Water Skiing; Water Skiing Signals - Boston Whaler 170 Montauk Owner's Manual

Water Skiing

• Always have at least two persons in the boat,
one at the controls and one who can easily and
continuously look at the skier.
• Insist that anyone who water skis must know
how to swim.
• Insist that skiers wear approved Personal
Flotation Devices (PFD's)
• Ski only in daylight when visibility is good.
• Never drive the boat directly behind a water
skier. At 22 knots (25 m.p.h.) it takes only 5
seconds to overtake a fallen skier who was 60
meters (200 feet) in front.
• Ski only in areas where skiing is permitted.
• Observe local restrictions on length of tow
line.
• Learn the signals to communicate with a skier.
The skier is to control the boat through hand
signals (Figure 1.14.1).
• Your boat will handle differently while towing
a skier. Experiment carefully to learn the
difference.
• Skiers may start from the shore or dock, if boat
traffic allows. When returning, pick up skiers
from water. Do not ski back to shore or dock.
• Give immediate attention to fallen skiers.
• Keep a downed skier in sight and on the
operator's side of the boat when approaching
the skier. Never back up to anyone in the
water.
• Turn off engine in gear (to prevent propeller
"windmilling") before picking up skier.
• If the skier suddenly releases the tow rope,
it can backlash into cockpit. Spotters who
are watching the skier must be aware of this
fact and be prepared to take appropriate action
to avoid injury.
1-14
Section 1• Safety

Water Skiing Signals

Skiing Signals
Fig. 1.14.1
TURN
OK AFTER FALL
Turn – Arm raised, circle with index finger
Turn Right – Extend arm out from body to
Turn Left – Extend arm out from body to the
Stop – Raise arm with palm vertical and facing
Faster – Thumb pointed up or palm up, move
Speed OK – Raise arm and form a circle with
Slow Down – Thumb pointed down or palm
OK After a Fall – Clasp hands together
Skier in Water – Extend one ski vertically
Cut Motor – Draw finger across throat.
Back to Dock – Pat top of head.
Never allow anyone to board or exit your boat
from the water when engines are on.
R
TURN RIGHT TURN LEFT
OR
GO FASTER
SPEED OK
SKIER IN WATER CUT MOTOR
extended.
the right.
left.
forward.
hand up and down.
thumb and index finger.
down, move hand up and down.
overhead.
out of water.
WARNING
!
STOP
OR
GO SLOWER
BACK TO DOCK
170 Montauk