Paddle King Lo Pro Angler Owner's Manual - page 8
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Turn key to START position on remote models. Do not operate starter continuously for more than 10
seconds without pausing. Allow starter to cool between start attempts. See engine owner’s manual for
details.
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If throttle is not in neutral position, motor may not turn over. Move throttle lever up and down slightly and try
again.
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If the motor is equipped with a carburetor, run engine approximately one to two minutes at fast idle speed
(1200 to 1500 RPM) to warm up engine. Keep boat secure at dock until engine is warmed up. Return fast
idle lever to down position after warm-up.
Leaving the Dock:
After the motor has warmed up, you are ready to leave the dock.
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Check the steering operation by turning the steering wheel full to port and then to starboard while observing
the outdrive movement.
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Check wind and water current or anything that will affect the way you maneuver your boat away from the
dock.
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Release mooring lines and shift throttle into gear. You should be running at very slow speeds as you move
away from the dock. Watch to make sure you don’t swing the boat into the dock as you are pulling away.
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Make sure passengers stay seated while casting off and while underway. Sudden shifts in the boat can
cause a passenger to fall.
Steering:
Boat steering is not self-centering. Steering is affected by engine and propeller torque, trim tab setting,
water current and the speed of the boat. You should be constantly at the helm. Steering a boat has been
compared to driving a rear-wheel car on slippery pavement. When you turn the steering wheel, the stern responds
first by swinging in the opposite direction of the bow. When leaving the dock or trying to avoid an object in the
water, swing can be critical.
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Always give yourself plenty of room to make a turn. You should also slow the speed of your boat while
turning. Never make sharp, fast turns as you can easily lose control of the boat and endanger passengers.
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When making tight turns, trim motor in for better handling. Since both the thrust and steering are at the
stern of the boat, the stern pushes away from the direction of the turn. The bow follows a smaller turning
circle than the stern.
Boat Speed:
The maximum speed at which you can make sudden turns without losing control of your boat is the
maneuvering speed of your boat. Maneuvering speed varies depending on wind, wave and other factors. The
more experience you have with your boat, the more comfortable you will feel at the helm. Until you get the feel of
your boat, it would be best to error on the side of caution. Never drive the boat faster than what you feel
comfortable with.
Trimming:
Below are some general principals of trimming your boat. For a more detailed discussion of trimming,
refer to your engine owner’s manual about the trim controls installed on your boat.
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The outboard or stern drive must be trimmed to adjust to the ideal boat angle for given load and water
condition. The outboard motor should be trimmed so it is perpendicular to the water when the boat is
running at full speed.
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Trim cannot be adjusted while running on boats equipped with a manual tilt system.
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Excessive trimming up can cause ventilation.
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Trimming down can cause the front of the tubes to plow through the water and can slow the boat down.
Weeds:
When traveling through weedy areas, weeds may get caught up around the propeller or block water flow
through the raw water intake, which could cause trouble. After leaving a weedy area, shift the motor to neutral for a
few seconds and then reverse for a few seconds to unwind any weeds that may be wrapped around the propeller.
Shallow Water:
When operating in shallow water, make sure the water intakes located in the lower gearcase are
submerged at all times. If the engine is equipped with a water pump indictor, check it for proper operation. Proceed
at a slow speed and lower engine immediately when deeper water is reached. Also see “Running Aground.”
Notice: Operating a motor with lower unit dragging on the bottom will result in propeller wear. It may also
cause sand to be forced into the water pump which may cause damage to the pump.