C. Running Aground
•
Navigation markers serve as a means of identify-
ing navigable routes and indicate water hazards.
Boaters should become familiar with navigation
markers and stay within marked boundaries and
clear of hazards.
To prevent boat damage, DO NOT use deck
hardware or water ski pylon for towing. Use a
commercial towing service.
T - 10 REACTING TO EMERGENCIES
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. In
coastal areas, tides can change water levels by as
much as 30 feet. Check with local marinas or Coast
Guard stations for tide tables and current charts.
Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they
happen. Try to formulate a plan for each type of
emergency in advance so that decisions can be made
quickly and without hesitation. Precious moments lost
can mean the difference between losing and saving a
life.
A. Flooding
If your boat runs aground, first check persons aboard
for injury. Then check for damage to the boat. If the
drive unit strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat
and drive unit damage. If the engine vibrates exces-
sively after striking an underwater obstruction, it may
indicate a damaged 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 you do not overheat
the engine.
If your boat starts taking on water, activate the bilge
pump immediately. Make sure all passengers are
wearing their PFDs. Open the engine compartment,
look for the cause of the flooding. Check all hoses,
through hull fittings, seacocks and strainers. If flooding
occurs as a result of collision or grounding damage,
call for assistance and head for shore if possible.
B. Capsizing and Man Overboard
By far, the largest number of boating fatalities involve
capsizing and falling overboard accidents. By being
prepared ahead of time with an appropriate plan of
action, you can greatly lower your chances and your
passengers’ chances of becoming seriously injured.
If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be possible
to rock the boat by shifting the weight of the passen-
gers 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.
C. Capsizing
Wear PFDs or have them readily available at all times.
If your boat capsizes, and others were on board,
locate them and guide them to the safety of the hull.
Even if the boat floats in an upside-down position, stay
with it. The boat hull is much easier for rescuers to
spot than a human head sticking out of the water. DO
NOT attempt to swim ashore, it may be further than it
looks.
D. Warning Markers
It is a good idea to find out about hazardous areas and
how they are marked by asking your local authorities.
•
•
•
Boaters must also recognize the flag designs which
indicate that scuba divers are present and keep
well clear of the area.
D. Man Overboard
Think through and follow these procedures if someone
in your boat falls overboard.
Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be
marked. Steer clear from the area and always
remain alert.
•
Remember, every second counts, you must act
fast.
Distress flags indicate a fellow boater is in need of
assistance.
Pre-Launch and Underway - Section T
Owner’s Manual Page 0
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Four Winns Vista Manuals, Outboard Marine Corporation Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Four Winns Vista 258, Four Winns Vista 278 |
| Model Year | 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Download File |
|
| Document Type | Owner's Manual |
| Language | English |
| Product Brand | Boats and Cruisers, Four Winns. For support contact your dealer at http://www.fourwinns.com/locate-dealer.aspx |
| Document File Type | |
| Publisher | fourwinns.com |
| Wikipedia's Page | Outboard Marine Corporation |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
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