Boat Handling Instruction

[Mary B]

I recently purchased a Hurricane deckboat and have taken the 13 week USCG/USPS course on boat handling and safety. However, I am having a really hard time as a novice figuring out how to do handling maneuvers such as docking in the slip, running it efficiently as far as trim and planing, and doing reg routine maintenance. Does anyone in the Delmarva area provide hands-on boat instruction (no liability issues, since it would be on my boat and I would be operating it.) I need a seasoned vet to stand behind me and give tips and advice and explain the finer points. The dealer was absolutely no help. After the sea trial, they basically said I'm on my own. They also expect me to do my own warranty repair work, but that's another story.<br />Any suggestions?<br />Mare<br />Stumped in Bethany DE.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Mare<br />I am not in yur area but it would help if we knew what type and size boat you are talking about. Is it a single engine or Dual. Most of the time it just comes from practice. I taken the USGC class three time and US power squdran twice all good classes. Also what type problems you are having. We all have trouble when the winds blowing 40 plus on to the dock.

 

[Mary B]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Thanks.<br />I have a 19 ft deckboat with an F100 Yamaha, brand new on both counts.<br />First problem is one of practice, and that's docking. That will take time.<br />My more immediate problem is planing. I am brand new to this, so I am pretty clueless on boats in gen, much less this new one. Excuse me if I call the parts wrong, but here goes:<br />the arm that is both the "gas" and the gear shift has a push button in the center round portion, down from the actual handle. That is the remote throttle???? How and why and what do I do with that? Also, what is the most efficient "cruising" speed as far as RPMs? I assumed, like with my car's tach, I wanted to keep it at 2000, but I cant get it to plane and run at less than about 4500... and that seems to be roaring... an F100 is touted to be very quiet, so I guess I'm not doing it right, but I dont know more than that. <br />And the fuel gauge doesnt appear to be working, and altho' it might be a simple solution (like a fuse??), I cant get much outta the dealer by way of "try this" and they arent keen on honoring my new warranty. There's a ton more, but how's this for starters?<br />Mare

 

[blifsey]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

If I'm understanding your description of the control, the button your refer to allows you to use the throttle without engaging gears - similar to pressing gas pedal without putting car in gear. On my boat, if it's sat for a week or two without use, I use the button so I can open the throttle a little when cranking - like "pumping" the gas pedal in a car. Basically, anytime you need to rev engine beyond an idle without the boat moving. You press and hold this button while pushing the handle forward as usual.<br /><br />I'm not familar with the F100, but what i know of 2-strokes outboards, they "cruise" at more than 2000rpms. Usually in the 3000 to 4500 range.<br /><br />No idea on fuel gage but get it working ASAP. Running out of fuel on the water wouldn't be fun. I would press dealer or contact mfr.<br /><br />Good luck,<br />BL...

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

^ back to top<br />(maybe someone will post, who is available for a copilot ride with you, up in your area) there are a ton of people hitting this site daily

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

If this boat/motor is new, I would demand tha the warranty service be done or I would start to raise heck with the mfg and the BBB and copy the dealer on correspondence. Why won't they service this?<br /><br />I assume you have tilt/trim. In order to plane initially you might have to take it to 4500RPM, but once planed you can 'trim' the motor up. This will most likely cause the RPMs to come up as well since it will get the bow out of the water and cause less resistence. Once this is done, you can cut back on the throttle to a comfortable cruising speed and RPM. You will need to experiment where in the RPM range you will start to fall out of plane so you have a good idea where to set your cruise. The trim control is also used to make a more comfortable ride. On smooth water you can trim up to get the most boat out of the water. When the waves are rough and you find the bow going up and then crashing down uncomfortably (porpoising), then you can trim down to point the bow through the waves. It takes practice and feel, but this is the essence of it.<br /><br />My tips for docking.. When you get to the dock, you should only be going as fast as your willing to hit the dock. This means slowing down way out.<br /><br />I use my out drive as a rudder, with no power applied. If I need more correction, I bump it into gear only for a touch of thrust. If necessary I will also bump it into reverse as a brake. <br /><br />Don't allow your 'crew' be too helpful. Ask them to only do what you ask the to do. Nothing is worse than having 5 people shift the weight to the dockside of the boat while trying to manuever and cutting off your sightline.<br /><br />Take note of the wind before you approach the dock. Adjust your approach to make the best advantage or minimize the least advantage of the wind. I usually try to approach from downwind. Coming from up wind will blow you offcourse and coming from straight out with a crossing will be hard to control drift.<br /><br />These are my thoughts. Others may disagree, but do with it what you will.

 

[Franki]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

The best advice I can give for docking, is to do only one thing at a time, and do it, and all preceeding and following things smoothly, avoid anything abrupt..<br /><br />if you are really worried, a newbie method, (till you get good.) can be to pull up to the dock at 60 degree angle and stop with the nose within reach of the dock. (pull up slowly and touch reverse for a second to stop dead..)<br />have someone tie the nose up to the dock. then turn the motor so that the back of it is pointing to the dock.. and put it in slow reverse.. it should pull the back of the boat slowly towards the dock.. then you shutdown and tie off the rear.. <br /><br />I used that method to dock a really big houseboat cat with single motor and very short dock (and another houseboat on it already..) many times.. it works with boats as well.<br /><br />don't worry about this docking and other fancy driving initially, just go slow and you can't really go wrong, and before long you'll be an old hand..<br /><br />as for your boat probs, its new, its in warrantly, don't try fixing anything yourself.<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />frank

 

[DJ]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Mare,<br /><br />Here are SOME tips I can offer.<br /><br />1. The "button" you described is just what you thought. It is there to allow you to rev. the engine out of gear. I believe your Yam. F-100 is four stroke-fuel injected. If so, there is no reason to use it. The EFI handles the warm up for you. They use the same controls for 2 and 4 stroke engines.<br /> Shifting. ALWAYS shift quickly, DO NOT ease the engine into gear. Easing the engine into gear will ruin the clutches in the lower unit in short order.<br /><br />2. Your boat will not plane at 2000 rpm. Your car gets up to speed and then basically coasts down the highway requiring very little of the available horsepower to keep the speed. Going up a hill is another matter.<br /><br />Your boat is going UPHILL all of the time. That is a pretty good size boat for a 100 hp. engine, it's going to work hard. To judge whether or not you have the right prop., you need to run the boat at wide open throttle, trimmed up and record your rpms. Consult your owners manual for the operating range of that engine-it may be as high as 6500 rpm. Do not do this test with a boat load of people-just an average to light load.<br /><br />3. Trimming. Typically, you will run the trim down (engine foot tucked in toward the transom) to get on plane. Once on plane, you gradually trim out until the boat just feels right and the engine does not cavitate or (rev up) on sharp turns.<br /><br />4. Docking. ALWAYS dock running into the wind or current. That way you are in control instead of the wind or current. Try docking bow first as mentioned previously. Once you master that, you'll learn how to come in sideways.<br />Remember, Once you have the bow secure, you can PULL the stern in with the engine by turning the prop. toward the dock with the engine in reverse.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />If you are still concerned you may ask a local marine officer for help. They may be willing.

 

[lepper]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

a lot of good advice is given above, i'm not familiar with the hurricane but i am assuming it is a glass boat. and my advice is this, Invest in some nice GOOD bumpers for it. That will help a lot. And reverse is your friend for docking. don't be afraid to get on it if you need it. and just practice. If you can find an empty dock and make several attempts. <br /><br />Sometimes it is a pain in the butt, like when the dock is full, and the only option you have is to dock going with the current. that sucks.... but oh well..... <br /><br />good luck.... and Raise Hell with the dealership you bought the boat at.....

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Any problems with a new boat should be handled by warentee so you get what you paid for. As to trimming and running make 100% sure you have a prop of the right pitch. Going to a prop repair shop will help as they can just about tell w/o doing anything but looking. I had that problem myself. I trim by feel and basicle get the boat up and running then adjust in small incriments till I feel it is right then come back off and try to get on plane usually i have a slow trim and plane trim. I have even had 3 positions If I had extra people or weight. I judge this by as I said feel. As to docking aside from the advice already given keep in mind it is like parralell parking with no brakes take it slow and pratice.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

^ Plenty of visitors to this site would love to show you in practise. Somebody in your area eventually will read this post...

 

[Boatist]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Mare A lot of good info so far but let us know you are coming back to read it. I will start with fuel guage. One dealer should fix that but if he will not and there is not another dealer for your boat here is a couple of things to look for. I do not think you will find a fuse for the fuel guage. Does your guage read full or Empty?? Start at the tank, you should have a cover in floor that will come off. Under that cover Should find fuel tank and a mechcanical Fuel Guage on the tank. First see if this guage reads correctly. If it does then likely tank and sending unit is ok. Should also find two wires a grounding wire usually Green and fuel guage sending wire that runs to your electrial fuel guage. Make sure wire is clean and tight. also check wires to back of fuel guage again should be two. One that runs to the fuel tank and the other back to the key switch. there may also be a fuse but usually for the whole set of gauges not just the fuel guage.<br /><br />The best cruse speed in usually where you boat just reaches a clean plane. Bring throttle up slow and inch it up until comes up on plane. Note RPMS and SPEED. This should be a pretty good cruise speed. You can back off a little after up on plane but problem is, if you hit a boat wake or make a turn may drop back off plane. 4500 is very high to be start of plane so engine may be a little small for your boat. Keep in mind should have some break in instructions in owners manual and may not want you to run motor that fast for a time. The way it is broke in can have a big long time effect so try to follow instructions.<br /><br />Docking buy at least two good fenders and get one bigger than you think you need, no one ever get smaller set for second pair, some boat work better with three. Also buy a good boat hook, can get by with a 8 foot but when conditions are really bad a 12 is better. Last need some lines for the side you are going to dock on. I use a single line that hooks to front and back cletes but many prefer to have one for front and one for back. Good idea to make sure neither is long enough to reach prop. Coming to the dock get enerything ready early, Fender out boat hook ready lines attached ect. I prefer to approch dock from down wind or down current which ever is stronger. Idle down as slow as can go and maintain control of boat with light winds or current approach dock at about a 30 degree angle. Increase angle as wind and current pick up. Idle in toward dock when get close kick motor out of gear and as front fender is about to hit dock turn outdrive toward dock and hit reverse to stop foward motion. have line tenders step out or use boat hook to grab dock and pull in and tie her up. If have to approach from up wind or up current this time come along side dock but angle bow out from dock. here is where the big fenders really help. When get along side dock stop foward motion and let wind or current push you up to dock. Here can use boat hook to push on dock so do not hit too hard.<br />You said 19 foot deck boat. I am not sure is that a DEEP V or pontoon???

 

[Mary Bucklew]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Hey Guys,<br />Thanks for all the good advice. I am reading it all (printing it out for the next time (next weekend) when I am back on the boat. The dealer is a real problem, esp with the fuel gauge issue. I learned a hard lesson. Ducky's Boats in PA lowballs on the price, and then either nickels and dimes me, or does not respond to warranty issues. I am not having a great deal more luck with GodfreyHurricane *mfr but at least they have been more sympathetic. Ducky's (dealer) had the nerve to send me a replacement docking light (boat was delivered new with one light FULL of water/condensation) and SENT ME AN INVOICE that was due if I didnt return the dud. What an insult, considering their lousy service! and this after I had given my word I would be glad to send the crappy one back. <br />But I very much appreciate the good advice. I esp like the info about that little throttle button, and I will try all these ideas next weekend. I also know alot of this comes with time, but I am a single woman with NO mechanical etc exp, and I am deathly afraid of fouling something up w/o someone behind me giving instructions.<br />Keep the ideas coming.

 

[Mary Bucklew]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Boatist and others (Mare here)<br />The Sundeck 187 is a deckboat, which is kinda dual hulled, but certainly more like a pontoon than a deep V. The F100 prob is a bit small for this boat, but I couldnt get an F115 from the dealer and I didnt want to get more power than I could handle. The Dad of the dealer del the boat, but it was 5pm when he arrived and nearly dark by the time we got it in the water for a seatrial, and so instruction was quick and perfunctory. Then he left and I was on my own. The rest has come from good souls like you guys here. So I am very appreciative. I am also reading everything I can, and asking alot of what seem like dumb questions. But that and being on the water are my best available teachers at this point.<br />As far as the fuel guage goes, it always reads past full when the battery or engine is running... and I have had it out 4 times for more than 5 hrs, and it never moves. At 4000 rpms, I gotta be close to empty on a 45 gal tank, even with a fuel efficient four stroke. So THAT is my top priority. Next weekend, Boatist, I will take your instructions here and see what I can about the connections. I will also take a 5 gal jug of fuel, just in case. There are places nearby on the water to get gas, but I wanna make sure I have enough to get there!<br />Mare

 

[crab bait]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

if you trailer the boat... there not much sense in takin' along a 5 gal can... just stop an filler up.. if you marina the boat, filler up before headin'out..i know you want your gauge to work but a 45 gal tank on a 4 cycle.. it'll be hard to burn it all in one day... just keep it filled up..thing 'll work out..

 

[Mary Bucklew]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Hey, Delaware... my boat is off Indian River Bay... at Bay Colony off 26.<br />I dont have a trailer, and the marina where I have the slip is a private one that has a resident harbormaster (probabaly a guy who lives in the chi chi community near the marina) but it doesnt have any amenities like fuel pumps, or mechanics etc... just a private resident marina. <br />I dont live there, but it was the only place close to my place that had slips available. They are hard to come by in spring and summer in delmarva! And being a newbie, I wasnt up to tackling trailering AND boating the first season out. I have about 5 hours on the boat, and I dont know yet what kind of gallons per hour I am getting, but all will come with time. Thanks for the advice.<br />Mare

 

[Boatist]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Mare I think you are doing great. As far as how much fuel you have when you pull inspection plate for your fuel tank you should be able to read the mechcanial guage. I am pretty sure it is a Coast Guard requirement to have the mechcanial gauge on all new boats. Since you have taken the Coast Guard class I know you know more already than 50 percent of the boaters on the water. If it the same back there as it is out here more than 50 do not know what sound signals mean or which side of a Buoy the save water is. Every trip you will get a little better.

 

[Mary Bucklew]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Boatist<br />That plate you are talking about... would that be the one I keep tripping over just under my feet as I stand at the helm? WHen I looked underneath, it had what looked like a little pump (like the one I pump before I start the engine?) Obviously, the dealer didnt walk me through any of this, so I am clueless as to what all these small things are.... but I have a feeling I am about to be educated! Which is great.<br />Mary

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

As far as boat docking goes.....Charles Low has a site and book that is supposed to be tops even with the larger boat owners. http://www.boatdocking.com/ <br />Good luck and large fenders.

 

[Mary Bucklew]

Re: Boat Handling Instruction

Capt Bob<br />I picked up a copy of that book by Low today, as a matter of fact. It came highly recommended by a few west coast instructors. I chatted with him on line a few weeks back, but I guess he never got around to sending a copy (Low) so I got it from Boat US this afternoon.<br />I should be reading it now! instead of typing, but I wanted to check back in.<br />Thanks again.<br />Mary