COMMON SENSE BOATING
Before you
start
your
engine, whether you are a newcomer to boating or a seasoned
skipper,
we
suggest that you read this chapter. It can't hurt.
We
at Correct Craft want
you to enjoy your boat. But, above
all
else, we want you to come back to shore safely.
So,
here are some tips for happy boating.
Become familiar with the free pamphlets available regarding such things
as
Rules of the
Road,
Navigational Aids and Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. (your dealer
can supply these, as can organizations such as the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
and the
U.
S.
Power Squadrons.) Also, check with your state's boating publications
(regulations vary from state to state). The Coast Guard's "Rules of the Road" really
translate into COMMON SENSE.
If you think of it
as
driving a car, it becomes a bit easier.
In
a "meeting situation," that
is,
a vessel coming towards your bow, you should pass that
vessel, keeping it on your port (left) side. (Same
as
when driving a car on a highway.)
In
a "crossing situation," that
is,
another vessel passing
in
front of you, if the vessel
is
on
your starboard (right) side, that vessel has right-of-way.
In
an
"overtaking situation," the boat being overtaken (passed) has the right-of-way. The
overtaking boat should pass on the port side of the boat being overtaken with a single
blast of the horn. If for safety reasons it
is
required to overtake on the starboard side,
two blasts from your horn are required.
You may encounter
an
unpowered vessel such
as
a sailboat or canoe. The unpowered
vessel ALWAYS has right-of-way. However, if a sailboat
is
also being powered, it must
abide by "Rules of the Road."
Do
not DEMAND the right-of-way, even if you are correct. The only REALLY correct
move
is
to avoid a collision.
Some
things
that
are
not
covered
in "Rules
of
the
Road:" Elsewhere
in
this manual,
we mention to NEVER use alcohol
in
your fuel tank. It can ruin your engine. Similarly,
NEVER put alcohol
in
your body and drive a boat.
DO
NOT let anyone sit
on
the bow of your boat while under power. They COULD
fall
off
and not be able to avoid the propeller.
In
the case of open bow models, bow seating
is
available, however care should be taken to avoid obstructing the driver's field of vision.
Do
not allow objects or extremities to hang from the bow or gunwales.
DO
check visually before making any turn. (Someone else may NOT be following the
"Rules of the Road."
7.1
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