Carver 360 SPORT SEDAN Owner's Manual

2004

360 Sport Sedan

Owner ’s Guide

HIN - CDR

2004 Version 1

.

Carver Boat Corporation

790 Markham Drive
P.O. Box 1010
Pulaski, WI 54162-1010
USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.carveryachts.com

Robert VanGrunsven

President

Congratulations and Welcome Aboard!
This Owner’s Guide was designed to acquaint you with the safe, proper operation and

maintenance of your new boat and its systems. Your first duty as Captain of your new
Carver should be to read your Owner’s Guide and all manufacturer-supplied operating and
maintenance instructions found within your Owner’s Information kit.

Be sure to mail in all manufacturer registrations and warranty cards to validate your
Carver and OEM warranties. These warranty cards have been assembled and are contained
in the OEM information packets within your Owner’s Information kit.

If you’re new to boating, learn the proper rules of seamanship to ensure the safety of your
passengers. Refer to Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling and attend
a safe boating class offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squad­ron, or any enterprise experienced in conducting safe boating courses.

Thank you for choosing Carver. We’re confident your new boat will provide you and your
family with years of enjoyable cruising.

.

DECLARATION OF

CONFORMITY

Model Designation

360 Sport Sedan

Carver Boat Corporation declares that the 360 Sport Sedan complies with EC directive
94/25/EC, and in accordance with the following harmonized standards and the recreational
craft sectoral guidelines in effect at the time of construction.

ISO Reference (Directive) Requirement (RSG) Reference
8666 12216 8469 Annex I 3.2

12217 8849 8099 Annex V-VIII, XII 3.3
8665 11812 10088 Article 8 2.1
14945 12216 12217 2.2 2.3
15083 10087 9094 3.6 2.4
15084 14945 15085 2.5 3.1
8885 11592 11591 3.4 3.5
10240 11192 7840 3.7 3.8
8846 10133 11105 3.9 4
12215 9093 13592 5.1.1 5.1.3
9097 13297 15584 5.2.1 5.2.2
8847 8848 9775 5.3 5.4.1
10592 13929 15852 5.5 COLREGS
10239 4505

Type Examination Certification Number

Module B BCAR024

Notified Body

IMCI Robin J. Clonkey
Rue Abbe Cuypers 3 Manager Manufacturing Methods
B-1040 Bruxelles Carver Boat Corporation
Belgique 790 Markham Drive

Pulaski, WI 54162
USA

.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface .........................................................................................i

Using Your Owner’s Information Kit ...........................................i

Owner’s Guide ............................................................................. i

OEM Information ........................................................................ii

Pre-Delivery Ser vice Record ...................................................... ii

Warranty Registr ation............................................................... iii

Boating Safety .........................................................................1.0

Safe Operation ........................................................................ 1. 1

Adverse Conditions ................................................................. 1. 2

Weather .......................................................................1.2.1

Fog ...............................................................................1.2.2

Emergency Procedures ..........................................................1.3

Fire...............................................................................1.3.1

Flooding .......................................................................1.3.2

Swamped or Capsized Boat ........................................1.3.3

Collision .......................................................................1.3.4

Running Aground ......................................................... 1.3.5

Man Overboard ............................................................ 1.3.6

Medical Emergency ..................................................... 1.3.7

Equipment Failure .......................................................1.3.8

Radio Communication .................................................1.3.9

Distress Signals......................................................... 1.3.10

Safety Equipment .................................................................... 1.4

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) .............................1 .4.1

Visual Distress Signals................................................1.4.2

Sound Signaling Device ..............................................1.4.3

Running and Navigational Lights................................1. 4.4

Radar Reflectors .........................................................1.4.5

Fire Extinguishers .......................................................1.4.6

Recommended Equipment ..........................................1.4.7

Owner’s Responsibilities.........................................................1.5

Safe Boating Courses..................................................1. 5.1

Rules of the Road ........................................................1.5.2

Documentation ............................................................1.5.3

Drugs and Alcohol .......................................................1.5.4

Distress Calls...............................................................1.5.5

Voluntary Inspections.................................................1.5.6

Boating Accidents.......................................................1.5.7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Boating Regulations....................................................1.5.8

Garbage ...........................................................1.5.8.1

Oil .....................................................................1.5.8.2

Septic Waste ...................................................1.5.8.3

State and Local Ordinances ...........................1.5.8.4

Pre-Departure Actions ................................................1.5.9

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warnings ............................................1 .6

Preventing CO Exposure ............................................. 1 .6.1

Identifying CO Exposure .............................................1.6.2

Treating CO Exposure .................................................1.6.3

Warning Labels ........................................................................ 1.7

DC Electrical System ...............................................................2.0

Batteries ..................................................................................2.1

Engine Batteries.......................................................... 2 .1.1

“House” Battery ..........................................................2.1.2

Generator Battery .......................................................2.1.3

Monitoring Battery Voltage Levels .............................2.1.4

Engine Batteries.............................................. 2.1.4.1

“House” Battery ..............................................2.1.4.2

Charging the Batteries ................................................2.1.5

Engine/“House” Battery Charger ....................2.1.5.1

Generator Battery Char ger .............................2.1.5.2

Operating the 12-Volt Equipment ...........................................2.2

Safety Breaker Panel ..................................................2.2.1

Auto Bilge Pump - Forward, Mid and Aft .........2.2.1.1

Auto Sump .......................................................2.2.1.2

High Water .......................................................2.2.1.3

CO Detector .....................................................2.2.1.4

Stereo Memor y ................................................2.2.1.5

Electric Head...................................................2.2.1.6

Oil Changer ......................................................2.2.1.7

Windlass ..........................................................2.2.1.8

DC Control Center........................................................2.2.2

Voltmeter .........................................................2.2.2.1

Water Level Gauge ..........................................2.2.2.2

Grey Water Level Gauge .................................2.2.2.3

DC Main ............................................................2.2.2.4

Pressure Water Pump .....................................2.2.2.5

Washdown Pump ............................................. 2.2.2.6

Forward Waste Pump ......................................2.2.2.7

Spare ...............................................................2.2.2.8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Salon Accessories .......................................... 2.2.2.9

Wiper Port......................................................2.2.2.10

Wiper Center..................................................2.2.2.11

Wiper Starboar d ............................................2.2.2.12

DC Outlet Lower Helm ...................................2.2.2.13

Forward Stateroom Head Fan.......................2.2.2.14

Propane .........................................................2.2.2.15

Forward Stateroom Lights ............................2.2.2.16

Salon Lights ...................................................2.2.2.17

Exterior Lights............................................... 2.2.2.18

Engine Room Lights ......................................2.2.2.19

Spare .............................................................2.2.2.20

Stereo ............................................................2.2.2.21

Refrigerator ...................................................2.2.2.22

Waste Monitor Forward Stateroom...............2.2.2.23

Spare .............................................................2.2.2.24

Water Monitor ................................................2.2.2.25

Grey Water Monitor Forward .........................2.2.2.26

DVD Player Aft................................................2.2.2.27

DVD Player F orward.......................................2.2.2.28

Spare .............................................................2.2.2.29

Bilge Blower...................................................2.2.2.30

Generator.......................................................2.2.2.31

Bridge Breaker Panel ..................................................2.2.3

System DC Main...............................................2.2.3.1

Spotlight ..........................................................2.2.3.2

Exterior Lights................................................. 2.2.3.3

Panel Lights .....................................................2.2.3.4

Navigation Lights ............................................ 2.2.3.5

Spare ...............................................................2.2.3.6

Fuel Transfer Pump .........................................2.2.3.7

Spare ...............................................................2.2.3.8

Bilge Blower (1 - 4) ..........................................2.2.3.9

Spare .............................................................2.2.3.10

Trim Tabs .......................................................2.2.3.11

DC Outlet Bridge ............................................2.2.3.12

Bridge Accessories ....................................... 2.2.3.13

Horn ...............................................................2.2.3.14

Radar .............................................................2.2.3.15

VHF Radio ......................................................2.2.3.16

GPS/LORAN ....................................................2.2.3.17

Plotter ............................................................2.2.3.18

Depth Sounder ............................................... 2.2.3.19

Auto Pilot .......................................................2.2.3.20

Spare .............................................................2.2.2.21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Battery Maintenance .............................................................. 2.3

Troubleshooting the DC Electrical System ............................2 .4

DC Wiring Schematic...............................................................2.5

AC Electrical System ...............................................................3.0

System Organization ............................................................... 3.1

Wiring System .............................................................3.1.1

AC Power Sources...................................................................3.2

Shore Power ................................................................3.2.1

Generator Power ......................................................... 3.2.2

Operating AC Equipment.........................................................3.3

AC Control Center........................................................3.3.1

Shore #1 and #2 Voltmeters ...........................3.3.1.1

Shore #1 and #2 Safe Indicators ....................3.3.1.2

Shore #1 and #2

Polarity Reverse Indicators ............................3.3.1.3

Shore #1 and #2 Ammeters ............................3.3.1.4

Shore #1 and #2 Main .....................................3.3.1.5

Receptacles One ............................................. 3.3.1.6

Receptacles Two ............................................3.3.1.7

Range...............................................................3.3.1.8

Microwave .......................................................3.3.1.9

Water Heater .................................................3.3.1.10

Coffee Maker .................................................3.3.1.11

Battery Charger 1..........................................3.3.1.12

Battery Charger 2..........................................3.3.1.13

Icemaker........................................................3.3.1.14

Central Vacuum .............................................3.3.1.15

Spare .............................................................3.3.1.16

A/C System Water Pump................................3.3.1.17

A/C Unit Forward Stateroom .........................3.3.1.18

A/C Unit Salon ................................................3.3.1.19

Spare .............................................................3.3.1.20

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters ...........................................3.4

GFCI Receptacle Locations ........................................3.4.1

Testing GFCI Receptacles .......................................... 3.4.2

Electrical Loads ...................................................................... 3.5

Bonding System ......................................................................3. 6

Troubleshooting the AC Electrical System ............................3. 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AC Wiring Schematic ...............................................................3.8

Internal Systems......................................................................4.0

Air Conditioning System..........................................................4.1

Producing Heat ............................................................ 4.1.1

Powering the Air Conditioning ....................................4.1 .2

Fresh Water System ................................................................4.2

Filling the Water Tank .................................................4.2.1

Pressurizing and Priming the Water System..............4.2.2

Using the Water System .............................................4.2.3

Water Heater ...................................................4.2.3.1

Shower and Sinks ...........................................4.2.3.2

Transom and Hand Shower.............................4.2.3.3

Fresh Water Washdowns.................................4.2.3.4

Shore Water.................................................................4.2.4

Raw Water Washdowns...........................................................4 .3

Bilge System............................................................................4.4

Bilge Pump Operation .................................................4.4. 1

Automatic Operation .......................................4.4.1.1

Manual Operation ............................................4.4.1.2

Hull Drain .....................................................................4.4.2

Sanitation System...................................................................4.5

Toilet............................................................................4.5.1

Emptying the Waste Tank...........................................4.5.2

Dockside Discharge ........................................4.5.2.1

Overboard Discharge ......................................4.5.2.2

Grey Water Holding System ....................................................4.6

Dockside Discharge .................................................... 4.6. 1

Overboard Discharge ..................................................4.6.2

Propulsion ................................................................................5.0

Fuel Systems ........................................................................... 5.1

Gasoline Fuel Systems ................................................5.1.1

Diesel Fuel Systems....................................................5.1.2

Fuel Transfer Pump .........................................5.1.2.1

Fuel Tanks ...................................................................5.1. 3

Fuel Tank Vents...........................................................5.1.4

Fuel Shut-Off Valves....................................................5.1.5

Engine Room Ventilation.........................................................5.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cooling System ........................................................................5.3

Exhaust System ...................................................................... 5.4

Fire Suppression System ........................................................ 5 .5

Engine Gauges ........................................................................ 5.6

Tachometer .................................................................5.6.1

Temperature Gauge .................................................... 5.6.2

Oil Pressure Gauge......................................................5.6.3

Voltmeters ...................................................................5.6.4

Fuel Gauges .................................................................5.6.5

Gauge Maintenance .................................................... 5.6.6

Helm Controls ..........................................................................5.7

Shift/Throttle Levers ...................................................5.7.1

Control Cables .................................................5.7.1.1

Steering .......................................................................5.7.2

Preparing for Cruising .............................................................5 .8

Fueling .........................................................................5.8.1

Pre-Star t Checklist......................................................5.8.2

Starting the Engines ...................................................5.8.3

After the Engines Have Started..................................5.8.4

Operating and Maneuvering ....................................................6.0

Launching the Boat.................................................................6.1

Navigation ...............................................................................6.2

Charts ..........................................................................6.2.1

Compass ......................................................................6.2.2

Horn .............................................................................6.2.3

Depth Sounder ............................................................. 6.2.4

Shallow Water Operation ............................................6 .2.5

Controlling the Boat ................................................................6.3

Loading ........................................................................6.3.1

Casting Off and Docking .............................................6.3.2

Leaving a Pier or Mooring ...............................6.3.2.1

Landing at a Pier .............................................6.3.2.2

Picking Up a Mooring ......................................6.3.2.3

Maneuvering................................................................6.3.3

Maneuvering Astern ........................................6.3.3.1

Checking Headway .........................................6.3.3.2

Close Quar ter s Turns ......................................6.3.3.3

Towing .........................................................................6.3.4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Anchoring ................................................................................6.4

Stern Anchor s .............................................................6.4.1

Mooring Lines ..............................................................6.4.2

Getting Underway ...................................................................6. 5

Shakedown Cruise ...................................................... 6.5.1

Operating at Planing Speed........................................6.5.2

Trim Tabs .....................................................................6.5.3

Maintenance ............................................................................7.0

Maintenance Schedule ...........................................................7.1

Type A Maintenance ...................................................7.1.1

Type B Maintenance ...................................................7.1.2

Type C Maintenance ...................................................7.1.3

Type D Maintenance ...................................................7.1.4

Maintenance Log......................................................... 7.1.5

Exterior Maintenance ............................................................. 7.2

Fiberglass Surfaces .................................................... 7.2.1

Gelcoat Repair.................................................7.2.1.1

Gelcoat Blisters...............................................7.2.1.2

Hull Bottom ..................................................................7.2.2

Underwater Metal Components..................................7.2.3

Caulking and Sealants ................................................ 7.2.4

Stainless Steel Rails and Hardware ...........................7.2 .5

Decorative Striping Tape ............................................7.2.6

Hatches and Windows ................................................ 7 .2.7

Exterior Vinyl Upholstery............................................7.2.8

Exterior Carpet............................................................7.2.9

Canvas .......................................................................7.2.10

White Vinyl.....................................................7.2.10.1

Sunbrella .......................................................7.2.10.2

Deck Enclosure Windows .............................7.2.10.3

Interior Maintenance ............................................................... 7.3

Woodwork....................................................................7.3.1

High Pressure Laminate ............................................. 7 .3.2

Fabrics.........................................................................7.3.3

Carpet ..........................................................................7.3.4

Interior Fiberglass.......................................................7.3.5

Plexiglass ....................................................................7.3.6

Mechanical Systems ............................................................... 7.4

Engines / Generator.....................................................7. 4.1

Thr u-Hull Valves ..........................................................7.4.2

Propeller Shaft Seals ..................................................7.4.3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Props............................................................................7.4.4

Struts ...........................................................................7.4.5

DC Electrical System...................................................7.4.6

Fresh Water System ....................................................7.4.7

Shower.............................................................7.4.7.1

Water Taps ......................................................7.4.7.2

Sump................................................................7.4.7.3

Pressure Water Pump .....................................7.4.7.4

Water Tank Vent Screen .................................7.4.7.5

Bilge System................................................................7.4.8

Sanitation System.......................................................7.4.9

Winterization and Storage....................................................... 8.0

Lifting.......................................................................................8.1

Blocking...................................................................................8.2

Winterization ...........................................................................8.3

Engines ........................................................................8.3.1

Generator.....................................................................8.3.2

Air Conditioning System..............................................8.3.3

Fresh Water System ....................................................8.3.4

Draining the System........................................8.3.4.1

Winterizing the System ...................................8.3.4.2

Preparing the System for Use Again ..............8.3.4.3

Raw Water Washdowns...............................................8. 3.5

Bilge .............................................................................8.3.6

Sanitation System.......................................................8.3.7

Standard Sanitation System...........................8.3.7.1

Overboard Discharge System .........................8.3.7.2

Grey Water Holding System ........................................8.3.8

Standard Grey Water Tank System ................8.3.8.1

Overboard Discharge System .........................8.3.8.2

Exterior ........................................................................8.3.9

Interior .......................................................................8.3.10

Storage ....................................................................................8.4

Dr y Stor age..................................................................8.4.1

Wet Storage.................................................................8.4.2

Spring Recommissioning Checklist........................................8.5

Hull ...............................................................................8.5.1

Deck and Cabin ...........................................................8.5.2

Engines ........................................................................8.5.3

Electrical System ........................................................8.5.4

Plumbing......................................................................8.5.5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Equipment ........................................................ 8.5.6

After Launch................................................................8.5.7

Warranty and Parts .................................................................. 9.0

Warranty Infor mation .............................................................. 9.1

Car ver Dealer’s Responsibilities.................................9. 1.1

Warranty Infor mation......................................9.1.1.1

Pre-Delivery Ser vice Procedure .....................9.1.1.2

Boat and Systems Review ..............................9.1.1.3

Owner’s Responsibilities.............................................9.1.2

Pre-Delivery Ser vice Record...........................9.1.2.1

OEM Components ............................................9.1.2.2

Delivery............................................................9.1.2.3

Owner’s Information Kit ..................................9.1.2.4

Obtaining Warranty Ser vice ...................................................9.2

Second and Third Owner Registration ...................................9 .3

Hull Identification Number ......................................................9.4

OEMs........................................................................................9.5

Specifications .........................................................................9.6

Component Locations ............................................................. 9.7

Interior Hatches ..........................................................9.7.1

Deck Plates .................................................................9.7.2

Thru-Hull Fittings.........................................................9.7.3

Engine Room ............................................................... 9.7. 4

Bill of Material .........................................................................9.8

Car ver Limited Warranty .........................................................9.9

PREFACE

Using Your Owner’s Information Kit

Your Owner’s Information kit contains this Owner’s Guide and a set of
manuals referred to as “OEM information.” Please read the Owner’s
Guide and OEM information carefully and familiarize yourself with your
boat before operating the boat or any of its components or systems.

IMPORTANT: The Owner’s Information kit must be onboard whenever
your boat is operated. If you sell your boat, make sure the new owner
receives the entire kit.

Owner’s Guide

This guide explains how to safely operate and maintain your boat and its
various systems. The guide also contains safety precautions and opera­tional tips, as described below.

Describes a hazard that can cause death or severe injury if the instruc­tions are ignored.

Describes a hazard that can cause serious injury and/or property damage
if the instructions are ignored.

Describes a hazard that can cause damage to your boat or its compo­nents if the instructions are ignored.

NOTE: Provides important information that can help you avoid problems.

A TIP FROM CARVER!

There are many people within the Carver organization who are avid boaters.
Some of the experience gained during our years of boating are presented in this
Owner's Guide. This information is presented in the left margin and is entitled “A
TIP FROM CARVER.”

If this is your first boat, or if you are changing to a type of boat you are
not familiar with, for your own comfort and safety, please obtain han­dling and operation experience before operating the boat. Your dealer or
national sailing federation or yacht club can advise you of local sea
schools or competent instructors.

1/03

i

NOTE: Drawings and illustrations contained within this guide are in­cluded as graphic aids to assist in the general operation and maintenance
of your boat. These drawings and graphics do not include all details of
each system and are not drawn to scale. Do not reference these drawings
to order parts or to service your boat. Contact your authorized Carver
Dealer for any parts or service required for your boat.

The information contained in this Owner’s Guide was complete and
accurate at the time the guide was printed. Carver reserves the right to
change materials, part numbers, specifications, or system designs at any
time without notice.

OEM Information

The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) information is supplied by
companies from whom Carver has purchased components to install in
your boat. These components include, but are not limited to, standard
items like the engines, sanitation system, various pumps, and 12-volt
batteries, as well as optional items like the air conditioning system and
navigation systems. The OEM information explains how to operate and
maintain the components.

PREFACE

If you install an aftermarket accessory on your boat, add the OEM infor­mation that accompanies the accessory to the Owner's Information kit.

NOTE: If the OEM information conflicts with this Owner’s Guide, follow
the instructions in the OEM information.

Pre-Delivery Ser vice Record

The Pre-Delivery Service Record that follows this page must be com­pleted and signed by your Carver Dealer before you take delivery of your
new Carver yacht. Your Carver Dealer will prepare your boat for deliv­ery in accordance with the procedures detailed within this document.

Be certain that the boat’s Pre-Delivery Service Record and all OEM
warranty cards have been completed and mailed to their respective
companies. Be sure you retain a copy of the Pre-Delivery Service Record
for your own reference.

ii

1/03

PREFACE

Warranty Registr ation

Carver warrants every boat we manufacture as explained in the Carver
Limited Warranty. Your copy of the warranty is located in Section 9.
Please review the warranty carefully.

The Warranty Registration that follows this page is the first step in
activating your Carver limited warranty. This document must be com­pleted and signed by you and your Carver Dealer before you take deliv­ery of your new Carver yacht. Failure to complete and register this
Warranty Registration could void your Carver limited warranty.

Your Carver Dealer will review the terms of the Carver warranty and
make certain the warranty is registered with Carver.

To ensure that the warranty remains in effect during its lifetime, Carver
Boat Corporation, your Carver Dealer, and you must each uphold specific
responsibilities. These responsibilities are described in Section 9.

At time of delivery, make a complete inspection of the boat and its sys­tems. Document any work that needs to be completed by the Dealer in
order to meet the terms of your agreement.

There are two cards located at the end of this Preface. These are Second
and Third Owner Registration Cards. We strongly recommend that the
purchaser of a previously-owned Carver register ownership with Carver.

1/03

iii

.

THIRD OWNER REGISTRATION

Owner’s Name:

Street Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Telephone: ( ) Date of Purchase:

Purchased From:

Boat Hull Identification Number: CDR

Third Owner Registration does not extend, alter, or transfer the Carver Limited Warranty.
Refer to the Carver Limited Warranty for details.

SECOND OWNER REGISTRATION

Owner’s Name:

Street Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Telephone: ( ) Date of Purchase:

Purchased From:

Boat Hull Identification Number: CDR

Second Owner Registration does not extend, alter, or transfer the Carver Limited War­ranty. Refer to the Carver Limited Warranty for details.

CARVER BOAT CORPORATION
P O BOX 1010
PULASKI WI 54162-1010

CARVER BOAT CORPORATION

P O BOX 1010

PULASKI WI 54162-1010

.

.

1.0 Boating Safety

Boating safety is your responsibility. You must fully understand the
operating procedures and safety precautions in the Owner’s Information
kit and this owner’s guide before you operate your new boat. Safe

boating is no accident.

1.1 Safe Operation

Safe operation includes, but is not limited to, the following.

• Keep your boat and equipment in safe operating condition. Inspect the
hull, engines, safety equipment, and all boating gear regularly.

NOTE: Federal law requires you to provide and maintain safety equip­ment on your boat. Consult U.S. Coast Guard, state, and local regula­tions to ensure your boat has all required safety equipment onboard.
Additional equipment may be recommended for your safety and that of
your passengers. Make yourself aware of its availability and use.

BOATING SAFETYSECTION 1

• Be very careful when fueling your boat. Be sure you know the capacity
of your boat’s fuel tank and the amount of fuel used when operating at
frequently used engine speeds (RPMs). Refer to 9.6 Specifications for
the fuel tank capacity. Refer to 5.8.1 Fueling for information on fuel­ing your boat.

• Make sure you have enough fuel onboard for anticipated cruising
requirements. In general, use 1/3 of your supply to reach your destina­tion and use 1/3 to return. Keep 1/3 in reserve for changes in your plans
due to weather or other circumstances.

• Be sure fire extinguishing and lifesaving equipment is onboard. This
equipment must meet regulatory standards, and it should be notice­able, accessible and in proper operating condition. Your passengers
should know where this equipment is and how to use it.

• Keep an eye on the weather. Be aware of possible changing conditions
by checking local weather reports before your departure. Monitor
strong winds and electrical storms.

• Always keep accurate, updated charts of the area you are cruising.
Back up charts if you use a chart plotter.

• Before you leave the port or harbor, file a Float Plan with a family
member, relative, friend, or other responsible person ashore.

• Always operate your boat with care, courtesy and common sense.

3428 5/03

BOATING SAFETY

SECTION 1

• Instruct at least one passenger onboard in the basic operation of
your boat. This person can take over if you unexpectedly become
unable to do so.

• Do not allow passengers to ride on parts of your boat other than desig­nated seating areas.

• Ask all passengers to remain seated while the boat is in motion.

• Do not use the boarding platform or boarding ladder while either or
both of the engines are running.

• Understand and obey the “Rules of the Road.” Always maintain com­plete control of your boat.

• Do not overload or improperly load your boat.

• Do not travel faster than conditions warrant or beyond your abilities.

• Do not operate your boat in weather or sea conditions beyond your skill
and experience.

• Do not operate your boat while under the influence of drugs and/or
alcohol.

• Do not operate your boat if your visibility is impaired.

3428 5/03

1.2 Adverse Conditions

1.2.1 Weather

At all times, the boat operator should be aware of present weather condi­tions and the weather forecast. Check the forecast before you begin a day of
boating. Be aware, however, that weather conditions can change rapidly. If
you have a marine radio, listen to the weather reports issued by the U.S.
Coast Guard and others. If you have a portable radio, keep it tuned to a
station broadcasting frequent weather reports. Many boating clubs fly
weather signals; learn to recognize these signals.

Storms rarely appear without advance notice. If storms are a possibility,
keep a watch on the horizon, especially to the West, for their approach.
Watch for changes in wind direction or cloud formations. There is no substi­tute for a good understanding of weather conditions and what to do when
the weather takes a turn for the worse.

If a storm is approaching, the best course of action is to return to port. If
you are unable to do so, then prepare to weather the storm:

BOATING SAFETYSECTION 1

1.2.2 Fog

• Close portlights, exterior doors and hatches and secure them. Stow
all loose gear below deck and tie down any gear on deck.

• Reduce speed as the seas build. Make sure all persons onboard have
put on their personal flotation devices.

• Drop a sea anchor over the stern to maintain the bow into the seas. If
you do not have a sea anchor onboard, use a canvas bucket, tackle box,
or other object that will work like an anchor.

Fog is a result of either warm-surface or cold-surface conditions. You can
judge the likelihood of fog formation by periodically measuring the air
temperature and dew point temperature. If the difference between these
two temperatures is small, fog is likely to develop.

Remember the following guidelines:

• Unless your boat is well equipped with charts and navigational equip­ment, head for shore at the first sign of fog and wait until conditions
improve. If you have charts on board, take bearings as fog sets in, mark
your position, and continue to log your course and speed.

• Make sure all persons onboard put on their personal flotation devices.

• If your boat has sounding equipment, take soundings regularly and
match them with depths shown on your charts.

3428 5/03

BOATING SAFETY

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

W

EATHER SIGNALS

SECTION 1

Small Craft Adv
Winds to 38 mph

Day Flags

Night Lights

Storm Warning
Winds to 72 mph

BLACK on

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

Day Flags

RED

RED

WHITE

RED

Gale Warning
Winds to 54 mph

RED

WHITE

RED

Hurricane
Winds to 54 mph

BLACK on

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

234567890123

RED

RED

RED

WHITE

Night Lights

RED

RED

• Station a person forward in the boat as a lookout.

• Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop engines and listen for other
fog signals.

• Sound the horn or fog bell intermittently to warn others.

• If there is any doubt in continuing your excursion, anchor. Listen for
other fog signals while continuing to sound your fog horn or bell.

3428 5/03

1.3 Emergency Procedures

The following is not an exhaustive list of situations which may be encoun­tered while boating. You should obtain training to handle any emergen­cies which may arise.

1.3.1 Fire

Any fire onboard your boat is serious. Explosion is possible. Develop a
fire response plan. Respond immediately.

To help prevent a fire onboard your boat, keep your bilges clean and check
for fuel vapors at regular intervals. Also, DO NOT fit free-hanging curtains
or other fabrics in the vicinity of or above the stove top or other high-heat
devices. Do not store any materials or equipment of any kind in the engine
room.

BOATING SAFETYSECTION 1

Every boater should develop a fire response plan to determine what kind
of fire (fuel, electrical, etc.) might break out, where it might break out,
and the best way to react. Have a plan and, if possible, assign responsi­bilities to others to allow quicker decisions and reactions.

Never:

• Obstruct passage ways to exits and hatches.

• Obstruct safety controls, such as fuel valves and electrical system
switches.

• Obstruct portable fire extinguishers in lockers.

• Leave the boat unattended when cooking or heating appliances are in
use.

• Use gas lights in the boat.

• Modify any of the boat's systems (especially electrical or fuel).

• Fill the fuel tanks when machinery is running or when cooking or
heating appliances are in use.

• Smoke while handling fuel.

NOTE: Everyone onboard should know where fire extinguishers are and
how to operate them.

In case of fire:

• Stop the engines immediately.

• If the fire is in the engine room, shut off the bilge blowers immedi-
ately. Do not open the hatch to the engine room. The fire will
flare up if the fresh air supply increases suddenly.

3428 5/03

BOATING SAFETY

SECTION 1

• Keep the fire downwind if possible. If the fire is aft, head into the
wind.

• Have all persons onboard put on their personal flotation devices.

• If you can get at the fire, aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the
flames and use a sweeping motion to put out the fire.

• If the fire gets out of control, make a distress signal and call for help on
the radio.

Deciding whether to stay with the boat or abandon ship will be difficult. If
the decision is to abandon ship, all persons onboard should jump overboard
and swim a safe distance away from the burning boat.

Smoking, poor maintenance or carelessness when refueling can cause
hazardous conditions. Always follow proper refueling procedures for your
boat.

1.3.2 Flooding

If your boat is taking on water from a leak in the hull, turn on your bilge
pumps. Assign someone to bail out the bilge and investigate the cause of the
flooding. When the source of the leak is found, attempt to repair it.

Almost anything can be stuffed into a hole to stop the leaking temporarily.
Material used to stop a leak will work better if it is applied from the outside
where water pressure can help hold it in. If necessary, station a crew mem­ber to hold the plug in place if the plug is applied from the inside. In all
cases, station a crew member or passenger to watch the plugged area and
alert others if it fails.

1.3.3 Swamped or Capsized Boat

If your boat becomes swamped or capsizes, put on a personal flotation
device immediately and set off a distress signal. Chances are good a cap­sized boat will stay afloat. For this reason, stay with the boat. Do not leave
the boat or try to swim to shore except under extreme conditions. A capsized
boat is easier to see than a swimmer, and the shore may be further away
than it appears.

If water is coming over the bow, reduce headway and turn the boat slightly
so that the bow is slightly off from meeting the waves head on. Drop a sea
anchor over the stern of the boat and adjust the length of the line to hold
the bow at the most favorable angle.

3428 5/03