Stopping; Practice Maneuvers; Where To Practice Exercises; Practice Exercises - Scarab jet boat Owenrs Manual

do not obstruct the operator's vision when
casting off or while underway.
After making sure your boat is ready, check wind, tide,
current and other forces that will affect the way you
maneuver your boat away from the dock. Throw moor-
ing lines off to your boat. Shift your boat's engine into
forward or reverse depending on whether you want to
Run your engine at a slow speed as you move away
that the stern of the boat does not swing into the dock
or a piling.
Once away from the dock, devote some time to
learning how to maneuver. Practice docking using an
imaginary dock. Practice stopping and reversing.
NOTICE
the reverse, increase engine speed to slightly
above idle. Too much RPM will create water
NOTICE
A boat will not respond to steering in reverse
nearly as well as it does when going forward,
so do not expect to accomplish tight turning
B. Stopping
Boats have no brakes. Stopping is accomplished
by backing down on the throttle. Practice stopping
maneuvers and learn early how your boat reacts.
From forward motion, pull the throttle back towards
NEUTRAL. Depending on your speed, the distance
the boat travels until it comes to a complete stop will
vary. The ability to measure the distance will only be
acquired through experience.
Once the boat has slowed and motor is idling, place
the shift in REVERSE. Gradually increasing reverse
power with the throttle.
Operation - Section D
Do not use reverse function to slow down or
to stop boat above idle speed. Loss of control,
ejection or injury can occur. Reverse is for
low speed maneuvering only. Shift only while
engine is idling or off.
Remember that all boats steer by the stern (the feel-
ing is much like steering your automobile in reverse).
This means that the stern of your boat will swing in the
direction opposite to your turn. For example, when you
turn the helm wheel to the left, the stern of your boat
will swing in the direction opposite to your turn. This
is especially important to keep in mind when docking,
operating in close quarters with other boats, or when
approaching a swimmer or downed skier in the water.
Always look behind you and to both sides of the boat
before slowing down. Tell your passengers your inten-
tions to allow them time to make adjustments to their
balance or positions.
Slowly pull back on throttles, glance back and see if a
large following wave is approaching the transom. If so
give the engines a little throttle as the wave arrives to
.
keep wave from rolling over the transom.
D - 9

PRACTICE MANEUVERS

It is always a good idea to practice and get familiar
with all controls, functions and handling characteristics
of your boat before venturing on the water.
Always secure the tether cord to the engine shut-off
switch and the clip to your PFD or a wrist strap.
A. Where to Practice Exercises
Find a suitable area to practice the exercises. Ensure
– No obstacles
– No swimmers
– No current
– Ample space to maneuver
– Water depth is adequate.
B. Practice Exercises
Practice alone the following exercises.
Owner's Manual Page 87