Hazardous Conditions

Always anchorfrom the bow and neveranchorfrom the stern in strong currents. Asmall current will make the boat unsteady...a strong current can pull a boat anchored by the stern underwater and keep it there.

If your boat capsizes or becomes completely swamped, keep in mind the following guidelines: • Stay away from the propeller and try to turn off the engine to prevent injury and damage. • If others were on board, try to locate them and make sure they are conscious and can swim. • Stay with the boat. Your

Alumacraft is equipped with level flotation and will not sink. • Do not try to swim to shore unless you are very close to land. It’s usually further than it looks. • If the boat is inverted, try to climb onto the bottom of the hull and get assistance. If you’ve struck something and your boat begins to take on water: • Try to plug the leaks with cloth or any available materials. • Run the bilge pump and bale with buckets. • Immediately head for the nearest port or beach the boat on the nearest shore. • If the boat eventually swamps, stay with it. It will float.

KC-0170

Every waterway poses hazards that you should avoid; shallow water, tree stumps, rocks, etc. Ask local boaters for information and consult a marine chart when boating on unfamiliar waters.

Weather

OK !

KC-0212.2 Getting caught in severe weather on a large body of water is dangerous.If navigating on such waters, your boat should be equipped with communications gear, a marine VHF-FM and/or HF transceiver as applicable to your operating area. Always check with the local weather stations, the U.S. Coast Guard, or Weather Service broadcasts for the latest conditions before venturing out.

While on the water, the best way to receive timely weather information is by radio. NOAAWeather Radio (NWR), operated by the National Weather Service, provides continuous weather programming for all U.S. waters at 162.55 or 162.40 Megahertz on your FM radio. Always monitor your communications equipment while boating so you have adequate time to seek port in the event of a storm. If you do get trapped in bad weather, turn into the waves and proceed slowly. Keep all passengers low, near the center of the boat and make sure everyone is wearing their PFD. If you must move in the same direction of the waves to get home, try to keep on top of each wave and maintain the same speed as the wave.

Dam Spillways

The water around a dam spillway is a hazardous area. It is subject to rapid changes and must be avoided.

Weeds

Weeds are generally a threat to your boat’s engine. Weeds on the propeller may cause the engine to vibrate and can restrict water intake, causing overheating of the engine. If you run into heavy weeds, stop the engine and make sure the propeller is completely stopped. Clear the propeller and water intake completely of weeds before proceeding. Weeds can sometimes be removed by shifting to neutral, pausing a moment, then shifting to reverse to unwind the weeds from the propeller.

Shallow Water Operation

Operating in shallow water presents a number of hazards. Water of any depth may contain stump fields, sand bars, rocks, or other unmarked underwater hazards. If the engine strikes an underwater hazard, check for boat and engine damage. If the engine vibrates excessively after striking an underwater obstruction, it may indicate a damaged propeller.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely dangerous. Even the best boat design and construction may not prevent hazardous levels of CO from accumulating. You must provide adequate air flow ventilation through the boat when operating the boat with the convertible top and/or side curtains in place. You should also pay attention to the effects caused by other vessels moored or anchored next to your boat and the effect of your exhaust on other boaters. Sources of carbon monoxide include:

• Blockage of boat exhausts by obstruction. • Exhausts traveling along obstruction. • Operating at slow speed or while dead in the water. • Operating with high bow angle. • Exhausts from other vessels in confined areas. • Operating with canvas tops and side curtains in place without ventilation.

To reduce CO accumulation, always ventilate the boat interior by opening the deck hatches, windows and/or canvas to allow for air flow through the boat. If you suspect someone is a victim of CO poisoning, have them breathe deeply and seek immediate medical attention.