f)
Ensure that the bilge pump switch is in the AUTOMATIC position before leaving the boat. This position
connects the bilge pumps directly to the batteries and the master switch has no effect.
4.4
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
This section covers special operations not considered emergencies. Emergency procedures are covered in
Section 5.
4.4.1
TRAILERING
a)
There will be times when you will need to use engine power assist to get the boat off the trailer. Observe the
following precautions:
I Ensure that the boat is free from the trailer bunks in way of the water pickups or you will overheat your
engine.
I Backdown slowly to prevent water from building up and coming over the transom.
I Block the wheels on the tow vehicle and if possible, the trailer.
I Watch that you do not overcome the blocking and tow vehicle braking system.
b)
As you take the boat off the trailer, note how far into the water the trailer should be to make putting the boat
back on easier.
c)
Trailer equipped with bunks and keel guide rollers present a need to beware of two possibilities.
1)
Bunks can cover water pickups as you put the boat on/the trailer. Do no power onto the trailer if you can
avoid it.
2)
Guide rollers are not intended to support the weight of the boat. They are there to help align the boat as it
is put on the trailer and to prevent the keel from impacting cross-members. DO NOT ADJUST THEM TO
CARRY LOAD. They should be just slightly higher than the cross-members.
d)
It is best practice to ease the boat onto a submerged trailer using lines. Then pull it up to the bow rest using
the launch.
14