Section 1 • Safety
To maintain rated power, propellers should be free of nicks, excessive pitting, and any distortions that alter them from their original design. Badly damaged propellers should be replaced, but those that are chipped, bent, or merely out of shape can be reconditioned by your marine dealer. It is advisable to carry an extra propeller aboard in case you damage the one in use.
10.Stability
Your boat was manufactured to specific stability and flotation standards for the capacity shown on the certification plate. Any increase from the recommended load capacities will put your boat in jeopardy of capsizing, swamping and/or sinking.
In addition:
•Stability may be substantially reduced if equipment is added above the deck.
•Stability is substantially reduced by loose fluids or weight within the hull. Keep bilge area as dry as possible.
!WARNING
Distribute passengers and gear as uniformly as possible from front to rear and left to right.
The manufacturer's load rating is the maximum allowed under calm conditions.
Reduce boat loading if weather, water or other conditions are adverse.
11.Maintain Control
On the water there are no marked traffic lanes, no traffic signs or lights, and boats have no turn signals or brakes. The boat operator must keep her or his attention focused not only on what's ahead but what's on the left, right and behind the boat.
other navigational hazards such as rocks, sand bars, and dangerous currents, to name a few.
Your passengers are relying on you to operate and maneuver the boat safely so that they are not in danger of going overboard. If you turn too quickly, increase or decrease speed abruptly, your passengers are at risk of being thrown overboard or thrown about the boat.
!WARNING
Death or serious injury can result if you fail to observe these safety rules:
•Anyone who controls the boat must have taken a boating safety course and have been trained in the proper operation of the boat.
•Always operate the boat at speeds that will not put people or property in danger.
•Be constantly aware of conditions in all directions when underway and before turning.
•Reduce speed, use a lookout to identify possible hazards or difficulties, and turn on navigation lights when:
-visibility is impaired;
-in rough water; and
-in congested waterways.
•Watch your wake. It can capsize a small boat or damage moored boats or other property. You are responsible for damage caused by your wake.
When visibility becomes impaired because of weather, time of day or high bow angle you must slow down so that you have sufficient time to react if an emergency occurs. Nearby boats face similar risks in avoiding a collision with you.
!DANGER
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOAT IN
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR
GET TO SHORE BEFORE
THE WEATHER TURNS BAD
Observe the safety rules listed below:
The operator must always be alert to approaching boats (from the rear, right and left sides, as well as those ahead). In addition, the operator must be on the lookout for people in the water, partially submerged debris, and
230 Sportfish TE® | 1.7 |