54
HEAD SYSTEMS
In 1972 (amended 1987) Congress enacted the Clean Water Act.
This law addresses a wide spectrum of water pollution problems, in-
cluding marine sewage from boats in navigable U.S. waters. The law
provides for “no discharge” by boats operated within three miles of
shore, in enclosed lakes and reservoirs or in rivers not capable of in-
terstate navigation. States may apply to the EPA to have other waters
declared “no discharge” if discharge of sewage would be harmful.
Therefore boats with toilets must be equipped with operable, Coast
Guard approved Marine Sanitation Device (MSD). These are designed
to either hold sewage for pump out ashore or discharge beyond the
three mile limit or treat the sewage to Federal standards prior to dis-
charge. Check with your local authorities or Coast Guard for any rules
which apply to the area where you do your boating.
In order to comply with the Clean Water Act, in addition to the dis-
charge seacock being kept closed, the key must be removed from the
pumpout switch (Gamefish 29) or the door to the head should be kept
locked (Gamefish 25 and 27) when operating the boat in a no-
discharge zone. Failure to follow these rules may lead to a citation if
boarded by the Coast Guard or other law enforcement agency.
All systems use fresh water only for flush and fill. The Fresh Wa-
ter pump switch on the helm panel must be on in order to use the
head system, and adequate water level must be maintained in the
freshwater tank.
The Gamefish 29 is equipped with a Dometic Sealand Vacuflush head
system. Be sure to read the literature that came with the head system
before using it. It uses a powerful vacuum to remove waste from the
toilet and deposit it in a holding tank. There is a deck plate installed on
the starboard gunwale beside the cockpit marked “Waste”- most mari-
nas and some municipalities can empty your holding tank through this
fitting. In areas where discharge is allowed, waste can be pumped
overboard. A key switch in the console operates this pump. Be sure
that the seacock is in the open position before operating the pump.
Damage to the pump could result if the seacock is closed. The vac-
uum created by pumping out the tank tends to slow the process. To
speed things up a bit, turn off the rocker switch that controls the vac-
uum generator and open the ball valve by depressing the flush lever
occasionally while operating the pumpout.
The Gamefish 25 and 27 models are equipped with a compact gravity
flush toilet with an integral holding tank. This system uses fresh water
also, so the freshwater pump must be on to flush the system. Waste is
removed either through the deck pumpout fitting or by overboard dis-
charge (where permitted).
11
COLLISIONS
If you are involved in a collision with another boat or a stationary ob-
ject (reef, sandbar, bridge, pier, etc.), first check everyone aboard for
injuries and then inspect your boat for damage.
Attempt to plug any holes you find.
If the boat is taking on water, have everyone put on their PFDs.
Signal for help.
WEATHER
STORMS
Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous. The best advice for
boaters in bad weather is to
STAY HOME
. Check with local weather
stations, the U.S. Coast Guard, or National Weather Service broad-
casts for the latest conditions. (162.4-162.55 MHz) It is recommended
to check the weather not only before but periodically while you are
boating, as weather conditions can change rapidly. If a storm ap-
proaches,
return to port or seek safe harbor immediately.
make sure all persons aboard are wearing a PFD.
reduce your speed and head into the wind as much as possible.
When a lightning storm ad-
vances certain safety precau-
tions should be taken. Dock the
boat and seek shelter on land.
If this is not possible seek ref-
uge inside the boat until the
storm has passed. Stay out of
the water! Lightning will seek a ground when it strikes and may pass
through metal components if it hits your boat. Avoid contact with metal
parts of the boat under these conditions.
FOG
If you encounter fog, set a course using your GPS or compass and
navigational chart. Reduce your speed. Have everyone aboard act as
lookouts to prevent collisions. Sound your horn intermittently to warn
others of your presence. You must also listen for signals from other
boaters in the area.