Moomba Craz, Owner'S Manual

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13
© 2016 Skier’s Choice, Inc.
Both Vessels
• If you attach the towline to a fitting, be sure the fitting
is fastened with a through bolt and is reinforced on the
underside.
• Creating a bridle with a line around the hull or superstructure
will distribute the load over a wide area; pad pressure points.
This technique can be used on both the towing and towed
boat.
• Keep lines clear of propellers on both boats.
• Keep hands and feet clear of the other boat.
• Never hold a towline after it is pulled taut.
PERSON OVERBOARD
• Immediately sound an alarm and keep pointing to the person
overboard.
• Throw a life preserver even if the person is wearing a PFD. It
will serve as a marker.
• Immediately stop or slow the boat, then circle toward the
victim.
• Keep person overboard on helm side so operator has the
person constantly in sight.
• Approach from downwind and move alongside into the
wind for pickup.
• When almost alongside, stop the engine in gear to prevent
dangerous propeller “windmilling.”
• As part of your emergency plan, consider what to do if
you were alone and fell overboard (e.g., wear PFD, keep
signal device in PFD, attach emergency stop switch lanyard
to yourself).
DROWNING
• Swim to rescue a drowning victim only as a last resort.
• Immediate resuscitation is critical! At least two people on
board should be certified in CPR.
• Keep the victim warm.
• Use care in handling. Spinal injury may exist if the victim
fell overboard.
• Signal for help.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
• In an emergency, you may be far from professional medical
assistance. Be prepared. Take a first aid course, and carry a
first aid kit. Be aware of special conditions that may affect
anyone on board.
LEAKS
• Immediately switch on bilge pumps.
• Assign crew to operate manual pumps, if needed.
• If boat is taking on water, have someone take the helm while
you manage damage control.
• Slow or stop to minimize inflow. However, if you can keep a
hole above water by maintaining speed, do so.
• If possible, patch the outside with whatever material is
available.
TOWING
PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD
Towing or being towed stresses the boats, hardware and lines.
Failure of any part can seriously injure people or damage the
boat.
A recreational boat towing another is usually a last resort
because of possible damage to one or both boats. The Coast
Guard or a private salvage company is better equipped. A
recreational boat may assist by standing by, and possibly
keeping the disabled boat’s bow at a proper angle until help
arrives. Only when conditions are ideal—that is, waters are calm,
disabled boat is small, and one or both skippers know correct
technique—should a recreational boat tow another.
TOWING (continued)
Towing Vessel
• Be sure your boat will not run aground too.
• Because you are maneuverable and the grounded boat is not,
you should pass the towline to the grounded boat.
• Use double-braided or braid-on-braid line. Never use three
strand twisted nylon; it has too much elasticity and can snap
back dangerously.
• Fasten the towline as far forward as possible on the upwind or
up-current side of the towing boat. Fastening it to the stern
will restrict maneuverability of the towing boat.
• If possible, use a bridle.
• Move slowly to prevent sudden strain on slack line.
• Be ready to cast loose or cut the line if the towing
situation becomes hazardous.
Vessel Being Towed
• Attach the towline to the bow eye.
• If the boat has eyebolts in the transom for pulling skiers, a
towline may be attached to a small bridle hooked to both
eyebolts.
• If it is necessary to be towed after being freed, keep someone
at the wheel to steer.