Sea Ray 320 Sundancer, Owner'S Manual

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1.8
S
ECTION
1 • S
AFETY
320 Sundancer
®
(355 Sundancer
®
)
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOAT IN
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR
GET TO SHORE BEFORE
THE WEATHER TURNS BAD
! DANGER
13. W
EATHER
There are four design categories of boats based
upon their ability to withstand wind and sea or water
conditions:
A. Ocean
Wind speed: above 40 knots (46 mph)
Wave height: above 4 meters (13 feet)
Boat may be used for extended ocean
voyages.
B. Offshore
Maximum wind speed: 40 knots (46 mph)
Maximum wave height: 4 meters (13 feet)
Boat can be used offshore, but not for
extended ocean voyages.
C. Inshore
Maximum wind speed: 27 knots (31 mph)
Maximum wave height: 2 meters (6.5 feet)
Boat use is limited to coastal waters, large
bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers.
D. Sheltered waters
Maximum wind speed: 15 knots (18 mph)
Maximum wave height: 0.5 meters (1.5 feet)
Boat use is limited to small lakes, rivers and
canals.
Your 320 Sundancer
®
is Design Category B.
The wind speed and wave height specified as the
upper limit for your category of boat does
not mean
that you or your passengers can survive if your boat
is exposed to these conditions. It is only the most
experienced operators and crew that may be able
to operate a boat safely under these conditions. You
must always be aware of weather conditions and
head for port or protected waters in sufficient time
to avoid being caught in high winds and rough water.
Do not take chances!
Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous. Bad
weather and/or rough sea or water conditions can
cause an unsafe situation. Consult local weather
information, or listen to the NOAA weather reports
for the latest weather conditions or any impending
deterioration of the weather before setting out and
while underway. Following are a few basic weather-
related rules:
• Check the weather forecast and the water
conditions before leaving and while underway.
• A sudden change in wind direction or speed or
an increase in wave height indicates
deteriorating weather.
• Have everyone wear a personal flotation device.
• If a storm approaches, immediately seek a safe
harbor.
• If a storm hits, have everyone sit in the cabin or
on the cockpit deck in the boat. Head the bow
into the wind with enough power to maintain
slow headway.
• If you encounter fog, determine your position,
set a safe course, slow down and alert other
boats of your presence with a sound signal.
• If a lightning storm approaches, the safest action
is to dock and disembark. If you cannot return
to shore, have passengers go
inside the cabin
• Instruct passengers on location and use of
safety equipment and procedures.
• Instruct passengers on the fundamentals of
operating your boat in case you are unable to
do so.
• You are responsible for passenger’s actions. If
they place themselves or the boat in danger,
immediately correct them.
Observe the safety rules listed below.