Key West Boats 239DFS User manual

CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to purchase one of the
most exciting boats in the industry. We at Key West Boats
believe in a simple philosophy: design a product with the
boater in mind, build it with the best materials using the
latest in manufacturing technology, and oer it at a price the
customer can aord. This philosophy has made Key West
Boats one of the leading manufacturers of quality boats today.
This manual is another example of Key West Boats’ commitment
to customer satisfaction. We have carefully prepared this
information to assist you in the proper care and operation of
your new boat. Although this manual is written for the first-
time boater, we ask that even experienced boaters take the
time to read this manual and become familiar with its contents.
Since this manual is written to cover several like models in
our line, some areas may appear somewhat general in nature.
Some items in this manual are optional, may not be available
for your model or are available on Key West-packaged models
only. The illustrations are intended as only representative
reference views and may be a little dierent on your boat.
Along with this manual is information on major components
such as the engine, trolling motor, fish finder, etc. The suppliers
of these components provide their own care, operation and
warranty information. Be sure to read these manuals and
become familiar with them. We have made reference to the
manufacturer’s information where appropriate in this manual.
Thank you for choosing Key West Boats! With all the
boats on the market today we assure you that you have
made the right choice. We appreciate your business and
will make every eort for your continued satisfaction.
We hope you have many years of boating enjoyment with your Key
West Boat.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction ........................................... 1
Owner/Operator’s Responsibilities ............................ 1
Registration .................................................... 1
Insurance ....................................................... 1
Education ...................................................... 2
Boat Maintenance .......................................... 2
Environmental Responsibilities ......................... 2
Briefing Passengers ........................................ 2
Courtesy ....................................................... 2
Storage ......................................................... 3
Important Numbers ................................................ 3
Hull Identification Number (HIN)........................ 3
2 Safety .................................................. 4
Introduction .......................................................... 4
Required Safety Equipment..................................... 5
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) ............................. 5
Recommended Equipment...................................... 6
Alcohol, Drugs, and Water Safety ............................. 6
Rules of the Road .................................................. 7
Minors.................................................................. 7
Passenger Safety................................................... 7
Water Skiing.......................................................... 7
Swimming............................................................. 8
Hazardous Weather ............................................... 9
Hazardous Conditions ............................................ 9
Accidents ............................................................. 9
Distress Signals.............................................. 9
Accident Reporting ........................................ 10
Giving Assistance .......................................... 10
Fire on Board................................................ 10
Capsizing ..................................................... 10
Towing and Being Towed................................ 10

3 Operational Hints ...................................11
Fueling the Boat ....................................................11
Filling the Tank...............................................11
Capacity .............................................................. 12
Boarding ............................................................. 12
Boat Weight Distribution................................. 12
4 Basic Operation .................................... 13
Introduction ......................................................... 13
Shift/Throttle ........................................................ 13
Safety Stop Switch and Lanyard.............................. 13
Steering ....................................................... 14
Getting Underway................................................. 14
Maneuvering........................................................ 15
Docking/Departure ............................................... 16
Docking Guidelines ....................................... 16
Leaving the Dock .......................................... 16
Trim/Propeller Selection......................................... 17
Trim ............................................................. 17
Propellers..................................................... 18
Anchoring............................................................ 19
5 System/Components............................. 20
Instrument/Switch Panels...................................... 20
Tachometer ................................................. 20
Speedometer............................................... 20
Fuel Gauge.................................................. 20
Water Pressure Gauge ................................... 21
Trim Gauge................................................... 21
Voltmeter ..................................................... 21
Electrical System .................................................. 21
Fuses........................................................... 21
Switches and Controls.......................................... 22
Lights (Navigation and Anchor) Switch............. 22
Bilge Switch................................................. 22
Aerator Switch ............................................. 22

Accessory Switch ......................................... 23
Ignition Switch ............................................. 23
Safety Stop Switch and Lanyard ..................... 23
Shift/Throttle................................................ 23
Fuel System................................................. 23
Bilge........................................................... 24
Lights.......................................................... 24
Aerated Live Well System .............................. 25
Depth Gauge ............................................... 25
Fishing Seats ............................................... 25
Bimini Top and Curtains................................. 26
6 Maintenance/Care .................................27
Gelcoat Care ............................................... 27
Stainless Steel Railings and Fittings................. 27
Fuel System................................................. 28
Plumbing System.......................................... 28
Live Well System .......................................... 28
Electrical System .......................................... 28
Hydraulic Steering ........................................ 29
Carpet and Vinyl Upholstery .......................... 29
Windshield .................................................. 30
Storage ....................................................... 30
7 Troubleshooting....................................32
8 Warranty and Service .............................35
Owner’s Responsibilities....................................... 35
Dealer’s Responsibilities ....................................... 35
Dealer Assistance......................................... 35
9 Glossary of Terms..................................40
10 QR Codes ............................................44

1 INTRODUCTION
Read this manual carefully before operating your boat. It will answer
most of your questions about your new Key West boat. Your dealer is an
excellent source of boating information and can help you with any additional
information you may need.
OWNEROPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES
As the owner operator of a boat, you assume certain responsibilities each
time you take to the water. You are legally required to be in compliance with
all Federal, State, and local laws. In addition, you are responsible for the
safety of your passengers and other boaters on the water.
Registration
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all power boats operated on the
navigable waters of the United States must be registered in the state of main
use, also many states require registration in that state whenever boating on
waters within their state boundary. In addition, the size, type, and location
of registration numbers displayed on the boat are regulated by the state.
Always contact your state boating authorities (and neighboring states) for
registration information on boats and trailers.
Insurance
Obtain insurance for your new boat as soon as possible. Loss by fire, theft,
or other causes and liability protection against accidents is a must for
responsible boaters. Many states have laws detailing minimum insurance
needs. Talk to your insurance agent or your dealer for more information.
1

Education
This manual is not intended to provide a comprehensive education on
all aspects of boat operation. We strongly recommend that all operators
of this boat seek additional training on boat handling and safety. Many
states require operators under the age of 18 to be licensed in small boat
operation. Contact your state boating authorities or local U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary for information. The Boating Educational Hotline phone number is
800.336.2628.
Boat Maintenance
Proper maintenance is important to keep your boat in proper and safe
operating condition. Periodic maintenance is not only a condition of
the warranty, but will increase your boat’s resale value at trade-in time.
Maintenance guidelines are covered in the Maintenance/Care section
of this manual; be sure to implement a routine for periodic maintenance
including daily checks. Your dealer will assist you with products specifically
formulated for marine use.
Environmental Responsibilities
Boating is a great way to enjoy our beautiful waterways from a perspective
that many people do not have. Being on the water places not only a legal
responsibility on you for impacting the environment but also a moral
responsibility. Do not throw any trash from your boat while on the water.
Take along a trash bag or other container for your trash and properly
dispose of it when you return to shore. When filling your boat with fuel or
oil, clean up any spills to avoid pollution to the environment, whether its
land or water.
Briefing Passengers
Before each outing, instruct at least one passenger in the proper operation
of the boat. It is also important to instruct all passengers in the location and
use of safety and other equipment. Emergency situations are not the time
to locate or learn how to use safety equipment.
Courtesy
Boaters are some of the most helpful and friendly people you will meet.
Boaters don’t pollute our land or water. Boaters respect others’ rights.
Know and use the rules of the water and be aware of the particular local
patterns on all waterways. Give fishermen, sailors, and water skiers plenty
of room. Slow to no-wake speed when trac is heavy. You are responsible
2

for spotting and avoiding swimmers, divers, and slower moving crafts.
You are also responsible for any damage caused by your wake, so slow to
no-wake speed in harbors, marinas, canals, etc. Look for personal water
vehicles; they have the same rights and responsibilities as you.
Contact your dealer, local authorities or U.S. Coast Guard for information
Storage
Your boat must be properly stored during the o season to prevent damage
to the prevent weathering and deterioration of the carpet, upholstery
and instruments. The interior of your boat should be protected from the
elements to prevent weathering and deterioration of upholstery and
instruments. A few hours of careful preparation will save both time and
money next season. Talk to your dealer about supplies or services.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
The identification numbers of the hull, engine, trailer, and equipment are
important. Record serial, model, and registration numbers immediately for
future reference.
Keep a copy of these numbers stored in a safe place o the boat. In case
of theft, damage, etc., report these numbers to the local authorities, your
insurance agent, and your dealer.
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The HIN is attached to the hull and is located at the top, outside, starboard
corner of the transom. The HIN must be clearly visible and may not be
removed, altered, or tampered with in any way.
3

2 SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
Safety afloat is the concern of all who enjoy water sports. An injury
or accident will ruin any outing on the water. Always obey all laws and
regulations. Follow the guidelines in this section, and throughout the
manual, for safe, enjoyable boating pleasure. Safety afloat begins with you.
Regulations vary from federal and local waters and from state to state; learn
and obey the proper regulations. This is especially important for boundary
waters between states. This section covers general safety related boating
information. Throughout this manual specific precautions and one of the
following symbols:
▲DANGER ▲
Will appear above hazardous or unsafe practices
information which WILL cause SEVERE injury, death, or
substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.
☐WARNING ☐
Will appear above hazardous or unsafe practices
information which CAN cause SEVERE injury, death, or
substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.
♦CAUTION ♦
Will appear above hazardous or unsafe practices
information which CAN cause SEVERE injury, death, or
substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.
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●NOTE ●
Will appear above installation, operation, or maintenance
information which is important but not hazard-related.
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
To comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements your boat should be
equipped with the following:
• An approved type B fire extinguisher
• Proper inland lighting for operation after sunset
In addition, you must supply one Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each
person on board or water skiing as well as one throwable type IV PFD; and
with boats 16 feet and over, an approved sound warning device. Whenever
going on an outing, verify that safety equipment is aboard and ready to use.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES PFD
PFDs are intended to help you save your own life; you and your passengers
should wear a PFD whenever boating. It is especially important that children
or non-swimmers wear a PFD at all times. Make certain you know how
to use PFDs. Try it on and make adjustments for a comfortable fit. Show
children how to properly put on a PFD. There are three types of acceptable
PFDs to wear and one type used for throwing in emergency situations.
●NOTE ●
Special PFDs are available for skiing and other
watersports, These PFDs are constructed with materials
suitable for high impact falls into the water.
Type 1, Life Preservers, has
more than 20lbs of buoyancy and
will turn an unconscious person
slightly backward or vertical in the
water. This type is good for non-
swimming adults and when far from
shore.
Type II, Buoyant Vests; has more
than 15.5 lbs. of buoyancy and will
turn an unconscious person slightly
backward or vertical in the water. A
type II PFD is more comfortable to
wear than a type I and is good for
children.
5

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
In addition to required equipment it is important to store some additional
items on the boat as a precaution. Here is a suggested list of recommended
gear.
• Anchor and line
• Bucket or hand pump for bailing water
• Day and night visual distress signals, such as a flare gun
(check local restrictions)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Basic tool kit
• AM/FM radio with weather band
• Extra propeller
• Paddle
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND WATER SAFETY
Research shows that four hours of exposure to noise, vibration, sun, wind,
and glare produces a kind of boater’s hypnosis” which can slow reaction
time as if you were drunk. Adding alcohol intensifies this eect, increasing
the chances of an accident.
☐WARNING ☐
Never operate or allow another person to operate the
boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
50% of all boating fatalities involve alcohol.
Type III, Flotation Aids, has
more than 15.5 lbs. of buoyancy and
will keep a conscious person slightly
backward or vertical in the water.
A type III PFD can be used for
waterskiing or fishing.
Type IV, Throwable Devices;
has more than 16.5 lbs. of buoyancy.
Throwables must always be kept
handy for emergency situations.
6

RULES OF THE ROAD
Just as there are rules of the road you must obey when operating a
car, there are rules you must obey when operating a boat. You must be
familiar with all rules before you operate your boat. The navigation aids
(trac signals) of the waterways are buoys, horns, signal lights, etc. The
Coast Guard has prepared many pamphlets for your information. For more
information contact a local U.S. Coast Guard station, write to U.S. Coast
Guard Headquarters, 1300 NW Washington, D.C. 20226 or call the U.S.
Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline at 1.800.368.5647. Your local authorities
can give you information on boat handling courses in your area.
MINORS
Boats are not toys. Minors must be closely supervised by a competent adult
whenever operating a boat. The state in which you operate may have laws
regarding the minimum age and licensing requirements of minors. Be sure
to contact your state boating authorities for information
PASSENGER SAFETY
Make sure your passengers understand their responsibilities, such as
wearing PFDs and remaining seated when moving. Show them how to
operate the boat in case you are unable to continue operation, or fall
overboard. Do not let them sit on the gunwale or over the bow. Do not
allow them to drag their feet or hands in the water when the boat is moving.
Instruct them to stay with the boat in case it capsizes.
☐WARNING ☐
The operator of the boat is responsible by law to
“maintain a proper lookout by sight (and hearing).” He
must insist that he has an unobstructed view particularly
to the front. No passengers, load, or fishing seats should
block his view when operating the boat above idle speed.
WATER SKIING
☐WARNING ☐
• SKIERS MUST WEAR A U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED
PFD SUITABLE FOR WATER SPORTS.
• KEEP WELL AWAY FROM ALL OTHER OBJECTS.
• HAVE AN OBSERVER IN THE BOAT WATCH THE SKIER
AT ALL TIMES. DO NOT SKI IN SHALLOW WATER.
• ALWAYS KEEP A DOWNED SKIER IN SIGHT AND
7

CHECK FOR THE SKIER’S OK SIGNAL IMMEDIATELY.
• TURN OFF MOTOR BEFORE GETTING CLOSE TO A
DOWNED SKIER.
• DO NOT SKI AT NIGHT OR IN CROWDED WATERS.
• NEVER BACK UP TO THE SKIER OR ANYONE IN THE
WATER.
To connect the water ski tow rope, use a bridle (available at your dealer)
which connects to both rear tie-down eyes on the transom or connect to
the ski eye if your boat is equipped with one. The bridle should be long
enough to not hinder engine tilt ability, but not so long that it could get
caught in the propeller.
The boat should start at slow speed until the tow rope is taut. Check that the
way ahead is clear and apply enough power to raise the skier. When the skier
is up and signals the OK, adjust speed according to the skiers hand signals.
A boat operator should never drive his boat directly behind a water skier.
At 25 mph the boat will overtake a fallen skier who was 200 feet in front in
five seconds.
When a skier falls, watch for the OK signal. Circle around to get the tow line
to the skier for getting up again or boarding the boat. Approach the skier
with the right side of the boat and help the skier board from the stern. Pull
in the tow line and retrieve the skis.
For more information on water skiing contact; American Water Ski
Association, P.O. Box 191, Winter Haven, FL 33880, 813.324.4341.
SWIMMING
When driving the boat, slow down and watch for swimmers outside of marked
8

swimming areas. Be alert for divers and be familiar with the divers down flag.
Keep the boat well away from marked swimming areas and divers.
Never swim alone from the boat. Swim near the shore and away from
boating trac. Anchor the boat before swimming and stow the keys and
valuables on board.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
When dangerous wind or sea conditions exist, stay home! Getting caught
in severe weather is hazardous. Check with local weather stations, the U.S.
Coast Guard, or Weather Service broadcasts (162.55 or 162.40 Megahertz)
for the latest conditions. It is recommended to check the weather not only
before but periodically while you are boating.
When you are on the water watch for these signs of hazardous weather:
• Dark threatening clouds
• Increasing wind strength and wave action
• Static on AM radio indicating thunderstorms
• Fog
• Lightning
If you get caught in hazardous weather.
• Put on PFDs
• Head for shore
• Secure loose items in the boat
• Seat passengers on the floor of the boat, near the centerline.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Every waterway poses hazards that need to be avoided; shallow water,
tree stumps, sand bars, etc. Prevent damage to your boat, or harm to
yourself and passengers by becoming familiar with the body of water you
are boating on. Ask other boaters for information and consult a Boats chart
when boating on unfamiliar waters.
ACCIDENTS
Sometimes accidents happen. Be prepared to deal with accidents before
they happen. Here are some guidelines to follow in case of an accident.
Distress Signals
It is a good idea, and in some cases legally required, to carry visual distress
signals on the boat. There are three types of U.S. Coast guard approved
visual distress signal devices; day use, night use and day and night use.
9

Read and follow the instructions included with the type of visual distress
signal you purchase. Check local restrictions on pyrotechnic devices.
Accident Reporting
Accidents include capsizing, collision, flooding, fire, explosion, loss of life,
or equipment. The operator of the boat is responsible for filing a report with
the appropriate authorities. In general reports are necessary for accidents
involving loss of life, injury, or damage more than $200. Ask your insurance
agent for more detailed information.
Giving Assistance
If you see a distress signal, you should act immediately. Notify the nearest
Coast Guard station or state authority by radio. Channel 9 on CB and channel
16 on VHF Boats radio (156.8 MHz) are recognized distress channels. If you
can assist a stricken boat without endangering yourself, you should.
It is an unwritten law of the sea that a boater comes to the aid of another
boater in trouble. The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 grants “Good
Samaritan” to a boater oering good faith assistance in case of an accident
or casualty.
Fire on Board
Most fires are the result of accumulated gasoline and oil in the bilge from
fueling practices combined with the thoughtless use of smoking materials.
Deciding on whether to fight the fire or abandon the boat is dicult and
depends on many factors. Try to formulate a plan in advance to make that
decision quickly and without hesitation.
Capsizing
Certain conditions can arise where a boat may be capsized or swamped.
Most often, these conditions happen when least expected. Like fires, try to
formulate a plan in advance on what to do if it should happen.
Towing and Being Towed
Use caution when towing or being towed. Use high quality rope capable
of the load. Keep at least two boat lengths between boats. Never tie onto
cleats, handrails, windshields, or attempt to hold on to the tow line; use the
bow eye on the boat being towed and both stern eyes on the tow boat to
distribute the load. Proceed slowly and don’t try to tow a much larger boat.
Always ask yourself if it would be easier to anchor the distressed boat and
bring back help: i.e., running out of fuel.
10

3 OPERATIONAL HINTS
FUELING THE BOAT
Your Key West boat is equipped with a built-in fuel tank. Fuel fill location will
dier depending on the model you have purchase.
☐WARNING ☐
Gasoline is very flammable. Never smoke or allow
flames or sparks near the fuel tank, filler, or vent. Shut
the engine OFF before refueling. Use extreme care
when filling fuel tanks in hot weather. Do not fill the
tanks completely. Gasoline expands during warm days,
causing pressure to build in the tank. This expansion can
lead to fuel leakage, which is a potential fire hazard.
Filling the Tank
• If filling from a dock fueling point, secure the boat to the dock
and turn o all equipment and shut o the engine.
• Remove the cap and insert the fuel supply nozzle, keeping
the nozzle in contact with the fittings to reduce the danger of
static sparking.
• Add fuel.
• Replace the fuel cap and wipe up any spillage.
• Check oil injection tank, if equipped, for proper level. Refer to
the engine operator’s manual.
11

CAPACITY
Your boat has a maximum weight and horsepower capacity plate located
inside the boat near the console. Know your boat’s maximum ratings and
don’t overload the boat. Remember, the load capacity rating includes
passengers and equipment. If you should replace the engine, never exceed
the recommended maximum horsepower.
☐WARNING ☐
Failure to observe the maximum weight and
horsepower capacity could lead to conditions
resulting in an accident and severe injury.
BOARDING
Always step, not jump into the boat when boarding. Board one person at a
time. Get in the boat and then lift equipment aboard. Do not carry heavy or
cumbersome equipment while you are boarding. Follow the same procedure
when getting off the boat. Always stow equipment in the storage compartments.
☐WARNING ☐
To help prevent passengers from being thrown overboard
resulting in severe personal injury or drowning, all
passengers should be carefully seated and not be riding
on the deck, gunwale, rear sun deck, or elevated pedestal
fishing seats while underway. Passengers riding in the
bow rider seats should exercise extreme caution. During
rough water operation, passengers in the bow rider
seats should relocate to the aft passenger seats.
If your boat is equipped with non-adjustable pedestal seats, the pedestal
pole should be removed and stowed in a compartment when the boat is
moving faster than trolling speeds.
Boat Weight Distribution
Weight distribution aects the performance of your boat. Keep weight in
the boat low and distributed evenly. To get the boat on plane faster and
performing at its best, avoid having too much weight in the bow or stern.
●NOTE ●
The maximum capacity rating is based on normal
boating conditions; in bad weather reduce the load to
improve the boat’s trim.
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4 Basic Operation
INTRODUCTION
This section will briefly cover the basics of operating your boat. The controls
are explained in more detail in the Control, Engine, and Steering systems
operator’s manuals included in the owner’s information packet furnished
with your boat.
SHIFTTHROTTLE
The shift/throttle is the unit that controls the neutral, forward, and reverse
direction of the engine. The shift throttle also acts as the “gas pedal” and
controls the speed of the boat.
☐WARNING ☐
Do not shift too quickly from forward to reverse. Stay in
neutral, or idle position until the boat has lost most of its
headway before completing the shift to reverse.
Moving the control forward increases speed, neutral is the center position
and moving the control to the rear puts the boat in reverse. Consult the
engine and shift/throttle operator’s manuals for more detailed information
concerning operation of this unit in conjunction with the engine.
SAFETY STOP SWITCH AND LANYARD
☐WARNING ☐
Attach the Safety Stop Switch lanyard to your clothing
before starting the engine. This will prevent the boat
from becoming a runaway if you are accidentally thrown
13

from the boat.
The Safety Stop Switch can only be eective when it is in
good working condition. Observe the following:
Never remove or modify the Safety Stop Switch and/or
lanyard.
The lanyard must always be free of entanglements that
could hinder its operation.
Once a month: Check Switch for proper operation. With
engine running, pull the lanyard. If the engine does not
stop, see your DEALER for replacement of the switch.
Your boat may be equipped with a safety stop switch and lanyard. This is a
device designed to tum o the engine ignition whenever the operator, when
attached to the switch lanyard, moves far enough away from the operator’s
position to activate the switch. It is strongly
recommended that the operator make
use of the safety stop switch. The lanyard
should be of sucient length to avoid
inadvertent activation. Accidental loss of
power can be hazardous particularly when
docking or in heavy seas, strong current or
high winds. There are practical limitations
to what the lanyard stop switch can do. It
can take several seconds for the engine
and propeller to stop turning and the boat
can continue to coast for several hundred
feet depending on the velocity at shut down, and the degree of any tum.
However, it will not complete a full circle. While the boat is coasting, it can
cause injury to anyone in the boat’s path as seriously as the boat would when
under power.
Steering
All models are equipped with a steering wheel that operates like a car. Most
are mechanical and use a single push-pull cable. Others are hydraulic and
use fluid under pressure to tum the engine.
GETTING UNDERWAY
Always prepare the boat before each outing. Is the safety equipment in place
and ready to use? Is other equipment (seats, gear, etc.) stored properly?
14

Are the fuel and oil tanks filled? Have you checked the weather?
Preparation is the key to an enjoyable outing.
Know the “Rules of the Road” when boating. There are right and wrong
ways to overtake, meet, cross, etc. with other boats. The U.S. Coast Guard,
state boating authorities and many agencies have information and courses
covering the rules of the road, safety, navigation, and many other topics.
For operation after sunset, boats are equipped with navigation lights to give
information about direction. A green light is on the starboard side of the boat,
a red light on the port side, and a white light at the stem. If a red light is visible,
that boat is privileged and has the right of way. If a red and green light are
visible, the other boat is heading toward you and both boats must move.
Sighting a white light indicates the other boat is moving away from you, or is
anchored, and if you are overtaking, the boat ahead is privileged.
MANEUVERING
When underway for the first time, practice making turns in both directions.
Become familiar with the way your boat handles, especially with stick steer
models. Boat handling is aected by the load, wind, and water current.
These conditions vary on every outing, so always use caution when
maneuvering your boat.
Boats handle dierently than cars. All boats steer from the stern. The stern
of the boat will swing out in the opposite direction of the bow when turning.
This is important when making fine maneuver’s like docking.
A boat has no brakes. To stop a boat, slow down to no wake speed, pause
in neutral, and put the engine in reverse. Gently increase reverse power
to stop at a short distance. Keep in mind that
boats do not steer well in reverse. Go slow to
prevent taking water in over the transom.
Know your position and know where you
are going. There are several forces that can
aect your boat’s direction when underway.
Besides driving the boat forward, a clockwise
rotating propeller can cause the boat to
move to the right as it goes forward and to
the left when going in reverse. This eect is
not noticeable when you are going fast but
becomes apparent at slower speeds.
15