Owner’s manual – ESQUIRE 35
DE WIT BROS Version: 2
1 of 42
1 INTRODUCTION
This manual has been compiled to help you to operate your craft with safety and
pleasure. It contains details of the craft; the equipment supplied or fitted its systems
and information of their operation. Please read it carefully, and familiarize yourself
with the craft before using it.
This owner's manual is not a course on boating safety or seamanship. If this is your
first craft, or if you are changing to a type of craft you are not familiar with, for your
own comfort and safety, please ensure that you obtain handling and operating
experience before “assuming command” of the craft. A national sailing federation or
yacht club should be pleased to advise you of local sea schools, or competent
instructors.
Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea conditions will correspond to the design
category of your craft, and that you and your crew are able to handle the craft in
these conditions.
Even when your boat is categorized for them, the sea and wind conditions
corresponding to the design categories A, B and C range from severe storm
conditions for category A, to strong conditions for the top of category C, are open to
the hazards of a freak wave or gust. These are therefore dangerous conditions, where
only a competent, fit and trained crew using a well maintained craft can satisfactorily
operate.
This owner's manual is not a detailed maintenance or trouble-shooting guide. In the
case of difficulty, refer to the boat builder or his representative. If a maintenance
manual is provided, use it for the craft's maintenance.
Always use trained and competent people for maintenance, fixing or modifications.
Modifications that may affect the safety characteristics of the craft should be
assessed, executed and documented by competent people. The boat builder cannot
be held responsible for modifications that he has not approved.
In some countries, a driving licence or authorizations are required, or specific
regulations are in force.
Always maintain your craft properly and make allowance for the deterioration that will
occur in time and as a result of heavy use or misuse of the craft.
Any craft, no matter how strong it may be, can be severely damaged if not used
properly or in a way not compatible with safe boating guidelines. Always adjust the
speed and direction of the craft according to sea conditions.
If your craft is fitted with a life raft, carefully read its operating manual. The craft
should have onboard the appropriate safety equipment (lifejackets, harness, etc.)
according to the type of craft, weather conditions, etc. This equipment is mandatory
in most countries. The crew should be familiar with the use of all safety equipment
and emergency manoeuvring (man overboard recovery, towing, etc.); sailing schools
and clubs regularly organize drill sessions.
All persons should wear a suitable buoyancy aid (life jacket/personal floatation
device) when on deck. Note that, in some countries, it is a legal requirement to wear
a buoyancy aid that complies with their national regulations at all times.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SECURE PLACE, AND HAND IT OVER
TO THE NEW OWNER IN THE CASE OF THE CRAFT BEING
SOLD/RENTED-OUT.