Carver 38 super sport Owner's Manual

38 Super Sport

Owner’s Guide

HIN: CDR

2005 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.

.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

Pre-Delivery Service Record ...................................................... ii

Warranty Registration ............................................................... 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 C ONTENTS

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 Charger .............................2.1.5.2

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

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

Auto Bilge Pump - 1, 2, 3 ................................. 2.2.1.1

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

CO Detectors ................................................... 2.2.1.3

Stereo Memory ................................................ 2.2.1.4

High Water ....................................................... 2.2.1.5

SeaKey® ..........................................................2.2.1.6

Windlass .......................................................... 2.2.1.7

Electric Head ................................................... 2.2.1.8

Oil Changer ...................................................... 2.2.1.9

Electric Shift - Port and Starboard ............... 2.2.1.10

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

TABLE OF C ONTENTS

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

Lower Helm Accessories ................................2.2.2.8

Wiper Center .................................................... 2.2.2.9

DC Outlet Lower Helm ................................... 2.2.2.10

Forward Stateroom Head Fan....................... 2.2.2.11

Forward Stateroom Lights ............................ 2.2.2.12

Salon Lights ...................................................2.2.2.13

Exterior Lights ...............................................2.2.2.14

Engine Room Lights ......................................2.2.2.15

Aerator Pump................................................. 2.2.2.16

Stereo ............................................................2.2.2.17

Refrigerator ................................................... 2.2.2.18

Waste Monitor Forward Stateroom ............... 2.2.2.19

Water Monitor ................................................ 2.2.2.20

Grey Water Monitor Forward ......................... 2.2.2.21

DVD Player Salon ........................................... 2.2.2.22

DVD Player Forward ....................................... 2.2.2.23

Spares............................................................ 2.2.2.24

Blower ............................................................ 2.2.2.25

Generator....................................................... 2.2.2.26

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

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

Fuel Transfer Pump ......................................... 2.2.3.6

Bilge Blower (1 - 4) ..........................................2.2.3.7

Trim Tabs ......................................................... 2.2.3.8

DC Outlet Bridge .............................................. 2.2.3.9

Bridge Accessories .......................................2.2.3.10

Horn ............................................................... 2.2.3.11

Radar .............................................................2.2.3.12

VHF Radio ...................................................... 2.2.3.13

GPS/LORAN ....................................................2.2.3.14

Plotter ............................................................ 2.2.3.15

Depth Sounder ...............................................2.2.3.16

Auto Pilot .......................................................2.2.3.17

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

Troubleshooting the DC Electrical System ............................2.4

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 Main Circuit Breaker Groups .................................3.3.1

AC Control Center ........................................................ 3.3.2

Shore #1 and #2 Voltmeters ........................... 3.3.2.1

Shore #1 and #2 Polarity Indicators ............... 3.3.2.2

Shore #1 and #2 Ammeters ............................ 3.3.2.3

Shore #1 and #2 Main ..................................... 3.3.2.4

Receptacles One ............................................. 3.3.2.5

Receptacles Two ............................................ 3.3.2.6

Range ............................................................... 3.3.2.7

Microwave ....................................................... 3.3.2.8

Water Heater ................................................... 3.3.2.9

Coffee Maker .................................................3.3.2.10

Battery Charger 1 .......................................... 3.3.2.11

Battery Charger 2 .......................................... 3.3.2.12

Icemaker........................................................ 3.3.2.13

Central Vacuum ............................................. 3.3.2.14

A/C System Water Pump ................................3.3.2.15

A/C Unit Forward Stateroom .........................3.3.2.16

A/C Unit Salon ................................................3.3.2.17

Spare ............................................................. 3.3.2.18

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

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

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

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

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

Powering the Air Conditioning ....................................4.1.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Raw Water Washdown ............................................................ 4.3

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

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

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 Hand Shower ....................................4.2.3.3

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

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

Bilge Pump Operation ................................................. 4.4.1

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

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

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

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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-Start 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 Quarters Turns ...................................... 6.3.3.3

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

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

Stern Anchors .............................................................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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Thru-Hull Valves .......................................................... 7.4.2

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 Washdown ................................................ 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

Dry Storage ..................................................................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

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

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

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

Warranty Information .............................................................. 9.1

Carver Dealer’s Responsibilities ................................. 9.1.1

Warranty Information ...................................... 9.1.1.1

Pre-Delivery Service Procedure ..................... 9.1.1.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Obtaining Warranty Service ................................................... 9.2

Second and Third Owner Registration ...................................9.3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Delivery Service Record ........................... 9.1.2.1

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

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

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

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

Carver 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 Service 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 Registration

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: C DR

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: C DR

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.

3827 6/04

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.

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:

3827 6/04

W

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

EATHER SIGNALS

BOATING SAFETYSECTION 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

• 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.

3827 6/04

BOATING SAFETY

1.2.2 Fog

SECTION 1

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.

• 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.

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.

3827 6/04

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.

• 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.

3827 6/04

BOATING SAFETY

1.3.2 Flooding

SECTION 1

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

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.

1.3.4 Collision

If a serious collision occurs, check everyone onboard for injuries, then
inspect the boat to determine the extent of the damage.

• Prepare to help the other craft unless your boat or its passengers are in
danger.

• If the bow of the other craft penetrated your boat’s hull, prepare to plug
the fracture once the boats are separated.

• Shore up the hole inside your boat with a spare life jacket or bunk
cushion.

• While plugging the hole, trim weight to get the hole above the water
level during repairs, if possible.

3827 6/04

• If your boat is in danger of sinking, have everyone onboard put on their
personal flotation devices.

• If your boat has a radio, contact the U.S. Coast Guard or other rescue
authorities immediately on VHF channel 16 or CB radio channel 22.
(You may also be able to use VHF channels 9 or 13 or your cellular
phone in some states).

1.3.5 Running Aground

Excessive weight in the fore or aft sections of the boat will cause a trim
change and may yield greater draft than expected. Equip your boat with a
good quality depth-measuring instrument and allow ample water below the
hull while operating.

If your boat runs aground, check everyone onboard for injuries, then inspect
the boat for damage. If lightly grounded, shift the weight of the passengers
or gear to heel the boat while reversing engines. If towing becomes neces­sary, use a commercial towing service.

BOATING SAFETYSECTION 1

Never attach a tow line to a deck cleat or anchor windlass. The cleats and
windlass are not designed to take the full load of the boat and may pull
free from the deck, causing serious injury or property damage.

1.3.6 Man Overboard

You should know what to do in case someone falls overboard. Emergency
procedures are published in Chapman’s and instruction is offered by the
U.S. Coast Guard.

Water

Temp. (°F)

32.5

32.5-40
40-50
50-60
60-70
70-80
Over 80

ATER SURVIVAL CHART

W

Exhaustion/

Unconsciousness

Under 15 min.
15-30 min.
30-60 min.
1-2 hr.
2-7 hr.
3-12 hr.
Indefinite

Expected Time

of Survival

Under 45 min.
30-90 min.
1-3 hr.
1-6 hr.
2-40 hr.
3 hr.- Indefinite
Indefinite

3827 6/04

BOATING SAFETY

If a person falls overboard, hypothermia may be an immediate concern.
Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body loses heat faster than the body
can replace it. If not rescued, the person will become exhausted or likely
drown. In general, the colder the water, the faster body heat is lost. Per­sonal flotation devices increase survival time because they provide insula­tion.

1.3.7 Medical Emergency

No one should act as a doctor if they are not properly trained and
educated. Someone onboard your boat should know first aid. First aid

training is available through your local Red Cross. Keep a fully stocked first
aid kit onboard your boat at all times.

1.3.8 Equipment Failure

Steering, propulsion or control failure can be prevented by having your boat
maintained correctly and checked periodically. If systems onboard your boat
do fail, radio for help or signal with flags and wait until help arrives.

SECTION 1

1.3.9 Radio Communication

You are responsible for obtaining a radio operator’s permit and knowing
and following proper rules and procedures. Private boats are not required to
have their radio on at all times; however, if your radio is on, it should be
tuned to channel 16 unless it is being actively used. Channel 16 is the
frequency for emergency calls or initial calls between boats. After establish­ing contact on channel 16, change your frequency to channel 22.

More information on radio communications can be found in Chapman’s
Piloting.

1.3.10 Distress Signals

The operator is required to lend assistance to a craft in distress as long as
your life or boat is not put in harm’s way in the process. Good Samaritan
laws protect you from any liability incurred while giving aid.

1.4 Safety Equipment

NOTE: Federal law requires you to provide and maintain safety equipment
onboard your boat. Consult U.S. Coast Guard, state and local regulations to
ensure your boat has all required safety equipment onboard. You must learn
about any additional recommended equipment before operating the boat.

1.4.1 Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

There must be one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation
device of Type I, II, or III for each person onboard your boat. The PFDs
must be readily accessible and in serviceable condition. They must also be

3827 6/04

BOATING SAFETYSECTION 1

of a suitable size for each person onboard. Three PFDs (two wearable and
one throwable) are required regardless of the number of persons onboard.

PFD Type I, Wearable: This offshore life jacket is most effective for all
waters when rescue may be delayed. In the water, its design turns most
unconscious people from a facedown position to a vertical or face-up posi­tion.

PFD Type II, Wearable: This near-shore buoyant vest is intended for
calm inland waters where there is a chance of quick rescue. It turns its
wearer to a face-up position, but the turning action is not as pronounced as
the Type I, and it will not turn as many people under the same conditions
as a Type I.

PFD Type III, Wearable: Classified as a flotation aid, this PFD will not
turn a victim to a face-up position. This type of PFD is frequently used in
water sports.

PFD Type IV, Throwable: You must also have onboard at least one
throwable PFD Type IV device. The design of the Type IV device does not
allow it to be worn. It must be thrown to a person in the water and held by
the user until rescued. The most common Type IV PFDs are buoyant cush­ions or ring buoys. This PFD must be in serviceable condition and immedi­ately available for use.

1.4.2 Visual Distress Signals

The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all boats operating on U.S. coastal
waters have visual distress signal equipment. Boats owned in the United
States and operating on the high seas must also carry this equipment.

Visual distress equipment must be readily accessible and in serviceable
condition. Both pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic equipment must be U.S.
Coast Guard approved. This equipment can become ineffective with age. If
your equipment’s usage date has expired, replace the equipment before
taking your boat out.

Approved pyrotechnic equipment includes:

• Hand held or aerial red flares

• Hand held or floating orange smoke

• Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.

Approved non-pyrotechnic equipment includes:

• Orange distress flag

• Dye markers

• Electric distress light.

3827 6/04

BOATING SAFETY

No one signaling device is ideal under all conditions. Consider carrying
various types of equipment. Careful selection and proper stowage of visual
distress equipment are very important. Select devices with packaging that
children, but not adults, will find difficult to open, especially if young chil­dren are onboard.

1.4.3 Sound Signaling Device

Your boat must have an operable device that can produce a sound signal if
conditions require. A horn is standard equipment on all Carver models.

Boats longer than 39 feet, 4 inches, must have a bell and a whistle. These
devices must meet the requirements of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of

1980. Refer to the U.S. Coast Guard’s publication “Navigational Rules,
International-Inland” for details on the appropriate signals.

1.4.4 Running and Navigation Lights

Your boat must have running and navigation lights for safe operation after
dark. Observe all navigation rules for meeting and passing. Do not run at
high speeds during night operation. Always use common sense and good
judgment when operating your boat at night.

SECTION 1

1.4.5 Radar Reflectors

Radar reflectors (if installed on your boat) should be 18 inches, measured
diagonally. They should be placed 12 feet above the waterline, otherwise, a
boat with radar may have trouble “seeing” your boat.

1.4.6 Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S.
Coast Guard classifies fire extinguishers by the type of fire they can extin­guish. These classifications include foam, carbon dioxide, chemical, and
Halon-type fire extinguishers. Below are the requirements for fire extin­guishers at the time this guide was prepared.

Boats longer than 40' and shorter than 65': Because your boat has a
fixed fire extinguishing system approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, Two
Type B-I or one Type B-II extinguisher is required.

All fire extinguishers should be mounted in a readily accessible location
away from the engine room. Everyone onboard should know where the fire
extinguishers are and how to operate them.

If your fire extinguisher has a charge indicator gauge, cold or hot weather
may affect the gauge reading. Consult the instruction manual supplied with
the fire extinguisher to determine the accuracy of the gauge.

3827 6/04