Emergency Procedures - Glastron Boats User Manual

Dropping Anchor
1. Have a crew member carefully lower the anchor. Keep
slight tension on the anchor while lowering and main-
tain your tension after anchor reaches bottom.
2. Maneuver the boat backwards slowly until the proper
length of anchor line is handed out.
3. Fasten the anchor line around the bow eye or deck
cleat. Anchor flukes should dig in and catch.
Watch for anchor drag by checking shoreline landmarks at
the time the anchor is dropped and one-half hour later. If
the boat has drifted away from these reference marks, the
anchor is dragging and must be reset.
Weigh (pull in) Anchor
1. It is recommended to have the engine running when
you pull in anchor.
2. Pull in the length of anchor line until the line is vertical.
Pull firmly to lift the anchor's shank and free the flukes
from the bottom.
If the anchor becomes stuck, attach the vertical line to the
mooring cleat. Wave action on the bow may lift flukes from
the bottom and free the anchor. If the anchor is still stuck,
feed out a few feet of line and attach it to the bow cleat.
Maneuver the boat around the anchor, keeping the line
firm. Locate an angle that will pull the anchor free.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The following information is provided so you, as the opera-
tor of your boat, can think about emergencies before they
happen. Plan ahead so you will know what to do before
you encounter any of these situations.
Storms
Storms sometimes appear without advance notice. Although
weather information from meteorological observation and
reporting stations is available, weather bureaus are known
to have failures in their predictions or information gathering
equipment. There is no substitute for a strong understanding
of what action to take when the weather takes a turn for the
worse. Many marinas fly weather signals. You should learn
to recognize these signals and monitor your local weather
forecasts before leaving port.
The present and forecasted weather conditions are of pri-
mary consideration, but a threat of possible storms should
always be a concern. Observance of the following informa-
tion will help in your safety afloat if storms do occur:
• Keep a watch on the horizon for approaching storm
indicators.
• Turn radio ON. Dial in local weather station and moni-
tor forecast. If your boat has a VHF radio, check the
weather channels.
• The best possible situation is to return to a safe port if
time allows.
• Close and secure all portals and hatches. Stow all
loose gear below deck and tie down any gear required
to remain on deck.
• Reduce speed as the seas build. Make sure all pas-
sengers are wearing their PFDs.
• If you lose power, keep the boat headed into the waves
by rigging a sea anchor off the bow (Figure 3.5). If
there is no sea anchor on board, use a canvas bucket
or any object that will offer resistance.
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