BENETEAU 461, Owner'S Manual

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197837 RCD-2
Index C
This manual is written to help you enjoy your boat in safety. It contains details of the boat and of all the equipment provided and installed on your boat, as well as instructions
for its use. Read it carefully and get to know your boat properly before using it.
This owner's manual is not in any way a navigation or mariner's training manual. If this is your first boat or if you have changed to a type of boat with which you are not
familiar, make sure that you learn how to use it and manoeuvre safely and with ease before taking the helm alone. Your dealer, national sailing or motorboat association, or yacht
club will be very happy to tell you about navigation schools or qualified instructors in your area.
Make sure that the wind and sea conditions forecast are appropriate for the design category of your boat and that you and your crew are capable of manoeuvering the boat
in these conditions.
Even with a well-adapted boat, the wind and sea conditions which correspond to the design categories A,B and C range from storm force winds for category A to severe
storm conditions at the upper end of category C, and could put the boat at risk from very large waves and strong gusts. These are dangerous conditions in which only an
experienced, fit and well-trained crew, manoeuvring a well-maintained boat, will be able to navigate with sufficient skill.
This owner's manual is not intended as a detailed maintenance or repairs manual. Should any problems arise please contact your dealer. If a maintenance manual is
provided, please use it.
Always use the services of an experienced professional for the maintenance of your boat, for fitting accessories and for any modifications. Any alterations which may affect
the safety specifications of the boat must be assessed, carried out and recorded by persons qualified to do so. The boat manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any
modifications not approved by them.
Some countries require you to hold a Certificate of Competency or other such qualifications, or there may be other specific regulations in force.
Always maintain your boat well and make note of any deterioration due to wear and tear or to heavy or inappropriate use.
Any boat – no matter how well-built – could suffer serious damage if used recklessly. This kind of use is highly unsafe. Always adjust the speed and heading of your boat
according to the sea conditions.
If your boat is equipped with a life-raft, read the instruction manual carefully. The crew must have all safety gear available onboard (lifejackets, harnesses etc.), and this
must appropriate for the type of boat and for the weather conditions. In some countries it is mandatory to have this safety equipment onboard. The crew must be fully familiarised
with the use of the safety gear and with emergency manoeuvres (man overboard procedures, towing another vessel etc). Sailing schools and clubs regularly run training sessions
for these skills.
It is strongly advised that everyone wears an appropriate flotation device (lifejacket or personal buoyancy aid) when on deck. Be advised that in some countries it is
mandatory to wear a flotation device which meets the national regulations at all times.