Highfield Patrol 600 Manuel Du Propriétaire page 18

Caution
Do not use a compressed air source to inflate the tube or you may compromise the integrity of the seam or
internal baffles. Seams or baffle rupture due to non-respect of inflation procedure is not covered under the
warranty.
2. Performance
(1) To achieve best performance, the boat must plane. If the boat does not plane you may check the following:
a) Make sure the bilge/ deck is dry, drain the water otherwise.
b) Make sure the tube is correctly inflated.
c) Make sure you have the correct weight distribution. Sea conditions may require passengers to move
forward to the boat to get the boat on plane before they return to their initial positions.
d) Make sure you use a suitable outboard engine for the boat.
(2) The outboard engine plays a big role in the performance of the boat. Please make sure you use a suitable
outboard engine for the boat.
(3) When you drive your boat, you will have to keep the boat balance fore and aft. To achieve that, you will have
to adjust the trim angle of your boat. A properly trimmed hull has two very beneficial results: reduced fuel
consumption and increased speed.
(4) Most outboard engines over 30 horsepower come with a trim and tilt system that is driven by a hydraulic
ram located in the center of the engine mounting bracket. Its function is to raise and lower the engine, and it
is controlled by an "up/down" rocker switch built into the shift and throttle control that is located directly
under your right thumb for ease of access. In the "tilt" mode, the system raises the engine completely out of
the water when not in use. It can also be used to raise the engine when running the boat slowly in very
shallow water to prevent propeller damage.
In trim mode, the system works to adjust the angle of the engine to affect the running angle of the boat. As
the boat increases speed, the engine angle provides the lift necessary to bring the boat on plane for optimal
performance. In the full down position, the engine is in "negative trim", meaning the angle of the engine
shaft and propeller is slightly forward of straight down in relation to the transom. This is the position the
engine should be in before throttling up from a dead stop. Negative trim exerts downward force on the hull
to reduce bow rise that is common to most planning hulls under initial acceleration. The harder the initial
acceleration, the greater the tendency the bow will rise. If you throttle up hard from a dead stop, (a
procedure called "hole shot") some hulls will lift the bow at a severe angle momentarily until the downward
force of the engine counters the rise.
(5) Outboard trim angle can be adjusted to improve planning and general performance. Adjust the position of
the trim rod of your motor to define the trim angle of the outboard motor in relation to the transom. Make
test runs with the trim set to different angles to find the position that works best for your boat and operating
condition.
Negative trimmed engine