Scout Boats 350 LXF Owner'S Manual Download Page 109

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109

Operation

WARNING

DANGER

12.6 Controls, Steering, or

Propulsion System Failure:

If the propulsion, control or steering system fails

while you are operating the boat, bring the throt-

tles to idle and shift to neutral. Decide whether

you need to put out the anchor to prevent the boat

from drifting or to hold the bow into the seas. In-

vestigate and correct the problem if you can. Turn

the engine off before opening the engine cowling

to make repairs. If you are unable to correct the

problem, call for help.

If only one engine has failed, you can usually run

home on the other engine. Be careful not to ap-

ply too much power to the engine that is running.

When only one engine is used to power a twin

engine boat, that engine is over propped and can

be overloaded if too much throttle is applied. You

should contact your dealer or the engine manu-

facturer for the maximum power settings when

running without one engine.

12.7 Collision

If your boat is involved in a collision with another

boat, dock, piling or a sandbar, your first priority is

to check your passengers for injuries and admin-

ister first aid if necessary. Once your passenger’s

situations are stabilized, thoroughly inspect the

boat for damage. Check below decks for leaks and

the control systems for proper operation. Plug all

leaks or make the necessary repairs to the control

systems before proceeding slowly and carefully to

port. Request assistance if necessary. Haul the

boat and make a thorough inspection of the hull

and running gear for damage.

12.8 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 assistance, great

care must be taken. The stress applied to a boat

during towing may become excessive. Excessive

stress can damage the structure of the boat and

create a safety hazard for those aboard.

Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that

is disabled requires specialized equipment and

knowledge. Line failure and structural damage

caused by improper towing have resulted in fatal

injuries. Because of this, we strongly suggest

that these activities be left to those who have the

equipment and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast

Guard or a commercial towing company, to safely

accomplish the towing task.

THE MOORING CLEATS ON SCOUT BOATS ARE NOT DESIGNED
OR INTENDED TO BE USED FOR TOWING PURPOSES. THESE
CLEATS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AS MOORING CLEATS
FOR SECURING THE BOAT TO A DOCK, PIER, ETC. DO NOT
USE THESE FITTINGS FOR TOWING OR ATTEMPTING TO FREE
A GROUNDED VESSEL.

WHEN TOWING OPERATIONS ARE UNDERWAY, HAVE
EVERYONE ABOARD BOTH VESSELS STAY CLEAR OF THE TOW
LINE AND SURROUNDING AREA. A TOW LINE THAT SHOULD
BREAK WHILE UNDER STRESS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS,
AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

RUNNING AGROUND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO
PASSENGERS AND DAMAGE TO A BOAT AND ITS UNDERWATER
GEAR. IF YOUR BOAT SHOULD BECOME GROUNDED,
DISTRIBUTE PERSONAL FLOTATION  DEVICES AND INSPECT
THE BOAT FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE.  THOROUGHLY INSPECT
THE BILGE AREA FOR SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. AN EXPERIENCED
SERVICE FACILITY SHOULD CHECK YOUR UNDERWATER
GEAR AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY. DO NOT CONTINUE TO
USE YOUR BOAT IF THE CONDITION OF THE UNDERWATER
EQUIPMENT IS QUESTIONABLE.

12.9 Flooding or Capsizing

Boats can become unstable if they become flooded

or completely swamped. You must 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 usually be corrected

by turning the boat into the waves. If the bilge is

flooding because of a hole in the hull 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 in to the Coast

Guard or nearby boats and distribute life jackets