OPERATION 3

LAUNCHING

As a courtesy to other boaters, prepare your boat for launching before using the ramp.

Each launch may have particular differ- ences, 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 preferred launch procedure, here is a recommended general procedure:

1)Perform the Pre-Operation Checks shown on page 3-4 that can be per- formed on land, including operating the blower for at least 4 minutes.

2)Remove all trailering tie-down lines from the boat and attach your dock- ing 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 person 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 pos- sible, remain on the trailer until the engines are warm and are respond- ing to throttle.

6)Back the boat out into the water, watching carefully for people, other boats, or obstacles.

LOADING

1)Back the trailer down the ramp as close to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If possible, have a second per- son act as an observer while stand- ing to the side of the boat. Stop when the tops of the trailer’s fenders are about 3 inches above the water- line.

2)With the boat moving at the slow- est idle speed, guide the boat onto the support rails. Use throttle only if necessary for steering ability.

WARNING! Using too much throt- tle can cause the boat to jump over the front of the trailer which can result in injury to the boat operator and bystanders. Use only enough throttle to maneuver the boat into the correct position.

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