Walker Bay WB 10F Owner's Safety Manual & Assembly Instructions - page 5
WEATHER AND HAZARDS
- BEWARE OF OFFSHORE WINDS AND CURRENTS.
- Offshore winds and currents can take you out to see or make
it difficult to return to shore.
- Check weather forecasts and obtain local knowledge of marine
environment and weather conditions prior to and during voyage.
- Carry appropriate safety equipment (see SAFETY EQUIPMENT).
- Marine weather can change quickly.
- Use extreme caution when motoring in darkness. Regulations may
require display of navigation lights in darkness, check with local
marine authorities.
Wrecks, reefs, rocky shores, sandbars, and shallows are hazardous
and should be avoided or approached with extreme caution.
!
WARNING
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CAUTION
LOADING AND BOARDING
!
WARNING
- Do not exceed maximum persons capacity.
- Do not exceed maximum weight capacity. Regardless of number of
persons on board, total weight of persons and equipment must not
exceed maximum weight capacity.
- Improper boarding or loading may result in passengers falling
overboard, capsize or swamping.
- Walker Bay is not responsaible for loss or damage to property
resulting from capsize or swamping.
- Take appropriate measures to protect equipment and gear in case
of capsize or swamping. For example, place electronics like cell
phones or cameras in a waterproof case or bag.
- Load distribution is critical for safety and performance in all small
boats. Refer to diagram A for recommended passenger distribution
in your Walker Bay boat.
- Use caution when boarding boat.
- Board boat by stepping onto the floor.
- Do not board by stepping on seats or the gunwale.
- Step or climb into boat. Do not jump into boat.
- Board one person at a time.
- Load gear after boarding.
- Distribute loads to maintain design trim (approximately level).
- Avoid standing or placing heavy weights high up.
- Children and non-swimmers must wear lifejackets or PFDs when
boarding and when onboard.
Capsize Recovery when Sailing
- Capsizing is a risk faced in any small boat when sailing.
- Refer to diagram B for capsize recovery procedure.
- The minimum crew mass for righting a Walker Bay boat is 40 Kg.
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FAQ?
Will my boat sink if it is swamped or fills with water?
Answer:
No. All Walker Bay 8s and 10s have foam filled seats.
Also, the hull’s polypropylene is lighter than water so it floats.
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FAQ?
If my boat is swamped will it keep me afloat?
Answer:
Yes. US Coast Guard and ABYC standards for small
boats require enough buoyancy to keep the maximum number
of passengers afloat in the event the boat is swamped. The
polystyrene foam built into the seats of your boat provide this
necessary buoyancy.
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS
!
WARNING
- Risk of drowning, injury or loss of life.
- The safety of your Walker Bay boat and its users is highly
dependant on uncontrolable variables such as but not limited to the
state of the weather, sea or water, and the experience and physical
condition of the crew; therefore, one can never ensure or assume
full safety of the vessel or users.
- This Owner’s Manual contains the minimum information necessary
to operate your Walker Bay boat, some safety topics, and operation
and maintenance suggestions.
- This owner's manual is not a guide to boating safety or how to
navigate, anchor, or dock your boat. Your dealer, national sailing
federation or yacht club should advise you on local marine schools
or competent instructors.
- Always maintain your boat properly and adjust your use to the
condition of the boat which may wear with time and use.
- Obtaining and maintaining necessary safety equipment is the
responsibility of the boat owner (See SAFETY EQUIPMENT).
- A personal flotation device (PFD) is required for each passenger.
- Do not use your boat if you suspect it has a crack or hole.
- Do not use the boat as a tow craft.
- Do not remove the warning or capacity label from the boat.
- Do not use the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Carry a paddle and bailer on board while sailing.
- Use a buddy systen, sail where people can see and help you if
necessary.
- Do not use a motor or sail unless you use the equipment in the
manner intended and/or as described in the manual.
- This boat is not a toy. Adult supervision advised.
!
CAUTION
CHECKLIST BEFORE OPERATING
Perform checklist actions before operating.
- Documents including registration and licenses on board.
- Federal/state/local regulations concerning operation requirements
and safety equipment.
- Weather forecast.
- Local area and conditions.
- Inform someone of your intended route and return time.
- Surrounding area for swimmers or divers.
- Surrounding area for hazards such as submerged rocks.
- Drain plug is closed.
- Fuel lines are intact and connections are secure.
- Adequate fuel for the return journey. Consider extra fuel for delays
due to weather or currents.
- Engine is securely fastened to motor mount and gear lever is in
“Neutral” position.
- People and cargo are correctly and evenly distributed and do not
exceed maximum capacity.
- Propeller is clear of obstructions.
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