33
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 throt-
tles 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 off 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 engines. Be careful not to apply
too much power to the engines that are running.
When one or more engines are not operating on
a multi engine boat, the remaining engine or en-
gines are 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 TRIPLE OR QUAD
ENGINE 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.
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