MasterCraft NXT20 2017 Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 21 / 238

2017 OWNERS MANUAL /

INSURANCE

Even if someone else is operating the boat, the owner is generally
held liable for any damages or injuries that occur. It is in the owner’s
best interest to maintain sufficient personal liability and property
damage insurance on the boat in anticipation of potential judg-
ments. Guarding against theft is another consideration.

WEATHER

Never leave the dock without first checking the local weather fore-
cast. Weather information is available from television, radio, local
newspaper, online or from a weather channel on a VHF radio.

At certain times of the year, weather can change rapidly and boaters
should always keep an eye out for weather conditions.

While boating, pay attention to the following:

• Watch for cloud build-up, especially rapid, vertically

rising clouds.

• Sudden drop in temperature.
• Sudden change in wind direction and/or speed.

FLOAT PLAN

A “float plan” is a written record indicating the planned destination
and approximate length of time for the outing. Sample forms are
available at the Coast Guard’s website. One should be completed
and left with a relative or friend prior to each trip. In case of an emer-
gency or failure to return within a reasonable period of time, perti-
nent information will be available to assist local marine police or the
Coast Guard in determining whether a search should be performed.
Be sure to notify the float plan holder upon return.

STAYING AFLOAT

It is commonly believed that someone dressed in heavy clothing or
waders will experience considerably more difficulty staying afloat if
they fall overboard. This is not true. Air trapped in clothing provides
flotation and bending the knees will trap air in waders.

To stay afloat:

• Remain calm. Do not thrash about or try to remove clothing or

footwear. This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air

that may keep you afloat.

NAUTICAL CHARTS

Nautical charts are especially important to boaters planning trips,
particularly on open waters. These charts show the nature and
shape of the coast, depths of water, general configuration and
character of the bottom of the body of water. Other markings on the
nautical charts include prominent landmarks, port facilities, aids to
navigation, and marine hazards. Changes brought about by people
and nature require that nautical charts be constantly maintained
and updated to aid safe navigation.

National Ocean Service (NOS) charts may be purchased either
directly by mail from the NOS Distribution Branch or through an
authorized agent. There are more than 1,700 nautical chart agents
who sell them.

FAA/NATIONAL AERONAUTICAL CHARTING OFFICE

Distribution Division, AVN-530
1305 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Telephone: (301) 427-5000
Email: 9-AMC-aerochart@faa.gov
http://naco.faa.gov/

• On-board barometers, where placed on-board by the boat owner,

should be checked every two-to-three hours. A rising

barometer indicates fair weather and a rise in wind velocity;

a falling barometer indicates stormy or rainy weather.

What to do in severe weather:

•  Reduce speed, keeping enough power to maintain headway.
•  Put on PFDs.
•  Turn on running lights.
•  Head for the nearest shore or safe harbor that is safe to

approach, if possible.

•  Head bow of boat into waves at 45-degree angle, if possible.
•  Keep bilges free of water.
•  Seat passengers on bottom of the boat, near the centerline.
•  If the engine fails, tie a sea anchor on a line from the bow of the

boat to keep the boat headed into the waves. A bucket will work

as a sea anchor in an emergency.

• Anchor the boat, if necessary.
• Seek shelter on-shore whenever possible. Particularly avoid

riding out a storm that includes high wind and/or lightning, which

is especially dangerous. Avoid contact with metal portions of the

boat such as handrails, windshields, tower and cleats.