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decrease the drag at cruising speed or above, or when
run ning in a following sea.
When running at an engine speed that results in the
boat falling off plane or causes the boat to plane
inefficiently, lowering the blades slightly (bow down) will
improve the running angle and improve operating
efficiency.
Optimum efficien c y is obtained when operat i ng at a 3
to 5 degree running angle. Utilizing too much "Bow
Down" trim tab can reduce operat i ng effi c iency and
cause substan t ial stee r ing and handling difficul t ies. Be
extreme ly careful when running in a following sea. The
effect of trim tabs is ampli fi ed under such condi t ions.
Steer i ng and handling difficulties can result from
im proper trim tab usage, espe cially in a following sea. If
unsure of proper trim tab positioning, raise the trim tabs
to the full-up position.
Trim your boat to compensate for seas, winds, or un-
even loads.
Head Seas
Trim drives in more than
usual. Use tabs to keep
bow down and go at a
slower speed.
Following Seas
To prevent taking seawater
The bow, trim drives out and
keep tabs up to keep bow
down
Listing Due to
Use tabs independently to
Quartering Seas,
adjust for list. If listing to star-
Beam Wind, or
board, press port bow down
Uneven Load
switch. If listing to port, press
starboard bow down switch.
Remember that most boats react very slowly to trim
tabs. Often boat owners do not give trim tabs time to
work. Press the trim tab switches for only one second
at a time and then allow some time for the boat to
react. If the boat is still listing after a minute or two,
press the trim tab switch again for a one second
interval. The labels on the trim tab switches indicate
what you want your boat to do, not what you want the
tabs to do.
It is a good idea to take your boat out onto open water
shortly after you get it and experiment with the trim
tabs. After you get your boat onto plane, set the tabs in
various positions and note how your boat reacts. This
Pre-Launch and Underway - Section S
will give you a feel for how the trim tabs work.
Figure S1: Trimming the Boat with Trim Tabs
S - 8
NAVIGATION LIGHTS
Although night activities are limited, cruising at night
can be very pleasurable. It can also be dangerous if
you don't pay close attention to water levels and
obstacles. Be especially careful of shallow waters and
watch for submerged debris, rocks and other obsta-
cles in the water. Your navigation lights are intended
only to prevent collision, not to improve your night
vision. You may choose to use a spotlight instead.
NOTE: It is illegal to use your spotlight as a headlight.
Use it only temporarily to check the position of your
boat and the surrounding area.
Depending on your model, the boat has one white
(stern or mast light), one red (port) and one green
(starboard) light. The stern light may be a removable
pole light. To use the light, line up the two-prong plug
in the pole with the receptacle in the base. Plug the
light in, and lock it into place with lever/slide lock.
When not in use, stow the light inside your boat for
safekeeping. This light can be turned on or off at the
helm.
Check lights for proper operation before heading out
at night. You should also learn to identify the running
light combinations for other vessels. We recommend
that you participate in a boating safety course to
further learn about navigation lights and safe boating
practices.
The anchor lights and navigation lights are controlled
by a switch at the helm. The anchor light switch allows
you to turn on just the stern (white) light when an-
chored or moored. While underway, use the naviga-
Owner's Manual Page 190
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