to the dock, turn the steering wheel toward the dock.
This will start to move the stern of the boat away from the dock.
2. When the stern is out a few feet, release the bow mooring then steer in the direction you want the
bow to move. Open the throttle slightly and begin to move away from the dock.
Crossing Wakes and Swells
You will not always have flat, smooth water. There will be swells, wakes from other boats, etc. The
best way to cross wakes and swells is with the least jolt to you and the boat. Small swells are not as
difficult to cross as larger swells or wakes. Crossing a sharp wake gives more of a jolt than a broad
swell.
To cross a wake or swell, change your speed and choose the angle at which you cross the wake or
swell. Usually, a slower speed and “quartering” the wake (crossing at an angle) will reduce the jolt.
Two other things you may notice. The first is that crossing a group of wakes or swells is not as easy
or smooth as crossing just one wake. The second is that when you quarter the wake or swell the boat
will try to steer away from the wake or swell. When crossing at a 45° angle, you may not notice this,
but at a smaller angle, say 10°, it can be very strong. Be prepared to steer and balance as necessary.
BOAT TRIM
Getting To Know Your Boat
The performance of your Skeeter
boat depends on load weight and
distribution. Distribute weight evenly,
from bow to stern, and also from port
to starboard.
After loading, the boat’s trim can
be adjusted by changing the
outboard trim angle. Overloading of
passengers, personal equipment,
and supplies could result in an
accident, especially in rough waters.
Maintain a balanced load at all
times. Passengers must always sit in
a designated seating area.
Proper
Distribution
Figure 6-2
Improper
Distribution
(Bow Heavy)
Figure 6-3
Improper
Distribution
(Starboard
Heavy)
Figure 6-4
