Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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10.6 Controls, Steering, or
Propulsion System Failure:
If the propulsion, control or steering system fails
while you are operating the boat, bring both
throttles to idle and shift to neutral. Decide whether
you need to put out the anchor to prevent the boat
from drifting or to hold the bow into the seas.
Investigate and correct the problem if you can. Turn
the engine(s) off before going into the engine
compartment to make repairs. If you are unable to
correct the problem, call for help.
If only one engine has failed, you can usually run
home on the other engine. Be careful not to apply
too much power to the engine that is running. When
only one engine is used to power a twin engine
boat, that engine is over propped and can be
overloaded if too much throttle is applied. You
should contact your dealer or the engine
manufacturer for the maximum power settings when
running on one engine.
10.7 Collision
If your boat is involved in a collision with another
boat, dock, piling or a sandbar, your first priority is
to check your passengers for injuries and administer
first aid if necessary. Once your passengers
situations are stabilized, thoroughly inspect the boat
for damage. Check below decks for leaks and the
control systems for proper operation. Plug all leaks
or make the necessary repairs to the control
systems before proceeding slowly and carefully to
port. Request assistance if necessary. Haul the boat
and make a thorough inspection of the hull and
running gear for damage.
10.8 Grounding, Towing and
Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel
to render assistance to any individual or vessel in
distress, as long as his vessel is not endangered in
the process.
If the boat should become disabled, or if another
craft that is disabled requires assistance, great care
must be taken. The stress applied to a boat during
towing may become excessive. Excessive stress can
damage the structure of the boat and create a
safety hazard for those aboard.
Freeing a grounded vessel, or towing a boat that is
disabled, requires specialized equipment and
knowledge. Line failure and structural damage
caused by improper towing have resulted in fatal
injuries. Because of this, we strongly suggest that
these activities be left to those who have the
equipment and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast
Guard or a commercial towing company, to safely
accomplish the towing task.
10.9 Flooding, or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become flooded
or completely swamped. You must always be aware
of the position of the boat to the seas and the
amount of water in the bilge. Water entering the
boat through the transom door or over the stern
gunnels can usually be corrected by closing the door
and turning the boat into the waves. If the bilge is
flooding because of a hole in the hull or a defective
hose, you may be able to plug it with rags, close the
thru-hull valve or assist the pumps by bailing with
buckets. Put a mayday call in to the Coast Guard or
nearby boats and distribute life jackets as soon as
you discover your boat is in trouble.
If the boat becomes swamped and capsizes, you
and your passengers should stay with the boat as
long as you can. It is much easier for the Coast
Guard, aircraft, or other boats to spot, than people
in the water. If your boat is equipped with an
EPIRB, make sure it is activated. When activated,
EPIRBs will send distress code homing beacons that
allow Coast Guard aircraft to identify your boat and
find you quickly.
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