5.9 Handling characteristics
5.9.1
Driving at high speed
Do not operate the boat if the actual engine power exceeds the power indicated on
the builder's plate.
If the motor has an electrohydraulic power trim, the basic trim angle adjustments
are as follows:
•
To plane the boat, the trim should be adjusted all the way down (negative
setting: 'bow down').
•
When the boat is planing in low waves, the trim should be raised until the
boat starts to porpoise, the propeller loses grip or the engine reaches the
upper limit of the normal adjustment range. When this happens, lower the
bow slightly until the ride is stable. The log (speed indicator) can be used to
optimise the trim angle.
•
When the boat is riding into waves, the bow should be lowered until the
ride becomes smooth. When driving with a tailwind or into very high waves,
the bow should be raised slightly to avoid ploughing through the waves.
•
Do not drive the boat at high speed with a fully negative trim angle (bow
down) as this may cause the boat to roll from side to side and make
steering unstable.
Please also consult the engine manual.
Outboard engines are usually designed to be mounted at a height that aligns the
engine's cavitation plate with the boat's keel.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
Learn the seafaring rules and the COLREG provisions (International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea) and follow them. Navigate with care and make sure
your charts are up to date.
Be very careful when adjusting the trim angle at high speed: it
may affect the boat's behaviour dramatically. Do not drive the
boat with the bow too low as the boat may change heading
unexpectedly.
The craft's handling characteristics may deteriorate at full
speed. Sudden turns at high speed may result in loss of control.
Slow down before making a sharp turn in either direction.
Waves may make steering the boat more difficult and cause
the boat to bank or roll. Reduce speed when wave height
increases.
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