Precautions While Underway
Failure to follow these precautions will
result in serious injury or death.
The operator shall:
• Check that the area behind the boat is all clear before starting
the engine to
AVOID PROPELLER INJURY
to persons in the water
behind the boat or on the swim platform.
• Turn off the engine prior to anyone occupying the swim platform
or being in the water behind the boat to
AVOID PROPELLER
INJURY
. Being in neutral gear is insufficient; the propeller may
still be turning, or the engine may be inadvertently shifted into
gear.
• Not back the boat toward persons in the water behind the boat to
AVOID PROPELLER INJURY.
• Not allow people to be on or near the swim platform or in the
water near the swim platform while the engine is running because
CARBON MONOXIDE
will exist around the back of the boat when
the engine is running. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
which is a deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
• Not operate the engine in a confined space or while tethered to
another vessel as
CARBON MONOXIDE
will be around the boats.
• Not go under the boat cover with the engine running or shortly
after the engine has been running because
CARBON MONOXIDE
may remain under the cover. Remove cover to ventilate the area.
• Follow safe operating practices, the “Rules of the Road,” and the
Watersports Responsibility Code.
• Not operate a boat if under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs.
• Attach the emergency cutoff switch lanyard to the boat operator
when operating the boat.
• Maintain a proper course and safe speed at all times to avoid
collisions.
• Maintain a lookout for other boats, swimmers and obstructions in
the water.
• Operate slowly in congested areas such as marinas and mooring
areas.
boaters in grave danger. Always check the local weather report
before going boating.
• Check that drain plugs are securely in place.
• Check bilge pump, horn, lights, blower and other equipment to
verify they are operating properly.
• Verify that the emergency cutoff switch lanyard is in proper
operating condition and is properly affixed to the driver.
• Check the operation of the steering system. Verify that the
steering is operational before launching the boat. If the boat is
already in the water, verify proper steering wheel operation at
low speed. Turn the steering wheel full stop in both directions and
verify proper rudder movement. Ensure that there is no binding
or stiffness in the steering wheel rotation. Binding and stiffness
is an indication that the steering needs repair. Failure of the
steering cable will result in loss of control of the boat.
• Ensure that the load of persons, ballast, and equipment is within
the limits stated on the USCG Maximum Capacities Plate and is
properly distributed based on instructions in this manual.
• Check that all safety equipment and life jackets, personal flotation
devices (PFDs), and throwable cushions are in good condition and
suitable for your boat and passenger load.
• Inform all passengers where safety equipment is located and how
to use it.
• Have at least one other passenger who is capable of operating
the boat safely in case of an emergency.
2—Safety
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE,
OPERATE BLOWER FOR FOUR (4)
MINUTES AND CHECK ENGINE
COMPARTMENT BILGE FOR GASOLINE VAPORS.
• It is very important to open the engine cover and check the engine
compartment and bilge for liquid gasoline and gasoline vapors
prior to each use of your boat and after refueling. Failure to do so
may result in fire or explosion as well as serious injury or death
to you and/or others.
• If you see liquid gasoline in the engine compartments/bilge or
smell gasoline vapors,
DO NOT
attempt to start the engine. Liquid
gasoline in the bilge is an extreme fire and explosion hazard
which may cause injury or death. Find and fix the source of the
leakage, remove the liquid gasoline from the bilge. Then ventilate
the engine compartment/bilge and run the blower to remove all
gasoline vapors before starting the engine.
• If gasoline vapors persist after running the blower,
DO NOT
attempt to start the engine. Likely, there is a gasoline leak that is
creating the excessive vapor.
• Always operate blower below cruising speed and after stopping
the boat.
• Keep a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, personal
watercraft, docks, and fixed objects.
• Look before you turn/maneuver the boat so as to avoid potential
collisions with oncoming or overtaking vessels.
• Be aware that this boat is a high-performance boat and is capable
of quick, tight turns and changes in direction. Familiarize yourself
with the handling characteristics of the boat. It is the operator’s
responsibility to operate the boat in a manner that ensures
the safety of all passengers. Abrupt maneuvers may result in
the ejection of unsecured, unseated, or improperly positioned
passengers. Verbally warn passengers before making quick, tight
turns so they may have time to grasp a handrail, hand-hold, or
portion of the boat.
• Be aware that your boat will handle differently depending on
loading and on-board weight distribution.
• Ensure that all passengers are properly and securely seated in
appropriate seating locations to avoid falling or falling overboard.
• Instruct and ensure that passengers remain properly seated at
all times while the boat is in motion above idle speed.
• Not allow passengers to sit on the transom, seat backs, engine
cover or sides of the boat while the engine is running and the boat
is in motion to avoid falling overboard.
• Not allow passengers to sit in a position that obstructs the
operator’s view.
•
NEVER
leave children unattended and in the boat without adult
supervision.
• Have children riding in the bow of the boat be accompanied by an
adult in the bow and ensure that all remain seated when the boat
is in motion.
• Not let passengers occupy seats which may be in the path of the
tow line.
• Slow down when crossing waves or wakes in order to minimize
the impact on passengers and the boat. Crossing waves or wakes
at an angle (such as 45 degrees) rather than perpendicularly will
reduce the severity of the impact. Avoid rough water, large waves
and large wakes from other boats when at high speed. Jumping
