Crevalle Boats 33 CSF, Owner'S Manual

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29
Operation
2.8 Grounding, Towing &
Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel
to render assistance to any individual or vessel in
distress, as long as his vessel is not endangered
in the process.
If the boat should become disabled, or if another
craft that is disabled requires assistance, great
care must be taken. The stress applied to a boat
during towing may become excessive. Excessive
stress can damage the structure of the boat and
create a safety hazard for those aboard.
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that
is disabled requires specialized equipment and
knowledge. Line failure and structural damage
caused by improper towing have resulted in fatal
injuries. Because of this, we strongly suggest
that these activities be left to those who have the
equipment and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast
Guard or a commercial towing company, to safely
accomplish the towing task.
DANGER
THE MOORING CLEATS ON CREVALLE BOATS ARE NOT
DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED FOR TOWING
PURPOSES. THESE CLEATS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
AS MOORING CLEATS FOR SECURING THE BOAT TO A
DOCK, PIER, ETC. DO NOT USE THESE FITTINGS FOR
TOWING OR ATTEMPTING TO FREE A GROUNDED VESSEL.
WHEN TOWING OPERATIONS ARE UNDERWAY, HAVE
EVERYONE ABOARD BOTH VESSELS STAY CLEAR OF THE
TOW LINE AND SURROUNDING AREA. A TOW LINE THAT
SHOULD BREAK WHILE UNDER STRESS CAN BE VERY
DANGEROUS, AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH.
WARNING
RUNNING AGROUND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
TO PASSENGERS AND DAMAGE TO A BOAT AND ITS
UNDERWATER GEAR. IF YOUR BOAT SHOULD BECOME
GROUNDED, DISTRIBUTE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES
AND INSPECT THE BOAT FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE.
THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE BILGE AREA FOR SIGNS
OF LEAKAGE. AN EXPERIENCED SERVICE FACILITY
SHOULD CHECK YOUR UNDERWATER GEAR AT THE FIRST
OPPORTUNITY. DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE YOUR BOAT
IF THE CONDITION OF THE UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT IS
QUESTIONABLE.
2.9 Flooding or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become flooded
or completely swamped. You must always be
aware of the position of the boat to the seas and
the amount of water in the bilge. Water entering
the boat over the transom can usually be corrected
by turning the boat into the waves. If the bilge is
flooding because of a hole in the hull or a defec -
tive hose, you may be able to plug it with rags,
close the thru-hull valve or assist the bilge pumps
by bailing with buckets. Put a mayday call in to
the Coast Guard or nearby boats and distribute
life jackets as soon as you discover your boat is
in trouble.
If the boat becomes swamped and capsizes, you
and your passengers should stay with the boat as
long as you can. It is much easier for the Coast
Guard, aircraft, or other boats to spot the boat,
than just people in the water.
2.10 Fishing
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting for
the operator when the action gets intense. You
must always be conscious of the fact that your
primary responsibility is the safe operation of your
boat and the safety of your passengers and other
boats in the area.
You must always make sure the helm is properly
manned and is never left unattended while trolling.
If you are fishing in an area that is crowded with
other fishing boats, it may be difficult to follow
the rules of the road. This situation can become
especially difficult when most boats are trolling.
Being courteous and exercising good common
sense is essential. Avoid trying to assert your right
of way and concentrate on staying clear and pre-
venting tangled or cut lines and other unpleasant
encounters with other boats. Also keep in mind
that fishing line wrapped around a propeller shaft
can damage seals in the engine’s lower unit. If
fishing line becomes tangled in the propeller shaft,
remove it as soon as possible and have your au-
thorized engine dealer check the propeller shaft
seals for damage and leakage.