Monterey M3 Owner's Manual page 35

Operation
WARNING
THE ARCH AND WAKEBOARD TOWER ARE DESIGNED FOR
TOWING WATER SPORTS DEVICES ONLY. DO NOT TOW
MORE THAN ONE PERSON AT A TIME FROM THE TOWER OR
ARCH. IMPROPER USE OR OVERLOADING THE TOWER MAY
CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TOWER AND/OR BOAT AND COULD
IMBALANCE THE BOAT CAUSING HANDLING DIFFICULTIES.
• DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO SIT BEHIND THE ROPE
ATTACHMENT POINT WHEN THE WAKEBOARD TOWER OR
ARCH ARE IN USE.
•
DO NOT ALLOW THE LOOSE END OF A TOW ROPE TO
DANGLE FROM THE ARCH OR TOWER DOWN INTO THE
COCKPIT DURING WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES MAY CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS.
The following safety precautions should be
observed while towing water skiers.
• Water ski only in safe areas, away from other
boats and swimmers, out of channels, and in
water free of underwater obstructions. The
area should be at least 5 feet deep, 3000 feet
long and have at least 100' between each side
of the boat and any obstructions.
• Make sure that anyone who skis can swim. Do
not allow people who cannot swim to water ski.
• Be sure that the skier is wearing a proper life
jacket. A water skier is considered on board
the boat and a Coast Guard approved life
jacket is required. It is advisable and recom-
mended for a skier to wear a flotation device
designed to withstand the impact of hitting the
water at high speed.
• Make sure to inspect the ski equipment and
tow rope before each ski session. Never use
equipment that is damaged or with loose
screws, torn boots, severe corrosion or tears
in the fabric. You should also inspect the ski
tow rope and replace if it is frayed, has un-
necessary knots or damage. Never use a ski
tow line that is questionable.
• Always carry a second person on board to
observe the skier or wakeboarder so that your
full attention can be given to the safe operation
of the boat. The operator should pay atten-
tion to driving the boat and have the observer
keep him updated on the skier. Never ski after
dark. It is hazardous and illegal. Neither the
boat operator or skier can see well enough to
navigate at skiing or wakeboarding speeds
safely at night.
36
Common Hand Signals for Water Sports Activities
• Never spray swimmers, boats, rafts or other
skiers. The risk for a collision makes this dan-
gerous for the skier and people being sprayed.
• Some lakes have an approved tow pattern for
skiing. Always make sure to follow the pattern
on these lakes.
• Never follow directly behind another boat while
pulling skiers. Always stay a safe distance
behind or off the side of other boat traffic. If
the boat you are following stops unexpectedly,
you may not be able to respond quick enough
endangering your skier and occupants of both
boats.
• Never follow behind another boat pulling a
skier for any reason, even if you are not pull-
ing a skier. If the skier you are following falls,
you may not be able to respond quick enough
and could run over the skier.
• When pulling multiple skiers, make sure the
ropes are the same length. Never pull multiple
skiers with tow ropes of different lengths.
MONTEREY
BOATS