Yamaha T8 Rigging Manual page 78

Outboard Rigging Guide - 2001
Operating Instructions
Shifting
WARNING
The impeller is always engaged and produces a
certain amount of thrust while the motor is
running. "Neutral" is achieved when the
reverse gate is in a middle position that bal-
ances forward and reverse thrust. Since the
"Neutral" position on the shift control may not
precisely balance the thrust, be sure to secure
the boat to the dock or beach the bow of the
boat during cold starts. This avoids the possi-
bility of being thrown off balance as the motor
starts.
Except for low-speed maneuvering, do not use the
reverse gate to slow or stop the boat. The motor
will kick up and out of the water, a similar situa-
tion to hitting a submerged object in a propeller-
driven craft.
Remote Control
When using a remote control with a fast-idle fea-
ture, the throttle can be advanced with the shifter
in "Neutral" for cold engine starts. When using
this fast-idle starting feature, the shift cam may
not immediately engage when the throttle is
returned to the "Neutral" position. This is due to
water pressure action on the reverse gate. After
the motor has warmed up for 30 seconds or so,
stop the motor, move the throttle lever through the
shifting mode until the cam has engaged, place it
in "Neutral", and restart the motor. Subsequent
warm starts in "Neutral" will not require this
operation.
Steering
Experiment with steering your boat in an open
area before attempting downstream river running.
Remember, when running downstream, your
speed relative to the shore is the boat speed added
to the speed of the river. You will find quick
response to the helm, but due to its relatively flat-
bottomed hull and lack of skeg, your boat will
tend to skid in turns. You must start your turns
early, and use sufficient power to maintain steer-
ing control.
Jet Drive Eng. Mtg., Maintenance,
Shift Cable Instruction, Service Info.
WARNING
If you attempt a too tight of a turn at too high
a speed, your boat could spin out or even roll
over.
Running upstream is easier. Running upstream,
the river speed is subtracted from the boat speed,
and the shore doesn't go by as fast. You can throt-
tle back and maneuver your way through tight
areas with good control. At narrow and potential-
ly rough or dangerous passages, you should stop
and study the layout, looking downstream, so you
will recognize it on the return trip. Once through
a bad spot, you may wish to run down and travel
back up the same stretch to memorize the course
you find to be the best.
If you are not sure of a tight area on a downstream
run, it is better to drift through on the oars with
the motor tipped up, or work the boat through on
a rope.
Shallow Water Operation
The life of both the impeller and water intake
housing can be greatly increased by avoiding the
intake of sand and gravel. Intake suction will
cause your jet drive to work like a dredge when
the intake comes within 2 or 3 inches of the bot-
tom. It is best to shut off the motor, drift up to the
shore when landing, and shove off with an oar
when leaving. You can idle through areas less
than 1-foot deep, but there should be more than 1
foot of water under the boat when opening the
throttle for cruising or planing.
Once planing, boat speed will prevent sucking in
gravel. While great suction exists at the water
intake, your boat passes over the bottom so quick-
ly that, before rocks, sand, and debris have time to
lift, the boat is past the disturbed area.
While boating in particularly shallow areas,
remember that running on a full plane will make
the boat ride higher in the water. This can allow
you to travel through areas that might be impossi-
ble to traverse at slow speeds. However, be sure
you know the type of river bottom before attempt-
ing this in case the boat hits bottom or runs
aground. You should attempt planing only in
areas where the bottom is sand or gravel. If you
hit bottom where there are large underwater
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