PILOT4
Owner’s Manual
Page 6 of 12
REGULAR INSPECTION (W)
Regular inspections should be carried out prior to use and should include at least the
following:
Ensure transom & deck drains are closed, secure and in good condition.
Ensure cuddy is securely fastened and that all four safety clips are correctly fitted.
Check the fuel hose and connections for leaks, general wear and chaffing.
Check the battery studs, level of electrolyte and ensure an adequate charge in the
battery.
Check the bilge pump, suction and discharge, ensure that at least an emergency
bucket and bailer are stored onboard.
Check the steering and engine controls, ensuring free and full movement.
Check the condition of the fire extinguisher, ensuring easy access, secure mount and
valid expiry date.
Ensure the secure mounting and operation of the boarding ladder.
HANDLING CHARACTERISITCS, TRIM, PERFORMANCE & STABILITY (D)
Small craft are susceptible to significant changes in trim, (fore & aft) and heel, (port &
starboard) for relatively minor movements of onboard masses.
Arrange crew and store gear/equipment to ensure that your craft has level trim and heel prior
and during use, bow down trim should be avoided.
Avoid sudden changes in speed and direction unless in an emergency.
Adverse trim and heel will reduce performance. For outboard engines fitted with trim control,
bow down trim should only be used while in transition from displacement to planning speeds,
once planning, trim should be reduced to suit conditions. Bow down trim at high speeds may
result in craft leaning to one side and instability in turns.
Water should not be allowed to collect in the main deck area, this can reduce performance,
stability and cause adverse trim and heel conditions. All water should be drained into the hull
and pumped out or bailed directly overboard.
Do not operate this craft with an engine of rated power greater than 37.5KW, (50hp). The
craft should only be operated at high speed in calm conditions, not exceeding 30 knots. As
the sea state and wind conditions worsen speed should be reduced to a level that avoids
slamming, is comfortable for the crew and is at a level that the operator is confident in
controlling.
Do not operate at maximum speed in congested high traffic waterways or in weather and sea
conditions of reduced visibility, high winds or large waves. Reduce speed and wake as a
courtesy and as a safety consideration to yourself and others. Observe the speed limit and
no wake zones.
Observer the right-of-way as defined by the Rules of the Road and required by COLREG.
Always be certain to have sufficient distance to stop or manoeuvre if required to avoid
collisions.
DANGER: OPERATING THE BOAT AT HIGH SPEED IN ADVERSE SEA AND WIND
CONDITIONS CAN DAMAGE THE BOAT, CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND INVALIDATE
WARRANTIES.
