Marquis 420 Sport Coupe Owner's Manual page 17

B S
oating afety
Swamped or Capsized Boat
Collision
running Aground
Never attach a tow line to a single 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.
3837 • U3 10/07
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.
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.
• 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).
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.
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