Boston Whaler 25 Guardian Series, Operation & Maintenance Manual

Page: 40 / 134

2-18
Section 2 Boat Operation
Load Distribution
Placement and concentration of non-permanent loads
in a boat can affect boat performance and crew safety.
Refer to
Boat Load Capacities in Section 6 of this
manual for additional information.
Follow these guidelines for non-permanent loads:
• Never exceed the capacity limits listed in this
manual.
• Consider reducing these capacity limits during
emergencies, special operations, and severe
weather.
• Never concentrate a heavy load in one small area
of the boat.
• Equipment and people are considered part of
your non-permanent load.
• Distribute any non-permanent load or cargo
evenly, front-to-back and port-to-starboard.
• The center of the non-permanent load distribution
should be in the center of the boat.
• Do not allow your non-permanent loads or cargo
to shift unexpectedly. Always secure non-perma-
nent loads and cargo with netting, tie-down
straps, lines, and appropriate deck hardware.
• You must be prepared to adjust the load distribu-
tion as operating conditions change.
!
WARNING
Improper operation, excessive loading,
improper load distribution, and mismatching
loads to existing conditions can contribute to
boat swamping or capsizing. These situations
can result in serious injury or death.
!
WARNING
The dive/rescue door is a specialized piece of
rescue equipment. All posted USCG and NMMA
load capacities are suspended when the dive/
rescue door is out. Operate your boat carefully
to avoid swamping or capsizing.