12
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL
The CENTAUR may sink if filled with water. If water
starts entering the vehicle, head to the nearest shore
immediately. Be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it
appears that the vehicle will fill with water before you
reach the shore. Be especially cautious when operating
a loaded vehicle (cargo and/or passengers) in water.
Observe the capacity limits.
Centaur vehicles are self-propelled, amphibious vehicles, ca-
pable of navigating calm water, provided the following pre-
cautions are observed:
1. Do not enter water if the vehicle is overloaded. Refer to
Section 1.4 of this manual for recommended load capac-
ity in water.
2. Do not use seat belts or any passenger restraining device
while operating the Centaur in water. If an emergency
arises, you and your passengers may have to leave the
vehicle quickly.
3. Do not attempt to cross large bodies of water. Stay close
to the shore in case an emergency arises and you have to
leave the water.
4. Do not attempt to navigate any body of water with a strong
current. Avoid water operation under windy conditions.
5. Use extra caution when operating the Centaur in cold
water. If the vehicle upsets or swamps, exposure in cold
water significantly reduces the chance of survival.
6. Be prepared to adjust the position of cargo and passen-
gers so the vehicle floats level.
7. Care must be taken when encountering submerged ob-
stacles that may upset the vehicle.
Observe the following safety precautions BEFORE entering
the water:
1. All occupants must wear an approved personal flotation
device (PFD) or life jacket while traveling in water.
2. Equip the vehicle with a paddle and bailing can. Optional
bilge pump kits (Part No. 849-146) are available from
your Centaur dealer and are recommended for water op-
eration.
3. Lift the rear floor pan and make sure both drain plugs in
the rear of the lower body are in place and properly tight-
ened. Alternatively, you can check on the outside of the
vehicle, at the rear, to ensure the drain plugs are securely
in place. To install, seat the rubber portion of the drain
plug properly in the lower body hole and push the lever
down to lock plug in place (Figure 5-1). Check that the
plug is firmly in place. To tighten the drain plug, lift the
lever up and turn the lever clockwise until it is snug when
the lever is pushed down. Replace worn or inoperative
drain plugs with Part No. 100-18.
Figure 5-1. Tightening and locking the drain plugs
4. Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts,
punctures or holes that will allow water to enter the vehi-
cle.
5. Make sure that any cargo in the rear of the vehicle is
evenly distributed.
6. Periodically inspect the fit of the axle housings to the
lower body to ensure they are water tight. If there are
signs of water leaking into the lower body, take correc-
tive action before entering water again.
Always observe the recognized rules of boating while
traveling in water.
5.6.1 Entering the Water
The point of entry should be free of rocks, stumps and other
obstacles. Enter the water from a firm, gradual slope when-
ever possible. With the wheels partially submerged but still
in contact with the bottom, stop and check thoroughly for
water entering the lower body.
If a leak is detected, drive back onto shore. Drain the vehicle
and repair the leak before re-entering the water.
Summary of Contents for Centaur V2001DT
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