Baja Marine 342 manual Weather, Chart Your Course, General Considerations

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Section 1 • Safety

The wind speed and wave height specified as the upper limit for your category of boat does not mean that you or your passengers can survive if your boat is exposed to these conditions. It is only the most experienced operators and crew that may be able to operate a boat safely under these conditions. You must always be aware of weather conditions and head for port or protected waters in sufficient time to avoid being caught in high winds and rough water. Do not take chances!

Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous. Bad weather and/or rough sea or water conditions can cause an unsafe situation. Consult local weather information, or listen to the NOAA weather reports for the latest weather conditions or any impending deterioration of the weather before setting out and while underway. The following are a few basic weather-related rules:

Check the weather forecast and the water conditions before leaving and while underway.

A sudden change in wind direction or speed or an increase in wave height indicates deteriorating weather.

Have everyone wear a personal flotation device.

If a storm approaches, immediately seek a safe harbor.

If a storm hits, have everyone sit in the cabin or on the cockpit deck in the boat. Head the bow into the wind with enough power to maintain slow headway.

If you encounter fog, determine your position, set a safe course, slow down and alert other boats of your presence with a sound signal.

If a lightning storm approaches, the safest action is to dock and disembark. If you cannot return to shore, have passengers go inside the cabin and remain there until the storm passes.

Lightning seeks ground when it strikes. The best protection is a properly grounded lightning rod placed high enough over the deck to provide a protective umbrella over the hull. Depending upon the likelihood of your being in a lightning storm, consult your dealer for installation of a lightning rod. If caught in a storm, stay clear of the lightning rod, all attached wiring, and all metal parts of the boat.

Stay out of the water during a lightning storm. If caught swimming during a storm, get back into the boat and remain there until the storm passes.

General Considerations

Know how your boat handles under different conditions. Recognize your limitations and the boat's limitations. Modify speed in keeping with weather, sea, and traffic conditions.

Instruct passengers on the fundamentals of operating your boat in case you are unable to do so.

You are responsible for passengers' actions. If they place themselves or the boat in danger, immediately correct them.

13.Weather

There are four design categories of boats based upon their ability to withstand wind and sea or water conditions:

A. Ocean

Wind speed: above 40 knots (46 mph)

Wave height: above 4 meters (13 feet)

Boat may be used for extended ocean voyages.

B.Offshore

Maximum wind speed: 40 knots (46 mph)

Maximum wave height: 4 meters (13 feet)

Boat can be used offshore, but not for extended ocean voyages.

C.Inshore

Maximum wind speed: 27 knots (31 mph)

Maximum wave height: 2 meters (6.5 feet)

Boat use is limited to coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers.

D.Sheltered waters

Maximum speed: 15 knots (18 mph)

Maximum wave height: 0.5 meters (1.5 feet)

Boat use is limited to small lakes, rivers and canals.

Your 342 Performance boat is Design Category C.

14.Chart Your Course

To avoid boating in unsafe areas where there are underwater obstructions, shallow water, unnavigable conditions such as dangerous currents, and others, you must chart a course. This means having and using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charts for coastal waters, observing and understanding all navigational aids, using the knowledge and guidance of experienced boaters, and being aware of the tide times where appropriate.

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342 Performance®

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Contents Baja Marine PerformanceFor information call 1-865-971-6270 or fax Welcome This page intentionally left blank Introduction Service, Parts and Repair for Your Boat Hull Identification Number HINManufacturer’s Certification About Your Express Limited Warranty Iii Ignition Protection Breakers and/or Fuses Speed changes you. TM Safety Safety LabelsLegally Mandated Minimum Required Equipment Fire Extinguishing SystemCarbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide Monitor Lifesaving Equipment Additional Recommended Equipment for Safe Operation Impaired OperationPropellers Power CapacityLoad Capacity United StatesStability Maintain ControlChart Your Course WeatherGeneral Considerations Water Sports SwimmingSkiing Emergency Situations GeneralFire Medical EmergencyWater Rescue Flooding, Swamping and CapsizingGrounding Safety HotlinesCollisions and Leaking Propulsion, Control or Steering FailureInternational Requirements Environmental ConsiderationsFuel and Oil Spillage Waste Disposal Wake/WashExcessive Noise Nautical Terms Key to Symbols on Controls & Prints Baja Marine Corp This Page Intentionally Left Blank General Boat Arrangement Docking /Lifting /Trailering Passenger Locations2 Hull Basic Boat Dimensions and Clearances Metric Propulsion SystemGeneral Deck Layout General Deck Layout FIGPower Trim Unit and Gauge Description of Major ControlsGear Shift and Throttle Control Trailer Switch Trim TabsImportant Gauges Ignition Shutdown SwitchEngine Alarm System Tachometer and Hour MeterOil Pressure, Water Temperature, Voltmeter and Fuel Gauges Navigation and Anchor LightsUsing Your Boat Pre-Launch, Launch and Post- Launch ChecklistTrailer Launching and Loading Fueling the BoatBoarding Personal Flotation DevicesPassenger Instruction and Location Starting the EngineShifting to Drive the Boat Stopping the EngineSteering Systems Hydraulic SteeringPower Steering Power Steering SystemFuel & Oil Spillage Bilge & Underwater GearBilge Drain PlugBilge Blowers Maintenance and ServiceEngines and Stern Drive Vibration and CausesPropeller Removal and Installation Impact to Stern DriveGear case Fuel System Fuel SystemAnti-Siphon Valve Inboard/Outboard Engine Only Fueling Precautions Before and During Fueling ChecklistStatic Electricity and the Fuel System After Fueling Checklist This page intentionally left blank Direct Current DC Electrical SystemsElectrical Systems BatteriesElectrolytic Corrosion & Zinc Anodes Breakers and/or FusesFuse Panel Marine Electronic Cathodic Anti-corrosion System Mercathode Drive Pump Ignition Switch This page intentionally left blank Switch Panel Wire Information FIG AMP This Page Intentionally Left Blank Options & Accessories Options & Accessories LocationsAutomatic Fire Extinguisher System Option Fire Extinguisher PortCanvas Depth Finder Optional Canvas Care and MaintenanceSwim Platform w/ Ladder Optional HornPortable Head with Pump-Out Stereo SystemHead Systems Requirements for OperatorsHolding Tank Operation Exhaust SystemsVacuFlush Head Option Vent FilterRequired Inspection, Service Maintenance Summary Guide for Inspection, Service and MaintenanceInterval Summary Guide For Inspection, Service and Maintenance IntervalUseful Service Information Inspection, Service and Maintenance Protocol Bilge AreaTopside and Supplies Winterization Checklist for Boats Stored on LandBatteryies Boat StorageFuel System Fitting Out After StorageFuel Systems MiscellaneousPower Steering System Maintenance Security ConsiderationsQuick Reference Checklist Boarding the Boat GeneralBoat Systems Starting the Engine Quick Reference Checklist cont’d Departing General Returning to Port GeneralQuick Reference Checklist cont’d Securing the BoatIf the Engine Does Not Start After Market Equipment Checklist Maintenance Log Maintenance Log Cont’d Stains & Scratches Paint Cleaning Agents & Other SubstancesCare & Refinishing Fiberglass & GelcoatAcrylic Plastic Sheeting Plastic Glass Permanently Moored or Docked BoatsTopside Areas Canvas and Clear VinylExterior Upholstery Fabric Interior Upholstery FabricThis Page Intentionally Left Blank Index Index Performance