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Operation
knowledge. Line failure and structural damage
caused by improper towing have resulted in fatal
injuries. Because of this, we strongly suggest
that these activities be left to those who have the
equipment and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast
Guard or a commercial towing company, to safely
accomplish the towing task.
THE MOORING CLEATS ON EVERGLADES BOATS ARE
NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED FOR TOWING
PURPOSES. THESE CLEATS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
AS MOORING CLEATS FOR SECURING THE BOAT TO A DOCK,
PIER, ETC. DO NOT USE THESE FITTINGS FOR TOWING OR
ATTEMPTING TO FREE A GROUNDED VESSEL.
WHEN TOWING OPERATIONS ARE UNDERWAY, HAVE
EVERYONE ABOARD BOTH VESSELS STAY CLEAR OF THE TOW
LINE AND SURROUNDING AREA. A TOW LINE THAT SHOULD
BREAK WHILE UNDER STRESS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS
AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
RUNNING AGROUND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO
PASSENGERS AND DAMAGE TO A BOAT AND ITS UNDERWATER
GEAR. IF YOUR BOAT SHOULD BECOME GROUNDED,
DISTRIBUTE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES AND INSPECT
THE BOAT FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. THOROUGHLY INSPECT
THE BILGE AREA FOR SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. AN EXPERIENCED
SERVICE FACILITY SHOULD CHECK YOUR UNDERWATER
GEAR AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY. DO NOT CONTINUE TO
USE YOUR BOAT IF THE CONDITION OF THE UNDERWATER
EQUIPMENT IS QUESTIONABLE.
2.9 Flooding or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become ooded
or completely swamped. You must always be
aware of the position of the boat to the seas and
the amount of water in the bilge. Water entering
the boat over the transom can usually be corrected
by turning the boat into the waves. If the bilge is
ooding because of a hole in the hull or a defective
hose, you may be able to plug it with rags, close
the thru-hull valve or assist the pumps by bailing
with buckets. Put a mayday call in to the Coast
Guard or nearby boats and distribute life jackets
as soon as you discover your boat is in trouble.
If the boat becomes swamped and capsizes, you
and your passengers should stay with the boat as
long as you can. It is much easier for the Coast
Guard, aircraft or other boats to spot, than people
in the water. If your boat is equipped with an
EPIRB, make sure it is activated. When activated,
EPIRBs will send distress code homing beacons
that allow Coast Guard aircraft to identify your
boat and nd you quickly.
2.10 Fishing
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting for the
operator when the action gets intense. You must
always be conscious of the fact that your primary
responsibility is the safe operation of your boat
and the safety of your passengers and other boats
in the area. You must always make sure the helm
is properly manned and is never left unattended
while trolling.
If you are shing in an area that is crowded with
other shing boats, it may be dicult to follow
the rules of the road. This situation can become
especially dicult when most boats are trolling.
Being courteous and exercising good common
sense is essential. Avoid trying to assert your
right-of-way and concentrate on staying clear and
preventing tangled or cut lines and other unpleas-
ant encounters with other boats. Also keep in
mind that shing line wrapped around a propeller
shaft can damage seals in the engine lower unit.
2.11 Center Console
Upper Station (Optional)
Your boat could be equipped with an optional up-
per control station. The upper station is accessed
through a sliding berglass sun roof/helm seat in
the hardtop. The berglass helm typically includes
steering, full engine controls, trim tab controls,
jack plate controls, compass, engine alarms, stop/
start buttons, and an emergency stop switch. This
allows for complete operation of the boat from the
upper helm. Note that the controls available on
your boat could be slightly dierent, depending
on the options selected for your boat.
A welded aluminum frame that is bolted to the
hardtop provides a helm seat backrest, armrests,
cup holders and rod holders. It is accessed by
steps built into the center console and is intended
for one person.
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