PURSUIT OS 325 OFFSHORE, Owner'S Manual

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Operation
10-9
Section 10
OS 325
Collision
If your boat is involved in a collision with
another boat, dock, piling or a sandbar, your
first priority is to check passengers for inju-
ries and administer first aid if necessary.
Once all passengers’ situations are stabi-
lized, thoroughly inspect the boat for dam-
age. Check below decks for leaks and all
control systems for proper operation. Plug
all leaks or make the necessary repairs to
the control systems before proceeding.
Operate slowly and carefully, but take all
necessary precautions to be safe. Request
assistance if necessary. Haul the boat and
make a thorough inspection of the hull, lower
unit and control system for damage.
10.9 Grounding, Towing and
Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a
vessel to render assistance to any individual
or vessel in distress, as long as his vessel is
not endangered in the process.
If the boat should become disabled, or if
another craft that is disabled requires assis-
tance, be careful. The stress applied to a
boat during towing can become excessive.
Excessive stress can damage the structure
and create a safety hazard for all onboard.
Freeing a grounded vessel, or towing a dis-
abled boat requires specialized equipment
and knowledge. Line failure and structural
damage caused by improper towing have
resulted in fatal injuries. To safely accom-
plish the towing task, we recommend this to
be reserved for those with the right equip-
ment and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast
Guard or a commercial towing company.
The mooring cleats or bow/stern eyes on
Pursuit boats are not designed or intended
to be used for towing or lifting. These cleats
are designed as mooring cleats for securing
the boat to a dock, pier, etc. only. DO NOT
use these fittings for towing, lifting or
attempting to free a grounded vessel.
When towing operations are underway, have
everyone on both vessels stay clear of the
tow line and surrounding area. DO NOT
allow anyone to be in line with the tow rope;
a dangerous, recoil can occur if the rope
should break or pull free.
Running aground can cause serious injury to
passengers and damage the boat and its
underwater gear.
If your boat runs aground, evaluate the dam-
age, then proceed at low speed to the near-
est service facility and have an immediate
inspection made before further use. A dam-
aged boat can also take on water; keep all
life saving devices close while heading to a
dock area. If the boat cannot be immediately
removed from the water, thoroughly inspect
the bilge area for leaks.
Flooding or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become
flooded or completely swamped. Always be
aware of the position of the boat to the seas
and the amount of water in the bilge. Water
entering the boat over the transom can usu-
ally be corrected by turning the boat into the
waves. If the bilge is flooding because of a
hole in the hull, the engine bracket or a
defective hose, you may be able to plug it
with rags, close the thru-hull valve or assist
the pumps by bailing with buckets. Put a
mayday call into the Coast Guard or nearby
boats and distribute life jackets as soon as
you discover your boat is in trouble.
If the boat becomes swamped and capsizes,
you and your passengers should stay with
the boat as long as you can. It is much eas-
ier for the Coast Guard, aircraft, or other
boats to spot, than people in the water.
Transporting your Boat
Your Pursuit boat is a large boat and should
only be trailered by professionals with the
right equipment and knowledge to transport
large boats without causing damage. Con-
tact your dealer or the Pursuit Customer
Relations Department if you are planning to
transport your boat and have any questions
in regard to the proper equipment and sup-
port for the hull.