Getting Underway - Glastron Boats User Manual

3. Insert the fuel supply nozzle, keeping the nozzle in
contact with the fuel fill plate while fueling, to guard
against static produced sparks.
IMPORTANT: When fueling or having your boat fueled by
an attendant, be sure the waste and/or water fill plate is
not mistaken for the fuel fill plate.
4. Stand away from the fuel tank vent and fill plate during
fueling. Splash-back may occur and can be an eye irri-
tant as well as a fire hazard.
5. Avoid spillage. Wipe any excess fuel immediately.
6. After pumping approximately 10 gallons of fuel into the
fuel tank, inspect the engine and fuel tank area for any
signs of fuel leakage. Continue fueling if no leaks or
other problems are detected.
7. Allow space at the top of the tank for thermal expansion.
8. If fuel cannot be pumped in at a reasonable rate, check
for fuel vent blockage or kink in the line.
After Fueling
1. Replace the fuel fill plate and wipe up any fuel spillage.
Properly discard any rags that you may have used to
wipe up fuel spillage in a safe place.
2. Open the engine compartment and all hatches, win-
dows, doors and other compartments that were closed
during fueling. Inspect these areas for the odor of fuel
vapors and visible fuel leakage. Any sign of fuel leak-
age or any indication of vapors must be investigated
and corrected before starting the engine.
3. Run the bilge blower for at least five (5) minutes before
starting the engine. Continue to run the bilge blower until
the boat is underway and has reached its cruising speed.

GETTING UNDERWAY

Instrumentation
Instruments on the dashboard are important for monitoring
the performance of your boat's engine and alerting you to
possible problems or causes of problems. Ask your
Glastron dealer about the normal readings of the gauges
when you take delivery of your boat. These readings pro-
vide you with a reference point for the life of the engine.
Remember though that engine instruments have a toler-
ance for accuracy, and the readings on some gauges may
fluctuate. Always check out the cause for readings consis-
tently above or below a normal reading.
NOTE: Some models do not have all the instruments
described in this section. Some models are equipped with
multifunction engine gauges and alarms. See engine man-
ual for additional information.
Fuel Gauge
Displays the amount of fuel contained within the fuel
tank(s). The most accurate reading of the fuel gauge is at
idle speed when your boat maintains an approximately
level position. Underway, the fuel gauge will usually read
higher than actual due to bow of the boat being higher than
at rest. Since gauge readings are approximate, they should
be compared to the hours of use versus known fuel con-
sumption, or gallons per hour (GPH). The most common
practice of good fuel management is the one-third rule. You
use one-third of your total fuel onboard to travel to your
destination and one-third in returning. The remaining one-
third in the fuel tank should be reserved for emergencies.
3.7