Cobalt_OM_preprint_shell.fm Page 1 Wednesday, March 1, 2006 5:39 AM
46 Owner’s Manual
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R
ESPONSIBILITIES
AND
S
AFETY
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Be sure that passengers, personal equipment and
supplies are in their proper location before
operating the yacht. This does not necessarily
mean you can carry a passenger for every seat.
Keep personal equipment and supplies to an “as
needed” basis. Maintain a balanced load (front to
back and side to side) at all times.
Operating Conditions
Every waterway poses hazards that you should
avoid, such as shallow water, tree stumps and sand
bars. Ask local boaters for information and consult
a marine chart when boating on unfamiliar waters.
As the operator of the yacht, you should try to avoid
all hazards, known and unknown. The following
information does not contain all possible water
hazards. Operating in shallow water presents a
number of hazards. Mud, sand, weeds and debris
can foul a propulsion unit propeller or its cooling
water. If a propulsion unit strikes an underwater
object, check the propulsion unit and yacht for
damage. If a propulsion unit vibrates after striking
an object, it may indicate a damaged propeller.
Sand bars in narrow inlets are constantly shifting,
making it difficult to mark them with buoys. Tides in
coastal areas affect water levels, producing sand
bars. Sometimes sand bars are indicated by waves
as they form into breakers when passing over the
sand bar. Refer to
Grounding
, in this section, if you
run aground on a sand bar. The water level around
a dam spillway is a hazardous area. It is subject to
rapid changes caused by currents and turbulence.
Keep clear of the spillway areas below dams.
Weather/Seas
Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous. It is
recommended to check the weather, sea and wind
conditions not only before you boat, but also
periodically while you are boating. Refer to
Radio
Communications
, in this section, for weather
channel information. A change in wave height, wind
direction and speed indicates deteriorating
weather. Take common sense precautions if you
are forced to operate your yacht in stormy
conditions:
• Wear PFDs.
• Stow gear below deck and batten down
equipment on deck.
• Reduce speed and head for a safe place that
you can easily reach.
If you lose power, keep the yacht headed into the
waves by using the anchor.
