Blackfin 252 Center Console User manual

BLACKFIN OWNER’S MANUAL
Blackfin 252 Center Console

2

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... 3
SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 7
BOAT INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 9
EXPORT DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................................11
INTRODUCTION & IMPORTANT INFORMATION .......................................................................13
OWNER / OPERATOR INFORMATION.....................................................................................15
NEW BOAT DELIVERY.........................................................................................................16
Chapter 1:
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
1.1 General .....................................................................................................................17
1.2 Engine Alarms ............................................................................................................17
1.3 Neutral Safety Switch ..................................................................................................17
1.4 Engine Stop Switch .....................................................................................................17
1.5 Required Safety Equipment ..........................................................................................18
1.6 Bilge & Fuel Fires ........................................................................................................19
1.7 First Aid.....................................................................................................................20
1.8 Additional Safety Equipment.........................................................................................20
1.9 Caution & Warning Labels.............................................................................................22
Chapter 2:
OPERATION
2.1 General .....................................................................................................................23
2.2 Rules of the Road........................................................................................................23
2.3 Pre-Cruise Check ........................................................................................................26
2.4 Operating Your Boat ....................................................................................................27
2.5 Docking, Anchoring & Mooring ......................................................................................28
2.6 Controls, Steering, or Propulsion System Failure..............................................................31
2.7 Collision.....................................................................................................................31
2.8 Grounding, Towing & Rendering Assistance.....................................................................31
2.9 Flooding or Capsizing...................................................................................................32
2.10 Fishing.....................................................................................................................32
2.11 Man Overboard .........................................................................................................32
2.12 Water Skiing & Wakeboarding .....................................................................................33
2.13 Trash Disposal ..........................................................................................................35
2.14 Yacht Certication Plate..............................................................................................35
2.15 Trailering Your Boat ...................................................................................................36
Chapter 3:
PROPULSION SYSTEM
3.1 General .....................................................................................................................39
3.2 Drive System Corrosion ...............................................................................................39
3.3 Engine Lubrication.......................................................................................................40
3.4 Engine Cooling System ................................................................................................40
3.5 Propellers ..................................................................................................................40
3.6 Performance Issues & Propellers ...................................................................................40
3.7 Engine Instrumentation ...............................................................................................42

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 4:
HELM CONTROL SYSTEMS
4.1 General .....................................................................................................................45
4.2 Engine Throttle & Shift Controls ....................................................................................45
4.3 Neutral Safety Switch ..................................................................................................48
4.4 Engine Power Tilt & Trim ..............................................................................................48
4.5 Engine Stop Switch .....................................................................................................49
4.6 Steering System .........................................................................................................50
4.7 Joystick Controls.........................................................................................................52
4.8 Trim Tabs ...................................................................................................................52
4.9 Control Systems Maintenance .......................................................................................53
Chapter 6:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6.1 Electrical System Overview...........................................................................................57
6.2 Single Engine Battery System .......................................................................................57
6.3 Twin Engine Battery System .........................................................................................58
6.4 Parallel Switch & Dead Batteries....................................................................................59
6.5 Ignition Switch Panels..................................................................................................60
6.6 12 volt Accessory Switch Panels ....................................................................................62
6.7 DC Circuit Protection .................................................................................................66
6.8 Engine Control Systems Circuit Protection ............................................................................... 67
6.9 120 Volt Battery Charging System .................................................................................68
6.10 Bonding System ........................................................................................................69
6.11 Electrical System Maintenance ....................................................................................70
Chapter 7:
FRESH WATER SYSTEM
7.1 General .....................................................................................................................73
7.2 Fresh Water System Operation......................................................................................73
7.3 Fresh Water System Maintenance..................................................................................74
Chapter 8:
RAW WATER SYSTEM
8.1 General .....................................................................................................................77
8.2 Raw Water System Operation .......................................................................................77
8.3 Baitwell .....................................................................................................................78
8.4 Raw Water System Maintenance....................................................................................79
Chapter 9:
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
9.1 General .....................................................................................................................81
9.2 Cockpit & Deck Drainage..............................................................................................81
9.3 Bilge Drainage ............................................................................................................82
9.4 Hardtop & Helm Seat Base Drains .................................................................................84
9.5 Drainage System Maintenance ......................................................................................84

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 10:
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
10.1 Deck Rails & Deck Hardware .......................................................................................85
10.2 Anchor & Rope Locker ...............................................................................................85
10.3 Windlass & Bow Roller (Optional).................................................................................86
10.4 Hull .........................................................................................................................89
10.5 Cockpit Features ......................................................................................................91
10.6 Helm Seats & Cooler .................................................................................................96
10.7 Center Console .........................................................................................................97
10.8 Hardtop ..................................................................................................................99
10.9 Aftermarket Hardtop or Tower ....................................................................................99
Chapter 11:
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
11.1 Head Compartment .................................................................................................101
11.2 Portable Marine Head System ...................................................................................102
11.3 Porcelain Marine Toilet .............................................................................................102
Chapter 12:
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
12.1 Exterior Hull & Deck ................................................................................................105
12.2 Upholstery, Canvas & Enclosures ...............................................................................109
12.3 Cabin Interior .........................................................................................................112
12.4 Bilge, Pumps & Components .....................................................................................112
12.5 Engine & Fuel .........................................................................................................112
12.6 Drainage System.....................................................................................................113
Chapter 13:
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
13.1 Storage & Lay-up ....................................................................................................115
13.2 Winterizing.............................................................................................................116
13.3 Recommissioning ....................................................................................................118
Appendix A:
SCHEMATICS ..................................................................................................................121
Hull Harness ...................................................................................................................121
Deck Harness..................................................................................................................122
Console Harness..............................................................................................................123
Hardtop Harness .............................................................................................................124
Helm Switch Panel - Front.................................................................................................125
Helm Switch Panel - Back .................................................................................................126
Single Engine Battery Switch.............................................................................................127
Twin Engine Battery Switch ...............................................................................................128

6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix B:
MAINTENANCE LOG .........................................................................................................129
Appendix C:
BOATING ACCIDENT REPORT ............................................................................................131
Appendix D:
FLOAT PLAN....................................................................................................................135
Appendix E:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ......................................................................................................137
Appendix F:
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..............................................................................................143
Appendix G:
252 BLACKFIN SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................147
Appendix H:
OCCUPANT SEATING ........................................................................................................149

7
SAFETY INFORMATION
State of California Safety Requirements
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65
OPERATING, SERVICING AND MAINTAINING A RECREATIONAL MARINE VESSEL
CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS INCLUDING ENGINE EXHAUST, CARBON
MONOXIDE, PHTHALATES, AND LEAD, WHICH ARE KNOWN TO THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIATO CAUSE CANCERAND BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE
HARM. TO MINIMIZE EXPOSURE, AVOID BREATHING EXHAUST, SERVICE YOUR
VESSEL IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA AND WEAR GLOVES OR WASH YOUR
HANDS FREQUENTLY WHEN SERVICING THIS VESSEL. FOR MORE INFORMATION
GO TO WWW.P65WARNING.CA.GOV/MARINE.
California Health & Safety Code §§ 25249.5-.13
State of California Emission Requirements
Your boat may be equipped with an engine that meets the special requirements outlined by the Cali-
fornia Air Resources Board (CARB). If so, the engine is designed to meet strict requirements and the
boat will have a special tag and one of the following labels axed to it.
The tag and the label are required by CARB. The label has 1, 2, 3 or 4 stars and must be axed to
your boat if it is to be operated in the state of California and/or bordering waters. For more informa-
tion visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov.

8
SAFETY INFORMATION
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Your Blackn owner’s manual has been written to include a number of safety instructions to assure
the safe operation and maintenance of your boat. These instructions are in the form of DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION statements. The following denitions apply:
IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH WILL RESULT IN SEVERE
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH COULD
RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH COULD
RESULT IN MINOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PRODUCT AND
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
All instructions given in this book are as seen from the stern looking toward the bow, with starboard
being to your right and port to your left. A glossary of boating terms is included.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your boat uses an internal combustion engine and ammable fuel. Every pre-
caution has been taken by Blackn to reduce the risks associated with possible injury and damage
from re or explosion, but your own precaution and good maintenance procedures are necessary in
order to enjoy safe operation of your boat.

9
All information, illustrations and specications contained in this manual are based on the
latest product information available at the time of publication. Blackn Boats reserves
the right to make changes at anytime, without notice, in colors, materials, equipment,
specications and models.
Please ll out the following information section and leave it in your Blackn owner’s manual.
This information will be important for you, your dealer and/or Blackn service personnel
to know, if you may need to call them for technical assistance or service.
BOAT INFORMATION
PHONE:
REPRESENTATIVE:
NOTES
NAME:
DEALER/PHONE:
ADDRESS:
SERVICE MANAGER:
ADDRESS:
SALESMAN:
DEALER Blackn
MODEL:
PURCHASE DATE:
IGNITION KEYS #:
DRAFT:
HULL SERIAL #:
DELIVERY DATE:
REGISTRATION #:
WEIGHT:
TRAILER
OPTIONS
MAKE:
PORT SERIAL #:
MODEL:
STARBOARD SERIAL #:
SERIAL #:
MAKE: MODEL:
GVWR:
PROPELLERS
MAKE:
DIAMETER/PITCH:
TIRE SIZE:
ENGINES
BLADES:
SHAFT:
BOAT
E-MAIL:
DEALER E-MAIL:
BEAM: VERTICAL CLEARANCE:
DOOR KEYS #:

10
NOTES

11
CERTIFICATIONS
252 Blackn
Export Documentation
(For Export Only)
To be in compliance with European directives for recreational boats as published by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in eect at the time this boat was
manufactured, we are providing the following information.
Manufacturer:
Name SEABRING MARINE INDUSTRIES, INC., d.b.a. Blackn
1579 SW 18th Street
Williston, FL Zip Code: 32696
Identication Numbers:
Hull Identication Number
Engine Serial Number
Intended Design Category:
Ocean (Cat A) Inshore (Cat C)
O󰀨shore (Cat B) Sheltered Waters (Cat D)
Weight and Maximum Capacities:
Unladen Weight - Kilograms (Pounds)
Maximum Load - Weight- Kilograms (Pounds)
Number of People
Maximum Rated Engine Horsepower - Kilowatts (Horsepower)
Certications:
Certications & Components Covered
See Declaration of Conformity
Boat certied by IMCI (#0009) under certicate BMOHT025

12
NOTES

13
All instructions given in this book are as seen from
the stern looking toward the bow with starboard
being to your right, and port to your left. The
information and precautions listed in this manual
are not all inclusive. It may be general in nature
in some cases and detailed in others and is de-
signed to provide you a basic understanding of
your Blackn and some of the responsibilities that
go along with owning/operating your boat.
The suppliers of some of the major components
such as the engines, pumps, and appliances,
provide their own owner’s manuals which have
been included with your boat. You should read
the information in this manual and the manuals of
other suppliers completely and have a thorough
understanding of all component systems and their
proper operation before operating your boat.
REMEMBER - IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT
YOUR BOAT IS SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR PASSENGERS.
ALWAYS EXERCISE GOOD COMMON SENSE WHEN
INSTALLING EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING THE BOAT.
Warranty and Warranty Registration Cards
The Blackn Limited Warranty Statement is included
with your boat. It has been written to be clearly
stated and easily understood. If you have any
questions after reading the warranty, please contact
your Blackn dealer.
Blackn, engine manufacturers, and the suppliers
of major components maintain their own manufac-
turer’s warranty and service facilities. It is important
that you properly complete the warranty registra-
tion cards included with your boat and engines and
mail them back to the manufacturer to register your
ownership. This should be done within 15 days of
the date of purchase and before the boat is put into
service. A form for recording this information for
your records is provided at the beginning of this
manual. This information will be important for you
and service personnel to know, if and when you may
need service or technical information.
The boat warranty registration requires the Hull
Identication Number “HIN” which is located on
the starboard side of the transom, just below the
rubrail. The engine warranty registration requires
the engine serial numbers. Refer to the engine own-
er’s manual for the location of the serial numbers.
IMPORTANT:
The terms and conditions of the Blackn Boats
Limited Warranty are outlined in the warranty
statement in your owner’s packet. The manufac-
turer will automatically honor the warranty to the
original purchaser for 15 days from the date of
purchase. However, during that 15 day period,
owners must comply with the steps outlined in
the warranty statement to validate their warranty.
All boat manufacturers are required by the Federal
Boat Safety Act of 1971 to notify rst time own-
ers in the event any defect is discovered “which
creates a substantial risk of personal injury to
the public.” It is essential that we have your
warranty registration card complete with
your name and mailing address in our les so
that we can comply with the law if it should
become necessary.
Your Blackn Boats Dealer will assist you in lling
in the hull number and other data required on your
Registration Card. Check to see that your card
is complete and signed. Detach and mail. Your
Warranty Registration Card will be added to our
permanent les.
Notice:
Your dealer will also submit the registration
electronically “on-line.”
Transferring the Limited Structural Warranty
For a transfer fee, Blackn BOATS will oer to
extend a Transferable Limited Structural Hull
Warranty to the second owner of Blackn boats.
Refer to the Blackn Limited Warranty Statement
for the terms and conditions of the Transferable
Limited Structural Hull Warranty and the proce-
dure to transfer the warranty.
Product Changes
Blackn is committed to the continuous improve-
ment of our boats. As a result, some of the equip-
ment described in this manual or pictured in the
catalog may change or no longer be available. All
information, illustrations, and specications
contained in this manual are based on the
latest product information available at the
time of publication. Blackn Boats reserves
the right to make changes at anytime, with-
out notice, in colors, materials, equipment,
specications, and models. If you have ques-
INTRODUCTION & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

14
tions about the equipment on your Blackn, please
contact your Blackn dealer.
Service
All warranty repairs must be performed by an
authorized Blackn Dealer. Should a problem
develop that is related to faulty workmanship or
materials, as stated in the Limited Warranty, you
should contact your Blackn dealer to arrange for
the necessary repair. If you are not near your
dealer or another authorized Blackn dealer or the
dealer fails to remedy the cause of the problem,
then contact Blackn within 15 days. It is the
boat owner’s responsibility to deliver the
boat to the dealer for warranty service.
INTRODUCTION & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

15
Registration and Numbering
Federal law requires that all undocumented ves-
sels equipped with propulsion machinery be regis-
tered in the State of principal use. A certicate of
number will be issued upon registering the boat.
These numbers must be displayed on your boat.
The owner/operator of a boat must carry a valid
certicate of number whenever the boat is in use.
When moved to a new State of principal use, the
certicate is valid for 60 days.
In order to be valid, the numbers must be installed
to the proper specications. Check with your
dealer or state boating authority for numbering
requirements. The Coast Guard issues the cer-
ticate of number in Alaska; all others are issued
by the state.
Insurance
In most States the boat owner is legally respon-
sible for damages or injuries he or someone else
operating the boat causes. Responsible boaters
carry adequate liability and property damage in-
surance for their boat. You should also protect the
boat against physical damage and theft. Some
States have laws requiring minimum insurance
coverage. Contact your dealer or state boating
authority for information on the insurance require-
ments in your boating area.
Reporting Boating accidents
All boating accidents must be reported by the op-
erator or owner of the boat to the proper marine
law enforcement authority for the state in which
the accident occurred. Immediate notication is
required if a person dies or disappears as a result
of a recreational boating accident.
If a person disappears, dies or there are injuries
requiring more than rst aid, a formal report must
be led within 48 hours.
A formal report must be made within 10 days for
accidents involving more than $2000.00 damage
or the complete loss of a boat.
A Boating Accident Report form is located near
the back of this manual to assist you in reporting
an accident. The form can also be found on the
Coast Guard’s Directive and Publications Division
web site at www.uscg.mil/mil/forms. For as-
sistance or additional instructions, contact your
state’s primary boating authority.
Education
If you are not an experienced boater, we recom-
mend that the boat operator and other people
that normally accompany the operator, enroll in a
boating safety course. Organizations such as the
U.S. Power Squadrons, United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary, State Boating Authorities and the Ameri-
can Red Cross oer excellent boating educational
programs. These courses are worthwhile even for
experienced boaters to sharpen your skills or bring
you up to date on current rules and regulations.
They can also help in providing local navigational
information when moving to a new boating area.
Contact your dealer, State Boating Authority or
the Coast Guard Auxiliary for further information
on boating safety courses.
Required Equipment
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain
equipment on each boat. The Coast Guard also
sets minimum safety standards for vessels and
associated equipment. To meet these standards
some of the equipment must be Coast Guard ap-
proved. “Coast Guard Approved Equipment” has
been determined to be in compliance with USCG
specications and regulations relating to perfor-
mance, construction, or materials. The equipment
requirements vary according to the length, type
of boat, and the propulsion system. Some of the
Coast Guard equipment is described in the Safety
Equipment chapter of this manual. For a more
detailed description, obtain “Federal Requirements
And Safety Tips For Recreational Boats” by visiting
Coast Guard’s Directive and Publications Division
web site at www.uscg.mil/mil/forms or your local
marine dealer or retailer.
Some state and local agencies impose similar
equipment requirements on waters that do not fall
under Coast Guard jurisdiction. These agencies
may also require additional equipment that is not
required by the Coast Guard. Your dealer or local
boating authority can provide you with additional
information for the equipment requirements for
your boating area.
OWNER / OPERATOR INFORMATION

16
Your Blackn boat is inspected at each step of the manufacturing process. Before leaving the factory, every
Blackn boat undergoes a thorough check for systems operation, t and nish. Your Blackn Dealer also performs
a Pre-Delivery inspection prior to nal delivery. When the new boat is delivered to you, the customer, a nal
check is performed during orientation. Both the Pre-Delivery and Final Delivery inspections are documented to
ensure trouble free operation and returned to Blackn Boats.
At the time of new boat delivery, your Blackn Dealer will ask you to sign the completed Inspection Report at the
same time as the Warranty Registrations for the boat and other accessory equipment. By signing these docu-
ments, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand all information.
NEW BOAT DELIVERY
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17
1.1 General
Your boat and outboard engines have been
equipped with safety equipment designed to en-
hance the safe operation of the boat and to meet
U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. The Coast
Guard or state, county and municipal law enforce-
ment agencies require certain additional accessory
safety equipment on each boat. This equipment
varies according to length and type of boat and
type of propulsion. The accessory equipment typi-
cally required by the Coast Guard is described in
this chapter. Some local laws require additional
equipment. It is important to obtain “Federal
Requirements And Safety Tips for Recreational
Boats,” published by the Coast Guard and copies
of state and local laws, to make sure you have the
required equipment for your boating area.
Your boat is equipped with engine alarms. The
alarm systems are designed to increase your boat-
ing safety by alerting you to potentially serious
problems in the primary power system. Alarm
systems are not intended to lessen or replace good
maintenance and pre-cruise procedures.
This chapter also describes safety related equip-
ment that could be installed on your boat. This
equipment will vary depending on the type of
engines and other options installed by you or
your dealer.
1.2 Engine Alarms
Most outboard engines are equipped with an au-
dible alarm system mounted in the helm area that
monitors selected critical engine systems. The
alarm will sound if one of these systems begins to
fail. Refer to the engine owner’s manual for infor-
mation on the alarms installed with your engines.
If the alarm sounds:
• Immediately throttle the engines back to idle.
• Shift the transmissions to neutral.
• Monitor the engine gauges to determine the
cause of the problem.
• If necessary, shut o the engine and investigate
until the cause of the problem is found.
1.3 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety switch
incorporated into it. This device prohibits the
engines from being started while the shift levers
are in any position other than the neutral posi-
tion. If an engine will not start, slight movement
of the shift lever may be necessary to locate the
neutral position and disengage the safety cutout
switch. Control adjustments may be required to
correct this condition should it persist. See your
Blackn dealer for necessary control adjustments.
Please refer to the Helm Control Systems chapter
for more information on the neutral safety switch.
1.4 Engine Stop Switch
Your boat is equipped with a engine stop switch
and lanyard. When the lanyard is pulled it will
engage the switch and shut o the engines. We
strongly recommend that the lanyard be attached
to the driver and the stop switch whenever the
engines are running. If the engines will not start,
it could be because the lanyard is not properly in-
serted into the engine stop switch. Always make
sure the lanyard is properly attached to the engine
stop switch before attempting to start the engine.
Notice:
In some states, a lanyard attached to the
driver at all times is required by law.
Throwable Device & Personal PFD
Chapter 1:
SAFETY EQUIPMENT

18
Safety Equipment
Notice:
You should carry an extra stop switch lan-
yard and instruct at least one other crew
member on the operation of the stop switch
and location of the extra lanyard.
1.5 Required Safety Equipment
Besides the equipment installed on your boat by
Blackn, certain other equipment is required by
the U.S. Coast Guard to help ensure passenger
safety. Items like a sea anchor, working anchor,
extra dock lines, are pistol, life vests, a line per-
manently secured to your ring buoy, etc., could
at some time save your passengers’ lives or save
your boat from damage. Refer to the “Federal
Requirements And Safety Tips For Recreational
Boats” pamphlet for a more detailed description
of required equipment. You also can contact the
Coast Guard Auxiliary for information on boat
safety courses and brochures listing the Federal
equipment requirements. Also, check your local
and state regulations.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary oers a “Courtesy Ex-
amination.” This inspection will help ensure that
your boat is equipped with all of the necessary
safety equipment. The following is a list of the
accessory equipment required on your boat by the
U.S. Coast Guard:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in good
and serviceable condition and of appropriate size
for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be
readily accessible, meaning you must be able to
put them on in a reasonable amount of time in
an emergency. 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.
All Blackn boats must be equipped with at least
one Type I, II or III PFD for each person on board,
plus one throwable device (Type IV).
Notice:
Many state laws now require that children
13 years old and under must wear a PFD at
all times.
Anyone being towed on skis, wakeboards and
other water sports equipment is considered
a passenger on the boat and must wear a
Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times.
Visual Distress Signals
All boats used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes,
territorial seas and those waters connected di-
rectly to them, must be equipped with Coast Guard
approved visual distress signals. These signals
are either Pyrotechnic or Non-Pyrotechnic devices.
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals:
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast
Guard approved, in serviceable condition and
readily accessible. They are marked with a date
showing the service life, which must not have
expired. A minimum of three are required. Some
pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night use
requirements. They should be stored in a cool,
dry location. They include:
• Pyrotechnic red ares, hand held or aerial.
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or
oating.
• Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute
ares.
WARNING
PYROTECHNICS ARE UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED AS
EXCELLENT DISTRESS SIGNALS. HOWEVER, THERE IS
POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE IF NOT
PROPERLY HANDLED. THESE DEVICES PRODUCE A VERY
HOT FLAME AND THE RESIDUE CAN CAUSE BURNS AND
IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. PISTOL LAUNCHED AND
HAND-HELD PARACHUTE FLARES AND METEORS HAVE
MANY CHARACTERISTICS OF A FIREARM AND MUST BE
HANDLED WITH CAUTION. IN SOME STATES THEY ARE
CONSIDERED A FIREARM AND PROHIBITED FROM USE.
ALWAYS BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND FOLLOW THE
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY WHEN USING
PYROTECHNIC DISTRESS SIGNALS.
Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
Non-Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be
in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and
certied by the manufacturer as complying with
U.S. Coast Guard requirements. They include:
• Orange Distress Flag (Day use only)
The distress ag is a day signal only. It must
be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and
ball on an orange background. It is most
distinctive when attached and waved from a
paddle or boat hook.

19
Safety Equipment
• Electric Distress Light (Night use only)
The electric distress light is accepted for
night use only and must automatically ash
the international SOS distress signal. Under
“Inland Navigation Rules,” a high intensity
white light ashing at regular intervals from
50-70 times per minute is considered a
distress signal.
Sound Signaling Devices
The navigation rules require sound signals to be
made under certain circumstances. Recreational
vessels also are required to sound fog signals dur-
ing periods of reduced visibility. Therefore, you
must have some means of making an ecient
sound signal.
Navigation Lights
Recreational boats are required to display naviga-
tion lights between sunset and sunrise and other
periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.)
Navigation lights are intended to keep other ves-
sels informed of your presence and course. Your
boat is equipped with navigation lights required by
the U.S. Coast Guard at the time of manufacture.
It is up to you to make sure they are operational
and turned on when required.
Fire Extinguishers
Boats over 26 feet are required
to carry one or two re extin-
guishers, depending on the
type of re extinguishers used.
Boats less than 26’ are required
to carry one re extinguisher.
Coast Guard approved re ex-
tinguishers are hand-portable,
either B-I or B-II classication
and have a specic marine type
mounting bracket. It is recom-
mended that the extinguishers
be mounted in a readily acces-
sible position.
Fire extinguishers require regular inspections to
ensure that:
• Seals & tamper indicators are not broken or
missing.
• Pressure gauges or indicators read in the op-
erable range.
• There is no obvious physical damage, corro-
sion, leakage or clogged nozzles.
Refer to the “Federal Requirements And Safety
Tips For Recreational Boats” pamphlet or contact
the Coast Guard Auxiliary, for information on the
type and size re extinguisher required for your
boat.
Refer to the information provided by the re ex-
tinguisher manufacturer for instructions on the
proper maintenance and use of your re extin-
guisher.
CAUTION
INFORMATION FOR HALON, AGENT FE-241 AND AGENT
FM 200 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IS PROVIDED BY THE
MANUFACTURER. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU READ
THE INFORMATION CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM, IN THEORY AND OPERATION,
BEFORE USING YOUR BOAT.
1.6 Bilge & Fuel Fires
Fuel compartment and bilge res are very dan-
gerous because of the presence of gasoline in
the various components of the fuel system and
the possibility for explosion. You must make the
decision to ght the re or abandon the boat. If
the re cannot be extinguished quickly or it is too
intense to ght, abandoning the boat may be your
only option. If you nd yourself in this situation,
make sure all passengers have a life preserver on
and go over the side and swim well upwind of the
boat. This will keep you and your passengers well
clear of any burning fuel that could be released
and spread on the water as the boat burns or
in the event of an explosion. When clear of the
danger, check about and account for all those who
were aboard with you. Give whatever assistance
you can to anyone in need or in the water without
a buoyant device. Keep everyone together in a
group for morale and to aid rescue operations.
WARNING
GASOLINE CAN EXPLODE. IN THE EVENT OF A FUEL
COMPARTMENT OR BILGE FIRE, YOU MUST MAKE THE
DIFFICULT DECISION TO FIGHT THE FIRE OR ABANDON THE
BOAT. YOU MUST CONSIDER YOUR SAFETY, THE SAFETY
OF YOUR PASSENGERS, THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE AND
THE POSSIBILITY OF AN EXPLOSION IN YOUR DECISION.

20
Safety Equipment
1.7 First Aid
It is the operator’s responsibility to be familiar
with the proper rst-aid procedures and be able
to care for minor injuries or illnesses of your pas-
sengers. In an emergency, you could be far from
professional medical assistance. We strongly
recommend that you be prepared by receiving
training in basic rst aid and CPR. This can be
done through classes given by the Red Cross or
your local hospital.
Your boat should also be equipped with at least a
simple marine rst-aid kit and a rst-aid manual.
The marine rst-aid kit should be designed for
the marine environment and be well supplied. It
should be accessible and each person on board
should be aware of its location. As supplies are
used, replace them promptly. Some common
drugs and antiseptics may lose their strength or
become unstable as they age. Ask a medical pro-
fessional about the supplies you should carry and
the safe shelf life of prescription drugs or other
medical supplies that may be in your rst-aid kit.
Replace questionably old supplies whether they
have been used or not.
In many emergency situations, the Coast Guard
can provide assistance in obtaining medical advice
for treatment of serious injuries or illness. If you
are within VHF range of a Coast Guard Station,
make the initial contact on channel 16 and follow
their instructions.
1.8 Additional Safety Equipment
Besides meeting the legal requirements, prudent
boaters carry additional safety equipment. This
is particularly important if you operate your boat
oshore. You should consider the following items,
depending on how you use your boat.
Satellite EPIRBS
EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon) operate as part of a worldwide distress
system. When activated, EPIRBs will send distress
code homing beacons that allow Coast Guard
aircraft to identify and nd them quickly. The
satellites that receive and relay EPIRB signals are
operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) in the United States. The
EPIRB should be mounted and registered accord-
ing to the instructions provided with the beacon,
Typical First Aid Kit