BEING TOWED WHEN AFLOAT
Should it become necessary to tow any Topaz craft you should
secure the line around the only suitable strong point which is
the base the mast at deck level for dinghies (or the mast base
on the crossbeam for catamarans) and ideally through a guide
loop or handle at the bow. The tow line should wrapped twice
around the crossbeam/mast and the end held by the crew. This
allows the tow line to be dropped if necessary. If the line has to
be temporarily tied off, then a round turn and two half hitches
should be used as this can be easily untied.
If sailing with a jib it should be furled and secured when being
towed. If it is lowered in order to be towed then the forestay
must be attached.
When being towed, partially raise the daggerboard/centreboard
(if fitted) and stay at the tiller. In the event of the loss of the
rudder sit well aft.
CAUTION: The tow line used should be of a suitable length and
diameter for the conditions and the duration of the tow being
undertaken. It is the owner/operator’s responsibility to ensure
that any line used for towing is adequate for the intended use
and its strength does not exceed 80% of the breaking strength
of the towing point. The maximum recommended strength of
the towing line is stated in TABLE 2.
CAUTION: Do not tow other craft.
CAUTION: Always tow at slow speed, suitable for the condi-
tions.
CAUTION: The crew of the towed craft must be able to release
the tow line when under load.
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MOORING AND ANCHORING
The Topaz range of craft are not designed to be moored. They
are day-boats for racing or cruising in inshore or inland waters.
When anchoring any Topaz craft you should secure the anchor
line around the base of the mast (or the mast base on the for-
ward crossbeam for catamarans). Ensure the mast is secure if it
is being used in this way.
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OUTBOARD ENGINE (TOPAZ OMEGA ONLY)
The Topaz OMEGA sailing dinghy is designed to be able to
operate with an outboard engine. The Topaz OMEGA has a
forward locker to stow and fix the outboard engine out of the
sailing area of the boat when not in use.
An outboard engine may only be used on the Topaz OMEGA in
conjunction with the outboard bracket supplied by Topper Inter-
national.
The maximum power for an outboard engine suitable for the
Topaz OMEGA is 1.84KW (2.5hp).
The engine must have an integral fuel tank without external fuel
lines.
The maximum weight of the engine and any fuel is 26 kg.
It is important that you obtain an outboard engine from an
authorised engine dealer and pay particular attention to the
safety warnings in the owners manual supplied with the engine.
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CRAFT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Craft Identification Number is engraved on dingy hulls on
the starboard side of the transom. On catamarans it is on the
transom of both hulls.
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BUILDERS PLATE AND SAIL NUMBER
The Builders Plate contains important information on the design
category, the builder, the maximum number of persons and the
maximum permitted load. It is located in the deck cockpit of
dinghies and on the transom of both hulls on catamarans.
The sail number is also detailed on the Builders Plate.
Please read the important safety information on the plate, read
this manual and the rigging manual before sailing the boat.
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SYMBOLS
Serial (Sail) Number:
Max. number of persons: Max
Max. load including persons: Max
Max. weight of outboard engine: Max
Warning:
Read Manual:
Risk of Capsize:
Overhead Cables:
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