Ranger Fisherman Series Owner's Manual page 3

Getting To Know and Handle Your Ranger
While you are easing along within the "No Wake" zone you should trim
your engine all the way down to its lowest position (in). Turn the steering
right and left to insure that there is no undue slack and inspect the
steering system. Look for any loose connections at the engine and
beneath the driver's console (see pp. 24-28). Inspection of this crucial
linkage system can be visually made at home or at the lake, but should
be done at regular intervals. Before applying power and "opening it up",
insure that all passengers are properly seated and are wearing an
approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD or Life vest). Check to see that
there are no obstructions in your path. We recommend that the front
pedestal seat be removed from the front deck base and positioned in the
special base provided in the front floor of the boat. If your boat has non-
adjustable pedestals, remove the extension pipe from the seat base and
install the seat base directly into the front deck receptacle. If your boat
has an optional deck extension and power pedestals, remove the lid in
the deck extension and secure the pedestal in the receptacle provided in
the floor. If the optional deck extension does not have a removable lid,
store your seat securely in the floor of the boat. This will provide for an
unobstructed view while driving. The power pedestal should be pushed
down into the lowest position. Should there be no base provided in the
floor, the seat should be removed and securely placed in the floor of the
boat.
When you have cleared the "No Wake" zone it is time to accelerate and
get your new boat "on plane". Before applying power, insure that all
passengers are properly and securely seated in appropriate locations.
Abruptly move the throttle lever into the full open position (full forward).
The bow of the boat will rise into the air for a moment... this is normal
operation when a boat is "coming out of the hole" and is no cause for
alarm. The bow will quickly come back down into a level running position.
When the boat begins to accelerate rapidly, the throttle should be pulled
back to obtain a comfortable running speed. Always increase your speed
a little at a time until you are running at a speed at which you feel safe
and are in complete control...NEVER FASTER THAN YOUR
EXPERIENCE DICTATES! At this moderate speed you should begin to
trim your engine into a higher position (out). Please refer to your engine
owner's manual for more information on power trim use and operations.
Your speed will increase and the bow will lift. The boat will begin to run
with the back rear portion of the hull in contact with the water and steering
will become easier. Over-trimming will result in excessively high RPM
(note your tachometer) and the steering can develop "torque" or a "pull"
toward the right. Trim back down slightly for best operation. A different
® Boat
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