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Tower Boat Operation
Some boat models are equipped with towers (sometimes referred to as upper driving stations).
Extreme caution must be exercised when operating a tower boat. Towers elevate the center of
gravity in a boat upward from its original location slightly
above the water line. As a result, the boat becomes more
“tippy” than when it wasn’t equipped with a tower. Extra
caution should be paid when taking a tower boat into seas
larger than 2”. Rollover and capsizing are highly likely if the
boat is not operated properly. A tower boat should never be
operated by a person who is not a licensed captain. Under
no circumstances should a boat be operated with a tower
that was not constructed and installed by Bonefish
Boatworks. If Bonefish does not offer a tower option, that
means we do not believe the boat is safe to operate with a tower or upper station under any
conditions. Don’t take one of our boats to a metal fabricator to have a tower installed. They have
no idea what impact their creations can have on a boat’s center of gravity, displacement and/or
operating characteristics.
Navigation
We cannot stress enough the importance of knowing where
you’re going. If it’s a new area, go slow until you understand what
obstacles exist. A good GPS, charts and chart plotter are all
important tools to help prevent an accident and save your life, but
they are no substitute for good judgment. This photo is of a boat
accident that killed Miami Marlins pitcher; Jose Fernandez. As
you can see, the boat hit a rock jetty that the operator could not
see but was plainly marked on all charts of the area as well as on
all chart plotters. When the boat hit the jetty it threw the
occupants out and killed them. This is a link to a story about the accident:
http://live.tampabay.com/Event/Marlins_ace_Alonso_grad_Jose_Fernandez_dies_in_boating_a
ccident?Page=2
.
Changing Conditions
Familiarity with an area doesn’t guarantee that it hasn’t changed
since the last time you were there. Debris is a constant challenge
and structures can be erected that are not yet shown on charts or
chart plotters. Sometimes fog can cause you to misjudge distance
and location. Tide changes definitely impact navigation. Just
because you can travel in an area at high tide doesn’t mean you
can at low tide. The owner of this boat learned that lesson the hard
way.
Drain Plugs
If you’ve owned a boat long enough, you’ve likely launched once or twice without installing the
drain plug(s). It makes for a hectic and stressful time on the water, if not a deadly or highly
damaging one. Always check the drain plug before placing the boat in the water. They age and
deteriorate. It’s your responsibility to make sure yours works.
Sinking
A large number of boats sink every year because of either poor
maintenance (failing to regularly check your plumbing for leaks and
