CENTURY BOATS OWNER’S MANUAL – GENERAL INFORMATION MODEL YEAR 2017
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4.
Recommended Equipment
In addition to required equipment it is important to store some additional items on the boat as a precaution. Here
is a suggested list of recommended gear.
•
Anchor and line
•
Bucket or hand pump for bailing water
•
Day and night visual distress signals, such as a flare gun (check local restrictions)
•
Flashlight and extra batteries
•
First aid kit
•
Basic tool kit
•
AM/FM radio with weather band
•
Extra propeller
•
Paddle
5.
Alcohol, Drugs and Water Safety
Research shows that four hours of exposure to noise, vibration, sun, wind and glare produces a kind of “boater’s
hypnosis” which can slow reaction time as if you were drunk. Adding alcohol intensifies this effect, increasing the
chances of an accident.
6.
Rules of the Road
Just as there are rules of the road you must obey when operating a car, there are rules you must obey when operating
a boat. You must be familiar with all rules before you operate your boat. The navigation aids (traffic signals) of the
waterways are buoys, horns, signal lights, etc.
The Coast Guard has prepared many pamphlets for your information. For more information, contact a local U.S.
Coast Guard station, write to U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 1300 NW Washington, D.C. 20226 or call the U.S. Coast
Guard Boating Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647. Your local authorities can give you information on boat handling
courses in your area.
7.
Minors
Boats are not toys. Minors must be closely supervised by a competent adult whenever operating a boat. The state
in which you operate may have laws regarding the minimum age and licensing requirements of minors. Be sure to
contact your state boating authorities for information.
8.
Passenger Safety
Make sure your passengers understand their responsibilities, such as wearing PFDs and remaining seated when
moving. Show them how to operate the boat in case you are unable to continue operation, or fall overboard. Do not
let them sit on the gunwale or over the bow. Do not allow them to drag their feet or hands in the water when the
boat is moving. Instruct them to stay with the boat in case it capsizes.
Never operate or allow another person to operate the boat
while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 50
percent of all boating fatalities involve alcohol.
