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B. Fog
Fog is a result of either warm surface or cold surface
conditions. You can judge the likelihood of fog forma-
tion by periodically measuring the air temperature
and dew point temperature. If the spread (difference)
between these two temperatures is small, you likely
will incur a fog situation. Remember the following
guidelines:
• Turn on running lights.
• A s fog sets in, take bearings and mark your
position on the chart while continuing to log your
course and speed.
•
M ake sure all persons aboard are wearing their
PFDs.
• I f your boat has depth finding equipment, take
sounding and match them with soundings on your
charts.
• Station a person forward on the boat as a lookout.
• R educe your speed. From time to time, stop
engine and listen for fog signals.
• S ound the proper horn or fog bell at proper inter-
vals to warn other boaters.
• I f there is any doubt in continuing boat movement,
anchor. Listen for other fog signals while continu-
ing to sound the proper fog horn or bell for a boat
at anchor.
C. Running Aground
To prevent boat damage, DO NOT use deck
hardware or water ski pylon for towing. Use a
commercial towing service.
Operating in shallow water can present a number of
hazards. Sand bars in narrow inlets are constantly
shifting, making it difficult to mark them with buoys.
Sometimes sand bars are indicated by waves as they
form into breakers when passing over sand bars. In
coastal areas, tides can change water levels by as
much as 30 feet. Check with local marinas or Coast
Guard stations for tide tables and current charts.
If your boat runs aground, first check persons aboard
for injury. Then check for damage to the boat. If the
drive unit strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat
and drive unit damage. If the engine vibrates exces-
sively after striking an underwater obstruction, it may
indicate a damaged propeller. If vibration is notice-
Prelaunch and Underway - Section T
able, return to port slowly to prevent further drive and
engine damage from an out-of-balance condition.
Watch the temperature gauge to make sure you do
not overheat the engine.
If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be pos-
sible to rock the boat by shifting the weight of the pas-
sengers and gear and by raising the drive unit while
reversing the engine.
If you ground your boat on a sand bar, shut down the
engine and seek help from another boater or radio for
help. See your dealer as soon as possible, as sand in-
gested in the engine cooling system can cause major
engine damage.
D. Warning Markers
It is a good idea to find out about hazardous areas
and how they are marked by asking your local
authorities.
• B oaters must also recognize the flag designs
which indicate that scuba divers are present and
keep well clear of the area.
• W atch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not
be marked. Steer clear from the area and always
remain alert.
• D istress flags indicate a fellow boater is in need of
assistance.
• N avigation markers serve as a means of identify-
ing navigable routes and indicate water hazards.
Boaters should become familiar with navigation
markers and stay within marked boundaries and
clear of hazards.
T - 10 REACTING TO EMERGENCIES
Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they
happen. Try to formulate a plan for each type of
emergency in advance so that decisions can be made
quickly and without hesitation. Precious moments lost
can mean the difference between losing and saving a
life.
A. Flooding
If your boat starts taking on water, activate the bilge
pump immediately. Make sure all passengers are
wearing their PFDs. Open the engine compartment,
Owner's Manual Page 158
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