Loading Passengers And Gear - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

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LOADING PASSENGERS AND GEAR

NOTE: All boats under 20 feet in length must have a
capacity rating plate showing the recommended per-
son capacity as well as the maximum capacity of the
boat including persons and gear.
When loading your boat, remember to distribute the load
evenly. Keep the load low and do not overload. The
capacity plate affixed to your boat states the maximum
load capacity. The plate shows in pounds, the amount
of persons and gear that the boat will safely handle un-
der normal conditions. U. S. Coast Guard regulations
establishes these load capacity ratings. Position pas-
sengers and gear so that the load is balanced.
When loading, always step into the boat, never board
by jumping. Have someone on the dock pass your gear
aboard. Secure all gear firmly so it doesn't move or
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
interfere with operation of the boat. Passengers should
board the boat one-at-a-time and be seated. Passen-
gers should remain seated during loading of the boat to
maintain an even trim.
Passengers seated in the bow area should
not obstruct the driver's vision.
IMPORTANT: Passengers are prohibited from riding on
the bow with feet hanging over the side or ride while
sitting on the stern, gunwales or seatbacks. The Coast
Guard considers these acts to be negligent or grossly
negligent operation. They are prohibited by law because
falls from moving boats are a major cause of fatal recre-
ational boating accidents.
Figure T1: Loading Passengers and Gear
Section T
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