Information Connected With The Risk Of Flooding And Stability - Highfield Classic 260 Owner's Manual

Information connected with the risk of flooding and stability

1. Use of drain plug
Your boat is equipped with the following types of drains plug. When driving the boat, open the plug to drain
the water on the floor. The water will automatically be drained by venture effect. When launching the boat or
stopping on the water we recommend you to keep the plug sealed. When the boat is lifted, stowed, stored, not
used, or transported, drain plug shall remain open to drain any water that could fill the deck.
Caution
Keep the bilge drain plug open when the boat is kept outside of the water. The rain water could fill the boat and
create stress and damage.
Danger
Do not open the bilge drain plug when the boat is afloat.
Do not try to access the bilge drain plug when motor is running. Propeller may cause serious injury.
2. Stability and buoyancy
This boat has been assessed as capable of supported the weight of the crew, even in the event of flooding.
a) Fully laden displacement was used to evaluate the stability and buoyancy of the boat. The value of this
displacement can be found in paragraph "Specifications" as below.
b) Any changes in the distribution of loads onboard (for example by adding a raised structure for fishing, fitting
radar or in-mast furling, changing the engine etc.) can significantly affect the boat's stability, trim and its
performance.
c) It is important to keep water in the bilges to a minimum.
d) The boat's stability is affected by adding to the weight of the superstructure.
e) When under way, it is advisable to shut the hatches, lockers and doors to minimize the risk of flooding.
f) The boat's stability can be reduced when towing a boat or when using a davit or boom to lift a heavy load.
g) Air chambers shall not be punctured.
h) Breaking waves are a serious stability hazard.
Warning
Always adjust the speed and heading of your boat according to the sea conditions.
All of the watertight hatches and bilge drain plug must remain closed when at sea.