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tion light switch to turn on the stern or mast light
(white), port (red) and starboard (green) lights. Lights
are off when switches are in the OFF position.
S - 9
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
A. 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
primary consideration, but a threat of possible storms
should always be a concern. Observance of the
following information 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
monitor 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
passengers are wearing their PFDs.
• If you lose power, keep the boat headed into the
waves by rigging a sea anchor off the bow. If there
is no sea anchor on board, use a canvas bucket or
any object that will offer resistance.
• Radar reflectors (if installed on your boat) should be
18 inches diagonally and placed 12 feet above the
waterline.
Pre-Launch and Underway - Section S
B. Fog
Fog is a result of either warm surface or cold surface
conditions. You can judge the likelihood of fog
formation by periodically measuring the air tempera-
ture and dew point temperature. If the spread
(difference) between these two temperatures is
small, you likely will incur a fog situation. Remember
the following guidelines:
• Turn on running lights.
• As fog sets in, take bearings and mark your
position on the chart while continuing to log your
course and speed.
• Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their
PFDs.
• If your boat has depth finding equipment, take
sounding and match them with soundings on
your charts.
• Station a person forward on the boat as a
lookout.
• Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop
engine and listen for fog signals.
• Sound the proper horn or fog bell at proper
intervals to warn other boaters.
• If there is any doubt in continuing boat move-
ment, anchor. Listen for other fog signals while
continuing to sound the proper fog horn or bell for
a boat at anchor.
C. Running Aground
To prevent boat damage, DO NOT use deck
hardware or water ski pylon for towing. Use a
commercial towing service.
Operating in shallow water can present a number of
hazards. Sand bars in narrow inlets are constantly
shifting, making it difficult to mark them with buoys.
Sometimes sand bars are indicated by waves as they
form into breakers when passing over sand bars. In
coastal areas, tides can change water levels by as
much as 30 feet. Check with local marinas or Coast
Guard stations for tide tables and current charts.
Owner's Manual Page 191
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