Pro-Line Boats 27 Walk, 29 Sport, 2004 27 Walk, 2005 29 Walk, 2004 27 Express Owner's Manual

1

Owner’s Manual

Pro-Line

27 Walk

Copyright 1996-99 Pro-Line Boats Inc., P.O. box 1348,
Crystal River, FL 34423. All rights reserved. Rev. 01-24-00
Specifications subject to change without notice. Actual boats may vary from drawings.

2

Table of Contents

I. Introduction Page 4
Dealer / Customer responsibilities 4
Registration 4
Insurance 4
II. Safety Page 5
Regulations 5
Equipment 5
Passenger safety 5
Rules of the road 6
Hazardous conditions 6
Alcohol 6
Carbon monoxide 6
Fire 6
Flooding 7
III. Controls Page 7
Ignition 8
Choke 8
Lanyard Stop Switch 8
Shift / Throttle / Trim 8
Steering 8
Instruments 9
Switches 10
IV. Systems Page 13
Fresh Water 13
Sea Water 14
Head / Waste 15
Air Conditioning System 16
Fuel / Oil 17
Electrical 19
After Market Accessories 20
V. Trailering and Launching Page 21
Capacity 21
Hitch 21
Load Distribution 21
Launching and Retrieving 21
VI. Operation and Performance Page 22
Loading 22
Fueling 23
Starting 23
Trim / Tilt 24
Prop 24
VII. Service and Care Page 24
Fiberglass / Gel coat 25
Marine growth 25

3

Windshield and Hatches Page 25
Stainless Steel / Aluminum 25
Canvas 26
Upholstery 26
Corrosion Protection 26
Winterization and Storage 27
VIII. Appendix Page 28
Boat Identification Information 28
Trouble Shooting Chart 29
Nautical Terms 30
Specifications 31

List of Illustrations

Fig. 1 Helm Page 7
Fig. 2 Dash Panel Switches 10
Fig. 3 Trim Tabs 12
Fig. 4 Trim Tab Pump 12
Fig. 5 Bilge D/C Breaker Panel and Fuses 13
Fig. 6 Fresh Water System 14
Fig. 7 Head / Waste and Fresh Water Systems 15
Fig. 8 Air Conditioner 16
Fig. 9 Bilge Area with Fuel / Oil and Sea Water Systems 18
Fig. 10 Cabin A/C – D/C Panel 19
Fig. 11 Bilge D/C Panel and Battery Selector Switches 20
Fig. 12 Helm D/C Terminal Bus Panel 20

4

Introduction

Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a new Pro-Line 27 Walk fishing boat.
Welcome into the proud family of satisfied Pro-Line owners. Every expedition lets you
enjoy the outstanding features designed into every boat we construct. Your new Pro-Line
is more than just a boat, it's a lifestyle.
Pro-Line's commitment to the needs and wishes of the professional sport fisherman has
resulted in a superior fishing craft providing you with comfort, performance, security,
and fishability. All of our boats comply with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) safety
regulations and are designed and crafted in accordance with the National Marine
Manufacturers Association (NMMA), American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
standards, and the optional Common European directive (CE).
This manual (to be kept onboard your Pro-Line) is designed to provide you with
information necessary for safe, efficient operation and care of your new Pro-Line. Take
the time now to carefully review the information in your owner’s pack and this manual to
maximize your enjoyment and safety as well as familiarize yourself with your new boat.

Dealer's Duties

Your dealer's responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Pre-delivery verification of proper rigging and operation.

* Providing adequate orientation in general operation of your Pro-Line including
explanation of specific safety considerations regarding the use of systems and
components.
* An explanation of owner’s packet literature and warranty registration
cards for all separately warranted equipment and accessories.
* Explaining local and out of area service procedures during and after
warranty periods.

Customer Responsibilities

* Be proficient in boat handling and safety. THIS MANUAL IS NOT
INTENDED TO PROVIDE COMPLETE TRAINING ON ALL ASPECTS
OF GENERAL BOAT OPERATION.

* Read and understand the limited warranty.
* Read all literature and instructions as well as use and maintain all equipment as
directed.

* Examine the boat at time of delivery to insure that all systems are
functioning properly.
* Learn about and operate boat in accordance with local, state, and federal laws,
regulations, and registration requirements.

* The owner is legally responsible for all liabilities of operation. Secure
insurance protection.

5

Safety

Your Pro-Line boat has been constructed with safety in mind. However, the ultimate
safety of you and your passengers is in your hands. Plan your trips carefully. Insure
ample fuel supply and a reserve. Tell someone where you are going and when you
expect to return. Keep current charts onboard. Read USCG boating safety circulars and
follow the safety guidelines.

Regulations

The USCG is the authority of all waterways. 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. Therefore, you must submit to boarding if requested by
proper authority. There are many publications available from the Coast Guard
concerning regulations. Call the Boating Safety Hot Line at (800)-368-5647 for
additional information.

Equipment

USCG regulations require the following Coast Guard approved equipment while
operating your boat:
* Fire extinguisher
* Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each occupant
* One throwable PFD
* Sound signal device
* Navigational lights if operated at night

* Sight signal device (approved for day and night use) when in coastal waters or

great lakes.
In addition, here is a list of suggested equipment you should have aboard your Pro-Line:
* First aid kit and blankets * Anchor and sea anchor with sufficient line
* Mooring lines and fenders * Bailing device
* Combination oar / boat hook * Tool kit and lubricant
* Spare prop and hardware * Spare fasteners, hose clamps, and plugs
* Spare fuses and bulbs * Binoculars
* Local charts and compass * Waterproof flashlight and spare batteries
* 2 way radio * EPIRB (emergency beacon)
* Floating key chain and spare keys * Navigation device
* Emergency food and water * Waterproof matches or lighter

Passenger Safety

You are responsible for the safety and conduct of your passengers. Make sure that:
* You instruct passengers on proper use and location of PFD's. Children
and non-swimmers should wear one at all times.
* Each passenger is in a safe location when underway and knows to keep
the boat balanced.
* At least one other person knows how to operate the boat in case of emergency.

* They are aware of prop dangers and the possibility of sudden maneuvers and

jolts.
* The engine is turned off and the key is removed when swimmers are near the
prop or using the dive platform.

6

* All passengers keep away from lines under stress in case they break and recoil.

Rules of the Road

Know and use the rules of the road. The information here is only a brief overview.
Contact the USCG for detailed information.
Audible warning signals:
* One short horn blast: starboard course change.
* Two short horn blasts: port course change.
* Three short horn blasts: astern operation.
* Five horn blasts: doubt about previous signal, or danger.
* One Five second horn blast every minute: for fog operation.
When overtaking, give-way vessel announces intention with horn blast(s) and waits for a
response then completes maneuver.
When approaching head-on, both boats give way after giving appropriate horn blast(s)
(preferably to starboard).
When crossing, a vessel converging from starboard has the right-of-way. Port vessel
gives way (both acknowledge with one short horn blast).
Know and observe navigational buoys and markers.
Give way to craft under sail.

Hazardous Conditions

Keep track of weather developments and avoid hazardous conditions if possible. When
forced to operate your Pro-Line in storm conditions:
* Wear PFD's.
* Stow loose gear and equipment.
* Place heavy items as low as possible.
* Head for the easiest to reach safe location.
* Reduce speed. You are moving too fast if the boat leaves the water.

* If power fails, anchor or rig a sea anchor off the bow (an empty ice chest in a

pinch).
* Stay with the boat if it capsizes unless it is burning out of control.

Alcohol

Don't drink and drive. If you have been drinking, have a designated driver who has not
been drinking. Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Carbon Monoxide

Be aware of and avoid conditions that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning (see USCG
boating safety circular 77). Sources of carbon monoxide include any gas or diesel engine
and any flame from items such as a charcoal grill, stove, or heater. Carbon monoxide can
accumulate to deadly levels in enclosed spaces. Always ventilate occupied areas of
vessel with fresh clean air.

Fire

Be aware of and avoid conditions that can lead to accidental fire. Guard against and
watch for fuel spills and leaks. Inspect wiring for damage or exposure that could lead to
short circuits or arcing. Make sure those who smoke are careful to avoid accidental fire
ignition. Do not allow smoking while fueling. Keep a USCG approved fire extinguisher
on board at all times. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly and learn how to properly
use it (instruct others as well). Use water to fight a fire as a last resort after making

7

arrangements to abandon the boat if a fire should get out of control. Keep the following
in mind if a fire is burning out of control and you must abandon the boat:

* Abandon the boat into the wind to minimize burn risk from floating fuel.

* Wear a PFD unless you must swim under burning fuel.

* If swimming under burning fuel, throw a PFD outside of the burning area and

swim under the burning fuel to it.

Flooding

Be aware of and avoid conditions that can cause your boat to flood with water.
Possible causes of flooding include: damage to hull or thru-hull fitting, waves washing
into the boat, water entering cockpit due to improper loading, or failure to properly install
drain plug. The boat will become flooded and may swamp, capsize, or sink if water
enters the boat faster than the bilge pump can expel it.

Controls

Pro-Line Boats offers many different motor choices. Therefore, the information in this
manual is general in regard to engines and controls. Refer to the engine manual in your
owner’s packet for additional specific information.

Compass Switch Panel Trim Tab Switches

Instruments and
Gauges

Engine Warning Lights

Shift / Throttle and
Tilt / Trim Switches

Helm

Key Switches Lanyard Stop Switch
<fig. 1 - Helm>

8

Ignition

The ignition switch has three positions: “OFF”, “ON”, and “START”. To start the
engine: attach safety lanyard and turn the key clockwise against the spring pressure to
the “Start” position. Once the engine starts, release clockwise pressure allowing spring
tension to return switch to the “ON” position. Some engine models incorporate the choke
into the ignition key switch. See the engine manual for specific details.

Choke

The choke is only used to aid in starting a cold engine. Choke operation varies with
manufacturer. Consult your engine manual.

Lanyard Stop Switch

The safety Lanyard Stop Switch shuts off the engine in case the operator is thrown from
the boat. Always attach the lanyard securely to the operator to insure proper functioning.

Shift/ Throttle/ Trim

Your Pro-Line can be ordered with different shift / throttle systems based upon motor
type. Refer to the owner's packet to find the manual pertaining to your particular
installation. Each motor has an individual tilt / trim switch located on the port throttle
lever. Separate shift and throttle controls are available for each outboard motor. The
throttle lever has three range positions: “Forward”, “Neutral”, and “Reverse”. The shift
function occurs in the first portion of the lever travel. After the transmission is shifted
into gear, further movement of the lever advances the throttle. Push the throttle lever
ahead to move forward and pull it back for reverse. Centralize the lever to the detent for
neutral. The throttle lever is equipped with a neutral safety switch to prevent the motor
from starting in gear. Practice shifting a few times without the engine running to develop
a feel for the range and friction of the system. The initial short movement of the lever to
engage the transmission should be made firmly to avoid causing gear clash. CAUTION:
Use care in shifting to avoid advancing the throttle more than intended. Practice in a
safe area away from obstacles until familiar with the feel of the throttle. The throttle can
be operated independent of the transmission. If attempting to start an engine this way,
keep a hand on the throttle to pull it back as the engine clears to prevent over revving.
The shift / throttle levers can be operated independently for precise maneuvering (do so at
slow speed only). Refer to the engine / drive manuals in your owner’s packet for specific
information.

Steering

Your Pro-Line is equipped with a self contained hydraulic steering system. When the
steering wheel is turned, the helm pump pumps fluid to the steering cylinder causing it to
extend or retract. Periodically check the fluid level and fill if necessary. Beware of
adding too much fluid, especially if the ambient temperature is cold because subsequent
expansion could cause leaking or damage to your system (refer to manual in packet).
Every 24 hours of operation check all nuts, caps, and hose fittings for tightness. Make
sure the hoses are not chafing or kinking on sharp corners. Also, check that hose ends are
not damaged or distorted. The fluid should be changed annually under normal conditions
and every six months during times of heavy usage. If your steering does
properly, first check for: drive entanglements, fluid level, hoses / fittings for leaks, and /
or air in the system.

not operate

9

Instruments

Your Pro-Line's instrumentation will vary from model to model and engine to engine.
Therefore, the following descriptions are general. Refer to your engine manual for
specifics.

Fuel Gauge

Differences in temperature, humidity, speed, and trim can affect the actual accuracy of
this gauge in service. It is important to verify the fuel flow in gal./hr. for your boat and
make note of your gauge position with respect to time for different RPM settings. No
gauge can give 100% accuracy. If you notice unusually high or low fuel consumption,
investigate further to see if the engine is using more fuel than normal or the gauge has
failed.

Temperature

The temperature gauge indicates the internal temperature of your engine. Your engine is
equipped with a thermostat to quickly bring the engine up to its optimum operating
temperature range. Outboard engines are also equipped with an audio alarm system
indicating an overheat condition. Many times overheating may occur due to a blockage
of the water intakes caused by aquatic vegetation or mud. Check the water intakes for
blockage and see the engine manual for specific details.

Volt

The volt meter indicates battery voltage. A low reading indicates too heavy of a load or a
malfunction in the charging system. Too high of a voltage reading indicates a fault in the
charging circuitry and continued operation will damage the battery. Refer to engine
manual for specifications.

Tachometer

The tachometer indicates the revolutions per minute (RPM) of your engine. Do not
operate the engine beyond the limits stated in your engine manual. Abnormally low
tachometer readings (for a given throttle setting) indicates loss of power, or a prop
entangled with weeds or trash. Check the prop first. A reading higher than normal may
indicate a ventilating or cavitating prop as well as possible prop / drive damage.

Speedometer

The speedometer indicates the speed of your boat in Miles Per Hour (MPH) and
Kilometers Per Hour (Km/H). The gauge operates by sensing water impact pressure from
the pitot tube which is mounted on the transom (or integrated into the lower drive unit of
the motor) depending upon the motor manufacture. Suspect a blocked pickup if the
gauge fails to give a reading.

Trim

The trim gauge indicates the in (down) and out (up) position of the drive unit in relation
to the hull (see Trim / Tilt on p.24).

Options

Optional instrumentation for your Pro-Line includes: fish locator / depth finder, VHF
radio, GPS navigation aids, etc.. Refer to the manuals supplied.

10

Switches

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12

1. Baitwell Pump 7. Fish Box Pump

2. Washdown Pump 8. Wipers

3. Cabin Bilge Pump 9. Accessory

4. Bilge Pump 10. Baitwell Light

5. Nav/Anc Lights 11. Bilge Light

6. Horn 12. Cockpit Lights

<fig. 2 - Dash Panel Switches>

Bilge Pumps

Your 27 Walk is equipped with three automatic bilge pumps. The main pump is located
in the bilge area at the keel. The secondary bilge pump is located at the keel near the
transom and the forward pump is located below the cabin area at the keel. The main and
forward pumps have a manual switch at the helm which overrides normal automatic
operation. The secondary pump is only automatic and does not have a manual switch
override. The automatic float switches are wired directly to the battery terminals through
breakers or inline fuses. Circuit breakers for the main and forward pumps are located at
the helm next to the manual switches. Keep the bilge area clean and free from debris that
could clog ports or inhibit float movement. Also, keep the battery that provides power to
the bilge pumps charged. If the battery is discharged and flooding occurs, the boat could
swamp causing damage and possible loss of life or property.