Malibu Boats 2000 Owner's Manual

3-9Before tying-up the boat, be sure to use enough fenders to protect the boat from damage.If possible, tie-up with the bow towards the waves with a good quality double-braidednylon line. Tie-up only to the lifting or tie-down eyes; never use the handrails orwindshield frames. If the boat is to be moored for a long period of time, use chafingprotectors on lines to protect the gelcoat finish. Leave a little slack in the lines to allowfor some wave movement or tidal action if applicable.Follow these guidelines when departing:• Very slowly shift into forward at idle speed.• When the stern moves away from the dock, turn the engine away from the dock.• Cast off bow line and back away.If the wind or current is pushing away from the dock, cast off all lines and allow to driftuntil you are clear.High Speed OperationA great deal of caution must be exercised when operating any boat at high speeds. Thisis particularly true during turns. Gradual turns can be completed at high speed by acompetent driver, but it must be emphasized that sudden turns at any speed, particularlyat high speed can be especially dangerous. It is possible to throw passengers from theirseats and even from the boat if caution is not exercised.TrimmingAvailable in the Flightcraft Outboard only, the trim changes the drive unit angle inreference to the transom of the boat and can be adjusted on the switch located next to thedriver in front of the throttle. The drive unit should be fully lowered prior to initialacceleration. After the boat has attained planing speed, the drive unit should be raised asnecessary for maximum speed and handling. If the drive unit is raised too high,porpoising, cavitation, or propeller slippage can occur. Adjustments to the trim angleshould be made as speed and attitude of the boat changes.If the engine is trimmed in too far (closer to the boat bottom), speed drops, fuel economydecreases, and the boat may not handle correctly. However, it does provide betteracceleration from a stand still; and because it forces the bow down, visibility is improved.If the engine is trimmed out too far (away from the boat bottom), steering torque mayincrease, the boat may be difficult to get on a plane, and may bounce.