Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR, Owner'S Manual

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Section 7
7-2
Cruiser
• Make all passengers aware of safety
procedures.
• File a float plan.
• Have all required documents on-board.
• Have all maps or navigational charts for the
intended destination on-board.
• Be sure all passengers are properly seated.
• Be sure the boat is not overloaded.
• Check the engine emergency stop switch
lanyard for proper installation and operation.
• Be sure the fire extinguisher is fully charged.
• Check bilge drain plugs for proper installation.
• Be sure all water has been pumped from the
bilge area.
• Have plenty of emergency food and water
on-board.
• Check the bilge blower (if equipped) for proper
operation, and be sure no fumes are present in
the bilge area.
• Be sure all required equipment is on-board
(mooring lines, anchor lines, tool kit, etc.).
• Be sure you have enough fuel for the return trip.
• Check all compartments for fuel fumes.
• Check that no fuel, oil or water is leaking or has
leaked into the bilge compartment.
• Check all hoses and connections for leakage
and damage.
• Check the hull and propeller for damage.
• Check the engine cooling water intake pickup
for blockage.
• Check that batteries are fully charged and the
battery terminals are clean and tight.
• Check the electrical systems and navigation
lights for proper operation.
• Be sure no person or obstacle is near the
propeller.
• Check that the throttle/shift control is in the
NEUTRAL position.
• Check the steering system for proper operation.
• Check that all required maintenance has been
performed.
Boarding
Helpful guidelines when boarding a boat:
• Always step, rather than jump, into a boat.
• Avoid stepping on fiberglass or other potentially
slippery surfaces.
• Always board one person at a time.
• Never board while carrying gear. Set the gear
on the dock, board the boat and then pick up
the gear.
• Never use the engine unit as a boarding ramp.
• It is courteous to always ask for permission to
board so the owner/operator is aware of your
presence on the boat.
Boat Loading
The safety and performance of your boat
depends on load, weight and the distribution of
each.
The person/load capacity is determined by the
USCG. A capacity plate is usually located within
clear visibility of the boat operator or helm area.
The capacity plate indicates limits for loading the
boat, which are enforceable by law.
WARNING! NEVER exceed the USCG certified
maximum capacities under any
circumstances. Exceeding the limitations
stated on the capacity plate can cause the
boat to sink or the passengers and/or
operator to drown, resulting in death or
serious injury.
• Board passengers one at a time and distribute
them equally to maintain equal buoyancy of the
boat.
• Distribute weight equally from port to starboard
and fore to aft. The shifting of weight may be
required when under way to maintain an
efficient trim position for optimum performance.
• Stow and secure all loose gear in stowage
areas to prevent load shifting.
• Do not stow gear on top of safety equipment;
safety equipment must be quickly accessible.
• In adverse weather, reduce the load in the boat.
Person and load capacity ratings are calculated
for normal boating conditions.