Chart Your Course; Water Sports; Swimming - Sea Ray 260 Sundancer Owner's Manual

• 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.
14. C Y
HART OUR
! WARNING
Hitting an object in or under the water or boating in
dangerous currents can cause serious injury or death
to boat occupants.
You must know where the hazards are and avoid them.
In uncharted waters, boat very slowly and post a
lookout.
To avoid boating in unsafe areas where there are
underwater obstructions,
unnavigable conditions such as dangerous
currents, and others, you must chart a course. This
means having and using the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charts for
coastal waters, observing and understanding all
navigational aids, using the knowledge and
guidance of experienced boaters, and being aware
of the tide times where appropriate.
260 Sundancer (275 Sundancer
®
S
ECTION
C
OURSE
shallow water,
)
®
1 • S
AFETY
!
Shut engine off if an object is struck or if you run
aground.
Check for hull leaks and drive line damage, before
restarting engines.
Use hand pump if bilge pumps don't remove water.
Boat very slowly, if you must proceed with a damaged
drive line.
If you are in an unfamiliar area without knowledge
of the hazards, proceed very slowly and have
someone watch for hazards.
Let others know where you are going. A float
plan describes your intended cruising course and
itinerary, boat description, and your expected time
and date of return. Give the float plan to a friend or
relative, so they can give the information to a
national boat agency, like the U.S. Coast Guard, in
the event you fail to return.
15. W S
ATER PORTS
!
Your boat can kill or injure persons in the water.
Always stay away from areas designated for
swimming or diving. Unless you are towing a skier,
stay away from water ski areas. Recognize markers
used for such areas.
When engine is running, close and lock transom door
and do not permit anyone to use boarding ladder and
swim platform.
A. S
WIMMING
• Do not permit anyone to swim from a moving
boat, or a boat with an engine running.
• Many localities prohibit swimming from boats
except in designated areas.
• Make sure boat's engines are turned off before
allowing people to swim anywhere near your
boat. Shut the engine OFF and remove the key
from the ignition switch so that no one can
accidentally start the engine while swimmers
are nearby.
WARNING
WARNING
1.9