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Operation
2.6 Controls, Steering or
Propulsion System Failure
If the propulsion, control or steering system fails
while you are operating the boat, bring the throttles
to idle and shift to neutral. Decide whether you
need to put out the anchor to prevent the boat
from drifting or to hold the bow into the seas. In-
vestigate and correct the problem if you can. Turn
the engine o before opening the engine cowling
to make repairs. If you are unable to correct the
problem, call for help.
If only one engine has failed, you can usually run
home on the other engine. Be careful not to apply
too much power to the engine that is running. When
only one engine is used to power a twin engine boat,
the engine is over propped and can be overloaded if
too much throttle is applied. You should contact your
dealer or the engine manufacturer for the maximum
power settings when running without one engine.
ENGINE DAMAGE CAN RESULT IF PROPER EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES ARE NOT FOLLOWED ON MULTI ENGINE
BOATS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT ON BOATS
WITH ELECTRONIC STEERING. REFER TO THE ENGINE
AND CONTROL SYSTEM MANUALS. ALWAYS FOLLOW
THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES RECOMMENDED BY THE
ENGINE MANUFACTURER.
2.7 Collision
If your boat is involved in a collision with another
boat, dock, piling or a sandbar, your rst priority is
to check your passengers for injuries and admin-
ister rst aid if necessary. Once your passengers
situations are stabilized, thoroughly inspect the
boat for damage. Check below decks for leaks and
the control systems for proper operation. Plug all
leaks or make the necessary repairs to the control
systems before proceeding slowly and carefully to
port. Request assistance if necessary. Haul the
boat and make a thorough inspection of the hull
and running gear for damage.
2.8 Grounding, Towing &
Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel
to render assistance to any individual or vessel in
distress, as long as his vessel is not endangered
in the process.
If the boat should become disabled or if another
craft that is disabled requires assistance, great
care must be taken. The stress applied to a boat
during towing may become excessive. Excessive
stress can damage the structure of the boat and
create a safety hazard for those aboard.
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that
is disabled, requires specialized equipment and
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
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