Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
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If only one engine has failed, you can usually run home on
the other engine. Be careful not to apply too much power
to the engine that is running. When only one engine is used
to power a twin engine boat, that engine is over propped
and can be overloaded if too much throttle is applied. You
should contact your dealer or the engine manufacturer for the
maximum power settings when running without one engine.
12.7 Collision
If your boat is involved in a collision with another boat,
dock, piling or a sandbar, your first priority is to check your
passengers for injuries and administer first aid if necessary.
Once your passenger’s situations are stabilized, thoroughly
inspect the boat for damage. Check below decks for leaks
and the control systems for proper operation. Plug all leaks
or make the necessary repairs to the control systems before
proceeding slowly and carefully to port. Request assistance
if necessary. Haul the boat and make a thorough inspection of
the hull and running gear for damage.
12.8 Grounding, Towing and
Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel to render
assistance to any individual or vessel in distress, as long as his
vessel is not endangered in the process.
If the boat should become disabled, or if another craft that is
disabled requires assistance, great care must be taken. The
stress applied to a boat during towing may become excessive.
Excessive stress can damage the structure of the boat and
create a safety hazard for those aboard.
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that is disabled
requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Line failure
and structural damage caused by improper towing have
resulted in fatal injuries. Because of this, we strongly suggest
that these activities be left to those who have the equipment
and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast Guard or a commercial
towing company, to safely accomplish the towing task.
THE MOORING CLEATS ON ALBEMARLE BOATS
ARE NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED
FOR TOWING PURPOSES. THESE CLEATS ARE
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AS MOORING CLEATS
FOR SECURING THE BOAT TO A DOCK, PIER, ETC.
DO NOT USE THESE FITTINGS FOR TOWING OR
ATTEMPTING TO FREE A GROUNDED VESSEL.
WHEN TOWING OPERATIONS ARE UNDERWAY,
HAVE EVERYONE ABOARD BOTH VESSELS STAY
CLEAR OF THE TOW LINE AND SURROUNDING
AREA. A TOW LINE THAT SHOULD BREAK WHILE
UNDER STRESS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS, AND
COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
RUNNING AGROUND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
TO PASSENGERS AND DAMAGE TO A BOAT AND
ITS UNDERWATER GEAR. IF YOUR BOAT SHOULD
BECOME GROUNDED, DISTRIBUTE PERSONAL
FLOTATION DEVICES AND INSPECT THE BOAT
FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. THOROUGHLY INSPECT
THE BILGE AREA FOR SIGNS OF LEAKAGE.
AN EXPERIENCED SERVICE FACILITY SHOULD
CHECK YOUR UNDERWATER GEAR AT THE FIRST
OPPORTUNITY. DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE YOUR
BOAT IF THE CONDITION OF THE UNDERWATER
EQUIPMENT IS QUESTIONABLE.
12.9 Flooding or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become flooded or
completely swamped. You must always be aware of the
position of the boat to the seas and the amount of water in the
bilge. Water entering the boat over the transom can usually
be corrected by turning the boat into the waves. If the bilge
is flooding because of a hole in the hull or a defective hose,
you may be able to plug it with rags, close the thru-hull valve
or assist the pumps by bailing with buckets. Put a mayday
call in to the Coast Guard or nearby boats and distribute life
jackets as soon as you discover your boat is in trouble.
If the boat becomes swamped and capsizes, you and your
passengers should stay with the boat as long as you can. It
is much easier for the Coast Guard, aircraft, or other boats to
spot, than people in the water.
12.10 Fishing
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting for the operator
when the action gets intense. You must always be conscious of
the fact that your primary responsibility is the safe operation
of your boat and the safety of your passengers and other boats
in the area.
You must always make sure the helm is properly manned
and is never left unattended while trolling. If your boat is
equipped with a tower, caution and good common sense must
be exercised whenever someone is in the tower. Most towers
are designed for two average-sized people. Remember, weight
in the tower raises the boat’s center of gravity and the boat’s
motion is greatly exaggerated for the people in a tower.