Owner`s manual

10-6
Section 10 Operation
DC 325
For more instructions on safety, equipment
and boat handling, enroll in one of the sev-
eral free boating courses offered. For infor-
mation on the courses offered in your area,
call the “Boating Safety Hotline,” 800-368-
5647.
If the drive unit hits an underwater object,
stop the engine. Inspect drive unit for dam-
age. If damaged contact your dealer for a
complete inspection and repair of the unit.
Stopping the Boat
• Allow engines to drop to the idle speed.
• Shift controls to NEUTRAL.
If the engines have been run at high speed
for a long period of time, allow engines to
cool by running at idle for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Turn the ignition keys "OFF."
• Raise the trim tabs to full “UP” position.
After operation:
• If operated in saltwater, wash the boat
and all equipment with soap and water.
Flush the engines using fresh water.
Refer to the engine owner's manual for
instructions on flushing.
• Check the bilge area for debris and
excess water.
• Fill the fuel tanks to near full to reduce
condensation. Allow room in the tanks
for the fuel to expand without being
forced out the vent.
• Turn off all electrical equipment except
the automatic bilge pumps.
• If you are going to leave the boat unat-
tended for a long period of time, put the
battery main switches to “OFF” and
close all seacocks.
• Make sure the boat is securely moored.
10.6 Fishing
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting
for the operator of the boat when the action
gets intense. Be conscious that your primary
responsibility is operating the boat safely to
protect yourself, your passengers and other
boats around you.
Make sure the helm is properly manned and
is never left unattended while trolling.
If you are fishing in an area that is crowded
with other fishing boats, it may be difficult to
follow the rules of the road. This situation
can become especially difficult when most
boats are trolling. Be courteous and exercise
good common sense. Avoid trying to assert
your right of way and stay clear to prevent-
ing tangled or cut lines and other unpleasant
encounters. Also, keep in mind that fishing
line wrapped around a propeller shaft can
cause damage to the lower unit seal.
10.7 Docking, Anchoring and
Mooring
Docking and Docklines
Maneuvering a boat near a dock and secur-
ing it requires skill and techniques that are
unique to water and wind conditions, and the
dock layout. If possible, position a crew
member at the bow and stern to assist with
the lines and docking. While maneuvering
close to the dock, compensate for wind and
current, and anticipate how you can use
them to help docking. Practice in open water
using an imaginary dock to develop a sense
for how the boat handles in different scenar-
ios. You must be able to understand docking
techniques before problems occur.
Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in
high winds or strong currents requires skill. If
you are new to handling a boat, take lessons
NOTICE
Turn off engines at idle speed. Racing
the engine before switching it off can
draw water into the engine through
the exhaust, resulting in internal dam-
age.
NOTICE
To prevent damage, close all sea-
cocks before leaving the boat.