Steering System Operation; Twin Unit Steering; Special Boating Conditions - Volvo Penta V8-380 Operator's Manual

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47702842 04-2012

Steering System Operation

While directional control of a boat's steering system
operates much like that of an automobile, a boat's
responsiveness and maneuverability is very different
from that of a car. Avoid high-speed maneuvers until
you become accustomed to driving your boat. Keep in
mind that a boat is never as maneuverable when mov-
ing in reverse as it is when travelling forward.
If the power steering system stops working, the steer-
ing wheel will still function but it will feel harder to steer.
If this condition occurs, look for possible causes and
fix them if possible. If the power steering system cannot
be corrected on board, proceed at a reduced speed.
You will be able to steer the boat, but with increased
effort. See your authorized Volvo Penta dealer as soon
as possible to correct your power steering system.
At slow speeds (no wake), your boat may tend to wan-
der due to wind and current. This is normal and may
be overcome by anticipating bow direction and cor-
recting with steering wheel. A slightly higher throttle
and trim setting may also lessen the tendency to "wan-
der." Changing weight distribution, aft to forward, can
also affect slow speed steering.

Twin Unit Steering

Twin engine boats may have only one engine with a
fully operational power steering system. That power
steering system is on the starboard engine; therefore,
when operating on a single engine use the starboard
engine.
Using a port engine that does not have a functional
power steering system will cause an increased effort
in steering control, due to absence of power assist.
NOTICE! Both engines must be running during close
maneuvering or at slow speeds. If only one engine is
running, water may be forced back through the under-
water exhaust outlet and cause serious engine dam-
age. Do not attempt to plane boat while operating on a
single engine; operating with a single engine at full
throttle could cause engine or transmission damage.

Special Boating Conditions

The following section covers scenarios that are con-
sidered special boating situations. When using the
boat in the following situations, there are some special
procedures to take into consideration in order to keep
the engine, transmission, drive, and propeller in top
working condition.
Operation
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