Wellcraft Cruisers Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 93)

• Reduce speed as the seas build. Make sure

all passengers are wearing their PFDs.

• If you lose power, keep the boat headed into

the waves by rigging a sea anchor off the

bow (Figure 10.4). If there is no sea anchor

on board, use a canvas bucket or any object

that will offer resistance.

• Radar reflectors (if installed on your boat)

should be 18 inches diagonally and placed

12 feet above the waterline.

FOG

Fog is a result of either warm surface or cold

surface conditions. You can judge the likelihood

of fog formation by periodically measuring the

air temperature and dew point temperature. If

the spread (difference) between these two tem-

peratures is small, you likely will incur a fog

situation. Remember the following guidelines:

• Turn on running lights.

• As fog sets in, take bearings and mark your

position on the chart while continuing to log

your course and speed.

• Make sure all persons aboard are wearing

their PFDs.

• If your boat has depth finding equipment,

take sounding and match them with sound-

ings on your charts.

• Station a person forward on the boat as a

lookout.

• Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop

engine and listen for fog signals.

• Sound the proper horn or fog bell at proper

intervals to warn other boaters.

• If there is any doubt in continuing boat

movement, anchor. Listen for other fog sig-

nals while continuing to sound the proper

fog horn or bell for a boat at anchor.

RUNNING AGROUND

Operating in shallow water can present a num-

ber of hazards. Sand bars in narrow inlets are

constantly shifting, making it difficult to mark

them with buoys. Sometimes sand bars are indi-

cated by waves as they form into breakers when

passing over sand bars. In coastal areas, tides

can change water levels by as much as 30 feet.

Check with local marinas or Coast Guard sta-

tions for tide tables and current charts.

If your boat runs aground, first check persons

aboard for injury. Then check for damage to the

boat. If the drive unit strikes an underwater haz-

ard, check for boat and drive unit damage. If the

engine vibrates excessively after striking an

underwater obstruction, it may indicate a dam-

aged propeller. If vibration is noticeable, return

to port slowly to prevent further drive and

engine damage from an out-of-balance condi-

tion. Watch the temperature gauge to make

sure you do not overheat the engine.

If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be

possible to rock the boat by shifting the weight

of the passengers and gear and by raising the

drive unit while reversing the engine.

If you ground your boat on a sand bar, shut

down the engine and seek help from another

boater or radio for help. See your dealer as

soon as possible, as sand ingested in the

engine cooling system can cause major engine

damage.

WARNING MARKERS

It is a good idea to find out about hazardous

areas and how they are marked by asking your

local authorities.

• Boaters must also recognize the flag

designs which indicate that scuba divers are

present and keep well clear of the area.

• Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may

not be marked. Steer clear from the area

and always remain alert.

10-10

To prevent boat damage, DO NOT use

deck hardware for towing. Use a com-

mercial towing service.

WARNING

!

FIGURE 10.4 SEA ANCHOR

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