Overloading; Avoid Collisions; Collisions With Floating Or Submerged Objects - Yamaha F20G Owner's Manual

any unusual maneuver. Always avoid jump-
ing waves or wakes.
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Overloading

Do not overload the boat. Consult the boat
capacity plate or boat manufacturer for max-
imum weight and number of passengers. Be
sure that weight is properly distributed ac-
cording to the boat manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Overloading or incorrect weight
distribution can compromise the boat's han-
dling and lead to an accident, capsizing or
swamping.
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Avoid collisions

Scan constantly for people, objects, and oth-
er boats. Be alert for conditions that limit your
visibility or block your vision of others.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people, ob-
jects, and other boats.
Do not follow directly behind other boats or

waterskiers.
Avoid sharp turns or other maneuvers that

make it hard for others to avoid you or un-
derstand where you are going.
Avoid areas with submerged objects or

shallow water.
Ride within your limits and avoid aggres-

sive maneuvers to reduce the risk of loss
of control, ejection, and collision.
Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-

member, boats do not have brakes, and
stopping the engine or reducing throttle
can reduce the ability to steer. If you are
not sure that you can stop in time before
hitting an obstacle, apply throttle and turn
in another direction.
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Collisions with floating or
submerged objects
If the outboard motor hits a floating object or
an obstacle in the water while cruising, the
following could occur:
The passengers and any loose equipment

or luggage could be thrown forward due to
the sudden deceleration.
Parts of the outboard motor could come

loose as a result of the impact and could
be thrown into the boat.
The boat or outboard motor could be dam-

aged as a result of the impact.
When you operate the boat in an area where
there might be floating objects or obstacles
in the water, be sure to adjust the trim angle
of the outboard motor, slow down, and oper-
ate carefully. For further information, see
page 62.
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If the outboard motor hits a floating object or
an obstacle in the water, make sure that
there are no abnormalities with the boat and
the outboard motor. If anything abnormal is
found, return to the nearest harbor at low
speed and have a Yamaha dealer inspect
the outboard motor.
Safety information
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