Customer Tips
Learn about boat handling, seamanship, maintenance, fishing, dining and more with these handy tips.
Take Control with Helm Master® EX
Yamaha’s Helm Master® EX with Full Maneuverability is designed to deliver precise control and confident maneuvering. Watch this step-by-step how-to video as we walk you through system operation, available modes, and how each feature works together to enhance your on-water experience.
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Quick Reference Maintenance Guide
Download our Quick Reference Maintenance Guide for quick tips on how to maintain your Grady, and refer to your owner’s manual for more details.
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Techniques for docking in wind and/or current
Most Grady-White captains are good boat handlers, but as new generations come along and first mates graduate to captain, it’s a good idea to review the techniques. Boat handling while coming ashore or getting underway in wind and/or current can be tricky especially around the dock. It’s a lot safer and easier for boat and crew if you know and understand good docking techniques. Here is a technique that works well if the stronger force (wind or current) is coming off the dock or ahead. Remember that this may take a little practice, but soon you’ll be docking like a pro.Approach dock slowly at an angle of about 30°-40°.Put engine in reverse a few feet from the dock to slow and halt the boat, then shift engine to neutral and, while fending off the boat as necessary, get the bowline ashore and secured.With the bow secured, turn the engine as if to make a starboard turn, have a mate fend off the bow as necessary, and power ahead to swing the stern in towards the dock.Make the stern fast to the dock. You may want to use a spring line to make re-boarding easy, and use fenders or bumpers made fast to the boat rails depending on exactly where the wind and/or current are from.
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Boating Etiquette: Docking and Relaunching
Speed, efficiency, and consideration are the bottom line to minding your manners while launching and docking your boat. Remember these etiquette tips for your next trip to the water.Boat ramps often have long lines. If you're inexperienced when it comes to backing your trailer down the ramp to the water, practice maneuvering your trailer in an empty parking lot or other vacant space.Load your boat, secure your belongings, and delegate individual responsibilities before beginning your launch so the launch itself will go as smoothly as possible.After you launch, steer your boat into an unused area and promptly return your towing vehicle to the parking lot to clear the way for other boaters to launch.When it comes time to moor your boat at the dock, be aware of your anchor, pulpit and dock lines. These could easily become a safety hazard if a passerby were to trip over them.When fueling up, stay focused on quickly and safely refueling instead of doing other things such as running errands. Everyone would rather be out on the water, so be considerate of others and manage your time accordingly.(Adapted from http://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/boat-insurance/boating-etiquette.aspx.)
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Trailering Safety
Having a great day on the water starts with a great trip to the dock if you trailer your boat. Before you head out with your boat and trailer, whether it be a short or long distance, here are some important things to consider.First and foremost, if you have not trailered your boat before, you need to be sure your trailer is the right fit for your boat. Trailers have a weight rating, and it’s important to note that the weight is more than just the boat itself. You need to also take into account the weight of your motor, fuel, and all items you have placed on the boat.You’ll also want to be sure you have the right vehicle for towing your boat and that the trailer hitch is properly installed. Be sure you have the appropriate cables installed for the trailer lights. Before driving off with your boat in tow, take the time to go through this Quick Reference Trailering Checklist.If you don’t have experience trailering a boat, it’s a good idea to spend some time in an empty parking lot. You can use cones or milk jugs to practice turns and backing. Place the cones the same distance apart as the width of the boat ramp you’ll be using and back the boat between the cones. This is a safer way to practice than on the actual ramp where you can cause damage to your boat, trailer, vehicle, the ramp itself or someone else’s property. It’s also much easier to get a feel for the process without other boaters staring at you as they wait to launch their boat.Remember that just like it takes longer to get up to speed with a boat behind your vehicle, it also takes longer to stop. It’s important not to follow too closely to the vehicle in front of you and allow extra distance and time than normal for stopping.Another concern when pulling a boat is weight distribution. If the weight is too heavy in the back, it can cause the boat and trailer to fishtail (sway from side to side). If your boat and trailer start to fishtail, it is important to know not to put your foot on the brake, as this will cause the trailer to sway more and the momentum will begin to control the movement of the vehicle. In the event that your boat begins to fishtail, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. Try not to move the steering wheel; just keep going straight. Once your speed reduces to about 35 mph, the swaying should subside, and you can safely pull off the side of the road and adjust the weight more to the front of the boat.If you are trailering your boat across state lines, be sure you are familiar with the other state rules for trailering your boat. Most states require a special towing permit and may have restricted times you may travel with loads wider than 8'6". If your boat exceeds that limit, you can check with each state’s DMV to evaluate the laws and request the appropriate permits.Having the flexibility to trailer your boat to different destinations can be fun, but the fun stops if you have an incident, so please be sure you take the time to go through the checklist before you leave. Each time you stop, take a few minutes to walk around the trailer for another quick check. This could save you from a lot of stress, as well as time and money.
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On the Water Grilling
Grilling isn't just for the backyard. Treat your guests to a hot meal onboard using these boat grilling tips.Many of Grady-White's models have a grill option, which gives you terrific flexibility. But if you don't have one built in there are a variety of grills that are manufactured specifically for marine use. Marine grills are designed to address the nuances that come with grilling on the water. For example, how are you going to secure the grill on the boat? Marine grills have mounting brackets that attach to railings, or poles that can be placed in rod holders. Also, think about the fuel you'll be using and where you will store it when it's not in use. Remember that gas should not be stored below deck. Here's a look at the different grill options and what you might want to think about before making your purchase.Charcoal - The drawbacks you'll want to consider before purchasing a charcoal grill for your boat are as follows. First, it can be challenging to get a fire started in windy conditions, which often occurs on the water. Second, there's no way to turn them off quickly if the need arises. Plus, it takes more room to store charcoal, and they can be hard to clean.Gas - This option is easier to light but it can be hard to keep them burning in a strong wind. However, regulating temperature and managing clean-up is easier.Electric - An electric grill is a good choice and eliminates most problems noted above - however, a source for the electricity is necessary. So, if you're not at the dock, you must have a generator.Safety MeasuresAlways grill above the deck in an open area.Be sure the grill is secure before you light it. If it is not mounted or placed in a rod holder, is there something that will prevent it from sliding if a wave or wake comes?To prevent burns, be sure the grill is not being used in an area where people can easily come in contact with its surface. Think about its proximity to your boat's fire extinguisher so you can get to it easily if needed. Remember that the grill will be hot for a period of time after you've finished cooking and will need to stay where it is until it has cooled off.Stay with the grill at all times and have something beside you that you can use to douse the flames if you have a flare up. Follow the same safety measures you use when grilling at home. Have the proper equipment for turning and removing the food, and don't wear baggy clothing that can get blown into the flames.
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