Boston Whaler 270 VANTAGE, Manual

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1-11
270 Vantage
Section 1 • Safety
R
steering is virtually useless. If you are in a congested
waterway you will need to react quickly to warn
others that you have lost power, propulsion or
steering control and that assistance will be needed.
Grounding
Running aground may be avoided by paying attention
to marker buoys or observing the waves as they form
into breakers when passing over a sand bar.
If you do run aground, the course of action depends
on how hard the boat hits bottom and whether the
boat remains stranded. If it is a simple touch, you may
need only to inspect the lower drive of the engine
and the hull of the boat. If possible do a thorough
inspection before trying to get loose, throwing the
boat into reverse before this is done may do more
damage.
Distress Signals
V
isuaL
d
istress
s
ignaLs
, (Vds)
• U.S. Coast Guard regulations require boats
in coastal waters and the Great Lakes to
carry a Visual Distress Signal (VDS) for
day and night use, as well as appropriate for
the time of operation. Exempt from the
day signals requirement, but not night
signals, are boats less than 16 feet (4.8 m),
open sailboats less than 26 feet (7.9m),
boats participating in organized events and
manually propelled boats.
• If you are required to have visual distress
signals, at least three safety approved
pyrotechnic devices in serviceable condition
must be readily accessible. They must be
marked with a date showing the service life
which must not be expired.
• Carry three signals for day use and three
for night use. Some pyrotechnic devices
such as red flares, meet both day and night
use requirements.
• Store pyrotechnic signals in a cool, dry
location. An orange or red watertight
container prominently marked “DISTRESS
SIGNALS” is recommended.
The chances of flooding, swamping or capsizing can
be reduced by being aware of:
• Weather
• Water Conditions
• Proper boat handling techniques
• Proper loading of the boat
Collision
In the event of collision:
• Cut the engine(s)
• Always wear your PFD, or have it within
reach.
• Check on passengers
• If the bilge pump has not automatically
turned ON, switch it ON immediately.
• Determine the amount of damage to your boats
structure.
• Call for assistance
• In the event of collision you are required to file
an accident report. Contact a state enforcement
agency or the nearest U.S. Coast Guard office.
If you are boating outside U.S. waters, consult
the nation you are visiting for accident
reporting requirements.
Propulsion, Control or Steering failure
If there is a propulsion, control or steering failure:
• Stop the engine, (shut off at Ignition or pull on
the Emergency Engine Shut-Off Switch.)
• Drop anchor to prevent drifting.
• Determine if the problem can be fixed or will
assistance be needed.
• Call for assistance if needed
When loss of propulsion or steering is noticed, your
quick reaction is required to prevent further damage
to your boat or injuries to your passengers.
Outboard engines require propulsion to control the
direction the boat will take. Without propulsion, the