Loading - Glastron Boats User Manual

spring lines keep your boat from moving forward or back-
ward when you are moored alongside a dock.
Mooring lines must be long enough to secure your boat in
any docking situation. For example, the length of the lines
for a 16-foot runabout should be at least 15 feet. An eye
splice at the end of each line (shown on Figure 3.1) works
well with bow or stern cleats.
NOTE: If you are mooring your boat in an area where tides
are a consideration, be sure to leave slack in the lines to
make up for the rise and fall of the water.
If you are mooring your boat for a short time, bow and
stern lines may be the only lines you will need. If you are
mooring your boat for a longer time or the currents are
swift, you should use spring lines. The stern spring line
leads from the boat's stern cleat forward to the piling or
cleat on the dock. The bow spring line leads from the bow
cleat aft to the dock. (See Figure 3.1.)
If you are mooring your boat in a slip, bow and spring
lines, port and starboard, will keep your boat in position.
• Make a loop in one end of the line.
• Pass the loop through the hole in the base of the deck cleat.
• Then pass the loop back over the deck cleat.
• The line can now safely secure your boat.
Mooring lines may remain secured to the boat's deck
cleats while underway. Coil and place lines where they
cannot tangle inside of deck gear or the propellers.
When securing the boat with a mooring line:
• Run the line from the boat's deck cleat around a secure
mooring element (i.e., dock cleat, pier pillar, etc.).
• Bring the end of the line back into the boat. This allows
you to untie the line without leaving the boat.
• When departing, remove the line from around the
mooring element, cast-off the line, and bring the entire
length of line onboard.

LOADING

NOTE:Boats under 26 feet in length are subject to U.S.
Coast Guard safe loading or labeling requirements.
CAUTION: Do Not e xceed the ratings shown on the
capacity plate. An overpowered boat can become
unstable, sometimes resulting in loss of control or cap-
sizing. An overloaded boat can become sluggish and
hard to handle. Overloading or overpowering can also
reduce freeboard and increase the danger of swamp-
ing, particularly in rough water. In addition, overloading
or overpowering is illegal under most state laws and
the Glastron Warranty is void if the owner exceeds the
recommended capacity ratings.
When loading your Glastron boat, remember to distribute
the load evenly. Keep the load low and do not overload.
The capacity plate affixed to your Glastron boat states the
maximum load capacity. The plate shows persons and
gear in pounds that the boat will safely handle under nor-
mal conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard establishes these
load capacity ratings.
When loading always step onto the boat, never board by
jumping. Have someone on the dock pass your gear
3.4