Steering; Getting Underway - Century 30 express Owner's Manual

CENTURY BOATS
Your boat may be equipped with a safety stop switch and
lanyard. This is a device designed to turn off the engine ignition
whenever the operator, when attached to the switch lanyard,
moves far enough away from the operator's position to activate
the switch. It is strongly recommended that the operator make
use of the safety stop switch. The lanyard should be of sufficient
length to avoid inadvertent activation. Accidental loss of power
can be hazardous particularly when docking or in heavy seas,
strong current or high winds. There are practical limitations to
what the lanyard stop switch can do. It can take several seconds
for the engine and propeller to stop turning and the boat can
continue to coast for several hundred feet depending on the
velocity at shut down, and the degree of any turn, however, it
will not complete a full circle. While the boat is coasting, it can
cause injury to anyone in the boat's path as seriously as the boat
would when under power.
4.

Steering

All models are equipped with a steering wheel
that operates like a car. Others are hydraulic and
use fluid under pressure to turn the engine.
5.

Getting Underway

Always prepare the boat before each outing. Is the
safety equipment in place and ready to use? Is
other equipment (seats, gear, etc.) stored
properly? Are the fuel and oil tanks filled? Have
you checked the weather? Preparation is the key
to an enjoyable outing.
Know the "Rules of the Road' when boating. There
are right and wrong ways to overtake, meet, cross,
etc. with other boats. The U.S. Coast Guard, state
boating authorities and many agencies have
information and courses covering the rules of the
road, safety, navigation, and many other topics.
For operation after sunset, boats are equipped
with navigation lights to give information about
direction. A green light is on the starboard side of
the boat, a red light on the port side, and a white light at the stern. If a red light is visible, that boat is privileged and
has the right of way. If a red and green light are visible, the other boat is heading toward you and both boats must
move. Sighting a white light indicates the other boat is moving away from you, or is anchored, and if you are
overtaking, the boat ahead is privileged.
OWNER'S MANUAL – GENERAL INFORMATION
13
MODEL YEAR 2017
Safety Stop Switch & Lanyard