Operating Your Boat - Monterey M3 Owner's Manual

Operation

2.4 Operating Your Boat

After Starting the Engine:
• Check the engine gauges. Make sure they are
reading normally.
• Visibly check the engine to be sure there are
no apparent water, fuel or oil leaks.
• Check the operation of the engine cooling
system by monitoring the temperature gauge
frequently until the engine temperature stabi-
lizes at normal operating temperature.
• Check the steering and engine controls for
proper operation.
• Make sure all lines, cables, anchors, etc. for
securing a boat are on board and in good
condition. All lines should be coiled, secured
and off the decks when underway.
• Have a safe cruise and enjoy yourself.
Remember:
When you operate a boat, you accept the respon-
sibility for the boat, for the safety of passengers
and for others out enjoying the water.
• Alcohol and any drugs can severely reduce
your reaction time and affect your better
judgement.
• Alcohol severely reduces the ability to react to
several different signals at once.
• Alcohol makes it difficult to correctly judge
speed and distance, or track moving objects.
• Alcohol reduces night vision, and the ability to
distinguish red from green.
WARNING
YOU SHOULD NEVER OPERATE YOUR BOAT WHILE UNDER THE
INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
• Make sure one other person on the boat is
instructed in the operation of the boat.
• Make sure the boat is operated in compliance
with all state and local laws governing the use
of a boat.
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE THE BOAT UNLESS IT IS COMPLETELY
ASSEMBLED. KEEP ALL FASTENERS TIGHT. KEEP ADJUSTMENTS
ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
• Always operate the blower when operating
the boat below cruising speed to help cool the
engine compartment and remove dangerous
fumes.
• Avoid sea conditions that are beyond the skill
and experience of you and your crew. Learn to
understand weather patterns and indications
for change. You should monitor NOAA weather
broadcasts before leaving port and periodically
while boating. If the weather deteriorates or
a storm approaches, seek shelter in a safe
harbor.
• Use caution during periods of reduced vis-
ibility due to weather or operation conditions.
Reduce speed and designate a passenger to
be a lookout for other boats, obstacles and
navigational markers until you reach port or
conditions improve.
• Your Monterey is a heavy boat that will pro-
duce a large wake at certain speeds, especially
when the ballast tank on MSX models is full.
You are responsible for damage and injury
caused by your boat's wake. Always observe
no wake zones and be aware that your wake
can endanger small vessels and their passen-
gers. Always be courteous and slow down to
reduce your wake when passing smaller boats.
• Before operating the boat for the first time,
read the engine break-in procedures.
break-in procedures are found in the owner's
manual for the engine. The manual is in the
literature packet.
• As different types of engines are used to
power the boat, have the dealer describe the
operating procedures for your boat. For more
instructions on "How To Operate The Boat,"
make sure you read the instructions given to
you in the owner's manual for the engine you
have selected.
MONTEREY
BOATS
The
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