Formula 2008 5-20 Fastech, Service Manual

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2-6
FORMULA
FASTECH
FASTECH
Flooding/Swamping
Improper loading, handling, water conditions,
weather and anchoring are the most common
causes of flooding. Insist on a safe, stable load.
Do not operate the boat exceeding your ability
to maneuver it. Use extreme caution in
hazardous weather and rough water conditions.
Anchor from the bow when using one anchor.
Collisions/Leaks
If a collision occurs, immediately account for all
passengers. Assess the hull for damage and
activate the bilge pumps to reduce any water
intake. Try to operate the boat to keep the
damaged area above water. If necessary, call or
signal for assistance.
If a leak is discovered, immediately determine the
cause. A collision with an underwater object could
cause the hull to develop a leak. A loose fitting or
hose clamp on a piece of equipment could cause
a leak. Try to repair the leak if possible. If a leak is
threatening the safety of you and your
passengers, call or signal for assistance.
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation
before proceeding. Immediately stop any water
from entering the boat. Inspect the propulsion
units, steering and control systems, and the hull
for damage. Maneuver the boat to safe water only
if the hull and all operating systems are in
satisfactory operating condition. Otherwise, call or
signal for assistance.
Water Rescue (Man Overboard)
Immediately react to a person who has fallen
overboard. Keep the victim constantly in your
sight. Safely return to the victim as soon as
possible. Throw the person a life preserver. Turn
off the engines and help the person into the boat.
Medical Emergency
Be prepared in the event of an emergency. Know
how to use your first aid kit. Be aware of any
special medical conditions of your passengers.
Drowning
React to a drowning victim the same as described
in Water Rescue. Handle the victim with care.
They could be injured. If necessary, resuscitate
the victim. Immediately signal for help and keep
the victim warm.
Operation Failure
If you experience a propulsion, steering or control
failure, immediately turn off the engines. Set the
anchor if possible or release a sea anchor to
prevent drifting. Try to determine the failure and
repair, if possible. Otherwise, call or signal for
assistance.
HAZARDOUS 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 boat, 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 boat for damage. If
a vibration is noticed 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.
Visibility
Clear visibility must be maintained at all
times. If necessary, arrange passengers
and equipment for maximum visibility.
Designate a passenger to assist when
visibility is limited due to operating
conditions.
Visibility is not only sight, but also hearing. It is
very important the operator maintains good
visibility at all times. Arrange passengers and
equipment to ensure you have unobstructed
vision at all times. Check for other boats or any
obstacles before turning the boat.
! WARNING