XCAT Sail, Owner'S Manual

Page: 5 / 68

Introduction and important notes
Manual XCAT Sail Page 5 Edition: 05/2023
Before operating the XCAT, check all components for possible damage.
Always pull the forestay completely tight when sailing to prevent the
bowsprit from coming loose from its mount. Do not line or other objects
hang away from the boat while sailing - there is a risk of getting caught on
bushes or rocks. Avoid unnecessary grounding. Never drag the boat over
rocks.
Avoid the risk of injury by making sure that all passengers have legs and arms
on the boat before docking and casting off. Learn to handle the boat in a
variety of situations. Give your passengers an introduction to how to handle
the boat so they can leave control of the boat to another passenger in case
of an emergency. Inform a person on shore of destination and planned
return.
The maximum recommended payload of 240 kg and the recommended
number of maximum 3 persons must not be exceeded. Regardless of the
number of people on board, the total weight of people and equipment must
never exceed the recommended maximum payload. Loading must always be
done carefully, distributing the loads appropriately to maintain the design
trim.
Protect yourself and, if necessary, your crew by wearing appropriate life
jackets/ buoyancy aids and cold weather protective clothing. Take into
account that in some countries there are legal requirements to wear
buoyancy aids that comply with national rules at all times. If you are sailing
the XCAT alone and unattended in waters whose shore you cannot reach by
swimming, you should, if necessary, connect yourself to the XCAT with a
suitable rubber line (e.g. 6 m long and 5 mm thick). Do not sail alone below
10° Celsius water temperature! Do not use a fixed line to attach yourself to
the XCAT. There is a DANGER OF LIFE if the boat capsizes!
Observe the traffic regulations: You always participate in water traffic with
your XCAT, even if you use it for your recreational pleasure. Water traffic is
regulated by ordinances, which differ according to the area of application.
Machine-driven vehicles (motorboats, personal watercraft) are required to
give way to sailing vessels. Muscle-powered vehicles without their own boat
drive (paddlers, pedal boats, rowing boats) are required to give way to
sailing vessels. So always check which XCAT model option you are currently
using and who you are obligated to yield to. But forcing right of way is
forbidden! Therefore, give way yourself in time with the " Last Minute
Maneuver". Commercial shipping always has the right of way! In the inland
and coastal area, it is generally valid that vehicles of the professional