Crevalle Boats 24 Bay, Owner'S Manual

Page: 32 / 147

32
Operation
The following safety precautions should be
observed while towing water skiers.
• Water ski only in safe areas, away from other
boats and swimmers, out of channels and in
water free of underwater obstructions. The area
should be at least 5 feet deep, 3000 feet long
and have at least 100’ between each side of the
boat and any obstructions.
• Make sure that anyone who skis can swim. Do
not allow people who cannot swim to water ski.
• Be sure that the skier is wearing a proper life
jacket. A water skier is considered on board
the boat and a Coast Guard approved life jacket
is required. It is advisable and recommended
for a skier to wear a flotation device designed
to withstand the impact of hitting the water at
high speed.
• Make sure to inspect the ski equipment and
tow rope before each ski session. Never use
equipment that is damaged or with loose screws,
torn boots, severe corrosion or tears in the fabric.
You should also inspect the ski tow rope and
replace if it is frayed, has unnecessary knots
or is damaged. Never use a ski tow line that is
questionable.
• Secure the ski tow rope to an appropriate device
intended for ski tow ropes.
• Always carry a second person on board to
observe the skier or wakeboarder so that your
full attention can be given to the safe operation
of the boat. The operator should pay attention to
driving the boat and have the observer keep him
updated on the skier. Never ski after dark. It is
hazardous and illegal. Neither the boat operator
or skier can see well enough to navigate at skiing
or wakeboarding speeds safely at night.
• Never spray swimmers, boats, rafts or other
skiers. The risk for a collision makes this
dangerous for the skier and people being
sprayed.
• Never follow directly behind another boat while
pulling skiers. Always stay a safe distance behind
or off the side of other boat traffic. If the boat
you are following stops unexpectedly, you may
not be able to respond quick enough endangering
your skier and occupants of both boats.
Common Hand Signals for Water Sports Activities
• Never follow behind another boat pulling a skier
for any reason, even if you are not pulling a skier.
If the skier you are following falls, you may not
be able to respond quick enough and could run
over the skier.
• When pulling multiple skiers, make sure the
ropes are the same length. Never pull multiple
skiers with tow ropes of different lengths.
• Always make sure to slowly pull the slack out of
the ski rope and wait for the OK from the skier
before advancing the throttle to ensure the rope
is not wrapped around the skier and that the
skier is ready. Never advance the throttle until
the skier provides the ready signal.
• When turning around to pick up a fallen skier,
make sure to look for other boat traffic in the
direction of the turn before you turn the boat.
• Approach a skier in the water from the downwind
side and be certain to stop the motion of the boat
and your motor before coming in close proximity
to the skier.
• Give immediate attention to a fallen skier. A
fallen skier is very hard to see by other boats
and is extremely vulnerable. When a skier falls,
be prepared to immediately turn the boat and
return to the skier.