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12. W
EATHER
There are four design categories of boats based
upon their ability to withstand wind and sea or water
conditions:
A. Ocean
Wind speed: above 40 knots (46 m.p.h.)
Wave height: above 4 meters (13 feet)
Boat may be used for extended ocean
voyages.
B. Offshore
Maximum wind speed: 40 knots (46 m.p.h.)
Maximum wave height: 4 meters (13 feet)
Boat can be used offshore, but not for
extended ocean voyages.
C. Inshore
Maximum wind speed: 27 knots (31 m.p.h.)
Maximum wave height: 2 meters (6.5 feet)
Boat use is limited to coastal waters, large
bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers.
D. Sheltered waters
Maximum wind speed: 15 knots (18 m.p.h.)
Maximum wave height: 0.5 meters (1.5 feet)
Boat use is limited to small lakes, rivers and
canals.
Your 52 DA (525 DA) is Design Category B.
The wind speed and wave height specified as the
upper limit for your category of boat does not mean
that you or your passengers can survive if your
boat is exposed to these conditions. It is only the
most experienced operators and crew that may be
able to operate a boat safely under these conditions.
You must always be aware of weather conditions
and head for port or protected waters in sufficient
time to avoid being caught in high winds and rough
water. Do not take chances!
Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous. Bad
weather and/or rough sea or water conditions can
cause an unsafe situation. Consult local weather
information, or listen to the NOAA weather reports
for the latest weather conditions or any impending
deterioration of the weather before setting out and
®
52 Sundancer
(525 Sundancer
S
1 • S
ECTION
®
)
AFETY
!
DANGER
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOAT IN
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN
OCCUR
GET TO SHORE BEFORE
while underway. Following are a few basic weather-
related rules:
•
Check the weather forecast and the water
conditions before leaving and while underway.
•
A sudden change in wind direction or speed or
an increase in wave height indicates
deteriorating weather.
•
Have everyone wear a personal flotation device.
•
If a storm approaches, immediately seek a safe
harbor.
•
If a storm hits, have everyone sit in the cabin or
on the cockpit deck in the boat. Head the bow
into the wind with enough power to maintain slow
headway.
•
If you encounter fog, determine your position,
set a safe course, slow down and alert other
boats of your presence with a sound signal.
•
If a lightning storm approaches, the safest action
is to dock and disembark. If you cannot return
to shore, have passengers go inside the cabin
and remain there until the storm passes.
•
Lightning seeks a ground when it strikes. The
best protection is a properly grounded lightning
rod placed high enough over the deck to provide
a protective umbrella over the hull. Depending
upon the likelihood of your being in a lightning
storm, consult your dealer for installation of a
lightning rod. Stay clear of the lightning rod, all
attached wiring and all metal parts of the boat.
•
Stay out of the water during a lightning storm. If
caught swimming during a storm, get back into
the boat and remain there until the storm passes.
1.9
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