Avalon & Tahoe Avalon User manual

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AVALON & TAHOE PONTOON
OWNERSHIP AND OPERATION GUIDE

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PLEAE READ AND RETAIN THIS OWNERS MANUAL.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNER, SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AND ANY
OPERATOR OF THE BOAT.
This manual as well as safety labels which may be posted on your boat use
the following safety alerts to draw your attention to special safety
instructions that should be followed.
CAUTION – Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor injury or
property damage.
WARNING – Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe
personal injury or death.
DANGER – Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or
death.
PORT
STARBOARD
BOW/
FORE
STERN/
AFT
S/N LOCATED
HERE BELOW
RUBRAIL
ABOUT YOUR BOAT

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Dear Avalon or Tahoe Owner,
Thank you for choosing to purchase an Avalon or Tahoe
Pontoon Boat!
We are glad that you have become a part of the Avalon & Tahoe
family of boaters. If you are like most boat buyers, you probably
spent a great deal of time researching the market, learning about
different brands and debating different models. That fact that you
purchased an Avalon or Tahoe indicates that you value comfort,
contemporary styling, attention to detail and quality construction.
Proper use and care of your new boat are key factors in the level of
enjoyment you will experience. Please take the time to read and
review the material in this binder. In addition to many tips related
to maintenance and general usage, you will find a great deal of
information related to your safety and the safety of your
passengers.
Our goal is not only to build the best boats possible, but to build
the safest. We hope that you feel we have achieved that goal once
you have had the chance to use and enjoy your new boat. We take
great pride in producing a product that will likely serve as the
platform for family and friends to gather, spend quality time
together and generate memories that will last a lifetime.
Thanks again for choosing Avalon & Tahoe. See you on the water.
Best Regards,
Jim Wolf
President & CEO
Avalon & Tahoe Mfg., Inc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting Started
Boatman's Checklist 1
You and Your Boat
Drinking and driving 2
Preliminaries 2
Required equipment 3
Additional safety info 4
Trailering
Securing items 5
Mooring covers and trailering 5
Capacity and Tongue weight 6
Tie-Downs 7
Trailer check sheet 8
Launching
Loading and Capacities 9
Boarding and Stowage 10
Passenger Safety at Launch 10
Inspection and starting 11
Before starting the engine 11
Special warnings regarding operation
Capacity 9
Waves and Wakes 24, 11 #8
Fuel 12
Falling Overboard 17, 23
Boarding the rear Ladder 12
Diving 20
Swamping 9, 24
Exhaust 25
Operation
Starting the engine and getting underway 11
Safety while underway 11
Fueling 12
Navigation 13
Navigation in adverse conditions 16
Fun with water sports 17
Anchoring 21
Docking 21
Returning 22
Specific Inboard/Outboard Information 19
High Performance Pontoons
Speed 21

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Trouble Shooting - Operation 25
Proper Boat Use and Maintenance
Aluminum Hull 27
Saltwater Use and Preparation 28
Electrical System 29
Upholstery 29
Windshield and Clear Plastics 31
Hardware and fittings 31
Fire Protection 31
Storage
Storing your pontoon boat 32
Mooring cover installation 33
Technical Information, Suggestions and Warnings
Remote controls 34
Remote control troubleshooting 36
Steering 36
Fuel system 39
Ignition and Electrical system 39
Engine trim 40
Propellers 40
Warranties 42-46
Emergencies 22-25

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NOTE: While this manual contains a wealth of information on safe and enjoyable
boating, it doesn't provide everything you need to know about it. Read the material
supplied by the manufacturer of your engine, since this manual doesn't supplant or
change applicable engine specifications, installation, operation or maintenance
instructions supplied by the manufacturer of any of your equipment, parts or
accessories. We also recommend reading the boating literature published by your
state boating agency and taking advantage of the free boating education classes
described on the last page of this booklet.
BOATMAN'S CHECK LIST
For maximum enjoyment and safety, check each of these items
BEFORE you start your engine:
DRAIN PLUG (Securely in place?)
LIFE-SAVING DEVICES (One for every person on board?)
STEERING SYSTEM (Working smoothly and properly?)
FUEL SYSTEM (Adequate fuel? Leaks? Fumes?)
BATTERY (Fully charged? Cable terminals clean and tight?)
ENGINE (In neutral?)
CAPACITY PLATE (Are you overloaded or overpowered?)
WEATHER CONDITIONS (Safe to go out?)
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (Lights, horn, pump, etc.?)
EMERGENCY GEAR (Fire extinguisher, bailer, paddle, anchor &
line, signaling device, tool kit, etc.?)

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1
Section
YOU AND YOUR BOAT
Congratulations on your purchase of a new Avalon or Tahoe pontoon boat!
You have made a considerable investment, and you probably didn't do it
without giving the purchase careful thought. The purpose of this manual is
to urge you to give the same careful thought to the way you operate and
maintain your boat.
Boat ownership carries with it responsibilities - to yourself, to your boating
companions and to the general public. Safe, common sense operation,
careful maintenance, and compliance with the law will not hamper your
boating pleasure. Rather, they will make boating more enjoyable for you
and your fellow waterways users.
This manual, as well as any literature supplied by the manufacturer for your
specific boat and engine, should be read thoroughly and kept handy for
ready reference.
Safety: Drinking & Driving
The most common and flagrant violation of good judgment by mariners
involves the use of alcohol or drugs. Each year about one-half of all boating
accidents involving fatalities result from the misuse of alcohol or drugs.
Regarding drinking and boat operation, the best answer is to abstain or plan
to have someone else (a "designated driver") get you home. Drinking by the
boat operator is dangerous because it impairs judgment, coordination, and
reaction time more severely than on land.
States are toughening their laws and penalties for problem boat owners.
Recent federal law defines boat operator intoxication as having more than
.08 percent blood alcohol concentration or merely "the general appearance
or behavior of intoxication." Never allow an obviously intoxicated person to
take the helm.
Boating is meant to be fun. But operators must have the good sense to
always be mentally alert and physically capable of boating in a safe manner.
The Preliminaries
REGISTRATION: Federal law requires that all motorboats be registered and
that all motor craft not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard display
registration numbers. In nearly all states, this means registration with the
designated state agency. In a few jurisdictions, the Coast Guard retains
registration authority. Your dealer will either supply registration forms or
tell you where they may be obtained. The registration agency will issue you
a certificate which must be carried aboard when the boat is in use.

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INSURANCE: The boat owner is legally responsible for damages or injuries
he causes. In most states this is true, even if someone else is operating the
boat at the time of the accident. Common sense dictates that you carry
adequate personal liability and property damage insurance on your boat,
just as you would on an automobile. You should also protect your invest-
ment by insuring your boat against physical damage or theft.
EDUCATION: If you have never owned a boat before, an excellent intro-
duction to the arts of boat handling and seamanship can be obtained
through the free courses conducted by volunteer organizations, such as the
U.S. Power Squadrons, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Red
Cross. Even if you are a veteran boatman, these courses will help sharpen
your boating skills, bring you up to date on current rules and regulations and
add to your enjoyment of the sport. See last page of this manual for
additional information.
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT: U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain
accessory equipment on each boat. This equipment varies according to
length and type of boat and type of propulsion. Other law enforcement
agencies - state, county and municipal - impose similar equipment
requirements on waters that do not fall under Coast Guard jurisdiction.
Some local laws require additional equipment. It is important to obtain
copies of your state and local laws.
U.S. Coast Guard REQUIREMENTS
For a more detailed description, obtain "Federal Requirements for
Recreational Boats" published by the Coast Guard, generally available at
boating retailers, or contact the Coast Guard directly (see last page of this
manual).
1. Personal Flotation Devices
(PFDs): PFDs must be Coast
Guard approved, in good and
serviceable condition, and of
the appropriate size for the
user. Though not required, the
Coast Guard emphasizes that
PFDs should be worn at all
times when the vessel is
underway. Throwable devices
must be immediately available
for use. Boats less than 16 feet
in length (including canoes and
kayaks of any length) must be
equipped with one Type I, II, III or V (see accompanying illustration for
examples of types) PFD for each person on board. Boats 16 feet and longer
must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V plus one Type IV.

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2. Visual Distress Signals: All boats 16 feet and more in length used on
coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas and those waters connected
to them must be equipped with visual distress signals.
Pyrotechnic signals must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition,
readily accessible and marked with a date showing service life which must
not be expired. Approved pyrotechnic signals include red flares (hand-held
or aerial), orange smoke (hand-held or floating), and launchers for aerial red
meteors or parachute flares. Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signals include
an orange distress flag (for day use only) and an electric distress light (for
night use only).
3. Fire Extinguishers: These are required on boats if any of the following
conditions exist: inboard engines; closed compartments where portable fuel
tanks may be stored; double bottoms not sealed or filled; closed living
spaces; closed stowage compartments; permanently installed fuel tanks.
Approved extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol, either
B-1 or B-II (B designation to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline,
etc.), and are hand-portable. B-1 types dispense 1.25 gallons of foam, 4
pounds of carbon dioxide, 2 pounds of dry chemical or 2.5 pounds of Halon
extinguishing agents. B-II types dispense 2.5 gallons of foam, 15 pounds of
carbon dioxide, 10 pounds of dry chemical or 10 pounds of Halon
extinguishing agents. Fire extinguishers required: On boats less than 26 feet,
One B-1; on boats 26 feet to less than 40 feet, two B-1 or one B-II; on boats
40 to 65 feet, three B-1 or one B-II and one B-1.
4. Sound Signaling Devices: Regulations do not specifically require vessels
less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) to carry a whistle, horn or bell. However, the
navigation rules require sound signals to be made under certain
circumstances. Meeting, crossing and overtaking situations described in the
"Rules of the Road" section of this manual illustrate when sound signals are
required. Recreational vessels are also required to sound fog signals during
periods of reduced visibility. Vessels 12 meters or more in length are
required to carry a whistle or horn and a bell.
5. Navigation Lights: Recreational vessels are required to display navigation
lights between sunset and sunrise and other periods of reduced visibility
(fog, rain, haze, etc.). Navigation lights are intended to keep other vessels
informed of your presence and course. It is up to you to make sure they are
operational and turned on when required.
Additional Safety Information
EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH
Many boats have a factory installed lanyard actuated emergency stop
switch (kill switch). If so equipped, it is highly recommended that it be used
since it can prevent your boat from becoming a runaway. The lanyard
should be of sufficient length to avoid inadvertent activation. Accidental loss
of power can be hazardous particularly when docking or in heavy seas,
strong current or high winds.

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RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
The list of required safety equipment is short and covers only the bare
essentials. Additional recommended equipment on the next page will give
you an extra margin of safety and convenience.
FLOAT PLAN
Before you leave on a boat trip, advise a responsible person ashore of
where you plan to cruise and when you expect to arrive. Give him an ad-
equate description of your boat. That person will then be able to tell the
authorities where to look and the type of boat to search for in case you fail
to arrive. Keep the person informed of any changes in your Float Plan and
advise him when you arrive to prevent false alarms about your safety.
BASIC GEAR TOOLS EXTENDED CRUISING SPARE PARTS
Anchor and anchor line Spark plug wrench Charts of the area Spare bulbs
Tow line Screw drivers Parallel rulers Fuses
2 Lightweight fenders Pliers Dividers Extra drain plug
2 Mooring lines Adjustable wrench Spare battery Shear pin (if applicable)
First aid kit Hammer Rainwear Spare propeller
Flashlight/searchlight Electrician's tape Propeller nut and washer
Oar or paddle Lubricating oil Spark plugs
Compass Jackknife Flashlight batteries
Signal flares
Boathook
Sunburn lotion
Sea anchor (open waters)
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT
Trailering & TRANSPORTATION
For many boating enthusiasts, the voyage begins in the driveway, not at the
dock. The boat trailer is an important element of the boating package, and,
like the others, it must be checked and maintained.
The trailer should be a proper "match" for your boat’s weight and hull
design. Too little trailer capacity will be unsafe on the highway and could
cause abnormal tire wear. Too high a capacity trailer sprung for high loads
can damage light, particularly aluminum, boats.
SECURE ALL ITEMS BEFORE ROAD TRANSPORT
During road transportation you must secure all items that might
dislodge and fly out of your boat. This includes tables, unhinged seat
cushions, tops, sundeck lids and any other item that can be affected
by wind. Stow items under seats or secure with rope. Be careful to
pad areas where rope touches cushions or rails.
*MOORING OR SEAT COVERS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE TOWING*
Mooring or seat covers are intended to decrease your boat's exposure to
rain, dirt and sun. They are not intended to be a transport cover. Transport-
ing your boat with the mooring or seat covers on will damage the covers!
Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to your boat or
damage to vehicles behind you.

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Use U-Bolt to pull boat onto the trailer.
Top Position Recommendations for All Models
YOUR BOAT MAY BE EQUIPED WITH TRAVEL TRANSPORT BRACKETS FOR THE BIMINI TOP. IF SO, LOWER THE TOP
INTO THE TRAVEL POSITION OR PLACE TOP COMPLETELY DOWN WHEN TRANSPORTING AND TIE TOP TO WALL RAIL.
ALSO, SECURE SUNDECK CUSHIONS, UNHINGED SEATS, TABLES OR ANY OTHER LOOSE ITEMS BEFORE TRANSPORT.
LOAD-CARRYING CAPACITY
Check the metal or plastic certification label attached by the manufacturer
to the left forward side of your trailer. It may show the maximum load
carrying capacity of the trailer. It is required to show the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the load-carrying capacity plus the weight of
the trailer itself. Be sure that the total weight or your boat engine, gear and
trailer do not exceed the GVWR.
TONGUE WEIGHT
Too much or too little tongue weight will cause difficult steering and tow
vehicle sway. A rough rule of thumb is 5% to 10% of boat and trailer weight
should be on the trailer tongue.
Most of the weight of your boat and engine is at the transom (stern)
supports which must be positioned so that the boat's transom rests directly
on them. If the boat overhangs these supports the hull can be deformed and
performance drastically affected.
An aluminum boat should have long, straight longitudinal bunkers or a long
Improper trailer setup can cause hull damage, and, in some cases, could void
your boat warranty.

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series of closely spaced rollers to spread support to several of the boats
cross ribs. Single rollers between cross ribs must be avoided. Roller heights
must be adjusted so that boat weight is evenly distributed on them. One
roller set higher than the rest can cause a "hook" in the boat bottom.
Side supports should run parallel to the keel and support the aft 1/3 of the
hull, extending beyond the transom. If center supports are used, they
should not exert any great pressure on the hull where flexing may take
place. Side supports need only be tight enough to keep the boat centered.
Before towing your boat, close and secure all hatches, doors, and port
lights; store equipment securely; take down and carefully secure all canvas.
Tops, side curtains, and aft curtains can be damaged while towing in the
raised position. When rounding turns on highways or streets, do not cut
corners. Also, go slow over railroad tracks.
Tie-Downs
Insuring that your boat is held securely in place on the trailer's hull supports,
especially when underway, is extremely important. If it is not firmly and
properly secured, your boat can be damaged as it bounces against the hull
supports -or it may slide or falloff the trailer while being towed. Depending
upon your boat model, all the necessary tie-downs for holding boats on
trailers may not be provided by the trailer manufacturer. Regardless of your
trailer's make or model, there are two key areas to consider:
1. Bow Tie-Downs: A bow stop to hold the front of your boat in place is
located on the winch stand. It should be positioned so that the winch line
pulls the boat bow forward against the bow stop. A separate tie-down
should then be attached to hold the boat down to the trailer (see
illustration). Besides keeping your boat from sliding off to the rear if the
winch releases, in conjunction with the winch stand it must keep the boat
on the trailer during quick stops or minor collisions. Be certain that the lines
do not pass over any edge that will cause chafing.
2. Rear Tie-Downs: As noted previously, it is very important to be sure that
the transom of your boat is resting fully and securely on the supports
provided at the rear end of the trailer, and that it remains in place when
parked or underway. Special rear tie-downs are available for this purpose.
Check often to be sure the rear tie-downs are securely locked in place and
that they are tight enough to prevent any movement of the boat. Check by
rocking the boat on the trailer. If it does not remain firmly in place on the
supports, tie-downs should be tightened or re-rigged. The strength of rear
tie-downs should at least equal the trailer's empty weight.
Make sure that the boat is securely fastened to prevent movement between
boat and trailer. Do not overload your trailer by putting camping gear or other
heavy equipment in the boat.

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PLEASE NOTE: Trailer laws covering such things as brakes, lights, safety
chains, licenses, etc., will vary from state to state. Be sure that your trailer is
in full compliance with your state laws. Your trailer dealer usually can help
you in this regard. If not, contact your nearest state motor vehicle
department office for full information.
Trailering Checklist
Before towing your boat on its trailer check to be sure:
•Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size.
•Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to hitch.
•Check all fasteners for proper tightness.
•Boat is securely tied down to trailer. (Winch line is not a tie down)
•Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened.
•Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained.
•Load is within maximum load carrying capacity.
•Tires are properly inflated.
•All trailer lighting is working properly.
•Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working.
•Mooring cover is off.
•Loose items are secured.
Extra Gear - If you are carrying baggage, extra gear or equipment in the
boat, is it secured to prevent movement or loss on the highway?
Engine - Outboard motors should be tied in place so they will not tilt or turn
due to road shock. Do not rely on the boat's steering system for this
purpose. Continuous road shocks may fatigue the boat steering system. Tilt
lower unit up if necessary for road clearance. The use of a motor support
bracket is highly recommended to reduce long term stress on the motor
mount.
Launching
Every trailer boater develops his own favorite launching technique. Until
you do, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Check the ramp first - Whether you’re launching from an unimproved or
a surfaced ramp, check it out before starting your launching procedure. How
steep is it? Is the surface firm enough to support the weight of trailer rig and
tow vehicle? Is it wide enough? How deep is the water at the end of the
ramp? Some surfaced ramps become very slippery when wet - do you have
wheel chocks to prevent your rig from sliding down the ramp?
2. Back trailer to the ramp - Have someone stand to one side of the ramp to
direct you. Backing up a trailer can be tricky. A good way to simplify the
procedure is to grasp the steering wheel with one hand at its lowest point
(at 6 o'clock). When you want the trailer to go right, move your hand on the

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wheel to the right: to make the trailer go left, move your hand to the left.
Stop when the rear of the trailer is a few feet from the water's edge; put
your gear shift in "Park," set the parking brake and place chocks under the
front wheels of the tow vehicle. (Caution: The lower ends of ramps are often
wet and slippery.)
3. Prepare for launching - Attach a bow line to your boat and detach trailer
tie-downs. If your boat is an outboard or stern drive, tilt up the lower unit. If
your trailer has a tilt bed, then release tilting mechanism.
4. Launching - Remove wheel chocks, release brake and back trailer to the
water. If at all possible, avoid submerging trailer wheels. Reset parking
brake, gear shift and wheel chocks. Unlock winch and push boat slowly but
firmly off the trailer into the water. Be sure you (or your partner) have a
firm hold on the bow line.
5. Final Steps - Detach winch hook and line from the boat, crank it back up
and lock it in place. Using the bow line, walk the boat to the loading site,
away from the ramp. Remove wheel chocks and park your car and trailer
where they will not obstruct access to the ramp.
To load the boat on the trailer, simply reverse the above procedure. Before
loading, clean any dirt or sand off rollers or bunks. Sand on bunks or rollers
can abrade the boat's bottom while trailering.
Loading and Capacities
(See checklist on page 1)
POWERING AND LOADING: Boats under 20 feet in length, built since 1972,
are required to have a capacity plate. On outboard boats, the plate must
show maximum recommended horsepower for the outboard motor. If the
available, usable passenger seats are less than the indicated capacity,
reduce your passenger load accordingly.
An overloaded boat can become sluggish and hard to handle. Overloading
can also reduce freeboard and increase the danger of flooding or swamping,
To avoid flooding and swamping your boat, before launching be sure the hull
drain plug is in place and tight.
To avoid injury if the winch line or hook gives way, stand to one side when
winching the boat onto your trailer.
Do not exceed these capacity ratings. An overpowered boat can become
unstable, sometimes resulting in a loss of control or capsizing.

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particularly in rough water. In adverse weather reduce the load capacity. A
boat's capacity ratings are based upon normal conditions. In addition,
overloading is illegal under most state laws and could get you a ticket. Some
boat warranties are void if the owner exceeds the recommended capacity
rating.
BOARDING: Never jump into a
boat from the dock. And do not
board a boat with your arms
full of gear. Instead, leave the
gear on the edge of the dock,
board the boat as close to the
centerline as possible, and
begin taking the gear aboard
after you yourself are aboard.
STOWAGE: Once you, your
passengers and your gear are
aboard, it's time to stow things
away. Again, use common
sense. The necessary safety
equipment, for example, should be placed where it is readily accessible: The
fire extinguisher mounted on a bracket in the cockpit within easy reach in
case of emergency. The items you don't need immediately should be
stowed where they won't get in the way. Items like distress flares, matches
and perishable foods should be kept in waterproof containers or bags and
kept where they are least likely to get wet. Fishing tackle, water ski equip-
ment, diving gear, etc. should be kept out of the way until needed.
PASSENGER INSTRUCTIONS: You are responsible for the safety of your
passengers, as well as their behavior while aboard.
1. Wearing of PFDs: It is a U.S. Coast Guard regulation that each person on
board has available a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is also the
obligation of the boat owner to instruct each passenger on the proper wear-
ing of PFDs. It is strongly advised that all occupants wear these devices.
Small children and non-swimmers should wear PFDs at all times.
2. Proper Seating: The operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of
his passengers as well as his own personal safety. He should insure that he
and his passengers are securely seated in appropriate seating locations
before starting. The operator should not allow sitting on seat backs, gun-
nels, bows, transoms or on fishing seats above idle speed, or in any location
with feet dangling over the side. In many states incorrect seating is illegal.
Proper seating also correlates to proper weight distribution: have
passengers seated to balance the load.
3. Proper Visibility: The operator of the boat is responsible by law to
“maintain a proper lookout by sight (and hearing).” He must insist that he
has an unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers load or

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fishing seats should block his view when operating above idle speed.
4. Back-up operator: At least one other person should be instructed in the
operation of the boat in case the operator is suddenly incapacitated.
Before Starting the Engine
1. Follow the checklist on Page 1.
2. Inspect engine area once again, checking for water or fuel leaks, tight
hose connections and engine crankcase oil level (if applicable).
3. If your boat is an inboard/outboard operate bilge blower for at least four
minutes to expel any gasoline vapors. It's also good practice to leave the
blower running when the engine is running.
4. If your boat is an inboard/outboard operate bilge pump (if applicable)
until flow stops.
5. Lower outdrive or outboard motor into down position. Running either
unit in the up position may cause damage.6. Make sure the gearshift control
is in the neutral position.
Operation
GETTING UNDER WAY
1. Start engine according to manufacturer's instructions.
2. Allow engine to warm up at idle and check all gauges.
3. Release mooring lines and push boat away from dock as you put engine in
gear. Remember: extra caution and slow speeds lessen your chances of
colliding with seawalls, pilings and other craft.
4. After leaving dock, secure and store any fenders or mooring lines.
5. Weight distribution: Correct weight distribution is a must. If too much
weight is placed forward or shifts, it might affect the safety of the passen-
gers and gear. Keep the boat in proper trim and freeboard.
6. The motor angle adjustment is important. The vertical angle of the lower
unit (long shaft) in relationship to the transom must be adjusted properly to
obtain best performance from the motor and boat. The correct angle can
only be determined by observing how the boat operates at full throttle. The
angle adjustment should be made when trim and load distribution changes.
Moving the lower unit out away from the transom will force the stern of the
boat down and bow up. At full throttle the front bottom of the nose cone
should raise and cut through the water.
7. Meeting Head-On: Keep to right.
8. Approaching Waves and Wakes: When approaching a wave or wake in
excess of 2', slow down and turn your boat to a 45° angle to the wave or
wake. Failure to do so may result in water crossing the deck and damaging
the walls. See warning on page 24.

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9. Docking Safely: It is important that the helmsman understand the op-
erating characteristics of a pontoon boat, especially if accustomed to han-
dling conventional power boats. Because of this characteristic, when
propulsion is stopped, the momentum carries the boat farther than in the
case of conventional craft. The operator should, therefore, take this into
account when approaching a dock or other mooring point. After docking, to
assist in tying down the pontoon boat, convenient mooring eyes are
provided at both ends of the pontoon.
Suggestions for your Safety
When your boat is in motion, all passengers should be within the enclosed
area of the deck, and the gates should be securely latched. Never permit
passengers to ride on the forward open deck area while cruising. This open
area of the deck should only be occupied when the boat is stopped or at
anchor, as for swimming, diving, fishing, or at dock. Sitting on the aft sun
deck when boat is in motion is an extremely dangerous practice and should
not be permitted.
SPECIAL NOTE ON ALL FISHING MODELS - The low bow railings and opening
do not provide adequate protection. All persons should stay in the area of
the boat enclosed by high railing when underway. By sitting in this area
when boat is in motion correct weight distribution is maintained. It is also
unsafe to sit in the fishing chairs while the boat is in motion. Disregard of
this warning may result in personal injury.
SPECIAL SAFETY NOTE ON ALL REAR ENTRY MODELS - Never use the rear
entry gate or ladder while the motor is running. Always turn your engine off
anytime there is a person swimming near the boat. The engine must be off
before anyone exits or enters the rear entry gate. Persons entering or
exiting the boat via the rear entry gate should never step on the motor pod.
Never operate your boat while anyone is standing on the rear entry
platform outside the gate. Failure to pay attention to these warnings can
result in bodily injury or death.
Fueling
BEFORE FUELING: Do not smoke; extinguish open flames; do not use
electrical switches; stop all engines, motors, fans and other devices likely to
cause sparks; put out lights and stove flames, close all doors, hatches,
windows and other compartments; have all passengers go ashore; avoid
fueling at night, except under well lighted conditions.
DURING FUELING: Keep nozzle of fuel hose or can in contact with fuel
opening to guard against possible static spark. To avoid fuel back splash,
start filling SLOWLY so that the air in the tank has time to escape through
the vents. After a short moment filling speed can be safely increased. Do
not fill to capacity; allow room for expansion. Portable fuel tanks should be

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removed from boat and filled on the dock; outboard motor fuel should be
mixed with oil according to engine manufacturer's instructions; the portable
fuel tank cap and vent should be tightly closed when tank is full; after tank is
full and returned to the proper position in the boat, the tank vent should
only be opened when fuel line is connected to the outboard motor. Wipe
any spilled fuel from portable tank before bringing aboard. NOTE: Vapor
from spilled fuel is heavier than air and will flow to the lowest part of the
boat. Ventilate before starting engine.
AFTER FUELING: Close fill opening; wipe up any spilled fuel; open all ports,
windows, doors and hatches; operate bilge blower at least four minutes,
make sure there is no odor of gas in the fuel or engine compartment (use
your nose).
If you can still smell fumes continue operating the blower. Check gas fill,
hoses, bilge and lower engine compartment for leaks or gas accumulation if
odors persist. Do not start engine until source of fumes is found and
corrected. After starting engine and before lighting any galley fire or stove
flame check for fumes again. NOTE: Know your boat's fuel capacity and
cruising radius; on extended cruises, check with local sources about the
availability of fuel along your route; carry additional fuel only in approved
containers and stow securely.
Rules of the Road
The nautical Rules of the Road dictate who has the right-of-way in crowded
anchorages and when boats meet in open water.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
1. Sailboats have right-of-way over powerboats in nearly all cases. Stay clear
of these craft and do not create a wake which may cause them trouble.
2. In narrow channels, powerboats fewer than 65 feet in length cannot ham-
per the operation of large vessels which cannot navigate outside the chan-
nel. In general, keep your distance from all commercial vessels and other
large craft; you can maneuver more easily than they can.
3. In overtaking situations, the boat being passed has right-of-way, and the
passing boat is required to stay clear.
4. Meeting head-on -keep to right.
5. Crossing: Boat on the right has right-of-way. Slow down and permit it to
pass.
Leaking fuel is a fire and explosion hazard. Inspect system regularly. Examine fuel
system for leaks or corrosion at least annually.

14
Channel Buoy Guide (Federal)
For the most current information, request the U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Aids to Navigation; write to
Commandant (G-NSR-1/14), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, D.C. 20593; or call the Coast Guard's Boating
Safety Hotline toll-free at 800-368-5647.
WHISTLE SIGNALS - The diagrams below describe the whistle signals and
actions to be taken by recreational vessels in a crossing, meeting and
overtaking situation. These are basic examples.

15
NAVIGATION AIDS - Navigation aids are the signposts of the waterways.
Shown below are the usual buoys and markers you will encounter. Make
sure you are familiar with these and any other specialized markers used in
your area.
WEATHER - Boating for
pleasure can become a chore
when the weather turns bad.
The best advice for boatmen
in bad weather is Stay Home!
Check the weather forecast
on your local radio station
before leaving home;
continuous weather
information is also provided
in most areas by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration at 162 MHz
(FM). It is also a good idea to
bring a portable radio along
with you to check the
weather forecasts
periodically.
Storm signal flags are being
phased out by some Coast
Guard stations, yacht clubs
and launching facilities. But
when in use, they indicate
high wind and possibly
hazardous wave conditions.