Handling Characteristics; Driving At High Speeds - Silver Fox Avant Owner's Manual

Remember:
− never to make any electrical installations while the power is turned
on
− not to make any changes to the boat's electrical system or related
drawings. Changes and service should always be made by a special-
ized boat electrician.
− never to change the overcurrent protection nominal amperage.
− not to install or replace electrical devices with components, due to
which the nominal amperage would be exceeded
− never to leave the boat unattended while the electrical circuit is
connected, except for the circuits for the bilge pump, fire-extin-
guishing system or alarm system.

5.9 HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

5.9.1 DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS

Do not use the boat if the engine output exceeds the maximum
power indicated on the maunfacturer's plate.
A few basic rules for adjusting the power trim:
− Use the "bow down" position when making the boat plane.
− When the boat is planing and if the swell is low, lift the bow until
the boat starts to porpoise or the propeller loses its grip. Then
lower the bow slightly until the boat stabilises. Optimise the power
trim by means of the log.
− In head sea, lower the bow for a smoother ride. In following sea,
lift the bow to prevent it from nose-diving.
Get acquainted with the engine manual as well.
Normally, an outboard engine is installed in the lowest position on
the transom.
WARNING! At high speeds, adjust the power trim with great
care – it might alter the behaviour of the boat radi-
cally. Do not drive the boat with the bow too low to
prevent the boat from turning abruptly.
Do not drive at high speeds with a negative pow-
er trim (bow low). If you do so, the boat may veer to
one side and become unstable when turning.
WARNING! Waves make it harder to control the boat and tend
to make it heel. Reduce the speed when waves get
high.
Learn and follow the rules of the waterways and comply with the
COLREG (Convention on the International Regulations for Pre-
venting Collisions at Sea) regulations. Navigate with care and use
new or updated nautical charts.
Always adjust your speed to prevailing conditions. Consider the
following:
− Swell (listen to your passengers)
− Wake (greatest when starting to plane and smallest at displace-
ment speeds below 6 knots). Observe the No Waves signs. Re-
duce your speed to diminish the wake out of respect for others
and for your own safety.
− Visibility (islands, fog, rain, sun in your eyes)
− Familiarity with the route (time required for navigation)
− Width of the channel (other boaters, noise and wake hitting the
shore)
− Room required for stopping and evasive manoeuvring.
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