Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR, Owner'S Manual, Page: 54 / 212

Cruiser
7-1
Cruiser
Section 7
OPERATING YOUR BOAT
Before operating your boat, see Safety on
page 2-1 .
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
!
WARNING
These safety messages describe hazardous
situations which, if not avoided,
could result
in death or serious injury.
Runaway Boat Hazard
Certain actions can cause you to lose control
of your boat:
• When accelerating your boat in the forward
direction, the bow can rise and restrict visibility.
Observe for obstacles and people before
accelerating.
• The rotational thrust of the propeller under rapid
acceleration can create high steering torque
and rapidly change the direction of steering,
causing loss of control.
• Do not trim the engine out too far or the boat
may begin to “porpoise” (bounce up and down).
Porpoising reduces control and visibility.
• If you lose control of your boat, pull back on the
throttle and trim in at the same time.
• Improper use of trim tabs or moving them down
at high speeds can cause an accident or injury.
BEFORE GETTING
UNDER WAY
Safety Equipment
Federal and local laws require certain safety
equipment to be on-board at all times.
Responsible boaters carry additional equipment
in case of emergency.
Float Plan
Complete a float plan before departure and leave
it with a reliable person who is aware of your
intentions while on the water. In case of
emergency or if you do not return as planned, this
information can be helpful to the USCG or others
in rescuing or contacting you. For more
information on float plans or to download a float
plan form, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
website at:
http://www.floatplan.uscgaux.info.
The following checks are essential to safe boating
and must be performed before starting the engine
or getting under way. Perform these checks every
time you operate your boat so they become
routine.
Never launch the boat or leave the safety of the
dock if any problem is found during the
pre-departure safety check. A problem could lead
to an accident during the outing, causing severe
injury or death. Have any problems corrected
before proceeding:
• Check the current and forecasted weather
reports, as well as wind and water conditions.
• Make sure the operator is qualified to operate
the boat and does not use drugs or alcohol
while at the helm.
• Make sure all required safety equipment is
on-board.