2013 Chaparral H2O Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
2-3
Voluntary Inspections
State boating offi cials in many states or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries
offer courtesy inspections to check out your craft. They will check your
boat for compliance with safety standards and required safety equip-
ment. You may voluntarily consent to one of these inspections and you
are allowed time to make corrections without prosecution. Check with the
appropriate state agency or the Coast Guard Auxiliary for details.
Rules of the Road
All responsible boaters comply with the “Rules of the Road,” the marine
traffi c laws enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. There are two sets of
rules: the United States Inland Navigational Rules and the International
Rules. The United States Inland Rules apply to all vessels inside the
demarcation lines separating inland and international waters. The Coast
Guard publishes the “Rules of the Road” in its publication “Navigation-
al Rules, International-Inland.” You can get a copy from your local U.S.
Coast Guard Unit or the United States Coast Guard Headquarters, 1300
E. Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20226.
Other helpful publications available from the U.S. Coast Guard include
“Aids to Navigation” (U.S. Coast Guard pamphlet #123), which explains
the signifi cance of various lights and buoys; the “Boating Safety Train-
ing Manual”; and “Federal Requirements For Recreational Boats.” Check
with your local Coast Guard station, your Chaparral dealer, or a local
marina about navigational aids unique to your area.
U.S. Coast Guard Website: www.uscg.mil
California Coast Guard Website: www.ccg-ggc.gc.ca
If you have a marine radio telephone, heed storm warnings and answer
any distress calls from other boats. The word “MAYDAY” spoken three
times is the international signal of distress. Monitor marine radio channel
16 which is reserved for emergency and safety messages. You can also
use this channel to contact the Coast Guard or other boaters if you have
trouble.
Important: Never send a “MAYDAY” message unless there is a seri-
ous emergency and you are in need of immediate assistance.
Warning Markers
Always check with local authorities concerning regional hazardous areas
and how they are marked. Other considerations include:
• Boat operators must be able to recognize marine fl ag designs and re-
spond accordingly.
• Caution should always be exercised relative to swimmers. Swimming
areas may not always be marked.
• Navigation markers identify navigable routes and indicate water haz-
ards. Boat operators should familiarize themselves with these important
navigational tools and operate their boats accordingly.
• Be prepared to assist anyone fl ying a ‘distress’ fl ag as they are request-
ing immediate assistance.
Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol affect a person’s ability to make sound judgments and
react quickly. A responsible boater refrains from using drugs or alcohol
while operating their boat. Operation of motorized vessels while under
the infl uence carries a signifi cant penalty. Drugs and alcohol decrease
your reaction time, impair your judgement, and inhibit your ability to safe-
ly operate your boat.
