SARDINE MARINE SM-12X User manual

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SARDINE BOAT
OPERATORS/OWNERS
MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
CAPTAIN’S WELCOME…………………………………………………………. 3
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………. 4
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS………………………………………………….. 5
HAZARD STATEMENTS………………………………………………………… 6
10 BASIC SAFETY RULES…………………………………………………….. 7
GENERAL RULES OF SEAMANSHIP……………………………………….. 8
FIRE PREVENTION……………………………………………………………… 9
VERY DANGEROUS……………………………………………………………… 10
BASIC COMPONENTS OPERATION………………………………………… 11
ELECTRIC SYSTEM……………………………………………………………… 11
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM……………………………………………………….. 15
INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM………………………………………………. 16
CONTROL SYSTEM……………………………………………………………… 19
SAFETY SYSTEM………………………………………………………………… 21
FUEL-POWER SYSTEM………………………………………………………… 22
ANCHORING SYSTEM…………………………………………………………. 24
ANCHORING TIPS……………………………………………………………… 25
STRONG POINT…………………………………………………………………. 26
BOAT MAINTENANCE………………………………………………………… 28
TRAILERING……………………………………………………………………… 29
TRAILERING TIPS……………………………………………………………… 30
NOW LET’S BE GREEN………………………………………………………… 31
ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION LAWS…………………………………… 32
LAUNCHING YOUR SHIP…………………………………………………….. 33
DICTIONARY OF NAUTICAL TERMINOLOGY………………………….. 37

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CAPTAIN’S WELCOME
Dear Sardine owner
Congratulations on the purchase of one of the smallest fiberglass center
console boat in the world. It has been proudly designed with the
features of a big boat in order to give you many years of boating
pleasure. Pride of craftsmanship is your assurance that you’ve bought
the very best. All Sardine models meet or exceed U.S. Coast Guard safety
standards relating to load and horsepower capacity, flotation, electrical,
steering, ventilation, and fuel systems, in effect the date of manufacture.
However, for us the most important thing is your safety and not the
boat; therefore, now that you have become on a new Captain for this
vessel, it is your own responsibility to order everyone to wear lifesavers
at all times.
Always keep in mind that:
“You and your crew may be great swimmers but… for how long?”
Mel Freire
Product engineer

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INTRODUCTION:
This Owner’s Manual is intended to help you become familiar with your new boat.
While this manual contains information to assure safe and enjoyable boating, it
does not provide everything you need to know. Above all, take time to know
your boat. Read the material supplied by the manufacturer of your engine. This
owner’s manual does not supersede or change any of their specifications,
operation, or maintenance instructions. Also read all literature supplied with your
boat by the manufacturers of the various accessories which are used on your
boat. Sardine Marine Boats recommends that you read the boating literature
published by your State Boating Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Use your owner’s manual as a guide to familiarize yourself with all the systems
and components on board your Sardine boat. The procedures in this manual will
assist you with safe and proper operation, and maintenance of your boat. The
level of information may be general in some cases and more detailed in others.
Suppliers of the more complex components such as engine, electronics, bilge
pumps, supply their own instructional manuals delivered to you when you
purchased your boat. These suppliers maintain their own manufacturer’s
warranty and service facilities. It is essential that you fill out each warranty card
and mail them to each manufacturer informing that you are a registered owner
of their product(s). Record all information regarding these products. Keep the
Boat records in a safe place at home and never on board the boat. Your owner’s
manual is designed with the boat owner/operator in mind. The intent of the
manual is to provide sufficient information to allow the user to safely operate and
maintain your new Sardine boat.

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LET’S START WITH SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FIRST!!
BOATING SAFETY Your owner’s manual uses three levels of advisory and
hazard statements to alert you to special information, operating procedures or
safety precautions. All statements begin with a signal word to identify the
importance of the statement. Statement levels follow this order (increasing
importance). Advisory Statements: Advisory statements forewarn conditions
that effect equipment operation, maintenance and servicing practices and occur
in 3 levels:
Level 1 - NOTE (CAUTION)
Signals a general advisory statement that clarifies or highlights a particular
section of text.
Level 2 - IMPORTANT (WARNING)
Used to signal the possibility of damage to equipment or associated components.
Level 3 – URGENT (DANGER)
Used to signal the possibility of severe injury or maybe Death.
Hazard Statements
Your Sardine boat has 3 labels with special safety indications.
This symbol means “pay attention!” Here is important information
for your safety. If you don’t follow these instructions, you can
damage your boat, hurt yourself or someone else or, even worse,
have a fatal accident. The use of hazard statements is determined by the likely
consequence of the warning with regard to severity (minor injury, severe injury,
death), and the probability of severity (COULD result in, WILL result in).

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CAUTION
This symbol and signal word indicate
a potentially hazardous situation.
If you ignore this safety message, property
damage or minor or moderate personal
injury MAY or CAN result.
WARNING
This symbol and signal word indicate
a potentially hazardous situation.
If you ignore this safety message, personal
injury CAN result.
DANGER
This symbol and signal word indicate
a potentially hazardous situation.
If you ignore this safety message, personal
Severe injury or death WILL result.

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10 BASIC SAFETY RULES CAUTION
Boating safety and the safety of your passengers is YOUR responsibility. You
should fully understand and become familiar with the following basic safety rules
before launching your Sardine boat.
1. Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Doing so is a Federal offense. Make sure only qualified drivers operate
your boat.
2. Your boat and equipment should be kept in safe operating condition.
Regularly inspect the hull, engine, fuel lines, safety equipment and all
other boating components.
3. Use extreme CAUTION while fueling your boat. Become familiar with
the capacity of your boat’s fuel tank and fuel consumption for commonly
used RPMs. Avoid fueling at night except under well-lit conditions. Gas
spills are hard to see in the dark.
4. Keep enough fuel on board for your planned cruising requirements as
well as for changes in your plans due to adverse weather or other
situations. We recommend the 1/3 rule: use 1/3 of your fuel to reach your
destination, use 1/3 to return, and keep 1/3 in reserve.
5. All regulation lifesaving and fire extinguishing equipment on board,
must easy to find unrestricted and in safe operating condition. All
passengers should become familiar with the operation and location of all
equipment.
6. Keep an eye on the weather. Be aware of possible changing
conditions by monitoring local weather broadcasts prior to departure.
Strong winds and electrical storms should be personally monitored.
7. At least one other passenger aboard should be indoctrinated on the
basic operating procedures for handling your boat, in the event you
unexpectedly become unable to do so.
8. Never allow passengers to ride on areas of your boat other than
designated seating area and all passengers should remain seated while the
boat is moving.
9. Never overload or improperly load to unbalance your boat.
10. Never attempt to climb to the boat from the water or jump from the
boat to the water while the engine is running.

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CAUTION
There are other rules for safety boating, this are called
“General Rules of Seamanship” which are:
1. Always cross waves at right angles.
2. When caught in heavy water, head your boat either directly into the waves
or at a slight angle. Reduce your speed but maintain enough power to
maneuver your boat safely.
3. Keep your speed under control. Respect the rights of boats engaged in
fishing, swimming, water skiing, or diving. Give them a “wide berth”.
4. When meeting a boat head–on, keep to the right whenever possible.
5. When two boats cross, the boat to the right or starboard has the right of
way. So, you must reduce speed ant let it pass first.
6. When overtaking or passing, the boat being passed has the right of way
and you should be aware of other boat changing course at last minute.
7. If a bigger boat at high speed passes you nearby, reduce speed
immediately to reduce wave jumping left behind.
8. At night if a boat is coming head on, navigation lights should be aligned
the same “green-green” on both boats sides.
9. When entering a port at night, check entrance buoys colors “red-green”
and keep your boat navigation lights aligned the same color with buoys
lights side by side.

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FIRE PREVENTION: WARNING
 Check the bilge for fuel smell and possible leaks.
 Check fuel lines for cracks and possible leaks.
 Check cleaning products for flammability.
 Ventilate when cleaning, painting or filling fuel.
 Disconnect electrical system from power source when performing any type
of maintenance.
 Use extra caution when using exposed flame around urethane foam or
resins.
 Extinguish smoking materials carefully.
 Ensure ventilation systems are not obstructed, you have pair on the center
console for battery fumes and another one on the back of pilot seat for
gasoline tank vapors.
 Keep flammable materials in approved containers.
 Replace circuit breaker fuse with one of the same amperage.
 A qualified marine electrician to service the electrical system.
IMPORTANT: All persons aboard should know the location and proper operation
of the fire extinguishers.

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DANGER
VERY DANGEROUS:
 Carbon monoxide (CO) can be harmful or fatal if inhaled. Brain damage or
death can occur if exposed to carbon monoxide. Dangerous levels of
carbon monoxide can also accumulate around the outside of the boat
when the engine is running. Do not run the engine when anyone is in the
water around your boat or is located near the exhaust outlets.
 Do not expose an open flame or any spark near the gasoline gas tank. If
you need to remove the gasoline tank for filling, turn off the engine first
and then turn off the main battery power switch of the boat. If a gasoline
explosion occurs this may cause a fatal accident.
 Do not allow anyone to swim or going into the water near a running
engine even if it is in neutral position because somebody could accidentally
move the throttle shifter and engage it into run position. A rotating
propeller that has sharp blades may cause a fatal accident.
 Always attach the emergency ignition interrupter cable or lanyard around
your left wrist or clicked to a strong piece of clothing such as a belt loop.
(An even better alternative would be to keep the lanyard attached to your
life jacket as a reminder). This should be done before running your boat.
The emergency ignition interrupter switch must never be removed or
modified and must always be kept free from obstructions that could
interfere with its operation. The using of this safety device is for just in
case you lose control of the boat and fall into the water, the engine
immediately will stop avoiding the boat to go around in circles without any
control while you are exposed to rotating propeller.

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BASIC COMPONENTS OPERATION
Like all the features of a big boat, Your Sardine has many components and
accessories integrated into different operational systems:
Electric, Instrumentation, Control, Safety, Power-Fuel and Anchoring.
A.-ELECTRIC SYSTEM
Your boat’s 12-Volt DC system obtains its power from a battery. The battery
is charged through the engine-driven alternator and/or an AC battery charger.
The voltmeter on the helm dash instrument panel indicates the charging level of
the battery. Some boats are equipped with a battery switch and the operation of
this switch is described later in this section. Depending on which Sardine Marine
Boat model you own, there could be fuses and/or circuit breakers (with indicator
lights) on either the distribution panel or instrument panel, that control the
operation of DC equipment on your boat.
The negative terminal of the battery is connected to the grounding studs of the
main engine. This type of negative ground system is the approved system for
marine DC electrical systems. If additional equipment is to be installed, it must
be adaptable to the negative ground system. When installing additional
equipment, ensure that each item’s current supply is taken from the main DC
distribution panel. All required additional circuit protection must also be added at
the DC distribution panel.
NOTE: Power feeds for accessory equipment must NOT be taken from the
voltmeter terminals.
CAUTION: READ ALL literature materials supplied with your boat prior
to operating any of the systems and components. Any electrical
accessories you would like to add to your boat should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified electrician. Improper installation could result in damage
to your boat's electrical system and/or cause a fire.
IMPORTANT: Operation, maintenance, and safety information is outlined by the
manufacturer of most installed equipment. Properly operating and maintaining
the equipment on your boat will help you to enjoy many years of trouble-free.

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A1.-BATTERY
The battery is located inside the Center Console compartment
and should be Marine type and #24 size in order to enter
through Center Console only hatch.
Always check that your battery is firmly strapped down or
secured to its base, check the positive (+) and negative (-) post
to be clean and cable connections to be tight. When boat is not
in use, turn off the main breaker switch located on side of the
center console, this action will reduce battery drain along the boat’s electric
circuit. When the boat is stored, connect a battery maintainer or charger to keep
battery fully charged ready for next trip. This also helps on the battery life span
performance.
WARNING: POISON! Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can cause
severe burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. In case of
contact, flush with water at least 15 minutes. If swallowed, drink large
quantities of water or milk. Follow with Milk of Magnesia, beaten egg or
vegetable oil. Get medical attention immediately.
WARNING: During charging, batteries produce gases which can
explode, if ignited. Explosion can shatter a battery. Acid can cause
severe personal injury such as blindness. Keep flame, spark and
smoking materials away from battery while charging. Charge battery in a well-
ventilated area.
DANGER: Do Not disconnect or reconnect battery cables if gasoline
fumes are present.
A2.-BATTERY CUT OFF SWITCH
This Sardine has a battery cut-off switch located at the center
console port side; this convenient feature enables you to cut
the power without the need to disconnect the electric terminals
from the battery post when the boat is not used or at storage.
When the switch is placed on OFF position, it avoids voltage
drainage or discharge from battery along the boats electric
circuit.

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A3.- MAIN THERMAL BREAKER
To protect all the integrity of your Sardine’s electric circuit a main
thermal 40-amp breaker (Push to reset) was installed below the
center console instruments panel on the port side. This breaker is Trip
Free” design cannot be held “ON” during fault current condition. If
there is a short circuit condition above 40 amps load, the breaker would
disconnect the whole electric circuit to protect it against melting cables or
possible fire.
CAUTION: It is important to find out what is causing this fault condition
if your main breaker keeps tripping after pushing it to reset, there must
be a big short circuit and if you do not pay attention to it, your boat
would be unable to operate causing it to be adrift on the sea in a dangerous
situation.
A4.- EMERGENCY IGNITION INTERRUPTER SWITCH
The emergency ignition interrupter switch is a safety device which
automatically stops the engine if the operator falls from the helm. A
lanyard attached to the ignition interrupter must always be attached
to a strong piece of clothing on the driver such as a belt loop. (An
even better alternative would be to keep the lanyard attached to your
life jacket as a reminder to you and your passengers to wear PFDs
when the boat is underway.) If the driver leaves the helm station, and
the lanyard is attached to the driver, the lanyard will pull a fork off the
ignition interrupter and the engine will stop. To replace the fork, press
the button on the ignition interrupter, and slide the fork into position
over the button.
This component is supplied by the engine manufacturer. Complete operating
instructions can be found in the engine operator’s manual.
A5.-ELECTRIC WIRING
Your Sardine boat is equipped with marine grade copper-tinned
electric cable to withstand the salty marine environment. All wiring
connections are water proof with thermal shrinking terminals to give
you many years of operation without failure or short circuit problems.
A7.-NAVIGATION LIGHTS
The Navigation Lights of your Sardine are designed from the ground
up based on the modern mounting concept of our Flush Mount LED
Bolts. Anodized aluminum housing has high resistance to corrosion on
the splash zone and the flush mount design makes the LED not
noticeable. They are completely sealed and watertight and installed on the
Sardine’s bow sides by side. The Red one is located on Port side, and
the Green is on Starboard side.

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A8.-ANCHOR LIGHT/NAVIGATION
On the starboard side close to the pilot back rest you have what is called
the anchor/navigation light. It has a white LED light for multiple uses
explained as follows: When navigating at night it must be fully extended
and it should be turned on together with the pair front bi-color navigation
lights. When you are adrift or anchored at night you must turn it on alone
for other vessels to see your boat position and avoid possible collision and
to have 360° view all around illumination on your boat.
A9.-COURTESY LIGHTS
Your sardine Boat is equipped with 3 “Cool depth Blue Color
LEDs” courtesy lights, these lights are located: Two on both sides of
the bilge transom drain and the other one at the Center console.
These lights give your Sardine a Cool contemporary look and a non-
glare vision at night.
A10.-CUP HOLDER
For convenience your boat is equipped with a flush mounted
stainless-steel cup holder located on the starboard of pilot’s back
rest, in addition it is lighted with “Cool depth Blue Color LEDs”
that match and light up at the same time of the courtesy lights.
A11.-BILGE PUMP
All Sardine Marine Boats are furnished with a Bilge Pump, which
has a built in automatic float switch. This is engaged when the
water level rises in the bilge and the float rises in the pump causing
the pump to turn on.
The pump can be tested by turning them upside down, the pump should turn on,
and once it is turned back over, it will run for a few more seconds and then shut
off. The pump also has a manual switch function on the center console panel to
by-pass the float. This pump is wired into your boat bypassing the battery switch
so that they have power at all times; this allows the automatic feature to work
while you are away from the boat no matter if the engine is turned off. Check
pump´s instruction manual for further information.

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A12.-ELECTRIC DIAGRAM
A typical 12-Volt DC cabin schematic is shown below. This typical diagram is
provided to explain how electric components on your boat are connected to the
DC power source. These schematics are for general reference only and are not
model specific.
Consult your Sardine Marine dealer for additional DC power requirements on
your boat model

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B.-INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM
On your Sardine’s console panel, you may have several instruments depending
on your boat model and options.
B1.-PANEL SWITCHES
Your Sardine comes equipped with a next generation marine LED
switch panel, 6 Gang Capacitive Touch Screen DIY LED Rocker
Switch with Circuit Control Box (Accessories relays and reset fuse)
connected by a 15-Pin VGA Cable. Now you can activate just with
the touch of your finger your electrical accessories.
The standard Sardine model uses only the first three switches (Starting from the
top left to right) and leave the rest for future additional accessories.
1. Navigation Lights + Anchor light
2. Anchor Light
3. Courtesy Lights
B2.-BILGE PUMP CONTROL SWITCH
Below the center console instrument panel, you have the Bilge
Pump control switch which has 3-Position Toggle Switch:
Automatic activating your pump float, Manual By-passing the
float and Off. It also has a Built-In 15A Circuit Breaker so there
is no need to have a spare fuse around and there is LED
Indicator when any of the Switches are ON.
B3.-IGNITION SWITCH
The ignition switch is designed to start your boat engine like a car with a
clockwise turn operation using a key, it is located on the Center console
panel.
The ignition switch comes with 2 exact keys, keep one in a safe handy place just
in case of losing the operating one. It is also highly recommended to have the
operational key always attached to a floating key chain holder to avoid sinking it
in the water.
CAUTION: Do not continuously operate starter for more than 15 seconds
without pausing. Allow starter to cool at least three (3) minutes between
start attempts otherwise you can overheat the battery cranking cables.
B4.-TACHOMETER GAUGE
It is an instrument that displays the number of revolutions per
minute (RPM) that the engine is running. The gauge displays
increments of 100. This instrument also has warning lights for
temperature and low oil. Consult with your outboard manual if you
require additional information. Do not exceed maximum engine RPM
according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

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B5.-VOLMETER GAUGE (Optional)
It is an instrument that displays battery voltage. Under normal engine
running conditions (1000 RPMs or higher), the voltage will range
between 11 and 15 volts. With the engine OFF and ignition key or
switch ON a fully charged battery is indicated between 12 to 12.8 voltmeter
reading. Displaying below that voltage range readings after stopping engine
shows a bad battery or heavy load on the battery. Significantly higher than 15
volts or below 13 volts shows an alternator or voltage regulator malfunction. You
should check the charging system and battery system for these higher or lower
readings. An oscillating reading shows a faulty voltage regulator or loose battery
terminals connection. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for proper gauge
readings.
B6.-TEMPERATURE GAUGE (Optional)
It is an instrument that displays the temperature of the engine water
cooling system. This gauge should always be checked right after
starting the engine. Marine engines draw external water, circulate it
through the heat exchanger on the engine, and expel it overboard
through the exhaust system. If the temperature gauge shows a hot condition,
stop the engine immediately. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for
instructions and corrective action.
B7.-OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (Optional)
It is an instrument that will reflect most, if not all, serious problems
that may occur within your engine. A pre-set valve in the oil pump
controls the maximum oil pressure. If a complete loss of oil pressure
occurs, stop the engine immediately. Serious damage to the engine can result
after loss of oil pressure if the engine continues to run. Check the engine oil level
and fill if low. If oil level is full and gauge reading is low, contact your Sardine
dealer or a qualified mechanic to rectify the problem. Do not restart the engine
until correcting the problem. See engine manufacturer’s specifications for correct
pressure ranges.
B8.-TILT/TRIM POSITION GAUGE (Optional)
It is used to see the actual Tilt position angle of the engine; if it is Up
or Down or perhaps some degrees in between. The main purpose to
have this gauge is to avoid the pilot’s distraction every time he needs
to turn his head in the direction of the outboard to check its tilted angle
instead of looking where he is going.

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B9.-GASOLINE LEVEL GAUGE (Optional)
Displays the amount of fuel contained within the fuel tank. Its location
would depend on your boat model and gasoline tank option (portable
or permanent).
If your gas tank is permanent the gas level gauge will be on your center console
instruments panel but if it is portable you may read the gas level directly from
the gas tank cap. The most accurate reading of the fuel gauge is at idle speed
when your boat maintains an approximately level position. Underway, the fuel
gauge will usually indicate a higher fuel level than is actually in the tank due to
the bow of the boat being higher than at rest. Since gauge readings are
approximate, they should be compared to the hours of use versus known fuel
consumption, or gallons per hour (GPH). The most common practice of good fuel
management is the one-third rule. You use one-third of your total fuel on board
to travel to your destination and one-third in returning. The remaining one-third
in the fuel tank should be reserved for emergencies.
B10.-DEPTH SOUNDER (Optional)
The depth sounder can be used to determine how deep the water is
underneath your boat. The depth sounder is connected to a
transducer installed in the hull. After turning ON the unit, it
automatically starts searching for the bottom. Once it’s found, it will
automatically adjust the sensitivity to keep the bottom depth displayed. Specific
operating instructions for the various depth sounder functions can be found in
the manufacturer’s literature supplied with your boat.
Many factors can affect the accuracy of the depth sounder. Do not rely only on
the depth sounder, check visually whenever possible color changes of the water.
This may indicate the presence of coral, rocks, sand banks or shallow water.
B11.-SPEEDOMETER (Optional)
Indicates boat speed in miles per hour (MPH) and Knots (Nautical miles
per hour). The accuracy of this instrument depends on the placement
and cleanliness of the pickup tube (pitot probe) as well as sea current
direction and intensity. The pickup tube should be tilted up for
trailering or shallow water, and down while underway. These days with
the popular use of GPS which not only indicates global positioning but also travel
direction and speed, this instrument is far away more accurate for measuring
speed than the pitot probe instrument, so actually a boat speedometer is almost
not in use but used just as a reference only.

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C.-CONTROL SYSTEM
C1.-STEERING MECHANICAL CONTROL
It is important that you get the “feel” of your boat’s steering system.
Steering does vary from boat to boat depending on hull shape,
engine type, water, wind condition, and load. Turn wheel from full
left to full right and make certain the engine or drive unit is turning
correctly. The system should run freely and smoothly. If your Sardine
is equipped with (Optional) power steering. Check the fluid level and belt tension
before starting. The cable output end of the steering system should be kept clear
of fuel lines, control cables, electrical wiring, and other on-board gear when the
engine is moved through its full operating range.
C2.-THROTTLE/SHIFT CONTROL
Allow the engine to warm up before engaging the shift control. Monitor
all instruments while engine is idling during warm up. See the engine
manufacturer’s specifications for proper operating ranges. Place the
throttle/shift control handle in the NEUTRAL position. The engine should
not start unless the control is in NEUTRAL, or the NEUTRAL safety
switch is activated by pulling the entire handle or knob out toward the
center-line of the boat.
CAUTION: The throttle on a hand operated remote control does not
return to idle as on an automobile when the pressure is released. Make
sure you can reach the control lever quickly at all times when the engine
is running. The throttle/shift control regulates the RPM of the engine.
Forward movement of the throttle increases the RPM of the engine. It also
increases boat speed through the water when the engine is in either forward or
reverse gear. The throttle control also acts as the gear shift lever to control the
forward and aft movement of the boat. Moving the throttle forward from the
neutral position engages the shifting mechanism causing the boat to move
forward. Continuing the forward movement of the throttle will increase engine
RPM and cause the boat to move faster in a forward direction. Moving the
throttle aft from the neutral position reverses the shift mechanism causing the
boat to move backward. Continuing the aft movement of the throttle will increase
engine RPM and cause the boat to move faster in a backward direction. When
maneuvering at low speeds you can reverse (move throttle backwards or aft) the
shift mechanism. This will result in a braking action.
CAUTION: When shifting between forward and reverse, always pause in
neutral for a few seconds before reversing the rotation of the
propeller(s). This will prevent unnecessary damage to the drive system.
CAUTION: Before moving the gear shift lever, make sure the throttle is
in the idle position. Failure to do so could cause loss of boat control,
injury to occupants, and engine and drive system damage.

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CAUTION: Never pull the knob or handle out while the engine is in gear.
This can cause jamming of the control, possible improper control, or
gear selection.
WARNING: High speed acceleration in reverse can create a wake that
could wash over the transom and flood the boat.
NOTE: For optional or dealer installed controls, see the information
supplied by the manufacturer of the control.
C3.-TILT/TRIM CONTROL
The TILT/TRIM switch is located on throttle/shift control lever, it has
two variable positions: Going UP or going DOWN. You can TILT the
engine (outboard up from the bow of the boat by toggling the switch to
the UP position). Operating your boat in shallow water will require tilting
the engine up. If for any reason your engine stops working and your boat must
be towed, it will be easier to steer with the engine raised.
This switch also controls the “TRIM” of your boat under various conditions, loads,
and uses. Proper trim is very important in boating. Trim refers to the angle of the
lower unit in relation to the bottom of the boat.
Trimming tips:
 In the case of low or heavy bow attitude, the lower unit is normally
trimmed too far under or forward. Trim the unit out or up to correct this
situation.
 If the bow is too high, your drive unit is trimmed up or out too far. Trim IN
to correct.
 A good practice is to get underway (especially when fully loaded or pulling
a skier) with the unit trimmed all the way under or IN. After the boat is on
plane, adjust the trim out slightly to obtain the proper bow attitude and
engine RPM.
 Trim also affects propeller selection and fuel efficiency. All models should
be “propped” to be in the upper half of the maximum RPM range with the
boat lightly loaded and the drive trimmed up to maximum. This
configuration will allow the engine to operate within the recommended
RPM range with a heavy load.
 The outboard should never be trimmed up to a point where the propeller
cavitates (or slips). A rapid increase in engine RPMs is evidence of
cavitation. If this occurs accidentally while running at full throttle,
immediately lower the drive trim and reduce the throttle until the slipping
stops. Have your dealer reset the trim limit switch to avoid over trimming
in the future.
 If the prop slips at lower planning speeds, the drive may be trimmed too
high. Immediately lower the drive unit until the prop “grabs” again to
restore efficiency.
WARNING: Excessive trim will decrease maneuverability, change
steering characteristics, and may cause “porpoising” (bow oscillates up
and down) or “chine walking” (rocking from side to side). USE POWER
TRIM WITH CARE.