5. Start engine on towing vehicle and pull trailer out of
water to boat securing area.
6. Use tie-downs to secure boat on trailer.
7. Remove the drain plug.
8. Make sure stern drive is raised and secure.
9. Wipe hull down to prevent water spots and keep hull
clean.
10. Make sure everything in the boat is secure or tied
down. Place anything loose in towing vehicle.
11. Reconnect trailer lights. Check that lights are working.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
The following information is provided so you, as the opera-
tor of your boat, can think about emergencies before they
happen. Plan ahead so you will know what to do before
you encounter any of these situations.
Storms
Storms sometimes appear without advance notice. Although
weather information from meteorological observation and
reporting stations is available, weather bureaus are known
to have failures in their predictions or information gathering
equipment. There is no substitute for a strong understanding
of what action to take when the weather takes a turn for the
worse. Many marinas fly weather signals. You should learn
to recognize these signals and monitor your local weather
forecasts before leaving port.
The present and forecasted weather conditions are of pri-
mary consideration, but a threat of possible storms should
always be a concern. Observance of the following informa-
tion will help in your safety afloat if storms do occur:
•
Keep a watch on the horizon for approaching storm
indicators.
•
Turn radio ON. Dial in local weather station and moni-
tor forecast. If your boat has a VHF radio, check the
weather channels.
•
The best possible situation is to return to a safe port if
time allows.
•
Close and secure all portals and hatches. Stow all
loose gear below deck and tie down any gear required
to remain on deck.
•
Reduce speed as the seas build. Make sure all pas-
sengers are wearing their PFDs.
•
If you lose power, keep the boat headed into the waves
by rigging a sea anchor off the bow (Figure 3.5). If
there is no sea anchor on board, use a canvas bucket
or any object that will offer resistance.
•
Radar reflectors (if installed on your boat) should be 18
inches diagonally and placed 12 feet above the water-
line.
3.17
FIGURE 3.5 SEA ANCHOR
5.
Start engine on towing vehicle and pull trailer out of
water to boat securing area.
6.
Use tie-downs to secure boat on trailer.
7.
Remove the drain plug.
8.
Make sure stern drive is raised and secure.
9.
Wipe hull down to prevent water spots and keep hull
clean.
10
.Make sure everything in the boat is secure or tied
down. Place anything loose in towing vehicle.
11
.Reconnect trailer lights. Check that lights are working.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
The following information is provided so you, as the opera-
tor of your boat, can think about emergencies before they
happen. Plan ahead so you will know what to do before
you encounter any of these situations.
Storms
Storms sometimes appear without advance notice. Although
weather information from meteorological observation and
reporting stations is available, weather bureaus are known
to have failures in their predictions or information gathering
equipment. There is no substitute for a strong understanding
of what action to take when the weather takes a turn for the
worse. Many marinas fly weather signals. Y ou should learn
to recognize these signals and monitor your local weather
forecasts before leaving port.
The present and forecasted weather conditions are of pri-
mary consideration, but a threat of possible storms should
always be a concern. Observance of the following informa-
tion will help in your safety afloat if storms do occur:
•
Keep a watch on the horizon for approaching storm
indicators.
•
Turn radio ON. Dial in local weather station and moni-
tor forecast. If your boat has a VHF radio, check the
weather channels.
•
The best possible situation is to return to a safe port if
time allows.
•
Close and secure all portals and hatches. Stow all
loose gear below deck and tie down any gear required
to remain on deck.
•
Reduce speed as the seas build. Make sure all pas-
sengers are wearing their PFDs.
•
If you lose power, keep the boat headed into the waves
by rigging a sea anchor off the bow (Figure 3.5). If
there is no sea anchor on board, use a canvas bucket
or any object that will offer resistance.
•
Radar reflectors (if installed on your boat) should be 18
inches diagonally and placed 12 feet above the water-
line.
3.17
FIGURE 3.5 SEA ANCHOR
