Carver 42 SUPER SPORT, Owner'S Manual

Page: 95 / 141

4127 • 42 Super Sport 4/06 83
OPERATING AND MANEUVERING SECTION 6
Launching the Boat
Have a professional launch your boat. Your dealer can either provide experienced
people to do this or recommend someone.
Navigation
Understanding navigation is very important when operating your boat on the
open seas. Instructions on how to navigate your boat are beyond the scope of
this guide. Carver encourages you to read Chapman’s Piloting and Seamanship
and obtain instruction regarding how to navigate your boat.
Charts
You can obtain charts of the waters in which you intend to navigate from the
National Ocean Survey, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in Washington D.C. The NOS offers a publication listing the
charts you will need for your area. However, this listing may not include inland
rivers. Charts of inland rivers are also available from the appropriate district
office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Your dealer may also have charts of
the waters in which you intend to cruise.
Keeping your charts up-to-date is a very important part of navigation. The
Weekly Notice to Mariners available from the Defense Mapping Agency or the
U.S. Coast Guard is an excellent resource for updating charts.
Compass
The compass is the most important piece of navigation equipment onboard
your boat. To operate properly, the compass must be free from interference
by local magnetic influences and electrical components. Refer to the OEM
information for details on using and maintaining the compass. When it is time
to compensate your compass, Carver recommends having it done professionally.
Horn
If you are navigating in fog or at night, use your boat’s horn to alert other
boaters of your presence. The horn meets U.S. Coast Guard standards.
Depth Sounder
An optional depth sounder can help you avoid entering waters that are too
shallow for your boat and can aid in navigation.
Shallow Water Operation
Always pay attention to the depth of the waters in which you are cruising. Do
not venture into waters which are too shallow for your boat’s draft. Shallow
water navigation can be very hazardous. If you do find yourself in shallow
waters, reduce speed immediately. Consult nautical charts to determine your
position. Try to plot a course out of the shallows through waters deep enough
for your boat’s draft. If your boat runs aground, radio for help and wait until it
arrives. Do not attempt to relaunch your boat. You may do serious damage to
your hull or underwater gear.