Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 1 • Safety
1-15
R
280 Dauntless
Hitting an object in or under the water or
boating in dangerous currents can cause serious
injury or death to occupants in the boat. You
must know where the hazards are and avoid
them. In uncharted waters, boat very slowly
and post a lookout.
!
WARNING
when running. If an emergency arises and the engine
must be shut down, a pull on the cord to release the
clip from the shut-off will shut off the engine. This
switch is designed to shut the engine off when the
operator of the boat leaves the control station, either
accidentally by falling into the boat, or by being
ejected overboard. This would most likely occur as a
result of poor operating practices. The lanyard should
be long enough to prevent accidental activation; do
not let it become entangled. Accidental loss of power
can be hazardous, particularly while docking or in
heavy seas, strong current or high winds. Passengers
and crew may lose balance and the boat may lose
steering control. Should the operator fall out of the
boat at planing speed, it may take several seconds
for the engine and propeller to stop turning. The
boat may continue to coast for several hundred feet,
causing injury to anyone in its path.
1st Mate
™
Safety and Security System
(Option)
1st Mate is a marine safety and security system that
syncs an
engine-integrated hub to wearable fobs
and the mobile app 1 , providing alerts to
the captain
and passengers should anyone go overboard. This
system delivers an
added level of safety
beyond the
engine shut-down system that links the captain’s
lanyard to the
engine emergency stop switch. The
1st Mate system offers multiple,
customizable
security settings including:
• Man overboard alerts should a passenger(s)
fall overboard, and engine shutdown should
the captain fall overboard.
• Distress messaging and GPS location alerts
sent to connected mobile devices.
• Theft-deterrent functionality including w
ire-
less engine(s) lock and/or reduced RPMs to
prevent unauthorized use
For more information, see the owner’s packet or
contact an authorized Boston Whaler dealer.
1Download the 1st Mate app at: 1stmate.net
Float Plan
Float plans are important to you should you
encounter problems on the water. A float plan should
contain a description of this vessel along with any
distinguishing features. It should describe where you
will be boating, your departure time and estimated
return. The number and names of passengers, and
destination should also be noted. The float plan
should be given to a friend or relative, so they can
give the information to a national boating agency like
the USCG, in the event you do not return at the time
specified on the float plan. If there are any changes to
the float plan they should be conveyed to the person
holding the float plan. Once you return you should
contact the person holding the float plan to let them
know you are back.
Chart Course
To avoid boating in unsafe areas where there are
underwater obstructions, shallow water, unnavigable
conditions such as dangerous currents, and others,
you must chart a course. This means having
and using National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) charts for coastal waters,
observing and understanding all navigational aids,
using the knowledge and guidance of experienced
boaters, and being aware of the tides and times
where appropriate. If you are boating in an area you
are unfamiliar with, proceed with caution and post
a lookout to watch for hazards.
If an object is struck or if you run aground:
• Shut the engine off
• Check the hull and propeller for damage
• If aground, consider bottom grade before
moving off to not worsen damage.
• Determine the tides and whether that change
will help or hinder your situation.
• Do not have anyone other than a trained and
competent service tow your boat.