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Table Of Contents
www.SkeeterBoats.com
BOATING SAFETY
CRUISING LIMITATIONS (Cont.)
HAZARD INFORMATION
WATER-SKIING
NIGHT OPERATION
• Leave a “float plan” with a responsible person on shore. Tell where you plan to go and when you
plan to arrive, and provide a description of your boat. Advise this person if your plans change and
also when you arrive to prevent false alarms. A sample float plan is included in this manual.
• Never start the engine or let it run for any length of time in an enclosed area. Exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that may cause death within a short time. Always
operate the boat in an open area.
• Do not use the reverse function to slow down or stop the boat as it could cause you to lose control,
be ejected, or impact the steering wheel or other parts of the boat. This could increase the risk of
serious injury. It could also damage the shift mechanism.
• Reverse can be used to slow down or stop during slow-speed maneuvering, such as when docking.
Once the engine is idling, shift to reverse and gradually increase engine speed. Make sure that
there are no obstacles or people behind you before shifting into reverse.
• Stop the engine and remove the clip from the engine stop switch before removing any debris or
weeds which may have collected around the propeller.
• Some Skeeter boats are equipped to tow a waterskier, using the tow cleat or ski pylon provided.
• It is the boat operator’s responsibility to be alert to the safety of the water-skier and others. Know
and follow all state and local water-skiing regulations in effect for the waters in which you will be
operating.
• The following are some important considerations for minimizing risks while water-skiing.
• The skier should wear an approved PFD, preferably a brightly colored one so boat operators can
see the skier.
• The skier should wear protective clothing. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into
body cavities as a result of falling into the water or while reboarding. The skier should wear a wetsuit
bottom or clothing that provides equivalent protection. Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven,
sturdy, and snug-fitting apparel such as denim, but does not include spandex or similar fabrics like
those used in bicycle shorts.
• A second person should be on board in a rearfacing seat as a spotter to watch the skier; in most
states it is required by law. Let the skier direct the operator’s control of speed and direction with
hand signals.
When using your boat before dawn or after dusk, you must have both bow and stern lights operating.
When at anchor in the dark, the stern light must be lit. See Section 6 for more information.
