BENETEAU FIRST 35, Owner'S Manual

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1
Introduction
The users of the boat are informed of the following:
This user guide/owner's manual is not a maintenance or repair guide. In case
of difficulty do not hesitate to call on the services of your
concessionnaire BE NE TE AU.
Any alterations which may affect the safety specifications of the boat must
be assessed, carried out and recorded by persons qualified to do so. Any change
in the distribution of the vessel's mass (adding a radar, altering the mast, changing
an engine, etc) may affect the stability, trim and performance of your boat.
The BENETEAU shipyards may not be held responsible for any alterations
which they have not approved.
The complete crew must be equipped appropriately.
In numerous countries, a licence, an authorization or a training course is
requested. Make sure you have this legal authorization before you use your boat.
Adapt the use of your boat to her condition that wears out with time and use.
Any boat, however solid she may be, may be severely damaged if badly used.
This is not compatible with a secure navigation. Always adapt the speed and
direction of your boat to the conditions of the sea.
The boat shall not be loaded more with than the maximum load
recommended by the builder, in particular the total weight of the food supplies,
of the different equipment that are not supplied by the builder and of the persons
on board.
The weight of the boat shall be properly distributed.
The stability is reduced when you add weight in the upper parts.
In case of heavy weather, the hatches, lockers and doors shall be closed in order to
minimize the risk of water coming in.
Breakers are serious dangers to stability.
The water in the bilge shall be kept at its minimum.
The stability may be reduced when you tow a boat or when you lift heavy weights
with the davits or the boom.
If your boat is equipped with a liferaft, carefully read the instructions. The boat
must have on board all the proper safety equipment (lifejackets, buoys, harness, flares,
liferafts, etc.) depending on the type of vessel, its cerfication, the country, the weather
conditions encountered, etc.
The crew must be familiar with the use of all the safety equipment and the
emergency safety procedures (MOB, towing etc.). Sailing schools organise regular
training sessions.
Anyone on the deck shall wear a life jacket or a buoyancy aid.
The safety regulations as defined by the sailing code and enforced by the ’’COLREG’’
should be observed.