WEIGHT LIMITS
AND DISTRIBUTION
All boats have weight limits. Failure to adhere to the posted limits
can cause operation instability and/or the boat to sink. This may
result in serious injury or death, as well as significant damage to
the boat, which will not be covered by warranty.
Overloading a boat may cause it to become unstable and may
potentially result in the boat’s flotation system becoming over-
whelmed. Too much weight can sink any boat! Within this Owner’s
Manual and on a label mounted in each boat is the Maximum
Capacity for that specific model. Bear in mind that maximum limits
include additional water ballast bags and water put in them, gear
brought onto the boat, additional options and all people. Maximum
people is limited to the number of designated occupant seating
positions. Equally critical is how weight is distributed throughout the
boat. The weight must be distributed evenly throughout the boat.
If too much weight is placed in one area it can have serious impact
on maintaining control. Items and people can also shift positions
during operation, potentially causing a dangerous situation.
Adding weight of any type to the boat will affect the handling char-
acteristics of the boat while it is underway. Caution should always
be exhibited when putting the boat into motion or
attempting to stop it, particularly when the added-weight
characteristics have changed.
LINE OF SIGHT
Care should also be taken to avoid interfering with the boat opera-
tor’s line of sight when the boat is underway. This applies particu-
larly to individuals riding in the bow. It is possible to quite uninten-
tionally obscure the driver’s view. Even momentary interference can
result in the driver’s inability to respond to a situation that requires
avoidance of another vessel or submerged or partially-submerged
objects. It is recommended to use the driver seat bolster or stand
to maintain a safe lookout and proper visibility when necessary.
Everyone on board should always pay attention to other vessels,
people and objects located in close proximity to the boat, activities
taking place in or near the water, and should always be supportive of
the boat operator.
The law requires the boat operator to maintain clear visibility at all
times and in all directions when the boat is in motion.
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