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OWNER’S MANUAL
A wide variety of components used on this vessel contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and other reproductive harm.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
• Engine and generator exhaust
• Engine and generator fuel, and other liquids such as coolants
and oil, especially used motor oil
• Cooking fuels
• Cleaners, paints, and substances used for vessel repair
• Waste materials that result from wear of vessel components
• Lead from battery terminals and from other sources such as
ballast or fishing sinkers
TO AVOID HARM:
• Keep away from engine, generator, and cooking fuel exhaust
fumes
• Wash areas thoroughly with soap and water after handling the
substances above
GM2203301
GENERAL INFORMATION .....................................1.1
About This Manual .....................................................................................1.1
You and Your New Boat .............................................................................1.2
Certification.................................................................................................1.2
Warranty......................................................................................................1.3
Service.........................................................................................................1.4
Responsibilities...........................................................................................1.4
Additional Information...............................................................................1.5
Boating Laws and Regulations .................................................................1.6
Hazard Communication Labels .................................................................1.8
Pre-Delivery Inspection Form..................................................................1.12
Boat Data Sheet........................................................................................1.13
SAFETY ..............................................................2.1
Safe Boating Checklist...............................................................................2.1
Hazard Statements.....................................................................................2.2
Advisory Statements .................................................................................2.3
Safety Equipment ......................................................................................2.3
Additional Recommended Equipment.....................................................2.8
Carbon Monoxide and Boating ................................................................2.9
Emergency Stop Switch ..........................................................................2.13
Safe Boating Practices.............................................................................2.13
Water Sports.............................................................................................2.16
BASIC SEAMANSHIP...........................................3.1
Boating Regulations ..................................................................................3.1
Rules of Seamanship.................................................................................3.1
Navigational Aids.......................................................................................3.5
Recommended Reading ............................................................................3.7
Contacts ......................................................................................................3.8
Owner’s Logs and Records .......................................................................3.9
Navigational Aids Chart.............................................................................3.9
TRAILERING........................................................4.1
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .....................................................................4.1
Weight Distribution....................................................................................4.1
Hitch ............................................................................................................4.2
Safety Chains .............................................................................................4.2
Brakes .........................................................................................................4.3
Turning While Towing a Trailer ..................................................................4.3
Backing A Trailer .........................................................................................4.4
Launching Guidelines................................................................................4.4
Loading Your Boat On The Trailer..............................................................4.5
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ..........................................5.1
12-Volt DC Electrical System.....................................................................5.1
AC Electrical System..................................................................................5.4
AC/DC Converter (Battery Charger)..........................................................5.5
Wiring Color Code .....................................................................................5.6
Galvanic Corrosion ....................................................................................5.9
Ground Fault Interrupter Outlet................................................................5.9
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................5.10
WATER SYSTEMS ...............................................6.1
Fresh Water System...................................................................................6.1
Seacocks .....................................................................................................6.4
Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)..............................................................6.4
Troubleshooting .........................................................................................6.8
BOAT SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT............................7.1
Engines........................................................................................................7.1
Fuel System.................................................................................................7.1
Propeller ......................................................................................................7.3
Steering System .........................................................................................7.5
Bilge Blower (Sterndrive Only) .................................................................7.6
Bilge Pump..................................................................................................7.6
Refrigerator .................................................................................................7.7
Stove............................................................................................................7.7
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................7.7
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS ..........................8.1
Helm Instruments ......................................................................................8.1
Engine Throttle/Shift Control.....................................................................8.3
Trim Tabs .....................................................................................................8.5
GETTING UNDERWAY..........................................9.1
Skipper’s Checklist .....................................................................................9.1
Fueling ........................................................................................................9.2
Loading Passengers and Gear..................................................................9.4
Starting Procedures ...................................................................................9.5
Maneuvering ..............................................................................................9.7
Acceleration................................................................................................9.8
Power Trim and Tilt Operation...................................................................9.9
Anchoring .................................................................................................9.12
Returning To Shore...................................................................................9.14
Navigation Lights.....................................................................................9.15
Hazardous Conditions .............................................................................9.16
Reacting To Emergencies.........................................................................9.18
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CARING FOR YOUR BOAT ..................................10.1
Fiberglass and Gelcoat ............................................................................10.1
Deck Hardware and Fittings ....................................................................10.3
Windshields and Ports.............................................................................10.3
Carpeting ..................................................................................................10.3
Upholstery ................................................................................................10.4
Spots and Stains ......................................................................................10.4
Canvas.......................................................................................................10.9
Sunbrella .................................................................................................10.11
WINTER LAYUP AND STORAGE ..........................11.1
Lifting the Boat..........................................................................................11.1
Preparation for Storage............................................................................11.1
Engine and Sterndrive .............................................................................11.2
Batteries.....................................................................................................11.3
Fresh Water System..................................................................................11.3
Marine Sanitation Device.........................................................................11.4
Interior Cleaning .......................................................................................11.4
Storage on Trailer......................................................................................11.4
Recommissioning the Boat After Storage..............................................11.5
BOATING TERMS ..............................................12.1
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1.1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
More and more people are joining the ranks of boat owners who find
enjoyment in the leisure activity of cruising. For this reason, this manu-
al is written for the first-time boat owner or operator. Even if you are
an experienced boater, you will still find much valuable information
regarding the safe operation and maintenance of your Seaswirl boat.
For your own safety and the safety of others, take the time to read this
entire manual before you take the boat out for the first time. Use it as a
guide to familiarize yourself with its systems and components. The infor-
mation in this manual will help you with its operation and maintenance.
The suppliers of more complex components, such as engines, pumps,
and electronics, supply their own manuals. They are included in your
Owner’s Packet. The suppliers of these products maintain their own
manufacturers’ warranties and service facilities. One of the first orders of
business should be to fill out each warranty card and mail it back to the
manufacturer to register your ownership.
Make sure you read and understand the safety, emergency, and operat-
ing procedures in this manual and pass this information along to your
family and passengers. Pay close attention to safety warnings.
Remember that along with the freedom and fun of cruising comes the
responsibility for the safety of your passengers, other boaters, and the
environment which we all share.
This manual is part of your boat’s equipment. Always keep it on board.
If you transfer ownership of the boat to someone else, give this manual
to the new owner. In some cases, this manual provides general infor-
mation; more specific information is available in the original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) manuals. This owner’s manual does not supersede
or change any of the original manufacturers’ specifications, operation
or maintenance instructions. If the information in this manual conflicts
with that in the OEM manuals, the OEM manuals take precedence.
Note: This manual may include information about systems and equip-
ment not provided on your boat. Check with your dealer if you have
any questions.
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YOU AND YOUR NEW BOAT
If you are new to boating, you may not be familiar with some common
boating terms. Figure 1-1 lists some of these terms and identifies their
meaning in relation to a typical boat.
CERTIFICATION
All Seaswirl boats have National Marine Manufacturers Association
(NMMA) certification. This certification covers the following boat com-
ponents:
Engines Fuel Systems
Electrical Systems Mechanical Systems
Navigation Lights Hatches
Portlights
Construction of the hull begins with multiple layers of hand-laid fiber-
glass, bonded with polyester resin, providing a tough seaworthy hull.
The interior of your Seaswirl may also include high pressure laminates
and upholstery. Reasonable care and maintenance will keep the boat
looking like new as the years go by.
1.2
STERN
FREEBOARD
DRAFT
BOW
WATERLINE
HELM
STARBOARD
SIDE
PORT
SIDE
BEAM
LENGTH OVERALL (LOA)
TRANSOM
AFT FORWARD
COCKPIT
STERNDRIVE
KEEL
PROPELLER
BRIDGE
CLEARANCE
GUNWALE
FIGURE 1-1 TERMINOLOGY
55095-Seaswirl-01_GenInfo 9/8/05 4:06 PM Page 1.2
Some Seaswirl models have also been certified to carry the CE mark.
The CE mark certifies that the boat meets relevant parts of the
European Directive for Recreational Craft 94/25/E of the European
Parliament, including the International Organization for Standards
(ISO) and Recreational Marine Agreement Group (RMAG) guidelines in
effect at the time of manufacture.
WARRANTY
The Limited Warranty for your Seaswirl boat can be found in the vinyl
owner’s packet. Please read it carefully. The warranty becomes effec-
tive upon the date of purchase, but the warranty registration card
must be completed, signed and returned to Seaswirl Boats within 30
days of sale in order to obtain any warranty coverage. The registra-
tion card is inside the back cover of this manual. When you sign the
warranty registration card, you are telling us that you understand
the warranty’s terms and conditions. Seaswirl Boats provides no
other warranty for your boat. If you have any questions, please dis-
cuss them with your dealer or get in touch with our Customer
Service Department. Failure to follow warranty instructions will void
your warranty.
You need to properly fill out the warranty registration card and sign.
Make sure you mail the card to us to validate the warranty. A hull iden-
tification number is located on the starboard side of the boat’s tran-
som. Use this number for registration and to identify your boat for
warranty service.
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 requires that all boat manufactur-
ers notify first time owners if any defect “which creates a substantial
risk of personal injury to the public” is discovered. In order for us to
comply with the law, if it becomes necessary, it is essential that your
completed warranty registration card with your name, address and the
boat serial number be completed and mailed to our Customer Service
Department.
If the warranty registration card is not returned, Seaswirl Boats will not
be able to notify you as the Federal Boat Safety Act requires. Failure to
return the card means that you waive any right to notification and/or
repair at Seaswirl’s expense of any unsafe condition for which notifica-
tion and/or repair would be required by Federal Boating Laws.
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SERVICE
If you have a problem with your new boat as a result of workmanship or
materials, we want to correct it and get it back in service as quickly as
possible. Contact the Seaswirl dealer from whom you purchased the
boat. An authorized dealer must process all warranty repairs. If the deal-
er fails to remedy the cause of the problem, contact us within 30 days. It
is your responsibility to deliver the boat to the dealer for repair.
Information about service, replacement parts, or additional equipment
is available from your dealer or Seaswirl Boats. You can get in touch
with us directly at:
Seaswirl Boats, Inc.
700 Paul Larson Memorial Dr.
Phone: 877-631-0042
Fax: - -
RESPONSIBILITIES
Boat Owner
Seaswirl Boats recommends that you set up an appointment with your
dealer to discuss all warranties. You should inspect the boat at the time
of delivery to verify that all systems and components are operating
safely and acceptably. We recommend that you refer to the engine
warranty certificate for initial inspection and service requirements. Be
sure to review the pre-delivery checklist for the boat and engine with
your dealer when you take delivery.
You need to record all important information about your boat and its
major components on the Boat Data Sheet. (You will find the Boat Data
Sheet at the end of this chapter.) After all the data has been entered,
make a photocopy and store at home or another safe place.
You are responsible for following proper procedures during the break-
in period. Check with your dealer if you have any questions. You
should also schedule the 20-hour checkup with your dealer. At the 20-
hour checkup, your dealer should perform an engine alignment check
according to recommended procedures as stated by the engine manu-
facturer in the engine owner’s manual. Failure to do so could result in
drive train damage, which is not covered under the warranty.
The operator is also responsible for complying with the following pro-
cedures and operational requirements:
• Registering the boat with the appropriate jurisdiction.
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Little Falls, MN 56345
320 616 4699
• Safety training of passengers and crew.
• Ensuring the boat’s continued safe operation through proper main-
tenance and repair.
• Obtaining adequate insurance coverage.
• Following safe operating practices at all times.
• Learning the Rules of the Road.
• Developing an understanding of boat systems.
• Operating and maintaining all equipment in compliance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol.
• Complying with environmental regulations.
Along with boating comes the responsibility of complying with envi-
ronmental regulations. Please think about the future of our waterways,
oceans, and marine life while you’re out enjoying them – and take all
necessary measures to help protect our natural habitats. Keeping our
waterways and marine habitats free from debris, and showing consid-
eration for the creatures who thrive in these environments are some
ways you can help assure the pleasure of boating for years to come.
Dealer
Your dealer will inspect your boat when you take delivery to make sure it
is in flawless condition and that all components are working properly. A
copy of the checklist is at the end of this section. Your dealer will discuss
the terms of all warranties and emphasize the importance of registering
each warranty with the manufacturer. He will also explain the proper
procedures for obtaining warranty service. If requested, he will instruct
you in the operation of the boat and its systems and components.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Maintenance and Repair
Proper maintenance and repair are critical to your continued enjoy-
ment of and the safe use of your boat. Your Seaswirl dealer is always
ready to help you. There are areas that you, the owner, cannot service
because of today’s complex technology. Your dealer has access to fac-
tory trained specialists, when they are needed, for such equipment as
engines and stern drives. You can handle basic servicing such as
checking and changing engine oil and inspecting the condition of
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hoses, sea cocks, bilge pumps, and electrical connections, but all other
maintenance and repair should be performed by properly trained and
qualified technicians.
We suggest you develop a routine maintenance plan for the engine(s)
to assure that they remain in first-rate condition and continue to oper-
ate properly. Follow the maintenance and service schedule recom-
mended by your engine manufacturer. Cleaning and waxing the hull
regularly will keep your boat looking like new.
Boating Education
Seaswirl Boats recommends that the boat operator and a standby
operator enroll in a boating safety course. Such organizations as the
U.S. Power Squadron, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the
American Red Cross sponsor educational programs. Chapter 3 has
general information about such courses. See your Seaswirl dealer
about special courses available in your area.
There are many good boating publications that have helpful informa-
tion. Pamphlets prepared by the Coast Guard explain “Rules of the
Road,” signal lights, buoys, safety, international and inland regulations,
and other information beyond the scope of this manual. Check Chapter
3 for a partial listing. You can contact the local U.S. Coast Guard Unit
or call the Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647. Your
dealer will also have information about your area and what other
boaters are doing, such as club memberships and other activities.
BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS
The U.S. Coast Guard is the authority of the waterways; it is there to
help the boating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local
authorities. You are subject to marine traffic laws and “Rules of the
Road” for both federal and state waterways. You must stop if signaled to
do so by enforcement officers, and permit them to board if asked.
Some states and localities have specific local trailer specifications and
local legal limits on speed and noise. It is your responsibility to be
aware of these laws and to ensure that your boat and trailer comply.
Check with your dealer and consult with the local Marine Patrol or local
Coast Guard office about any local requirements.
Registration
Federal and state laws require that every boat equipped with propul-
sion machinery of any type be registered in the state in which it is prin-
cipally used. In a few jurisdictions, the Coast Guard retains registration
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authority. Registration numbers and validation stickers must be dis-
played on the boat according to regulations, and the registration certifi-
cate must be carried on board when the boat is in use. Some states
require additional registration when an out of state boat is used within
their boundaries. Your dealer will either supply registration forms or
tell you where they may be obtained.
Insurance
In most states, the boat owner is legally responsible for damages or
injuries he or she causes, even if someone else is operating the boat at
the time of the accident. Common sense dictates that you carry ade-
quate personal liability and property damage insurance, just as you
would on an automobile. You should also protect your investment by
insuring the boat against physical damage or theft.
Accident Reporting
After an accident, the operator of the boat is responsible for filing a
report with the appropriate authorities. Reports are generally necessary
for accidents involving loss of life, injury, or damage over $500. Ask
your insurance agent for more information. If you are involved in an
accident, check with your local authorities for reporting requirements.
If you see a distress signal, you must assume it is a real emergency
and render assistance immediately. The person in charge of a boat is
obligated by law to provide assistance to any individual in danger at
sea. However, you should not put your crew or passengers in a dan-
gerous situation which exceeds your capabilities or those of your boat.
The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a “Good Samaritan”
boater offering good faith assistance, and absolves a boater from any
civil liability arising from assistance given.
Discharge of Oil
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil
or oily waste into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or
the waters of the contiguous zone if such discharge causes a film or
sheen upon, or a discoloration of, the surface of the water or causes
sludge or an emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are
subject to a maximum penalty of $25,000.
Disposal of Plastics & Other Garbage
Plastic refuse dumped in the water can kill fish and marine wildlife and
can foul boat propellers and cooling water intakes. Other forms of water-
borne garbage can litter our beaches and make people sick. U.S. Coast
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Guard regulations prohibit the dumping of plastic refuse or other garbage
mixed with plastic into the water anywhere, and restrict the dumping of
other forms of garbage within specified distances from shore.
MARPOL Treaty
Boats 26 feet or longer must display a sign stating the disposal regula-
tions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The U.S. Coast Guard
has issued these regulations to implement Annex V of the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, common-
ly known as Annex V of the MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Treaty 73/78.
They apply to all U.S. boats wherever they operate (except waters
under the exclusive jurisdiction of a State) and foreign boats operating
in U.S. waters out to and including the Exclusive Economic Zone (200
miles). It is important to know these regulations and follow them.
The regulations require U.S. recreational boaters to affix one or more
USCG Trash Dumping Restrictions placards to any boat 26 or more feet
long. The placard warns against the discharge of plastic and other
forms of garbage within the navigable waters of the United States and
specifies discharge restrictions beyond the territorial sea. (The territori-
al sea generally ends three nautical miles from the seashore.) In addi-
tion, the placard must contain the warning that a person who violates
these requirements is liable to civil ($25,000) and criminal (imprison-
ment) penalties. The placard also must note that state and local regula-
tions may further restrict the disposal of garbage.
Operators shall acquire and install one or more placards in a promi-
nent location and in sufficient numbers so crew and passengers can
read them. These locations might include embarkation points, food
service areas, galleys, garbage handling spaces, and common deck
spaces frequented by crew and passengers. We recommend that these
placards be installed on all boats regardless of length. The placards
may be purchased from local marinas, boat dealerships, and marine
equipment suppliers. A special placard is available for boats operating
on the Great Lakes.
IMPORTANT: It is illegal to discharge waste from a marine sanitary
device (toilet) into the water in most areas. It is your responsibility to
be aware of and adhere to all local laws concerning waste discharge.
Consult with the Coast Guard, local marina, or your dealer for addition-
al information.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION LABELS
Some or all of the hazard communication labels shown can be found in
various locations on your boat. (Labels are not necessarily to size or
scale.) The appropriate labels are determined by the standard and
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optional equipment actually installed upon delivery. Check with your
dealer to find out what labels your boat should have. If any label is
missing, ask your dealer for a replacement.
1.9
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1.10
056-0867
Exhaust fumes from engines
contain carbon monoxide. Boats
with canvas deployed are more
likely to collect exhaust fumes.
Avoid brain damage or death
from carbon monoxide. Keep
cockpit and cabin areas well
ventilated. Signs of exposure
include nausea, dizziness, and
drowsiness. See boat owner’s
manual for more details. If using
a catalytic heater, provide
ventilation. Do not use catalytic
heater while sleeping.
WARNING
Installed on Boats’ Canvas
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1.11
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE
RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
-CHECK ENGINE COMPARTMENT BILGE
FOR GASOLINE OR VAPORS, AND
-OPERATE BLOWER FOR FOUR MINUTES,
AND
-VERIFY BLOWER OPERATION.
RUN BLOWER WHEN VESSEL IS
OPERATING BELOW CRUISING SPEED.
WARNING
55095-Seaswirl-01_GenInfo 9/8/05 4:06 PM Page 1.11
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1.13
BOAT DATA SHEET
Seaswirl Model Name ______________________ Hull ID Number______________
Name of Boat ________________ State _______ Length ______ Beam ________
Hull Color(s)__________________ Weight ______
Draft (Drive Down)_____ (Drive Up)_____ Freeboard (Forward)_____ (Aft) ______
Engine(s)
Make ____________________________ Model Name ______________________
H.P.______________________________ Model No. ________________________
Port Serial No. _____________________ Starboard Serial No. ________________
Fuel Tank Capacity___________________ Fuel Filter No. _____________________
Water Tank Capacity _________________
Radio
Make ____________________________ Type_____________________________
Model No. ________________________ Serial No. ________________________
Battery Make_______________________ Type_____________________________
Propeller(s) Manufacturer ____________________ Diameter/Pitch _______/_____
No. of Blades______ Style _______ Material ________Mfg. Part No. __________
Key Numbers Cabin__________________ Glove Box ________________________
Ignition Switch(s)____________________ ________________________________
Other Equipment
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Selling Dealer Servicing Dealer
Name__________________________ Name ____________________________
Address ________________________ Address __________________________
Phone No. ______________________ Phone No. ________________________
Salesman_______________________ Service Manager___________________
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