Apex Digital Outlook 180DX Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 141)

8-6

Leaving a Dock

Because boats steer from the stern, the stern first

moves in the direction opposite your desired turn. It is

especially important to understand this characteristic

when leaving a dock. If you simply turn the wheel to

steer the bow away from the dock, as you would when

driving a car out of a parking space, you will drive the

stern of the boat into the dock. Following is a basic

maneuvering technique which can be used in most

circumstances.

1. With engine idling and the bow still moored to the

dock, turn the steering wheel toward the dock. This

will start to move the stern of the boat away from

the dock.

2. When the stern is out a few feet, release the bow

mooring then steer in the direction you want the

bow to move. Open the throttle slightly and begin

to move away from the dock.

Crossing Wakes and Swells

You will not always have flat, smooth water. There will

be swells, wakes from other boats, etc. The best way

to cross wakes and swells is with the least jolt to you

and the boat. Small swells are not as difficult to cross

as larger swells or wakes. Crossing a sharp wake

gives more of a jolt than a broad swell.

To cross a wake or swell, change your speed and

choose the angle at which you cross the wake or

swell. Usually, a slower speed and “quartering” the

wake (crossing at an angle) will reduce the jolt.

Two other things you may notice. The first is that

crossing a group of wakes or swells is not as easy or

smooth as crossing just one wake. The second is that

when you quarter the wake or swell the boat will try to

steer away from the wake or swell. When crossing at a

45° angle, you may not notice this, but at a smaller

angle, say 10°, it can be very strong. Be prepared to

steer and balance as necessary.

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Apex Digital Outlook 180DX Owner's Manual Page 141