Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR, Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 212

Section 5
5-2
Cruiser
Cold Weather and Cold or
Frozen Water Conditions
Avoid operating your boat in cold water or
weather conditions, and never operate in frozen
or icy waters. Operating in these conditions
significantly increases the risk of serious injury or
death. Boating in these conditions can lead to
cold-water immersion, shock or hypothermia.
Weather conditions may hinder emergency
rescue or assistance, and cold weather poses
potential problems for on-board equipment, as
well as the engine. See the
Engine Operator’s
Manual and the equipment manufacturer’s
instructions for operating in cold weather.
WATER HAZARDS
Every waterway poses hazards that you must be
aware of and avoid. These hazards include
shallow water, tree stumps and sand bars. Ask
local authorities and other boaters for information
and consult a marine chart when boating on
unfamiliar waters. As a boat operator, try to avoid
all hazards, known and unknown.
Aquatic Vegetation / Weeds
Operating in weeded areas can be extremely
hazardous. Aquatic vegetation can be a threat to
your boat’s drive system. Vegetation and weeds
can wrap around the propeller, causing loss of
propulsion and steering control. They may also
restrict the engine water cooling intake, causing
the engine to overheat. Avoid operating in or near
vegetation. If you encounter any restriction
because of vegetation, stop the engine. See the
Engine Operator’s Manual for recommendations
on the removal of vegetation from the propeller
and water cooling intake ports. Be extremely
careful and never get into the water when clearing
the propeller. Stay out of the water in highly
congested vegetative areas, which can severely
restrict your mobility and create a life-threatening
situation.
NOTICE: Vegetation can sometimes be
removed by shifting to NEUTRAL, pausing a
moment, then shifting to REVERSE to unwind the
vegetation from the propeller.
Dams and Spillways
The waterways around dams and spillways are
extremely hazardous. Dams and spillways are
subject to rapid water flow changes, and may
have floating and sunken debris in the nearby
water. These areas are often marked as
restricted, and it is best to always stay clear of
them.
Shallow Water Operation
Operating in shallow water presents a number of
hazards. Sandbars in narrow inlets are constantly
shifting, making it difficult to mark them with
buoys. Sandbars are sometimes indicated by
waves as they form into breakers when passing
over the sandbar. In coastal areas, tides can
affect water level as much as 30 feet (9 meters).
Check with local marinas or Coast Guard stations
for tide tables and current charts.
RESTRICTED AREAS
Some waterways and areas are restricted.
Always check with local, state and federal
authorities to identify restricted areas. Because of
the threat of terrorism, the USCG has
implemented and will continue to enforce strict
limits on watercraft near U.S. Navy and Coast
Guard ships and other potential targets. For more
information, contact the USCG or local
authorities.
MARKERS, WARNINGS
AND ADVISORIES
Find out from local authorities if hazards exist in
areas where you intend to navigate, and know
how these hazards are marked. You must also
recognize flag designs that indicate hazards or
activities that are present and keep well clear of
those areas. Always watch for swimmers and stay
clear of all swimming areas, marked or
unmarked.