Kingfisher 2525 User manual
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Welcome to the Kingfisher Family.
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Kingfisher boat. Kingfisher
incorporates the latest innovations in aluminum boat manufacturing. Almost 50
years of research, manufacturing experience, and listening to our customers has
produced the boat you own today. You can be assured that your new Kingfisher
will provide you with years of worry free operation and enjoyment. With superior
styling and performance, Kingfisher is leading the industry in quality and design.
Thank you for choosing Kingfisher
All of the component manufacturer’s Owners Manuals referred to in this
manual should be found at the back of this binder. If not, please contact
your authorized Kingfisher dealer.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 –Introduction______________________________ 1
Important Identification Number Records______ _ 1
Section 2 –Safety Information 2
Pre-Trip Checklist 2
Warning Labels 3
Carbon Monoxide 6
Section 3 –Operator and Passenger Safety 8
Section 4 –Boat Characteristics and Operation 10
Section 5 –Maintenance and Care 16
Cleaning _ 16
Adjustments and Maintenance 17
Storage and Winterizing 18
Section 6 –Troubleshooting 22
Section 7 - Systems and Options 24
Thru-Hulls, Drains, and Steering 24
Fuel System and Engine Fluids 26
Electrical System 30
Water and Plumbing 39
Optional Systems and Features 59
Section 8 –Nautical Terms 64
Maintenance Log 65
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SECTION 1 –INTRODUCTION
By reading this manual carefully you will learn how to care for your boat, and what your
responsibilities are as the boat’s operator. Your Kingfisher has a limited Lifetime Warranty
which is detailed in Section 7 of this manual for reference.
Please take the time to complete and submit the Warranty Registration. Failure to submit
the registration or neglect or improper care of your boat may void the warranty. The best
way to protect your new Kingfisher is to carry out regular maintenance and inspect your
boat regularly as recommended in this guide.
This manual refers to the other manuals that come with your boat’s equipment and
accessories. It is essential that you read all of these manuals and become familiar with the
care, maintenance, and safe operation of all the equipment aboard your boat. Westwinn
wants you to get the most out of your boating experience, and to come home safely every
time. If you are missing any manuals, see your Kingfisher dealer or equipment retailer for
a replacement.
In Section 1 of this manual you will find a place to record such information as your engine
and boat serial numbers, and your dealership contact information. Keep this information
with your boat for easy reference by yourself or qualified service personnel.
If you have any questions about your boat consult your Kingfisher Dealer. If you have any
questions about your regional and federal boating regulations, contact the local United
States Coast Guard, Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety, or Canadian Coast
Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Office.
Before you go boating it is wise to read your boat Owner’s Manual and go through the pre-
trip safety checklist found in Section 2. Ensuring that your boat is in perfect working order
before beginning a voyage will allow you to get the most enjoyment out of your boat every
time you use it.
Important Identification Number Records
Record your Serial numbers of your Hull and Motor(s). The Hull Identification Number or
H.I.N .is located on the starboard side of the transom. Consult the engine manufacturer’s
owners manual for engine serial number location.
HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
MOTOR 1 SERIAL NUMBER:
MOTOR 2 SERIAL NUMBER:
KICKER SERIAL NUMBER: _____________________________________________
Note: It is also recommended to record the Serial Numbers of other significant items such
as your radar set, etc, if your boat is so equipped.
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SECTION 2 - SAFETY INFORMATION
Pre-trip Safety Checklist
1. Ensure that you are familiar with all applicable boating regulations. These can be
obtained from Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety or your local United States
Coast Guard office.
2. Ensure that your boat insurance and vessel license are complete and up to date
3. Check your on-board safety equipment
-Ensure your boat has paddles on board
-Ensure you have a class 5BC Fire extinguisher in good working condition on board
-Ensure that you boat has a container for bailing
-Ensure you have a watertight flashlight on board in good working condition
-Ensure your vessel has Type A, B, or C flares on board and that they are not expired.
(Vessels less than 6m must carry 3, and vessels over 6m must carry 6)
-Ensure you have a buoyant heaving line on board at least 15m in length
-Ensure the horn works
-Check all lights and make sure they work
-Check your radio, cell phone and or signalling device
-Check your bilge pump
-Ensure every passenger has an approved, properly fitting personal floatation device
4. Check all seats and ensure they are firmly attached
5. Check battery and electrical system for damage or corrosion, and spare fuses
6. Check the steering for smooth operation through the full range of travel
7. Ensure that all loose items are safely and securely stowed
8. Check for any damage to the boat
9. Check that the hull drain plugs are in place
10. Check engine fluid levels
11. Check your capacity rating and ensure your boat is not overloaded or overpowered
12. Check bilge for water, fuel and oil.
13. If your boat is equipped with an inboard motor you must run your blower for 4 minutes
prior to starting the engine.
14. Ensure you have a container to collect any garbage
15. Check the weather report
16. Leave an itinerary of your trip or “Float Plan” with someone on shore and have them
contact local Search and Rescue if you don’t return at the appointed time
17. Always have someone along who can operate the boat if you become incapacitated
18. Make sure you & your guests are wearing approved personal floatation devices
19. Instruct your guests on safety procedures and equipment on board
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IMPORTANT LABELS AND WARNINGS`
General Information
Your boat is supplied with a number of identification and warning labels. These labels are
intended to inform and protect the boat operator and passengers. Should any of these
labels be damaged or lost they should be replaced immediately. Failure to comply with
the warnings can result in severe injury or death. Should you need replacement warning
labels, conformity/capacity labels, or instruction labels, contact your dealership. Each label
carries a Westwinn part number for easy identification.
Warning Labels
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the following warning labels:
NOTE: Not all models may carry all Warnings, depending on the options chosen.
Decal 1: Is located in the starboard side rear deck tray and relates to the shore power
system.
The Carbon Monoxide (CO) warning decal is located on the rear bait well.
The fuel system inspection decal is located inside the bilge doors.
The boarding ladder warning label is located on the rear swim platform.
Decal 2: The auxiliary and main engine operation warning decal is located above the
auxiliary steering station.
Decal 3: The winterization warning decal is attached to the sink faucet and should be
removed after the system is flushed.
Decal 4: The blower warning label is used on diesel inboard models only, and is
installed on the starboard side of the engine box.
Decal 5: The auxiliary station visibility warning label is located above the rear helm
station.
Decal 6: The water pickup shutoff label is located by the thru-hull petcock in the
headstall, beside the toilet
Decal 7: The Watertight Closure decal is located near all doors or hatches which
should be kept closed while underway, such as the cabin door.
Decal 8: The Transport Canada Conformity Label is located on the baitwell at the
stern of the boat.
Decal 9: The US Coast Guard Conformity Label is located on the baitwell at the stern
of the boat.
DO NOT remove any of the safety decals!
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Decal 1
Decal 2 Decal 3
Decal 4
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Decal 5
Decal 6
Decal 7
Decal 8 Decal 9
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Capacity / Conformity Label Information
Every vessel is supplied with a label indicating that it conforms to related federal
requirements as of the date of manufacture. Vessels over 6 m (19’ 8”) in length are
required to display a USSG or Transport Canada Conformity Label (Decal 11).
If you find that your Conformity label is missing, it can be replaced by your Kingfisher
dealer. When contacting the dealer please supply the Hull Identification Number (HIN)
recorded in Section 1.
Safe Boating Information
It is strongly recommended to read the most recent edition of either “The Safe Boating
Guide” (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coast Guard), or “Federal Requirements and
Safety Tips for Recreational Boats” (US Coast Guard) prior to operating your boat. Similar
publications may be available through other state or provincial bodies. Check with your
local provincial or state regulations to see if a Pleasure Craft Operators card or other
operator license is required within your jurisdiction. Marine safety and boat handling
courses such as those offered through Power Squadrons are also highly recommended.
Exhaust Emissions Hazard
Carbon Monoxide (C0)
Enclosed cabins or cockpits may accumulate carbon monoxide. You can be overcome
by fumes from your own engine or from neighboring boats. Ensure continuous
movement of fresh air. You may wish to install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in
the boat’s enclosed cabin or cockpit. Do not run boat with cabin fully enclosed.
CO diffuses in the air much more rapidly than easily detectable gases; you cannot rely on
smell to recognize its presence. CO will be produced anytime materials containing carbon
are burned. Common sources of CO are internal combustion engines and open flame
devices such as cooking ranges, space heaters, and charcoal grills.
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless and
about the same weight as air. It will distribute itself throughout spaces of the boat in dangerous
concentrations, if proper ventilation is not provided. A person breathing these fumes will become
seriously ill. Direct and prolonged exposure will cause brain damage or death. Always run the
bilge blower whenever the engine is idling. Opening windows or hatches may improve
ventilation.
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Symptoms of CO Poisoning include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Watering and itchy eyes
2. Flushed appearance
3. Inattentiveness and the inability to think clearly
4. Ringing in the ears
5. Tightness in the chest
6. Headache and/or throbbing temples
7. Drowsiness and fatigue
8. Incoherence
9. Nausea and/or vomiting
10. Dizziness
11. Collapse
12. Convulsions
IMPORTANT: If someone is suffering from CO poisoning move the person to fresh air,
administer oxygen, if available, and contact medical help. If the victim is not breathing,
perform approved CPR procedures until medical help arrives and takes over.
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SECTION 3 –OPERATOR & PASSENGER SAFETY
Who may operate the boat
The safe use and operation of this boat is dependent upon the use of proper operating
techniques, as well as common sense, good judgment, and expertise. For boat operators,
Proof of Competency is compulsory throughout Canada for all persons born after 1983.
For persons born before 1983 Proof of Competency is required after August 2009.
Every operator must know the basics of marine navigation and boat handling. It is vital that
the rules of the road and respect for others using the waterways be observed at all times.
Operators Responsibilities
As mentioned previously, it is the operator’s responsibility to operate the boat safely in
accordance with the law, common sense and good judgment. The Operator bears
responsibility for the safety of the boat’s passengers and others that may be in the
immediate vicinity affected by the operation of the boat. In Canada it is compulsory to
license your boat. Insurance, while not required everywhere, is also important to have.
The operator also has a responsibility to operate and maintain the boat and its equipment
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so may result in damage
to the boat or its equipment or void the warranty. Consult the owner’s manuals supplied
with the boat’s installed equipment (such as the engine, etc) for correct maintenance and
operating procedures. Your Kingfisher requires a modest amount of maintenance in order
to provide many years of enjoyment. See Section 5 for detailed maintenance requirements
and instructions. Everyone who operates the boat must read this manual and understand
their responsibilities.
Approved personal floatation devices of the appropriate size must be worn at all times by
persons aboard the boat while it is in the water.
Turn off the engines while any passengers are entering or leaving the water, or anyone is
swimming in the vicinity of the boat, to avoid serious injury or death.
Always operate your boat at a safe speed for weather conditions. Slow down during
periods of restricted visibility, choppy water and high winds. Failure to do so may result in
serious injury or death.
Do not operate the boat if any object is obstructing the line of sight forward of the steering
station. Doing so may result in damage to the boat, severe injury, or death.
Gasoline vapours are explosive. Always be careful when filling the fuel tank to avoid
spilling fuel in the boat and in the water around the boat. Extinguish all smoking material
and open flame while refueling or while within 15m of a refueling site. For safety all
passengers should leave the boat while it is being fuelled. Avoid static electricity
discharges and do not operate a cell phone while fueling.
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Before embarking on a boating trip, perform an inspection of all vital components of the
boat and all safety equipment. Check for water or gasoline in the bilge. If there is gasoline
in the bilge, evacuate everyone from the immediate area and contact your local fire
department. Never use the bilge pump to pump out even a tiny amount of gasoline or oil
from the bilge. Doing so may result in fire or explosion causing severe, permanent injury or
death and will cause environmental damage.
Never sit on seat backs or arm rests, and never stand on seats. This can result in persons
being ejected from the boat and lead to severe injury or death.
Never consume alcohol and/or recreational drugs during or prior to operating any vessel. It
is illegal and could result in legal penalty, serious injury, or death.
Never attempt to modify your vessel’s hull or structure without explicit instructions from the
manufacturer or your dealership. Doing so may result in catastrophic structural failure that
could cause severe injury or death. Modifying your hull will also void the warranty.
Always use handrails or grab handles where provided. Failure to do so may result in a fall
causing injury or death.
As the master of your boat, one of your legal responsibilities is to come to the aid of other
boaters or persons in the water that are in danger, provided it does not put you or your
vessel in danger. Consult the manuals that come with your life saving equipment. When
approaching persons in the water approach as slowly as possible. When in the vicinity of
persons in the water, turn off your engine and use paddles to manoeuvre. Your boat is not
designed to tow other boats. In an emergency, use your bow or transom eyes for towing
purposes. Your deck cleats are not designed for towing and can fracture suddenly or pull
out of the deck. Towing another vessel at speeds above 5 mph will put an unusually heavy
load on your motor, possibly resulting in mechanical damage not covered under warranty.
In the event of engine failure, check all electrical, mechanical and plumbing connections to
the engine. Ensure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank, and that there has been no fuel
or oil leakage. Attempt to re-start the engine in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. If the motor will not start wait for it to cool down and try again. If the motor will
not start after several attempts, summon assistance.
In the event of fire, use your fire extinguisher in accordance with its instructions. All other
persons should abandon the boat immediately in the event of fire if it is safe to do so. In
the event of loss of steering, throttle or shift control system failure, turn off the engine and
summon assistance. Use the paddles to make your way back to shore.
WARNINGS:
DELIBERATE MISUSE OF YOUR BOAT AND EQUIPMENT CAN VOID YOUR
WARRANTIES, AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH NAVIGATIONAL REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
COULD RESULT IN FINES, SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH
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SECTION 4 - BOAT CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATION
Your boat will always turn more aggressively the faster that you are going. Always be
aware of your surroundings and give yourself lots of room to manoeuvre safely.
Placing heavy objects over to one side of the boat or very far forward in your boat can
result in poor boat performance; or in an extreme situation result in loss of control or
capsizing of the boat. Always distribute any cargo evenly around the centre of the
passenger carrying area of your boat.
Safe Operation, Care and Attention
Operating your boat with due care and attention requires that the operator be aware of
the surrounding environment at all times.
A sudden stop or change of direction can cause loss of control of the boat
resulting in injury or death.
Operate the boat defensively at all speeds and keep a safe distance from
people, objects, and other watercraft.
Following directly behind other boats or operating the boat in an erratic manner
can lead to collision, injury and death.
Operators should reduce speed and exercise extreme caution when operating
the boat in shallow areas or where there might be submerged objects.
Be aware of the weather conditions at all times. If wind and waves begin to rise
or visibility begins to deteriorate, return to the dock or boat ramp. Operating the
boat in bad weather can lead to injury or death.
Operators should always ensure that a responsible person on shore knows
your boating plans and a description of your boat, so that if you fail to arrive at
your destination at the expected time help can be called for in a timely manner.
Night Operation/Anchoring
Your boat is equipped with navigation lights which must be turned on from dusk till dawn.
The anchor or “all-round” light must be displayed while at anchor during the night in any
area that experiences marine traffic. Never operate your boat after dusk if the navigation
and anchor lights are not functioning properly.
Stern Drive and Outboard Trimming
If your boat is equipped with power trim, you can change the angle the propeller shaft by
adjusting the trim switch. See your engine operating and maintenance manual for an
explanation of the handling characteristics caused by trimming your stern drive or
outboard.
Your boat is designed for quick acceleration, with a minimum amount of time spent in the
transitional bow-up condition. Planing your boat is most easily and quickly accomplished
by trimming the stern drive or outboard (if applicable) fully “down” or “in”. However, once
on plane, the stern drive or outboard should be trimmed “up” or out a little to avoid a called
“plowing”. Plowing can cause “bow-steering” or “over-steering” and increase fuel
consumption. In this condition (plowing), if attempting a turn or encountering diagonal
waves, a more abrupt turn than intended may result.
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Steering and Controls
Your boat is equipped with hydraulic or powered hydraulic steering. The fluid level must be
checked frequently to ensure that the hydraulic system is intact and that there is sufficient
fluid in the lines for your steering system to function correctly. It is very important to use
the manufacturer’s recommended steering oil type. The correct oil type is shown on a
decal located near the helm. Steering should only be adjusted by a qualified technician.
Consult your engine and control owners manuals for instructions on operating or adjusting
your boats throttle and shift controls. Marine engines can only be started with the controls
in the “Neutral” position. Always shift your controls to “Neutral” before starting the motor. If
you are able to start your engine with the shifter in gear have your Kingfisher dealer
service the boat immediately to correct the problem. Your vessel may also be equipped
with a safety lanyard. The lanyard consists of a clip attached to your boat’s engine controls
and a snap-hook that attaches to the operator’s clothing. If the operator is ejected from the
boat or collapses, the lanyard pulls the clip from the controls and shuts off the engine.
Before starting the engine ensure that this lanyard is in place and the clip fits snugly into
its receptacle. For other engine starting instructions consult your owner’s manuals.
Instruments and Gauges
Your boat will likely be equipped with an electric fuel gauge, a tachometer and a voltmeter,
or an electric fuel gauge and one or more multi-function gauges. Other gauges may also
be installed by your dealership. For instructions on the use of any multi-function gauges,
consult the gauge manufacturer’s owners manual. Always be aware of your gauge
readings. Low RPMs can mean a fouled prop, high RPMs can indicate prop damage or
cavitation. Return to your dealership for service if either condition persists. Your voltmeter
should read between 12 and 14.8V. If the reading is too high or too low your battery or
engine electronics could be damaged. Return to your dealership for service.
Fuel and Oil
Consult your engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the proper type of fuel to use and
any appropriate additives. Your 4-stroke engine may either have a wet-sump oil system
which means that it has an oil filled crank case, or a dry-sump oil system which means it
has an oil tank. In either case always check your oil before starting the motor. Consult your
engine owner’s manual for the location of your dipstick, the procedure for checking the oil
level, and the correct type of oil to use.
Avoid filling your boat’s fuel tank to its full capacity and never park your boat with a
completely full fuel tank. Fuel expands when the surrounding air temperature increases.
This can cause your fuel system to overflow. Spilled fuel creates a fire and explosion
hazard, can cause severe irritation to skin and can damage the paint on your boat. Paint
damage due to spilled fuel is not covered by your warranty.
Getting to Know Your Boat
Read all your owners manuals completely. Get to know where each of your switches and
circuit breakers are on the dash, and the location of in-line fuses for the bilge pumps and
other accessories. Use the various component owners manuals provided with your boat to
learn where your check points are located, and what acceptable levels and conditions are
at each point. Get to know where your shut-offs are for power, seawater, and fuel.
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Starting your Engine
Consult your engine and control owner’s manuals for proper engine starting, break-in, and
shut-down procedures.
Learning to Operate Your Boat
Take it easy for the first little while until you know how your boat responds to the throttle,
turning and encountering waves. The transition zone between planing and displacement
speeds can be abrupt at times. Also, a boat’s sensitivity to steering, wave impact and even
wind at high speed can be unpredictable, because there is very little of the boat in contact
with the water’s surface to provide stability and control. Practice docking your boat
carefully a few times to get the feel of your boat.
Your Passengers
The operator is responsible for the safety of all passengers. All passengers must be
wearing an approved personal floatation device suitable for their weight. All passengers
should be familiar with the location and use of all emergency equipment on board.
Boarding the boat
Never attempt to board a boat while the engine is running, whether from the water or from
the shore or dock. When boarding from a dock or the shore, ensure that the boat is
secured so that it cannot move away from you while you are boarding. Use a step if
necessary to board comfortably. When boarding from the water, use the swim platform,
and the ladder if so equipped. If the boat is not equipped with a dive ladder, use extra care
entering the water from the boat or boarding the boat from the water.
Stopping
We recommend that operators avoid stopping the boat abruptly because the boats wake
can catch up with the boat and lift the rear of the boat suddenly. Slow the boat down
gradually prior to stopping, and never use reverse gear as a brake.
Docking
Always enter marinas and dock areas at low speed ~ 5mph (8km/h) or as posted.
Approach the dock head-on, turning the steering wheel sharply as you come closer to the
dock, bringing the side of the boat you wish to dock on around to face the dock. Put the
boat into reverse gear and turn the wheel or tiller in the opposite direction to pull the stern
towards the dock, then put the boat in “Neutral”. The boat should drift sideways, gently
towards the dock. Practice this often, carefully and at low speeds. Take advantage of any
assistance you may be offered when docking.
Leaving a Dock
When leaving a dock, check for traffic and start the engine in neutral. Then have a
passenger or someone on shore untie the boat and push the boat away from the dock.
Once the boat is clear of the dock by approximately 1m (3 ft) and is clear of any
obstructions or other boats, put the boat in gear and proceed with caution at the slowest
throttle setting until the boat is into open water.
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Beaching
When beaching the boat, it is critical that the motor be turned off and the motor or leg tilted
up so that the propeller does not strike sand or rocks on the beach. When approaching the
shore for beaching, slow the boat down so that a sudden stop will not cause jarring to the
passengers or damage to the boat. As you approach the beach and the water becomes
shallower turn the motor off, tilt the drive up fully, and drift onto the beach. If you don’t
have enough momentum, use the paddles on your boat to assist you. Once on the beach,
disembark from the boat over the bow and secure the boat to a fixed object on shore.
Take care in tidal waters that the boat is not beached long enough for the tide to come in
and carry your boat away, or for the tide to go out and leave your boat stranded.
When you’re ready to leave the beach, have your passengers board the boat, untie your
boat from shore, and push it into the water. If the bow is wedged onto the beach, moving
passengers to the stern of the boat can help.. Do not lower the outboard until there is
sufficient water to avoid engine damage.
Post Operation Checks
After you are finished enjoying your boat for the day return to the dock or boat
ramp and turn your motor off.
Check propeller or impellor for nicks and tangled debris
Check the bilge for gasoline and water
Remove garbage from the boat
Tilt the outboard and trolling motor to the secure traveling position
Secure all loose items prior to trailering
When the boat is removed from the water
Wash the boat down with fresh water and pull the hull’s drain plugs to remove any
water from the boat, securely replacing them afterwards.
Consult your engine owners manual for special instructions on purging water from
your boat’s exhaust system and flushing your boat’s cooling system
Perform any post operation maintenance specified in your engine owner’s manual
Trailer Checklist
Refer to local and regional laws to ensure that your trailer complies with regulations
Check the trailer for any loose fasteners, corrosion or damage.
Check the tires for proper inflation and wear.
Check all trailer lights for function.
Secure the bow of the boat to the trailer with the winch line and safety chain.
Secure the transom of the boat to the trailer with the supplied tie-downs.
Check the trailer hitch on your vehicle and make sure that it is the correct size and
load rating for the trailer you are towing.
Take down the fabric top and stow it securely.
Check your trailer wheel hubs periodically during your trip to ensure that they are
not overheating.
Secure the trailer tongue over the hitch on your vehicle using the release handle
and locking pin on the trailer.
Attach the trailer’s break-away chains to your vehicle. Properly secured chains
cross over each other.
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Trailering your Boat
Please see your dealer regarding state or provincial regulations.
Westwinn recommends bunk style trailers for all of our aluminum boats. Damage due to
trailering is not covered under warranty.
Setting up the correct trailer fit for your boat and vehicle is very important. Your trailer
retailer can ensure that your trailer is set up properly for your boat. An improper trailer
setup can do cosmetic as well as visible and unseen structural damage to your boat.
Westwinn strongly recommends having a technician from an authorized Kingfisher
dealership ensure your trailer is properly set up.
Before trailering your boat, become familiar with how your vehicle handles while towing a
trailer. Practice making turns and get to know the turning clearance that you will require
while towing. Practice backing up with your trailer and get to know how quickly your trailer
will respond to small movements of your steering wheel. An empty parking lot is an
excellent place to practice.
Before towing your boat, check the following:
Read the trailer manufacturer’s owners manual.
Check for correct function of the trailer braking system. (refer to trailer manufacturer’s
owners manual.)
The boat should be level and sit squarely on the trailer.
The winch strap and safety chain should be securely fastened to the bow eye.
Tie down straps should be attached from the eyehooks in the transom to the rear of
the trailer (cinch style).
When trailered correctly, the aft end of the bottom of the hull should line up as close as
possible with the end of the trailer bunks.
Handling of the boat on and off the trailer as well as towing a trailer should never be
attempted on a trial and error basis. If you are a novice boater or have not been boating in
a while, please ask your dealer to show you the proper handling of the boat on and off the
trailer. Use special care for boats equipped with bow pulpits and anchor systems.
For trailer maintenance parts and warranty information, please refer to the
trailer manufacturer’s owners manual.
CAUTION
Improper trailering may cause irreparable damage to your boat. If you are unsure
about how to properly secure your boat, please contact your authorized Kingfisher
dealer.
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Launching
When you arrive at the boat ramp remove the rear tie-downs from your boat and perform
all pre-operation checks. Ensure the drain plug is in place. When safe to do so, back your
trailer slowly down the ramp until the underside of the boat is touching the water. Stop
your vehicle and set the parking brake. Disconnect the trailer safety chain from your boat
and let out a few feet of winch line. Ensure you do not let out enough winch line to become
tangled on your vehicle or the trailer. Back your trailer down the ramp until the boat is
ready to float free. Set your parking brake. Disconnect your winch line from the boat and
attach a long mooring line to the bow. Guide your boat off of the trailer and secure it to the
shore using the mooring line or have someone on shore hold the line. Park your trailer and
vehicle. Board your boat. Ensure that there is enough water under your boat before
lowering the motor.
Loading
Tilt your outboard motor into the traveling position. Moor your boat on shore or have
someone on shore hold the mooring line. Carefully back your trailer down the ramp when
safe to do so until the trailer bunks are just underwater. Set your parking brake. Guide
your boat onto the trailer as squarely between the trailer fenders as possible. Attach the
trailer winch line to the bow eye of the boat, detach the mooring line and winch the boat
the remainder of the way onto the trailer. Attach the safety chain to the bow eye of the
boat. Remove your boat from the water and perform all post operation checks prior to
leaving the parking lot. Attach the tie downs to the transom, stow all loose items securely
and store the boats fabric top in the down position. Perform all trailer checks.
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SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE AND CARE
General
Kingfisher uses marine grade aluminum in the construction of its boats. Special care must
still be taken to minimize electrolytic action (galvanic corrosion) in any water environment.
Avoid dissimilar metals coming in contact with aluminum surfaces (e.g. all ferrous metals
including steel, brass, or copper fittings). If there is a need to attach fittings made of a
dissimilar metal make sure that a non-wicking gasket or sealant is placed between the
fitting and the boat hull. If the hull is drilled for any reason, a sealant such as a marine
grade silicone should be used as a barrier between the hull and components.
Salt Water Operation and Care
The high electrically conductive nature of salt water intensifies corrosive action on
aluminum. The hostility of the marine environment affects most materials - metals, wood,
plastic, fibreglass, etc.
Kingfisher boat hulls are manufactured with marine grade aluminum alloys such as 5086 -
H32 and 5052 - H32. Marine grade aluminum alloys produce a natural protective film -
either a whitish or darker surface layer - when exposed to oxygen or water. Although
extremely thin, (approx. 5 to 10 millionths of a millimetre), this oxide film forms a corrosive-
resistant barrier. Experience shows that large and small vessels constructed of these
alloys can stay in constant saltwater service for decades.
Cleaning
Wash your boat with soap and fresh water the way you would wash a car. Power washing
at more than 1000psi may cause paint to delaminate. Pull the hull drains if practical and
allow the boat to dry thoroughly. Clean all surfaces and apply a coat of automotive or
marine grade wax protectant two to three times annually to protect your painted finish
from the elements, and to seal the metal where any paint scratches may have
occurred. Always spot test new cleaners and waxes before using.Marine growth,
barnacles and other debris deposits should be removed from the hull prior to storage.
Never use a metal brush of any kind on the exterior surface of your boat. Do not use
abrasive or acidic cleaners on exposed aluminum.
Touch Ups:
For small scratches that need repainting, clean the area to be painted of wax, grease and
dirt. Apply the touch up paint. When the paint is dry, (at least 24 hours) polish the area
with an automotive cutting wax compound.
For larger scratches that need repainting, please see your authorised Kingfisher dealer or
an automotive body shop.
Cabinets and Countertops:
Laminate countertops are offered on all Kingfisher models. To keep the maple cabinets
and laminate countertops in optimum condition, clean them periodically with a damp rag
and mild detergent or a wax based furniture polish.
NOTE: Any use of abrasives or harsh caustic cleaning products will permanently
harm the finish of the cabinets and countertops.
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Floor Coverings:
Treat vinyl covered floors the same way you would household vinyl. Periodic vacuuming
of marine carpeting is recommended.
Seats & Windows:
Clean vinyl seats only with a cleaner specifically made for vinyl. For windows, any
commercial window cleaner will work satisfactorily. Caution should be exercised to avoid
spraying cleaner on painted areas of the boat as this can damage painted surfaces.
Maintenance and Adjustments
Periodic Inspection Checklist:
Check entire fuel system for leaks.
Check all engine mount fasteners for tightness.
Check all deck fasteners for tightness.
Inspect hull and motor mounts for cracks and other signs of fatigue such as deep
scuffing. Check hull drain plug.
Check bilge for oil, water and gasoline.
Check steering lines or cables and shift cables for wear and ease of function.
Check oil level.
Test battery and check for damage or corrosion.
Test all switches, lights, horn, and accessories.
Check for burnt out lights.
Check seat fasteners and swivels for tightness and wear.
Inspect zinc hull anode and replace if required.
Inspecting the Fuel System:
The fuel system can be accessed through removable panels in the transom and in the
deck. Remove the panels and check the fill fitting, the tank fittings and the vent lines at the
filler cap and at the tank for signs of leakage. Also check the hoses for signs of wear,
chafing and other deterioration. Replace any damaged fuel hoses immediately.
Inspecting the Steering:
Your boat will come with an owner’s manual for the type of steering system that your boat
is equipped with. Refer to this manual for information on proper maintenance. Never
operate your boat with a damaged or improperly functioning steering system. Confirm that
the hydraulic reservoir is full, and check all hoses and connections are leak-free.
Inspecting the Shift Cable/Throttle Cable:
Your boat will come with a manual for the type of engine controls fitted. Refer to this
manual for information on proper maintenance. Never operate your boat with a damaged
or improperly functioning set of controls, cables or linkages.
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