Propellers; Stability; Maintain Control - Sea Ray 260 Sundancer Owner's Manual

10. P
ROPELLERS
Your Sea Ray has been equipped with a propeller
®
which our tests have shown to be the best suited
for general use with our engine under normal
conditions and load. Do not change the pitch of your
propeller without
recommendations first. If you change to a different
propeller pitch, under no circumstances use a
propeller which allows the engine to operate at
higher than recommended RPM. (your engine
manual specifies the maximum recommended
RPM).
To maintain rated power, propellers should be free
of nicks, excessive pitting and any distortions that
alter them from their original design. Badly damaged
propellers should be replaced, but those that are
chipped, bent or merely out of shape can be
reconditioned by your marine dealer.
It is advisable to carry an extra propeller aboard in
case you damage the one in use.
11. S
TABILITY
Your boat was manufactured to specific stability and
flotation standards for the capacity shown on the
certification plate. Any increase from the
recommended load capacities will put your boat in
jeopardy of capsizing, swamping and/or sinking.
I A :
• Stability may be substantially reduced if
equipment is added above the deck.
• Stability is substantially reduced by loose fluids
or weight within the hull. Keep bilge area as dry
as possible, and close all openings, hatches
and windows in rough weather.
! WARNING
Distribute passengers and gear as uniformly as
possible from front to rear and left to right.
The manufacturer's load rating is the maximum
allowed under calm conditions.
Reduce boat loading if weather, water or other
conditions are adverse.
260 Sundancer (275 Sundancer
®
S
ECTION
getting your dealer's
)
®
1 • S
AFETY
12. M C
AINTAIN
On the water there are no marked traffic lanes, no
traffic signs or lights, and boats have no turn signals.
The boat operator must keep her or his attention
focused not only on what's ahead but what's on the
left, right and behind the boat.
The operator must always be alert to approaching
boats (from the rear, right and left sides, as well as
those ahead). There can be people in the water,
partially submerged debris, and other navigational
hazards such as rocks, sand bars, dangerous
currents, to name a few.
Your passengers are relying on you to operate and
maneuver the boat safely so that they are not in
danger of going overboard. If you turn to quickly,
increase or decrease speed abruptly, your
passengers are at risk of being thrown overboard
or thrown about the boat.
!
Death or serious injury can result if you fail to observe
these safety rules:
• Anyone who controls the boat must have
taken a boating safety course and have
trained in the proper operation of the
boat.
• Always operate the boat at speeds that
will not put people or property in danger.
• Be constantly aware of conditions in all
directions when underway and before
turning.
• Reduce speed, use a lookout to identify
possible hazards or difficulties, and turn
on navigation lights when:
- visibility is impaired;
- in rough water; or
- in congested waterways.
• Watch your wake. It can capsize a small
boat or damage moored boats or other
property. You are responsible for damage
caused by your wake.
ONTROL
WARNING
1.7