Environmental Concerns - Axis A20 Owner's Manual

to deeper water whenever possible, and if you must travel in shallow water, proceed at low
speed and post a lookout.
Know the minimal depth your boat can safely travel.
Warning Markers
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are used as the signposts of
the waterways identifying navigable routes and water hazards. It is a good idea to ask local
authorities about hazard areas and if they are marked. Stay within boundaries and clear of
hazards.
Weeds
Weeds can generally be a threat to a boat's engine and other components on the boat. If
weeds wrap around the propeller, they can create vibration in the engine. They also can restrict
water intakes or clog the water filter causing the engine to overheat. Learn to recognize the
typical normal operating temperature range for your engine. If temperature rises high above
normal, then check for blockage of the engine cooling water system.
Dam Spillways
The area around dam spillways is very hazardous and conditions can change rapidly. Keep
clear of the spillways and areas below dams. Currents created by spillways can draw in objects,
including your boat.
Restricted Areas
Before boating, check with Local, State, and Federal authorities to identify restricted areas.
Because of the threat of terrorism, the U.S. Coast Guard has and will continue to implement
strict limits on watercraft near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and other potential targets.
Weather/Seas
Learn and understand weather patterns and signs of change. Bad weather can cause an
uncomfortable and unsafe situation. If a storm approaches, seek a safe harbor. Check forecasts
before getting underway and continue to monitor conditions while on the water.
As a boater, you already appreciate nature's beauty and the peace of the great
outdoors. It is a boater's responsibility to protect the natural environment by
keeping waterways clean.
Foreign Species
If you trailer your boat from lake to lake, you have the potential of
unknowingly introducing a foreign aquatic species from one lake to the next. It
is important to thoroughly clean the bottom of the boat below the water line,
remove all weeds and algae, and drain the bilge, ballast, and livewells before
launching the boat in a new body of water. Check local, state, country agencies as
to laws and regulations.
Fuel/Oil Spillage
The spilling of fuel or oil into our waterways contaminates the environment and is dangerous
Axis
to wildlife. DO NOT EVER discharge or dispose of fuel, oil or other chemicals into the water; it is
Owners
prohibited and can result in fines. These are three common, accidental types of discharge:
Manual
2019
Page 23
Weeds can sometimes be removed by shifting to NEUTRAL, pausing
for a moment, then shifting to REVERSE to unwind the weeds from
the propeller.
environmental
concerns