Owner`s manual

5.8
and listen for fog signals.
• Sound the horn 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
fog horn for a boat at anchor.
Man Overboard
If someone in your boat falls overboard, turn the steering
wheel to move the propeller away from the person. Circle
around quickly, approaching into the wind and waves. Turn
off the engine when the person is alongside. If he/she is able
to grasp, throw him/her a line or extend a paddle or a boat
hook within his/her reach. Help the person back on board.
Do not dive over the side after an unconscious person or
non-swimmer unless you are trained in lifesaving techniques.
It is harder to save two people than one. If the victim has
sunk out of sight, probe gently beneath the surface with a
paddle or boat hook. Do not restart the engine until you have
drifted clear of the victim’s suspected location.
Collision
If you are involved in a collision with a boat, or with a xed
object such as a pier, sandbar, reef or bridge, check for
injuries and render rst aid if necessary. Before proceeding,
check out your boat thoroughly. Check steering cables for
possible jamming. Raise the motor and inspect for possible
propeller or lower unit damage. Proceed carefully to port and
remove the boat from the water to thoroughly inspect it for
damage.
Running Aground
Operating in shallow water can present a number of hazards.
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 breakers when passing
over sand bars.
If your boat runs aground, first check persons aboard for
injury, then check for damage to the boat. 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 ingested in the engine
cooling system can cause major engine damage.
If the drive unit strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat
and drive unit damage. Tubes still float if they are punctured.
Go at a slower speed. A water-logged tube may change han-
To prevent boat damage, DO NOT use deck hardware for towing. Use a
commercial towing service.
dling characteristics. If the engine vibrates excessively after
striking an underwater obstruction, it may indicate a dam-
aged propeller. 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 the engine does not overheat.
Towing and Being Towed
If wind and waves are high, it may not be easy to extend the
tow line from one boat to another without risking a collision.
Use a light throwing line with a weight on one end and the
heavier towing line secured to it. Do not tow other boats with
the ski tow bar.
ACCIDENT REPORTING
NOTE: The operator of a vessel that is being used
for recreational purposes is required to file a re-
port immediately to the reporting authority in the
state where the accident occurred whenever an
accident results in: loss of life or disappearance of a
person; an injury which requires medical treatment
beyond first aid; property damage of $2,000 or
more; or complete loss of the vessel. State authori-
ties may require reports of property damage less
than $2,000. The owner of the vessel shall file the
report if the operator cannot.
The form can be obtained by contacting the U.S.
Coast Guard information line at 1-800-368-5647.