Fog
Fog is a result of either warm surface or cold surface con-
ditions. You can judge the likelihood of fog formation by
periodically measuring the air temperature and dew point
temperature. If the spread (difference) between these two
temperatures is small, you likely will incur a fog situation.
Remember the following guidelines:
•
Turn on running lights.
•
As fog sets in, take bearings and mark your position on
the chart while continuing to log your course and
speed.
•
Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their PFDs.
•
If your boat has depth finding equipment, take sound-
ing and match them with soundings on your charts.
•
Station a person forward on the boat as a lookout.
•
Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop engine
and listen for fog signals.
•
Sound the proper horn or fog bell at proper intervals to
warn other boaters.
•
If there is any doubt in continuing boat movement,
anchor. Listen for other fog signals while continuing to
sound the proper fog horn or bell for a boat at anchor.
Running Aground
Operating in shallow water can present a number of haz-
ards. Sand bars in narrow inlets are constantly shifting,
making it difficult to mark them with buoys. Sometimes
sand bars are indicated by waves as they form into break-
ers when passing over sand bars. In coastal areas, tides
can change water levels by as much as 30 feet. Check
with local marinas or Coast Guard stations for tide tables
and current charts.
If your boat runs aground, first check persons aboard for
injury. Then check for damage to the boat. If the drive unit
strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat and drive unit
damage. If the engine vibrates excessively after striking an
underwater obstruction, it may indicate a damaged pro-
peller. If vibration is noticeable, return to port slowly to
prevent further drive and engine damage from an out-of-
balance condition. Watch the temperature gauge to make
sure you do not overheat the engine.
If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be possible to
rock the boat by shifting the weight of the passengers and
gear and by raising the drive unit while reversing the
engine.
If you ground your boat on a sand bar, shut down the
engine and seek help from another boater or radio for
help. See your dealer as soon as possible, as sand ingest-
ed in the engine cooling system can cause major engine
damage.
Warning Markers
It is a good idea to find out about hazardous areas and
how they are marked by asking your local authorities.
•
Boaters must also recognize the flag designs which
indicate that scuba divers are present and keep well
clear of the area.
3.18
WARNING:
T o prevent boat damage, DO
NOT use
deck hardware or water ski pylon for towing. Use a
commercial towing service.
Fog
Fog is a result of either warm surface or cold surface con-
ditions. You can judge the likelihood of fog formation by
periodically measuring the air temperature and dew point
temperature. If the spread (difference) between these two
temperatures is small, you likely will incur a fog situation.
Remember the following guidelines:
•
Turn on running lights.
•
As fog sets in, take bearings and mark your position on
the chart while continuing to log your course and
speed.
•
Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their PFDs.
•
If your boat has depth finding equipment, take sound-
ing and match them with soundings on your charts.
•
Station a person forward on the boat as a lookout.
•
Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop engine
and listen for fog signals.
•
Sound the proper horn or fog bell at proper intervals to
warn other boaters.
•
If there is any doubt in continuing boat movement,
anchor. Listen for other fog signals while continuing to
sound the proper fog horn or bell for a boat at anchor.
Running Aground
Operating in shallow water can present a number of haz-
ards. Sand bars in narrow inlets are constantly shifting,
making it difficult to mark them with buoys. Sometimes
sand bars are indicated by waves as they form into break-
ers when passing over sand bars. In coastal areas, tides
can change water levels by as much as 30 feet. Check
with local marinas or Coast Guard stations for tide tables
and current charts.
If your boat runs aground, first check persons aboard for
injury. Then check for damage to the boat. If the drive unit
strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat and drive unit
damage. If the engine vibrates excessively after striking an
underwater obstruction, it may indicate a damaged pro-
peller. If vibration is noticeable, return to port slowly to
prevent further drive and engine damage from an out-of-
balance condition. Watch the temperature gauge to make
sure you do not overheat the engine.
If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be possible to
rock the boat by shifting the weight of the passengers and
gear and by raising the drive unit while reversing the
engine.
If you ground your boat on a sand bar, shut down the
engine and seek help from another boater or radio for
help. See your dealer as soon as possible, as sand ingest-
ed in the engine cooling system can cause major engine
damage.
Warning Markers
It is a good idea to find out about hazardous areas and
how they are marked by asking your local authorities.
•
Boaters must also recognize the flag designs which
indicate that scuba divers are present and keep well
clear of the area.
3.18
WARNING: To prevent boat damage, DO NOT use
deck hardware or water ski pylon for towing. Use a
commercial towing service.
