The Uniform State Waterway Marking System; A Special Sign; Noise; Anchoring - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

For example, they may flash every three seconds, or in
groups such as two flashes and a pause. There are a
number of flashing patterns, which help you identify the
light at night. To identify a light, note its color and pat-
tern or timing of flashes, and compare it to your chart to
find its location.
D. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System
This section discusses three kinds of markers in this
system: Regulatory, Informational, and Lateral.
Regulatory markers in this system are either signs or
buoys. Signs are square with orange borders. Regula-
tory buoys are white and shaped like cylinders. They
have horizontal orange bands near their tops and just
above the water's surface. An orange circle on a marker
means a controlled area. A message such as "No Wake,
Idle Speed, No Skiing, or 5 M.P.H." may appear on a
marker. An orange diamond means danger. If a dia-
mond has an orange cross inside it, do not enter the
area. The reason you should stay out, such as "Swim
Area" may be printed in black on the marker.
Informational Markers are white signs with orange bor-
ders. They give information such as direction, distance,
and location.
Lateral markers in the USWMS system are either num-
bered red or black buoys. Black buoys may have green
reflectors or lights. They are the equivalent of green
buoys in the IALA-B system. Red buoys may have red
reflectors or lights. They are the same as red buoys in
the IALA-B system. Red or black buoys are usually
found in pairs - pass between them.
E. A Special Sign
In Florida, you may see a special sign: "Caution, Mana-
tee Area". When you see this sign, slow down to idle
speed. Manatees, an endangered species, are pas-
sive, large, slow-moving mammals. Many Manatees are
seriously injured or killed each year by boat propellers.
F. Noise
Always be aware of local laws on noise limits. Noise
means engine noise, radio noise or even yelling by
people on your boat. Good seamanship demands that
you operate your boat quietly so as not to infringe on
the rights of others. Do not use thru-hull exhaust unless
you are well offshore.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
G. Anchoring
The weight of the anchor and diameter of anchor line
should be governed by the size and weight of your boat.
Keep anchor secure while underway to prevent damage
or injury due to sudden shifting in the boat's attitude.
Use two or more anchors if anchoring overnight or for
extended periods. If not using two anchors, make cer-
tain there is sufficient clearance for your boat to swing
in a full circle to prevent damage in case of shifting winds.
Make certain you have enough anchor line (or scope) for
the depth of water. Your anchor line should be 6 to 7
times the depth of water anchored in. For example, if
you are in 20 feet of water, use 120 to 140 feet of anchor
line.
Secure anchor line to bow eye or deck cleat.
Never tie anchor line to a rail, rail fitting or other
hardware not designed to support this stress.
To drop anchor:
Approach your selected anchoring site from downwind
and come to a dead stop over the spot where you want
to drop anchor. Lower the anchor manually or by using
the windlass if applicable.
Maneuver the boat slowly backwards until length of an-
chor line is 6 or 7 times the depth of the water.
Fasten the anchor line around the bow eye or deck cleat.
Anchor flukes should dig in and catch. Watch for an-
chor drag by checking shoreline landmarks at the time
the anchor is dropped and one-half hour later. If the boat
has drifted away from these reference marks, the an-
chor is dragging and must be reset.
To weigh anchor:
Start the engine running before pulling in anchor.
Slowly maneuver the boat forward to reduce tension on
the line and make retrieval of the anchor line easier.
Raise the anchor manually or by using the windlass if
applicable. Make sure the chain stop is engaged if wind-
lass is used. Properly stow anchor and anchor line.
Section C
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