Sea Ray 44 Sedan Bridge, Owner'S Manual

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1.9
S
ECTION
1 • S
AFETY
44 Sedan Bridge ( 455 Sedan Bridge )
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 44 DB 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
and remain there until the storm passes.
• Lightning seeks a ground when it strikes. The
best protection is a properly grounded lightning
rod placed high enough over the deck to provide
a protective umbrella over the hull. Depending
upon the likelyhood of your being in a lightning
storm, consult your dealer for installation of a
lightning rod. Stay clear of the lightning rod, all
attached wiring and all metal parts of the boat.
• Stay out of the water during a lightning storm. If
caught swimming during a storm, get back into
the boat and remain there until the storm
passes.
13. C
HART
Y
OUR
C
OURSE
To avoid boating in unsafe areas where there are
underwater obstructions, shallow water,
unnavigable conditions such as dangerous
currents, and others,
you must chart a course.
This means having and using the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charts for
coastal waters, observing and understanding all
navigational aids, using the knowledge and guidance
of experienced boaters, and being aware of the tide
times where appropriate.
If you are in an unfamiliar area without knowledge
of the hazards, proceed very slowly and have
someone watch for hazards.