Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 1 • Safety
1-4
R R
280 Dauntless
Legally Mandated Equipment
Consult your national boating law enforcement
agency. The following equipment is the minimum
required by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)
for boats over 26 ft. (7.9m) in length but less than
40 ft. (12.5m) in length.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s)
One USCG approved Type I, II or III is mandatory for
STABILITY HAZARD
• Load boat properly. The
manufacturer’s load rating is the
maximum weight allowed under normal
conditions. Adjust downward if
weather, water or other conditions
are adverse.
• Allow passengers to ride only in areas
that do not pose a hazard to
themselves or the boat.
• Do not allow passengers to ride on
the bow of a closed-bow boat.
• Do not allow several passengers to
ride in the bow of a small open-bow
boat, causing the boat to plow in
the water.
• Do not allow passengers to ride on
the stern cushion or gunwales.
• Do not overload the stern.
• Observe manufacturer’s
recommended on-plane seating
locations.
• Passengers should remain seated
while boat is moving.
Personal injury hazard - Stay alert. Use of drugs,
alcohol, or other substances which impair
judgement poses a serious threat to yourself
and others. The boat operator is responsible for
the behavior of passengers.
Drowning hazard - Boats must carry one
wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) for
every passenger on board. Boats must have at
least one throwable life preserver.
Slipping hazard - Wet decks are slippery. Wear
proper footwear and use extreme caution on
wet surfaces.
!
WARNING
A qualified operator must be in control of the
boat at all times. Do not operate the boat while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Never
operate this vessel at speeds which exceed
the operator’s ability to react if an emergency
develops. At night, turn on the appropriate
navigation lights and cruise at a reduced
speed that allows you plenty of time to avoid
dangerous situations.
!
WARNING
Operator Responsibilities
Your degree of enjoyment on the water depends
on you, your equipment and other people who,
like yourself, boat responsibly. As a boat
operator you should:
• Make sure all passengers always wear a
Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on
the water.
• All boat operators should complete a boating
safety course (a requirement in many states).
• All boat operators must become familiar with
the proper operation of all vessel features
prior to departure.
• Always maintain a safe speed.
• Be aware of conditions in every direction
always when underway.
• Mind your wake. It can capsize a small boat
or damage moored boats or other property.
You are responsible for damage caused by
your wake.
• Reduce speed and post a lookout to identify
hazards when:
○ Visibility is impaired
○ In rough water
○ In congested waterways
• Display navigation lights between sunset and
sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility,
such as rain, fog, haze, etc.