Sea Ray 320 Sundancer, Owner'S Manual

Page: 19 / 198

1.7
S
ECTION
1 • S
AFETY
320 Sundancer
®
(355 Sundancer
®
)
Distribute passengers and gear as uniformly as
possible from front to rear and left to right.
The manufacturer’s load rating is the maximum
allowed under calm conditions.
Reduce boat loading if weather, water or other
conditions are adverse.
! WARNING
Death or serious injury can result if you fail to observe
these safety rules:
• Anyone who controls the boat must have
taken a boating safety course and have
trained in the proper operation of the
boat.
• Always operate the boat at speeds that
will not put people or property in danger.
• Be constantly aware of conditions in all
directions when underway and before
turning.
• Reduce speed, use a lookout to identify
possible hazards or difficulties, and turn
on navigation lights when:
- visibility is impaired;
- in rough water; and
- in congested waterways.
• Watch your wake. It can capsize a small
boat or damage moored boats or other
property. You are responsible for damage
caused by your wake.
! WARNING
A
. G
ENERAL
C
ONSIDERATIONS
• Know how your boat handles under different
conditions. Recognize your limitations and the
boat’s limitations. Modify speed in keeping with
weather, sea and traffic conditions.
12. M
AINTAIN
C
ONTROL
On the water there are no marked traffic lanes, no
traffic signs or lights, and boats have no turn signals.
The boat operator must keep her or his attention
focused not only on what’s ahead but what’s on the
left, right and behind the boat.
The operator must always be alert to approaching
boats (from the rear, right and left sides, as well as
those ahead). There can be people in the water,
partially submerged debris, and other navigational
hazards such as rocks, sand bars, dangerous
currents, to name a few.
Your passengers are relying on you to operate and
maneuver the boat safely so that they are not in
danger of going overboard. If you turn to quickly,
increase or decrease speed abruptly, your
passengers are at risk of being thrown overboard
or thrown about the boat.
When visibility becomes impaired because of
weather, time of day or high bow angle you must
slow down so that you have sufficient time to react
if an emergency occurs. Nearby boats face similar
risks in avoiding a collision with you.
11. S
TABILITY
Your boat was manufactured to specific stability and
flotation standards for the capacity shown on the
certification plate. Any increase from the
recommended load capacities will put your boat in
jeopardy of capsizing, swamping and/or sinking.
I
N ADDITION
:
• Stability may be substantially reduced if
equipment is added above the deck.
• Stability is substantially reduced by loose fluids
or weight within the hull. Keep bilge area as dry
as possible, and close all openings, hatches and
windows in rough weather.
It is advisable to carry an extra propeller aboard in
case you damage the one in use.