GEKKO GTS 20 2015 User manual

Owner’s Manual 2015

Congratulations on becoming a part of the Gekko team! Since it’s inception in 1994,
Gekko has been consistently blessed with rave reviews, proven at the world champi-
onship level and captured a global following. !
This owner’s manual is designed to as an important reference and as a familiariza-
tion tool to for you become more knowledgeable about your Gekko boat, boat opera-
tion, safe boating practices, boating rules and regulations, maintenance, and other
important aspects regarding the use of your boat.
Before hauling or operating your new boat, it is crucial that you understand informa-
tion in this manual. Your authorized Gekko dealer is a valuable source of information
about your boat and necessary requirements for a safe and fun water sports experi-
ence. If you have any questions or concerns after reading this manual contact your
dealer.
The latest product information available at the time of publication provided the basis
for all data, pictures, information and specifications featured in this manual. Informa-
tion about numerous Gekko models is presented. As standard and optional equip-
ment varies from model to model, some information contained in this manual may
not apply to your boat. This manual is not all-inclusive. There are many factors to
consider and additional training and information that is necessary to research and
participate in before undertaking any boating activity.
At its sole discretion, Gekko Boats reserves the right to change model line specifica-
tions, designs, equipment, color schemes at any times without notice and without in-
curring obligation.
By giving you this information we hope to ensure that your new Gekko will be a
source of exceptional water sports fun for years to come.
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Ch. 2: Hazardous Boating Conditions.......................................... 15-17
!!Weather................................................................................ 16
""Severe Weather................................................................... 16
""Reduced Visibility................................................................. 16
""Cold Water and Weather Conditions.................................... 16
""Water Hazards..................................................................... 16
""Aquatic Vegetation............................................................... 17
""Shallow Water...................................................................... 17
""Dams and Spillways............................................................. 17
""Restricted Areas................................................................... 17
""Markers, Warnings and Advisories....................................... 17
Ch. 3: Emergencies......................................................................... 18-22
!!Emergencies........................................................................ 19
""First Aid/Medical Emergencies............................................. 19
""Emergency Preparation Checklist........................................ 19
""Carbon Monoxide Poisoning................................................ 19
""Fire and Explosion............................................................... 19
""Using Distress Signal Devices and Calling for Help............. 20
""Capsizing and Flooding........................................................ 20
""Man Overboard.................................................................... 20
""Running Aground................................................................. 21
""Dangerous Weather............................................................. 21
""Engine or Boat System Failure............................................ 21
""Accidents, Collisions and Giving Assistance........................ 21
""Towing on the Water............................................................. 21
Ch. 4: Boating Regulations............................................................ 23-26
!!Boating Regulations............................................................. 24
""Boater Responsibility............................................................ 24
""Law Enforcement................................................................. 24
""Registration, Numbering and Documentation...................... 24
""Insurance............................................................................. 24
""Giving Assistance................................................................. 24
""Reporting Accidents............................................................. 25
Table Of Contents
Ch. 1: Safety................................................................................... 1-14
!!Safety Alert Symbols.......................................................... 1
""Safety Precautions............................................................. 2
""Safety Guidelines............................................................... 3
""Common Sense Advisory................................................... 4
""Operator’s Responsibilities................................................. 4
""Safety Decals and Notices................................................. 4
""Carbon Monoxide (CO)...................................................... 6
""Sources of CO Poisoning................................................... 6
""Weight Limits and Distribution............................................ 7
""Safety Equipment............................................................... 7
""USCG Required Safety Equipment.................................... 8
""Personal Flotation Devices (PDF’s)................................... 9
""Fire Extinguisher................................................................ 9
""Visual Distress Signals (VDS’s)......................................... 9
""Audible Distress Signals.................................................... 10
""Emergency Stop Switch and Lanyard................................ 10
""Navigational Lights............................................................. 11
""Fire..................................................................................... 11
""Capsizing........................................................................... 11
""Running Aground or Striking Underwater Objects............. 11
""Water Sports Safety........................................................... 12
""Water Sports Hand Signals................................................ 13
""Water Sports Accessories.................................................. 13
""“Teak” or “Platform Dragging”............................................ 13

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""Boating Under the Influence................................................... 25
""Operator’s License................................................................. 25
""Speeding and Noise............................................................... 25
""Wake...................................................................................... 25 "
""Protecting the Environment.................................................... 25
""Foreign Species Transportation............................................. 25
""Pollution................................................................................. 26
Ch. 5: Navigational Rules................................................................ 27-31
!!Navigational Rules................................................................. 28
""Right-of-Way.......................................................................... 28
""The General Prudential Rule................................................. 28
""Navigational Lights................................................................ 28
""Encountering Other Vessels.................................................. 28
""Meeting.................................................................................. 28
""Crossing................................................................................ 29
""Overtaking............................................................................. 29
""Navigational Situations.......................................................... 30
""Navigational Markings........................................................... 30
Ch. 6: Model Guide......................................................................... 32-36
!!GTS 20.................................................................................. 33
""GTR 22.................................................................................. 34
""REVO 6.7.............................................................................. 35
""REVO 7.1.............................................................................. 36
Ch. 7: Boat Features & Options...................................................... 37-
!!Boat Features and Options.................................................... 38
""Steering System..................................................................... 38
""Propeller................................................................................. 38
""Shift and Throttle Controls..................................................... 39
""Gauges and Instruments........................................................ 39
""Speed Control System........................................................... 40
""Fuel Level/Voltage/Engine Temp/Oil Pressure Multi Gauge... 40
""Tachometer............................................................................ 41
""Speedometer.......................................................................... 41
""Speedometer Paddle Wheel............................................... 41
""Control Switches.................................................................. 42
""Ignition Switch..................................................................... 42
""Blower Switch...................................................................... 42
""Bilge Pump Switch.............................................................. 42
""Courtesy Lights Switch........................................................ 42
""Lights Switch....................................................................... 42
""Horn Switch......................................................................... 42
""Circuit Breakers................................................................... 42
""12 Volt Receptacle.............................................................. 43
""Ballast System..................................................................... 43
""Batteries.............................................................................. 43
""Voltage Sensitive Relay....................................................... 43
""Stereo.................................................................................. 44
""Mirror................................................................................... 44
""Pylon................................................................................... 44
""Tower................................................................................... 44
""Board Rack.......................................................................... 45
""Swim Platform..................................................................... 45
""Rear Tow Eye...................................................................... 45
""Motor Box............................................................................ 45
""Heater System..................................................................... 46
""Fuel System........................................................................ 46
""Engine Cooling System....................................................... 46
""Engine Exhaust System...................................................... 46
""Engine Lubrication System.................................................. 47
""Electrical System................................................................. 47
""Drain Plug............................................................................ 47
Ch. 8: Operation............................................................................. 48-53
""Preparation Before Boating................................................. 49
""Fueling................................................................................. 49
""Safety Checks..................................................................... 49
""Before Operation................................................................. 49
""During Operation.................................................................. 50
""After Operation..................................................................... 50

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""Breaking in Your New Boat.................................................... 50
""Boarding................................................................................. 50
""Loading the Boat.................................................................... 50
""Starting and Operation........................................................... 51
""Starting the Engine................................................................ 51
""Shifting Gears........................................................................ 51
""Underway............................................................................... 51
""Basic Maneuvering................................................................ 52
""Stopping................................................................................. 52
""Docking and Tie-Up............................................................... 52
""Anchors and Anchoring.......................................................... 53
""Emergencies.......................................................................... 53
""Courtesy................................................................................. 53
""Operating Conditions............................................................. 53
Ch. 9: Maintenance & Care............................................................... 54-62
!!General Maintenance and Care............................................. 55
""New Boat Break-In Maintenance........................................... 55
""Before Each Use.................................................................... 55
""Inspect Battery Connections.................................................. 55
""Inspect Throttle and Shift Cables........................................... 56
""Inspect Fuel System.............................................................. 56
""Note Any Exhaust Odors........................................................ 57
""Inspect Seacock Strainer....................................................... 57
""Check that the Battery is Fully Charged................................ 57
""Check for Water Leaks and Tighten/Install All Drain Plugs.... 57
""After Each Use....................................................................... 57
""Cleaning................................................................................. 58
""Marine Growth....................................................................... 58
""Hull......................................................................................... 58
""Corrosion Protection.............................................................. 58
""Salt Water Corrosion.............................................................. 58
""Carpet..................................................................................... 59
""Seadeck Flooring and Platforms............................................ 59
""Windshield.............................................................................. 59
""Boat Covers............................................................................ 59
""Upholstery............................................................................ 59
""Recommended Cleaning Products...................................... 60
""Non-Recommended Cleaning Products.............................. 60
""Quarterly Maintenance (Every 50 Hours)............................ 60
""Annual Maintenance (Every 100 Hours).............................. 60
""Inspect the Fuel System and Replace Fuel Filter................ 61
""Check Propeller Shaft Coupler Alignment........................... 61
""Lubricate Steering System................................................... 61
""Lubricate Throttle and Shift Cables...................................... 61
""Check Engine Mounts.......................................................... 62
""Check Ballast Pump Impeller(s).......................................... 62
""Fire Extinguisher Unit.......................................................... 62
""Indmar Engine Maintenance Schedule................................ 62
Ch. 10: Winterization & Storage.................................................... 63-67
""Winterization and Storage................................................... 64
""General Preparation............................................................ 64
""Fuel System Treatment........................................................ 64
""General Power Preparation................................................. 65
""Winterization Preparation.................................................... 65
""Ballast System Preparation................................................. 65
""Re-Activating the Boat After Storage................................... 66
""Propeller Maintenance......................................................... 66
""Storing on a Cradle or Blocks.............................................. 66
""Storing on a Trailer............................................................... 66
""Lifting................................................................................... 67
Ch.11: Trailering & Launching....................................................... 68-76
""Gekko Trailers...................................................................... 69
""Trailer Type.......................................................................... 69
""Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.................................... 69
""Weight Distribution............................................................... 70
""Vehicle Towing Hitch............................................................ 70
!!Hitch Ball and Trailer Coupler.............................................. 70
""Safety Chains/Cables.......................................................... 71
""Breakaway Cable................................................................ 71

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""Trailer Winch Assembly......................................................... 71
""Swing Tongue........................................................................ 71
""Towing Vehicle....................................................................... 72
""7-Pin Wiring Connector.......................................................... 72
""How to Attach the Trailer........................................................ 72
""Trailer Lights.......................................................................... 73
""Wheels................................................................................... 73
""Tires....................................................................................... 73
""Trailer Brakes........................................................................ 74
""Trailer Jack............................................................................ 74
""Trailering Guidelines.............................................................. 74
""Backing Up............................................................................ 75
""Launching.............................................................................. 75
Ch. 12: Warranty............................................................................... 77-80
!!Limited Lifetime Warranty....................................................... 78
""What Warranty Covers........................................................... 78
""What Warranty Does Not Cover............................................. 78
""Warranty Service................................................................... 80
""Gekko Boats Website............................................................ 80
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1
Safety

Safety Alert Symbols
iThis is the safety alert symbol.
It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Read and
abide by all messages following the safety alert symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
2
Safety Precautions
Complying with the safety recommendations found in this Owner’s Manual is critical
to keeping your boating experience as safe as possible during routine operation. Fail-
ure to do so may result in severe injury or death to you and/or others. Use caution
and common sense when operating your boat. Do not take unnecessary chances!
The safety precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive, nor
do they address the myriad of potentially dangerous and life threatening scenarios
that exist. Make sure that all boat operators and passengers are aware of all safety
concerns and operations information. Further, you must be confident that your deci-
sion to use any equipment, parts or tools, perform procedures, practices or methods
that are not specifically recommended by Gekko Boats will not damage your boat, is
safe and does not endanger you or others.
As a boat owner, you are responsible for your own safety, as well as that of your pas-
sengers and other boaters. Boating-related accidents are often times caused by the
boat operator’s failure to follow basic safety rules or written precautions. The major-
ity of accidents can be avoided if the operator is completely familiar with the boat, its
operation and can recognize potentially hazardous situations before an accident oc-
curs.
iDANGER
Failure to observe safety recommendations may result in severe per-
sonal injury or death to you and/or others. Always use caution and com-
mon sense when operating your boat or participating in any boat related
activities, including periods of time when the boat engine is shut down
and the boat is not in operation.
Recognizing potentially dangerous situations is the first step to avoiding boating-
related accidents. Following basic safety instructions and precautions can reduce
boating-related accidents. In addition to the information in this manual be aware of
other specific safety guidelines not listed. Gekko Boats recommends all boat opera-
iDANGER
iWARNING
iCAUTION

3
tors to pursue additional training from a recognized boating and/or safety organiza-
tion prior to the operation of any boat.
The following agencies and organizations offer additional safety training and/or in-
formation:"""" "
American Red Cross, National HQ
8111 Gatehouse Road, 6th Floor
Falls Church, VA 22042"
[phone]
www.redcross.org
U.S.A. Water Ski Association
1251 Holy Cow Road"
Polk City, FL 33868"
[phone]
www.usawaterski.org
Boat Owners Association of the United States
880 South Pickett Street
Alexandria,VA 22304
[phone]
www.boatus.com
National Safe Boating Council
2550 M Street NW, Suite 425
Washington, DC 20037"
[phone]
www.safeboatingcouncil.org
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
2100 Second Street SW
Washington, DC 20593-001
[phone]
www.uscg.mil http://www.uscgboating.org
Safety Guidelines
Improper operation of any boat is extremely dangerous! Operators must read and
understand all operating manuals supplied with the boat, before operation. In addi-
tion to specific safety statements noted in this manual, a general list of safety
guidelines and recommendations is listed below:
•On-boat equipment must always conform to the governing federal, state
and local regulations.
•Before each outing, check all safety equipment such as fire extinguishers,
life jackets, flares, distress flags, flashlights and engine stop switch. They
should be operable, in good condition, readily visible and easily accessed.
•Never allow any type of spark or open flame on-board. It may result in fire
or explosion.
iDANGER
Never override or modify components of the emergency safety or fuel
systems in any way.
•All persons must be seated in a designated occupant seating area while
the boat is in motion.
•Passengers should never sit in front of the operator; always avoid obstruct-
ing the operator’s view.
•Never stand or allow passengers to stand or sit on the motor box or tower,
gunwhale, decks or any location other than occupant seating while under-
way. You and/or others may be thrown within or from the boat, which
could result in serious injury or death.
iDANGER
Gasoline vapors can explode! Before starting the engine, you must
open the engine box and check the engine compartment and bilge for
gasoline and oil vapors. You must operate the blower for at least 4

4
minutes. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death to you
and/or others.
•Never operate the boat or engage in any water activities while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Children and nonswimmers should wear a life jacket at all times.
•Never leave children in the boat without adult supervision.
•Never swim near the boat when the engine is running. Even if the boat is
in the NEUTRAL position, the propeller may still be turning and carbon
monoxide may be present.
•Watch for other boats, swimmers and obstructions in the water. Stay
away from other boats and personal watercraft.
Common Sense Advisory
Gekko Boats cannot anticipate every scenario or neglect that could result in dam-
age to the boat or that may cause illness, injury or even death to boaters. The op-
erator, owner and/or all persons on board are responsible for using common sense
and careful thought process to ensure that every measure is taken to keep boating
enjoyable. A Gekko boat should be the source of exceptional water sports fun for
years to come, but the boating experience remains safe only if YOU, and everyone
on board, uses common sense before, during and after boating activity.
Operator’s Responsibilities
•Always ensure that the boat is in top operating condition and there are no
hazards that could interfere with the operation of the boat.
•Check that the bilge is clean before starting the engine.
•Have complete knowledge of the operations system or your boat.
•Do not exceed the maximum capacity for your boat and ensure that all
weight is evenly distributed throughout the seating areas.
•Have familiarity with the layout of the waterways around you and your des-
tination.
•Know and practice navigational rules and obey all federal and state regula-
tions.
•Maintain a safe speed and keep an eye out for other boaters at all times.
Safety Decals and Notices
In compliance with the Unites States Coast Guard Regulations, Gekko Boats meet
or exceed all safety standards designed for recreational boats. To ensure safe
handling and performance, each Gekko boat displays various hazard and safety
decals which are affixed at the time of manufacture. These decals are applied in
specific locations on the boat and boat equipment where safety is of concern. All
decals must remain legible at all times. If a decal is removed or damaged contact
your dealer for immediate replacement.