AVALON & TAHOE PONTOON OWNERSHIP AND OPERATION GUIDE 1
PLEAE READ AND RETAIN THIS OWNERS MANUAL. THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNER, SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AND ANY OPERATOR OF THE BOAT. This manual as well as safety labels which may be posted on your boat use the following safety alerts to draw your attention to special safety instructions that should be followed. DANGER – Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death. WARNING – Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe personal injury or death.
Dear Avalon or Tahoe Owner, Thank you for choosing to purchase an Avalon or Tahoe Pontoon Boat! We are glad that you have become a part of the Avalon & Tahoe family of boaters. If you are like most boat buyers, you probably spent a great deal of time researching the market, learning about different brands and debating different models. That fact that you purchased an Avalon or Tahoe indicates that you value comfort, contemporary styling, attention to detail and quality construction.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Getting Started Boatman's Checklist 1 You and Your Boat Drinking and driving Preliminaries Required equipment Additional safety info 2 2 3 4 Trailering Securing items Mooring covers and trailering Capacity and Tongue weight Tie-Downs Trailer check sheet 5 5 6 7 8 Launching Loading and Capacities Boarding and Stowage Passenger Safety at Launch Inspection and starting Before starting the engine 9 10 10 11 11 Special warnings regarding operation Capacity Waves and Wakes Fuel Falling
Trouble Shooting - Operation Proper Boat Use and Maintenance Aluminum Hull Saltwater Use and Preparation Electrical System Upholstery Windshield and Clear Plastics Hardware and fittings Fire Protection Storage Storing your pontoon boat Mooring cover installation 25 27 28 29 29 31 31 31 32 33 Technical Information, Suggestions and Warnings Remote controls Remote control troubleshooting Steering Fuel system Ignition and Electrical system Engine trim Propellers 34 36 36 39 39 40 40 Warranties 42-46 E
BOATMAN'S CHECK LIST For maximum enjoyment and safety, check each of these items BEFORE you start your engine: DRAIN PLUG (Securely in place?) LIFE-SAVING DEVICES (One for every person on board?) STEERING SYSTEM (Working smoothly and properly?) FUEL SYSTEM (Adequate fuel? Leaks? Fumes?) BATTERY (Fully charged? Cable terminals clean and tight?) ENGINE (In neutral?) CAPACITY PLATE (Are you overloaded or overpowered?) WEATHER CONDITIONS (Safe to go out?) ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (Lights, horn, pu
1 Section YOU AND YOUR BOAT Congratulations on your purchase of a new Avalon or Tahoe pontoon boat! You have made a considerable investment, and you probably didn't do it without giving the purchase careful thought. The purpose of this manual is to urge you to give the same careful thought to the way you operate and maintain your boat. Boat ownership carries with it responsibilities - to yourself, to your boating companions and to the general public.
INSURANCE: The boat owner is legally responsible for damages or injuries he causes. In most states this is true, even if someone else is operating the boat at the time of the accident. Common sense dictates that you carry adequate personal liability and property damage insurance on your boat, just as you would on an automobile. You should also protect your investment by insuring your boat against physical damage or theft.
2. Visual Distress Signals: All boats 16 feet and more in length used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas and those waters connected to them must be equipped with visual distress signals. Pyrotechnic signals must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, readily accessible and marked with a date showing service life which must not be expired.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT The list of required safety equipment is short and covers only the bare essentials. Additional recommended equipment on the next page will give you an extra margin of safety and convenience. FLOAT PLAN Before you leave on a boat trip, advise a responsible person ashore of where you plan to cruise and when you expect to arrive. Give him an adequate description of your boat.
Use U-Bolt to pull boat onto the trailer. Top Position Recommendations for All Models YOUR BOAT MAY BE EQUIPED WITH TRAVEL TRANSPORT BRACKETS FOR THE BIMINI TOP. IF SO, LOWER THE TOP INTO THE TRAVEL POSITION OR PLACE TOP COMPLETELY DOWN WHEN TRANSPORTING AND TIE TOP TO WALL RAIL. ALSO, SECURE SUNDECK CUSHIONS, UNHINGED SEATS, TABLES OR ANY OTHER LOOSE ITEMS BEFORE TRANSPORT.
series of closely spaced rollers to spread support to several of the boats cross ribs. Single rollers between cross ribs must be avoided. Roller heights must be adjusted so that boat weight is evenly distributed on them. One roller set higher than the rest can cause a "hook" in the boat bottom. Side supports should run parallel to the keel and support the aft 1/3 of the hull, extending beyond the transom.
PLEASE NOTE: Trailer laws covering such things as brakes, lights, safety chains, licenses, etc., will vary from state to state. Be sure that your trailer is in full compliance with your state laws. Your trailer dealer usually can help you in this regard. If not, contact your nearest state motor vehicle department office for full information. Trailering Checklist Before towing your boat on its trailer check to be sure: • Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size.
wheel to the right: to make the trailer go left, move your hand to the left. Stop when the rear of the trailer is a few feet from the water's edge; put your gear shift in "Park," set the parking brake and place chocks under the front wheels of the tow vehicle. (Caution: The lower ends of ramps are often wet and slippery.) 3. Prepare for launching - Attach a bow line to your boat and detach trailer tie-downs. If your boat is an outboard or stern drive, tilt up the lower unit.
particularly in rough water. In adverse weather reduce the load capacity. A boat's capacity ratings are based upon normal conditions. In addition, overloading is illegal under most state laws and could get you a ticket. Some boat warranties are void if the owner exceeds the recommended capacity rating. BOARDING: Never jump into a boat from the dock. And do not board a boat with your arms full of gear.
fishing seats should block his view when operating above idle speed. 4. Back-up operator: At least one other person should be instructed in the operation of the boat in case the operator is suddenly incapacitated. Before Starting the Engine 1. Follow the checklist on Page 1. 2. Inspect engine area once again, checking for water or fuel leaks, tight hose connections and engine crankcase oil level (if applicable). 3.
9. Docking Safely: It is important that the helmsman understand the operating characteristics of a pontoon boat, especially if accustomed to handling conventional power boats. Because of this characteristic, when propulsion is stopped, the momentum carries the boat farther than in the case of conventional craft. The operator should, therefore, take this into account when approaching a dock or other mooring point.
removed from boat and filled on the dock; outboard motor fuel should be mixed with oil according to engine manufacturer's instructions; the portable fuel tank cap and vent should be tightly closed when tank is full; after tank is full and returned to the proper position in the boat, the tank vent should only be opened when fuel line is connected to the outboard motor. Wipe any spilled fuel from portable tank before bringing aboard.
Channel Buoy Guide (Federal) For the most current information, request the U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Aids to Navigation; write to Commandant (G-NSR-1/14), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, D.C. 20593; or call the Coast Guard's Boating Safety Hotline toll-free at 800-368-5647. WHISTLE SIGNALS - The diagrams below describe the whistle signals and actions to be taken by recreational vessels in a crossing, meeting and overtaking situation. These are basic examples.
NAVIGATION AIDS - Navigation aids are the signposts of the waterways. Shown below are the usual buoys and markers you will encounter. Make sure you are familiar with these and any other specialized markers used in your area. WEATHER - Boating for pleasure can become a chore when the weather turns bad.
Adverse Conditions IN A STORM: If you are forced to operate your boat under stormy conditions, a few common sense precautions should be followed: 1. Wear PFD's. 2. Secure any loose gear. 3. Reduce speed 4. Seat your crew where they can help and where their weight will best keep the boat stable. In small boats it is advisable for passengers to keep their weight as low in the boat as possible. 5. Head for the harbor or place of refuge you can reach most easily.
Falls overboard are doubly dangerous in cold water. PFD's should be worn at all times, and anyone who falls overboard should be retrieved as fast as possible to prevent hypothermia. IN SHALLOW WATER: Operating in water too shallow for your boat presents a number of hazards, chiefly to the propulsion system and hull. "Shallow water" here means water generally too shallow for the boat, but also can apply to deep water which contains stump fields, sand bars or other unmarked underwater obstructions.
problems for the skier. Likewise, instruct the skier to avoid dangerous antics while being towed. Skiers should wear a ski vest, or a vest type PFD, preferably in a bright color. Do not ski in congested areas where there is a danger of a downed skier being run down by another boat. Avoid skiing near swimming areas, piers and underwater hazards. It takes three people to water ski -the boat operator, the skier and a backward-facing observer.
WATER SKIER DOWN When engaging in water skiing or similar activities the boat operator should always keep a fallen or down skier on the operator's side of the boat while returning to attend to the skier. The operator should never back up to the skier or anyone in the water. The engine must be turned off when anyone is in the water near the stern (near the propeller), including when passengers are boarding from or de-boarding into the water. Shifting to neutral is not sufficient.
other boats while operating your boat. Always obey the boating laws of a given area. Avoid prolonged high-speed operation in rough or choppy water. It's like driving a speeding car over rough, rocky roads - uncomfortable and eventually damaging to the vehicle. The intense pounding and vibration could cause loosening or breakage of components and can even result in stress and major damage to the hull itself.
Never dive from the roof of your boat. Impact with objects underwater can cause injury or death. ANCHORING The weight of your anchor and diameter of anchor line should be governed by the size and weight of your boat. Get advice from your dealer or knowledgeable boat owners. Anchoring and anchoring tips: 1. Keep anchor and line secured to deck mount or below deck to prevent damage from sudden shifting. 2.
DOCKING PROCEDURES Once away from the dock, practice docking procedures to gain experience and confidence. Procedures are listed below: 1. Practice docking in open water using an imaginary dock. 2. Practice stopping. There are three steps listed below to help you: a. Reduce boat speed while approaching the dock. b. Shift boat into neutral. At this point the boat should almost be drifting. c. Shift boat into reverse. This will stop the boat. 3.
ACCIDENT REPORTS: Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident must be reported if (1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life or (2) there is personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid or (3) there is damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds $500.00 or (4) there is complete loss of the boat.
SWAMPING OR FLOODING: A swamped or flooded boat could become unstable and capsize. If the flooding is caused by a hole in the hull, attempt to plug the hold with anything handy -rags, clothing, canvas, etc. Bailing, with buckets or any available containers is important. If the flooding is caused by wave action through the outboard motor well, attempt to turn the boat into the waves; also shift weight forward.
FIRST AID: You should be familiar with elementary first aid to deal with problems that may occur while you are far from help. Fish hook accidents and minor cuts and abrasions are the most common on board a boat, but you should learn the proper procedures and be ready to deal with the truly serious problems that could arise: Drowning (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation); bleeding (pressure and elevation techniques); hypothermia (techniques for warming the victim); and burns (treatment depends on severity).
*IF YOU CAN'T CURE THE PROBLEM YOURSELF, PLEASE SEE YOUR DEALER* CHECK POINTS SYMPTOM 1. Incorrect propel l er s el ecti on 2. Loa d too fa r forwa rd Poor s peed- l i ght l oa d 3. Engi ne ma l functi on 4. Motor tri m too fa r i n 5. Ma ri ne growth on hul l or l ower uni t 1. Under powered 2. Engi ne ma l functi on Poor s peed- hea vy l oa d 3. Incorrect propel l er s el ecti on 4. Motor tri m too fa r out 5. Ma ri ne growth on hul l or l ower uni t 1. Motor tri m too fa r out 2.
Section 2 PROPER USE & MAINTAINENCE Properly used and maintained, your boat will give you years of service and keep boating the way it was meant to be - fun. By keeping the boat and its components "Ship Shape," you'll be doing more than protecting your investment and impressing your neighbors, you'll also be insuring solid performance on the water.
more rapid the attack. To minimize the corrosion problem, use a good quality caulking compound when mounting non-aluminum fixtures and hardware to aluminum. An aluminum boat should never be used as the ground wire for electrical circuiting. Electrical equipment should be completely insulated from the aluminum boat to eliminate electrolytic action. Salt Water Use Your Pontoon can be used in saltwater with the following preparation and maintenance. PREPARATION: 1.
preparation and maintenance to minimize the effects of salt water. PONTOON BOATS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN OPEN OCEAN. SALTWATER USE MUST BE LIMITED TO PROTECTED AREAS AND IN WATER CONDITIONS THAT DO NOT EXCEED THE LIMITATION DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY SECTION. Electrical System Your boat's electrical system is a 12-volt, direct current type, quite similar to that in an automobile.
can cause damage and discoloration. These are not recommended for use. Dry cleaning fluids and lacquer solvents should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and gloss. Waxes are not recommended because many contain dyes and solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating. In some instances, consumers have reported the appearance of a pink stain on vinyl that is resistant to various cleaning methods.
Windshields and Clear Plastics Plastic windows and windshields should be flushed with clear water; after abrasive dirt is removed, use a plastic window liquid cleaner. Do not use window cleaner such as Windex. NOTE: Do not wipe dirt from a dry plastic windshield, and do not use an abrasive cleaner, because the plastic can become permanently scratched or dulled. Vibration may loosen your windshield; to prevent breakage, check the mounting bolts periodically for a tight fit.
Storing your Pontoon Boat Mooring during the summer months -The best way to moor your boat is under a boat house or storage roof. A mooring cover is available on most models to help reduce the effects of sun & dirt. Your mooring cover can repel most water but will collect water during heavy downpours. It is important that collected water be removed after a rain to help prevent tearing and staining. Your mooring cover can be damaged by high winds.
MOORING COVER INSTALLATION 1. Locate the two sewn-in tags on one end of the mooring cover (Figure 1) or playpen cover (Figure 2) that has the material, boat type, date, seamstress or tailor name imprinted & the Do Not Transport warning. This is the front of the cover. 2. Lay out your mooring cover on your pontoon boat with the two tags at the front of the boat. 3. Start snapping on your mooring cover onto the built-in snaps located at the outside-top of the walls.
SECTION 3 PROPULSION SYSTEM Remote Controls The remote control is manufactured by the motor company. Please read your motor owner’s manual for specific information on operations of your control. The remote control head is mounted at the helm station of your boat. Single lever controls integrate the throttle and gear shift into a single hand lever.
I/O Stern-drive Models Avalon & Tahoe Mfg., Inc. is proud to offer stern-drive models. Our sterndrive system features many unique standards, including one marine battery, power trim and tilt, electronic ignition, stainless steel propeller, complete bilge and blower system. Performance on the stern-drive system may vary depending on altitude, daytime temperatures, as well as weather conditions and weight distribution of the pontoon boat.
ENGINE CONTROL SYMPTOM CHECK POINTS 1. Neutral start switch not properly adjusted Engine starter does not engage when lever is in neutral position 2. Neutral start switch malfunctioning or stuck 3. Dead battery or loose electrical connection 4. Safety switch lanyard is not connected 1. Control cable(s) are crushed, kinked or bent 2. Cable(s) are corroded at ends or are clogged internally with dirt and grime Control becomes stiff or unusually hard operating, jerky and erratic 3.
Steering Torque Under certain engine trim positions and/or bow-up boat attitude, such as when getting on plane, there can be a noticeable pull on the steering wheel, often referred to as "steering torque." This may only be a temporary situation such as when planeing off, or it may be eliminated or reduced by changing your engine trim so that the propeller shaft is more parallel to the water surface. Adjustment of the engine trim tab will help under some conditions.
Trouble Shooting Push-Pull Cable Steering SYMPTOM CHECKPOINTS 1. Corrosive deposits at cable output end, operating, jerky or erratic. either inside cable sleeve or inside motor tilt tube 2. Crushed or kinked cable conduit 3. Bent cable ram at output end 4. Friction device at helm over tightened. 5. Ball and socket at the link arm is not rotating properly Steering stiff or unusually hard operating, jerky or erratic. 6. Internal corrosion or damage to cable 7. Engine and boat not "trimmed out" properly 8.
Fuel System Each time you fuel up; inspect the fuel lines, connections and fuel tanks for tightness, signs of leaks and deterioration. At least annually, conduct a more thorough inspection of fuel system components, especially those hidden from a routine inspection. Replace any deteriorated components. Portable fuel tanks should also be inspected frequently for leakage, along seams and at engine and tank connections.
battery cable must be attached to the negative (-) terminal on the battery and the positive cable must be attached to the positive (+) terminal. Reversing these connections may cause immediate damage to the transistorized regulating unit. NOTE: If battery discharges for no apparent reason, check for any switches that may have been left on, especially the stereo switch. Engine Trim The word "trim" is all-important in boat performance.
conditions, the engine RPM is the controlling factor in determining the correct propeller blade pitch. To obtain peak performance, the engine RPM at full throttle should be in the full throttle operating range specified by the engine manufacturer. If engine RPM is below that range, install a prop of reduced pitch to increase engine RPM. If engine RPM is above the recommended range, install a prop of increased pitch.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE: At least once a year, more often if you use your boat extensively, remove the propeller from your outboard or 1-0 and inspect shaft seal for possible damage from mono-filament fishing line and, on certain older models, drive pin hole for possible burrs. Clean and lubricate the shaft according to engine manufacturer instructions. Replace drive pin if bent or worn. Replace the prop using a new cotter pin or tab lock washer.
Use parts recommended by the engine manufacturer. Incorrect parts can be dangerous in some cases and could void your powerplant warranty. Marine engine electrical parts have been designed to prevent ignition of flammable fumes-do not substitute automotive parts. WRITTEN WARRANTY Avalon & Tahoe Mfg., Inc. (hereinafter “A&T”), makes this limited warranty: 1. WHO IS COVERED. The original retail purchaser (hereinafter “Owner”) who has purchased an A&T manufactured boat from an authorized A&T dealer.
discoloration from ink, drinks, pollen, leaves, micro-organisms, bacteria, fungus, mold, etc., are excluded from coverage under this warranty. Damage due to lack of maintenance and/or the use of improper cleaning agents voids this warranty. C. Mooring Cover and Bimini top fabric warranty. Three (3) years parts and labor, plus two (2) years parts only. These components are warranted against excessive loss of color or strength under normal exposure conditions.
A&T may require that the boat or certain parts be returned to the A&T manufacturing facility for warranty service. Costs incurred for transporting the boat and/or parts to and from A&T and/or dealer are the responsibility of the owner. 7. BINDING ARBITRATION. If you are unable to resolve a disagreement with your dealer regarding your right to pursue warranty coverage for a needed repair, contact the A&T Warranty Service Department.
warranty. This warranty is voided for any boat or component that has been declared a total loss or total constructive loss or which bears a “salvage” or similar title.
More about Boating EDUCATION: Boating becomes more fun as you learn more about it. A good place to start is at one of the many free boating education classes offered throughout the country. Boating courses are offered at thousands of locations across the U.S. Instruction is free by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power squadrons, but there is a small fee for books and materials.
ABOUT YOUR BOAT SERIAL NUMBER: ________________________________________________________________________ MODEL: ___________________ COLOR: ___________________ LENGTH: ______________________ DIAMETER OF TUBE: ___________________________ WIDTH: ________________________________ SOLD TO: _______________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________ CITY: _______________________________________ STATE: _______
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Additional Boating Links U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center: http://www.uscgboating.org/ Discover Boating® Owning & Operating Tips: http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/default.aspx National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/ BoatSafe.com: http://www.boatsafe.com/ Campaign for safe boating: http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/ Boating Safety Courses: http://www.boat-ed.com/ Coast Guard Boating Safety - YouTube: http://bit.ly/SaA7wu About Boating Safely: http://www.
AVALON & TAHOE MFG., INC. 903 MICHIGAN AVE ALMA, MI 48801 TOLL FREE: 800.334.2913 FAX: 989.463.8226 Tell us what you think by submitting a testimonial on our website: http://www.avalonpontoons.com/about/testimonials/ http://www.tahoepontoons.
