Grady-White Boats EXPRESS 265, Owner'S Manual

Page: 13 / 74

S
AFETY
2–3
B
OATING
S
AFETY
T
IPS
Safety is an important aspect of boating. Your safety, as well as the safety of your passengers
and vessel, is your responsibility. The following precautions and the ones mentioned in Sportfish,
Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual will add to you and your passengers’ boating safety and plea-
sure.
• Before operating your Grady-White READ AND STUDY ALL OPERATION AND MAIN-
TENANCE MANUALS . It is important that you fully understand how to use your boat. Con-
tact your Grady-White dealer for questions. Proper use and service will insure quality
performance and longevity of your boat.
• A written float plan left with a RESPONSIBLE person can serve as valuable information
should you not return as scheduled. Upon returning your primary responsibility is to notify the
person of your return.
• NEVER operate or allow anyone to operate your boat while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
• Individuals under the age of 16 should not be allowed to operate your boat. Inexperienced
drivers should have constant and direct supervision
.
• Instruct at least one passenger on the fundamentals of basic boating and safe operation in the
event of an emergency.
• While boating, passengers should be settled in a safe position. Use hand holds and rails for
steadiness. Do not allow bow, transom or gunwale riding. The captain is ultimately responsible
for their passenger’s safety.
• Keep your boat speed under control. Respect for other boaters and those on shore are common
courtesies. The boats’ operator is responsible for injury or damage caused by the boat or the
wake. Your wake could swamp a smaller craft and endanger its passengers. Stay alert for
posted
“No Wake Zones” .
• Become familiar with the handling personality and limitations of your boat.
• Never allow swimmers/skiers to enter or exit the boat with engines running . A shift lever
in neutral could become engaged accidentally.
• Obtain information and a chart for new areas when possible.
• Clean water and air are responsibilities for all persons. Use litter containers on board and dis-
pose of refuse properly. See discharge regulations on page 3–3 .
• Know and obey the “Rules of the Road”. See Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual,
page 19 , for a better understanding of right of ways, signals and waterway markers.