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G
E N E R A L
I
N F O R M A T I O N
3–5
S
HALLOW
W
ATER
Most boats that become grounded can be floated off with motor(s) tilted to reduce the draft at
the transom. With motors tilted, try rocking the boat from side to side to break the suction of mud
from the keel. Move passengers or heavy objects from the point where the boat is grounded. Do
not lower or start the engines until the boat is clear of the ground. Refer to page 53 in
Sportfish,
Cruisers, and Yachts Owner’s Manual
.
Be mindful of water level fluctuations when boating in water with tidal changes. If you are
grounded on an incoming tide, wait until the tide is high enough to refloat your boat. However, on
an outgoing tide, quick action should be taken to refloat your boat. If this is not possible, set an
anchor to keep the boat from becoming driven further aground; set the anchor to counter the
action of the wind or current. The anchor, in some cases, can also be used to pull the boat free.
Many inland areas have rocks and stumps which could crack or puncture a fiberglass hull. Be
familiar with the boating area, and use caution in shallow water.
A
NCHORING
Some factors that determine the size and type of anchor most suitable for your boat include
the size of your boat and the type of lake, sea, or river bottom in your boating area. See page 46 in
Sportfish, Cruisers, and Yachts Owner’s Manual
for more information on anchoring.
W
INDLASS
Anchoring can be less laborious if your boat has a windlass accessory. If your boat is equipped
with a windlass, reference your windlass Operation Manual for instructions.
C A U T I O N
Do not lower or start engines if the propeller is in mud or sand. Wait until the boat is refloated to
avoid damage to the cooling system of your engine.
N O T I C E
It is illegal to tie your boat to navigational aids such as buoys and markers.
W A R N I N G
Never anchor off the stern of the boat especially in strong winds or currents. The weight of the
stern and flat surface to the seas can easily cause water to enter over the transom and swamp the
boat.
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