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If your boat runs aground, first check persons aboard
for injury. Then check for damage to the boat. If the
drive unit strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat
and drive unit damage. If the engine vibrates exces-
sively after striking an underwater obstruction, it may
indicate a damaged propeller. If vibration is noticeable,
return to port slowly to prevent further drive and engine
damage from an out-of-balance condition. Watch the
temperature gauge to make sure you do not overheat
the engine.
If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be possible
to rock the boat by shifting the weight of the passen-
gers and gear and by raising the drive unit while
reversing the engine.
If you ground your boat on a sand bar, shut down the
engines and seek help from another boater or radio for
help. See your dealer as soon as possible, as sand
ingested in the engine cooling system can cause major
engine damage.
D. Warning Markers
It is a good idea to find out about hazardous areas and
how they are marked by asking your local authorities.
• Boaters must also recognize the flag designs which
indicate that scuba divers are present and keep
well clear of the area.
• Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be
marked. Steer clear from the area and always
remain alert.
• Distress flags indicate a fellow boater is in need of
assistance.
• Navigation markers serve as a means of identifying
navigable routes and indicate water hazards.
Boaters should become familiar with navigation
markers and stay within marked boundaries and
clear of hazards.
S - 10 REACTING TO EMERGENCIES
Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they
happen. Try to formulate a plan for each type of
emergency in advance so that decisions can be made
quickly and without hesitation. Precious moments lost
can mean the difference between losing and saving a
life.
Pre-Launch and Underway - Section S
A. Flooding
If your boat starts taking on water, activate the bilge
pump immediately. Make sure all passengers are
wearing their PFDs. Open the engine compartment,
look for the cause of the flooding. Check all hoses,
through hull fittings, seacocks and strainers. If flooding
occurs as a result of collision or grounding damage,
call for assistance and head for shore if possible.
B. Capsizing and Man Overboard
By far, the largest number of boating fatalities involve
capsizing and falling overboard accidents. By being
prepared ahead of time with an appropriate plan of
action, you can greatly lower your chances and your
passengers' chances of becoming seriously injured.
C. Capsizing
Wear PFDs or have them readily available at all times.
If your boat capsizes, and others were on board,
locate them and guide them to the safety of the hull.
Even if the boat floats in an upside-down position, stay
with it. The boat hull is much easier for rescuers to
spot than a human head sticking out of the water. DO
NOT attempt to swim ashore, it may be further than it
looks.
D. Man Overboard
Think through and follow these procedures if someone
in your boat falls overboard.
• Remember, every second counts, you must act
fast.
• Move throttles to idle position immediately and yell
"MAN OVERBOARD. "
• Throw some floating object overboard immedi-
ately. Keep your required Type IV PFD accessible
at all times for such an emergency.
• Keep the person in the water in sight at all times.
Have a passenger do nothing but watch the
person. Do not go into the water to help the victim.
One person in the water is enough trouble.
• Circle around quickly, approaching into the wind
and waves. When the person is alongside, put the
engine in neutral and throw them a Type IV PFD
with a line attached or extend a paddle or boat
hook within his/her reach.
Owner's Manual Page 192
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