Owner`s manual

Chapter 1
1-22
Sport Boat
• Be sure to approach a downed skier on the operator’s side,
always keeping the skier in view.
• Display a skier down flag whenever the skier is in the water and
not skiing.
• Be sure to follow the approved towing pattern on each lake.
TE A K SU R F I N G
READ, UNDERSTAND and be FAMILIAR with the information contained
on warning labels and adhere to the boat operation practices described on
them. The United States Coast Guard issued a SAFETY ALERT on
August 28, 2001 that covers some of the issues of improper use of the
boarding platform. The SAFETY ALERT and portions of the accompanying
information follow:
Every year tragic deaths occur from the negligence of unsafe boating and
dangerous activities. Experts say, “many of these deaths may have been
caused by an invisible hazard, carbon monoxide poisoning.” Taking the
risk of swimming under a boarding platform when the engine is running,
skiing within 20 feet (6.1 meters), “teak surfing” or “dragging” behind a
moving boat can be fatal.
DO NOT use the boarding platform or ladder for any other purpose than
boarding the boat or preparation of entering the water, and DO NOT use
the boarding platform or ladder when the engine is running.
SAFETY ALERT From August 28, 2001:
The United States Coast Guard advised boaters not to “Teak Surf.” Recent
boating fatalities revealed carbon monoxide (CO) emitted from a vessel’s
exhaust resulted in CO poisoning and death. Do not allow persons in the
vicinity of a swim platform or ladder when equipped (in the water or in the
boat) with the engine(s) or a generator operating, while at rest or
underway at slow speed. “Teak Surfing” places the individual in position
directly exposed to the CO in the engine’s exhaust. This may result in a
loss of coherent responses and even death. In addition, “Teak Surfing”
dangerously exposes the individual to a possible propeller injury, and
since it is done without a life jacket (PFD), it significantly increases the
probability of drowning. Therefore, the Coast Guard stresses, “Teak
Surfing” is a very dangerous activity and advises boaters not to participate
in it.
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gases. It impairs and can
often lead to death. It is important to the Coast Guard that it be avoided in
every circumstance.
KCC_SportBoat_Book.book Page 22 Tuesday, December 5, 2006 7:19 AM