Monterey Boats Cruiser 256 User manual

CRUISER BOATS
OVVNER'S MANUAL
B
.O
.A
.T
.S
Montery Cruiser Covers 7/18/08 3:36 PM Page 3

Welcome Aboard
Monterey welcomes you to its growing family of new boat owners.
This manual will familiarize you with the operation, maintenance and safety
information about your new boat. This manual is written to cover several
models in our line, so your model may not contain some options or may
operate or look a little different. It is supplemented with the owner’s manual
that is provided by the engine manufacturers. We urge you to read these
publications carefully and follow recommendations to help assure enjoyable
and safe operation of your new boat.
Below is an area provided for you to record the model and serial number of
your boat, engine and major accessories. If you need service, these
numbers will be important to you while anywhere in the United States and
Canada. Any Monterey Dealer will be happy to assist you.
Because subsequent owners require this important information as well, these
publications should remain with your boat when it is sold.
Thank you for choosing a Monterey Boat, we assure you of our continuing
interest in your boating pleasure and satisfaction.
DATE PURCHASED ____________________________________________
DEALER/PHONE NUMBER ______________________________________
BOAT MODEL_________________________________________________
HULL NUMBER _______________________________________________
TRAILER ID NUMBER __________________________________________
ENGINE #1 MAKE/MODEL ______________________________________
ENGINE #1 SERIAL NUMBER____________________________________
ENGINE #2 MAKE/MODEL ______________________________________
ENGINE #2 SERIAL NUMBER____________________________________
Monterey Cruiser 7/18/08 2:56 PM Page IFC2

Cruiser
INTRODUCTION
Take a few minutes to read this manual completely before you use your boat
for the first time, it should answer any remaining questions you may have.
Contact your dealer or local boating administrator for further information.
Because of our policy of continuous product improvement, the illustrations
used in this manual may not be the same as on your boat and are intended
only as representative reference views. Keep this manual on board for
future reference.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
Safeguard information about your boat by recording the Hull Identification
Number (HIN), and model and serial numbers of major components and
accessories. Keep a detailed Data Sheet for emergency purposes in a safe
place off the boat. In case of theft, damage, etc., report these numbers to
local authorities, your insurance agent, and your dealer.
NOTE
By law, the HIN must be clearly visible and may not be removed,
altered, or tampered with in any way. The HIN is attached to the
transom on the upper starboard side, above the waterline.
BOATING TERMINOLOGY
i-1
FREEBOARD
BOW
DRAFT
STERN
WATERLINE
AFT FORWARD
HELM
BEAM
TRANSOM
LENGTH OVERALL (LOA)
PORT SIDE
STARBOARD SIDE
RADAR ARCH BOW
PULPIT
GUNWALE
© Ken Cook Co. 1992
KC-0033
Cruiser Front Material 7/18/08 3:30 PM Page i-1

Cruiser
i-2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 BOATING SAFETY .......... 1-1
Boating Regulations ......... 1-2
Boater Responsibilities .... 1-2
Required Safety
Equipment ........................ 1-3
Emergencies .................... 1-7
Hazardous Conditions ...... 1-8
Operation By Minors ....... 1-11
Passenger Safety ........... 1-11
Water Sports .................. 1-12
General Precautions ...... 1-13
Special Gas
Precautions .................... 1-14
2 BASIC RULES
OF THE ROAD ................ 2-1
Aids to Navigation ............ 2-1
Right-of-Way .................... 2-6
3 CONTROLS AND
INDICATORS ................... 3-1
Shift/Throttle Control ........ 3-1
Instruments ...................... 3-3
4 OPERATION .................... 4-1
Fueling ............................. 4-1
Starting ............................. 4-3
Shifting/Running ............... 4-4
Warning Alarm ................. 4-5
Steering Controls ............. 4-5
Stopping ........................... 4-5
Docking ............................ 4-6
Boat Trim .......................... 4-8
5 GETTING UNDERWAY ... 5-1
Safety Checklist ............... 5-1
Safety Equipment ............. 5-3
Boarding ........................... 5-3
Page
6 RUNNING ........................ 6-1
Maneuvering Techniques . 6-1
Salt Water ........................ 6-3
Freezing Temperatures .... 6-4
Towing Procedure ............ 6-4
Anchoring ......................... 6-5
Performance Boating ....... 6-6
Propellers ......................... 6-7
7 CARE AND
MAINTENANCE .............. 7-1
Electrical .......................... 7-1
Fuel System ..................... 7-4
Steering System ............... 7-4
Corrosion Protection ........ 7-4
General Maintenance ....... 7-5
8 TROUBLESHOOTING .... 8-1
Trouble Check Chart ........ 8-1
9 STORAGE ....................... 9-1
10 TRAILERING ................. 10-1
Classifications ................ 10-2
Hitch ............................... 10-2
Safety Chains ................. 10-3
Trailering Checklist ......... 10-4
Backing Up Trailers ........ 10-5
Launching ...................... 10-6
Loading .......................... 10-7
Slinging/Lifting ................ 10-8
11 SHIP SYSTEMS ............. 11-1
Electrical Systems .......... 11-1
Water Systems ............... 11-9
Hot Water Heater ......... 11-12
Sanitizing The Fresh
Water System ............... 11-13
Sample Float Plan ........ 11-20
Cruiser Front Material 7/18/08 3:30 PM Page i-2

Cruiser
The popularity of boating and other water sports has undergone an explosion
of growth in the past few years. Because of this, safety is an important issue
for everyone who shares in the use of our waterways.
This section covers general boating safety information. Throughout this
manual specific precautions and symbols identify safety related information.
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
This symbol and signal word indicate a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or
serious injury.
This symbol and signal word indicate a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate
injury. This symbol MAY also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.
This signal word indicates a situation which if not avoided, MAY
result in product or property damage.
The precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive. If a
procedure, method, tool or part is not specifically recommended, you must
satisfy yourself that it is safe for you and others, and that the boat will not be
damaged or made unsafe as a result of your decision. REMEMBER –
ALWAYS USE COMMON SENSE WHEN OPERATING!
1-1
BOATING
SAFETY
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-1

Cruiser
BOATING REGULATIONS
The U.S. Coast Guard is the authority of the waterways; they are there to
help the boating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local
authorities. You are subject to marine traffic laws and “Rules of the Road” for
both federal and state waterways; you must stop if signaled to do so by
enforcement officers, and permit to be boarded if asked.
There are many pamphlets, prepared by the Coast Guard, available to you.
These pamphlets explain “Rules of the Road”, signal lights, buoys, safety,
international and inland regulations and much more than is presented in this
manual. For more information contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Unit or
call the Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647.
BOATER RESPONSIBILITIES
Registration
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all power boats operating on the
navigable waters of the United States must be registered in the state of main
use. Many states also require registration in that state whenever boating on
waters within their state boundary. Registration numbers and validation
stickers must be displayed on the boat according to regulations, and the
registration certificate must be carried on board when the boat is in use.
Contact your state boating authorities (and neighboring states) for registration
information on boats and trailers. Your dealer may be able to supply you with
the appropriate forms.
Education
This manual is not intended to provide complete training on all aspects of
boat operation. We strongly recommend that all operators of this boat seek
additional training on boat handling and safety. Many states require operators
under the age of 18 to be licensed in small boat operation and offer courses
for training and certification.
The following is a listing of some of the agencies and organizations that offer
safety training or information; refer to your local telephone directory for their
telephone numbers and addresses.
●American Red Cross ●U.S. Power Squadrons
●U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary ●State Boating Offices
Insurance
You must get insurance before operating your new boat. Loss by fire, theft or
other causes, and liability protection against accidents is a must for
responsible boaters. The boat owner is legally responsible for any damage or
injury caused when he, or someone else operating the boat, is involved in an
accident. Many states have laws detailing minimum insurance needs. Your
insurance agent and your dealer can supply you with more information.
1-2
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-2

Cruiser
BOATING SAFETY
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Your boat has been equipped at the factory with most federally required safety
equipment. As the boat owner, obtaining necessary U.S. Coast Guard
approved safety equipment is your responsibility.
Personal Flotation Devices
Federal law requires at least one Type I, II or III Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) for each person on board or being towed on water skis; and in addition,
one throwable Type IV PFD.
Note
Requirements for coastal waters and inland waters differ; check
with the local authorities for more information.
PFDs are intended to help you save your own life; you and your passengers
should wear a PFD whenever boating. It is especially important that children,
handicapped people and non-swimmers wear a PFD at all times. Make certain
you know how to use PFDs. Try it on and make adjustments for a comfortable
fit and show children how to properly put on a PFD. There are three types of
acceptable PFDs to wear and one type used for throwing in emergency
situations.
MINIMUM REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
PERSONAL
FLOTATION
DEVICES (PFDs)
FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
Must say Coast 
Guard Approved.
VISUAL DISTRESS
SIGNALS
(Required on coastal
waters only.)
CLASS 1
(16 to less than 26 ft.)
(4.9 to less than 7.9 m)
CLASS 2
(26 to less than 40 ft.)
(7.9 to less than 12.2 m)
CLASS 3
(40 to not more than 65 ft.)
(12.2 to not more than 19.8 m)
One approved Type I, II or III device aboard for each person on board or being towed on
water skis, etc.; and, in addition, one throwable Type IV device.
Must carry visual distress signals approved for both daytime and nighttime use.
Note: All boats carrying six or more passengers for hire must meet these requirements also.
Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.)
in length must carry an efficient sound
producing device.
Every vessel 12 meters (39.4 ft.) but less than 20 meters
(65.6 ft.) in length must carry a whistle and a bell. The
whisle must be audible for 1/2 nautical mile.The mouth
of the bell must be at least 200 mm (7.87 inches) in diameter.
KC-0081
At least one B-I type approved hand
portable fire extinguisher (Not
required on outboard motorboats less
than 26 feet in length and not carrying
passengers for hire if the construction
of such motorboats will not permit
entrapment of explosive or flammable
gasses or vapors and if fuel tanks are
not permanently installed.)
BELL,
WHISTLE
EQUIPMENT
At least two B-I type
approved portable fire
extinguishers; OR at
least one B-II type ap-
proved portable fire
extinguisher.
At least three B-I type
approved portable fire
extinguishers; OR at
least one B-I type plus
one B-II type approved
portable fire extinguisher.
1-3
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-3

Type I – good for offshore or rough water use. Will turn
an unconscious person face up in water.
Type II – good for near-shore and most inland waters.
Will turn most unconscious people face up in water.
Type III – good for calm, inland waters. Designed to
enhance a variety of water sports. The Type III is not
designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the
water, though it has the same buoyancy as a Type II.
Type IV – designed to be thrown to person in the water.
They are easy to hang on to in the water but do not
protect as well as Types I, II or III. Cushions should
never be worn on a person’s back and must always
be kept handy for emergency situations.
Note
Special PFDs are available for skiing and
other water sports. These PFDs are
constructed with materials suitable for high
impact falls into the water.
Keep the following PFD points in mind:
●Set an example and wear your PFD. Require your
passengers to wear them also.
●At the beginning of each season, check PFDs for
damage and test for proper flotation.
●Remove PFDs from packaging and stow in the boat
for quick access. Do not stow PFDs near grease
or oil.
●Teach children how to float in the water with a PFD.
●Do not use a PFD as a boat fender.
Many states require minors to wear a PFD at
all times. Consult the local boating
authorities for more information.
Cruiser
1-4
TYPE I
LIFE PRESERVERS
KC-0041
TYPE II
BUOYANT VESTS
KC-0051
TYPE III
FLOTATION AIDS
KC-0061
TYPE IV
THROWABLE DEVICES
KC-0071
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-4

Cruiser
Fire Extinguishers
U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers are
generally required on all Class I-III boats. Extinguishers
should be mounted in readily accessible areas away
from the engine compartment and alcohol stove (if
equipped). All passengers should know the location
and operating procedure of each fire extinguisher.
Any marine fire extinguisher must be classified to
extinguish type B fires (gasoline, oil, or grease). The size
and number of required fire extinguishers depend on the
size of your boat. Check pressure gauge regularly for
proper pressure; have extinguisher filled if necessary.
Visual Distress Signals
1-5
BOATING SAFETY
OVERCHARGED
RECHARGE
KC-0083
ORANGE
FLAG
RED DISTRESS FLARE
(HAND)
ORANGE SMOKE
SIGNAL (HAND)
USE DAY AND NIGHT
O
SS
USE DAY AND NIGHT
USE NIGHT ONLY
DYE MARKER
USE DAY ONLY
ARMS SIGNALS
(USE BRIGHT CLOTH)
KC-0082
USE
DAY
ONLY
ELECTRIC
DISTRESS
LIGHT
RED METEOR FLARE
USE DAY ONLY
USE DAY ONLY
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-5

Cruiser
All boats operating on coastal waters (including the Great Lakes) are required
to carry Coast Guard approved visual distress signals for day and night use.
Carry several types of signaling devices to handle a variety of conditions.
Pyrotechnic signaling devices can cause injury and property
damage if not handled properly. Follow manufacturer’s
directions. Stow devices so they are inaccessible to children.
Recommended Equipment
As a precaution, a good boater will avoid potential problems on an outing by
having additional equipment on board. Normally, this equipment is dependent
on the body of water and the length of the trip; your dealer can assist you:
●First aid kit and manual
●Anchor with sufficient line
●Mooring lines and fenders
●Bailing device (bucket, hand pump, etc.)
●Combination oar/boat hook
●Day/night visual distress signal
●Lubricant
●Tool kit
●Spare propeller, nut and washer
●Spare fuses and bulbs
●Local charts and compass
●Waterproof flashlight
●Portable AM/FM radio with weather band
●Spare flashlight and radio batteries
●Sunglasses and sun block
●Tow line
●Parallel ruler and dividers
●Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
●Spare keys
●Binoculars
●Food and water provisions (extended cruise)
●Auxiliary starting battery
1-6
KC-0090
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-6

Cruiser 1-7
BOATING SAFETY
EMERGENCIES
Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they happen. Try to formulate a
plan for each type in advance so that decisions can be made quickly and
without hesitation. Precious moments lost can mean the difference between
losing and saving a life.
Reporting
The operator of the boat is responsible for filing a report with the appropriate
authorities. In general, reports are necessary for accidents involving loss of
life, injury, or damage over $200. Ask your insurance agent for detailed
information.
Giving Assistance
If you see a distress signal, you must assume it is a real emergency and
render assistance immediately. If you can assist a boat in distress, you
should. An unwritten law of the sea is that one boater will aid another boater
in distress. The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a “Good
Samaritan” boater offering good faith assistance, and absolves a boater from
any civil liability arising from assistance given.
Fires
Most fires occur just after refueling. They are caused by poor maintenance,
smoking, or carelessness. Use the fire extinguisher at the base of the
flames using a sweeping motion. Verify that the fire has been extinguished.
If so, check damage and get assistance immediately. If not, get out and
swim at least 25 yards upwind from
the boat and use the visual distress
signals to get assistance.
Deciding on abandoning the boat or
staying to fight the fire is difficult and
depends on many factors. Try to
formulate a fire plan in advance to
make that decision quickly and
without hesitation.
KC-0164
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-7

1-8 Cruiser
Gasoline will float on top of water and can burn. If the boat is
abandoned, swim up wind, far enough to avoid fuel that may
spread over the surface of the water to avoid serious injury.
Capsizing
A boat may capsize or swamp when least expected. Like fires, try to
formulate a plan in advance on what to do if it should happen. Keep in mind
the following guidelines:
●Try to turn the engine OFF to prevent
damage.
●If others were on board, try to locate them,
make sure they’re conscious and that they
can swim.
●Stay with the boat, it will
float! Climb up on the hull and
try to get assistance.
●Don’t try to swim to shore. It’s
usually further than it looks.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Every waterway poses hazards that you should avoid; shallow water, tree
stumps, sand bars, etc. Ask local boaters for information and consult a
marine chart when boating on unfamiliar waters. As the operator of the boat,
you should try to avoid all hazards, known and unknown. The following
information does not contain all possible water hazards.
Weather
Storms – Take common sense precautions if you are forced to operate your
boat in stormy conditions:
●Wear PFDs
●Stow gear below and lash equipment on deck.
●Reduce speed and head for place of refuge you can reach most easily.
●If you lose power, keep boat headed into the waves by rigging a sea
anchor off the bow.
Fog – It is best to avoid operating your boat in foggy weather. When fog sets
in take bearings and log courses and speeds. You are required to emit a five
second blast from your horn or whistle once every minute. Additionally, have
passengers wear PFDs and observe for oncoming vessels.
KC-0170
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-8

DAYTIME
WARNING
NIGHTIME
WARNING
DESCRIPTION
Actual Signal in red KC-0371
Small Craft Advisory - Winds
greater than 18 knots,
sustained for two hours or more
or hazardous wave conditions.
Following a storm, hazardous
wave conditions can persist
long after the high winds have
subsided.
Gale Warning - Sustained
winds (2 or more hours), of 34-
47 knots.
Storm Warning - Sustained
winds of 48 knots or greater.
Hurricane Warning - Forecast
winds of 64 knots and above.
Displayed only in connection
with a hurricane.
Cruiser 1-9
BOATING SAFETY
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-9

Dam Spillways
The water around a dam spillway is a hazardous area. It is subject to rapid
changes. Boaters must keep clear of the spillway areas below dams.
Shallow Water Operation
Operating in shallow water can present a number of 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.
In coastal areas, tides can affect water level as much as 30 feet. Check with
local marinas or Coast Guard stations for tide tables and current charts.
Sand Bars
Sand bars in narrow inlets are constantly shifting, making it difficult to mark
them with buoys. Sometimes sand bars are indicated by waves as they form
into breakers when passing over sand bars. If you ground the boat on a sand
bar, seek help from another boater or radio for help.
Warning Markers
It is a good idea to ask local authorities
if there are hazardous areas and how
they are marked. Boaters must also
recognize the flag designs which indicate that
skin divers are present and keep well clear of the
area.
1-10 Cruiser
KC-0250
USED BY
RECREATIONAL
DIVERS -
INDICATES
DIVER'S
POSITION
WORLDWIDE
VESSELS
ENGAGED IN
DIVING
OPERATIONS -
DOES NOT
INDICATE
DIVER'S
POSITION

KC-0372
RED
BLUE
DIVERS FLAG ALPHA FLAG
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-10

Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be
marked. Steer clear from the area and always
remain alert.
Distress flags indicate a fellow boater is in need of
assistance.
Navigation markers serve as a means of identifying
navigable routes, and indicate water hazards. Boaters should
become familiar with navigation markers and stay within
marked boundaries and clear of hazards.
OPERATION BY MINORS
Minors must always be supervised by an adult whenever operating a boat.
Many states have laws regarding the minimum age and licensing
requirements of minors. Be sure to contact the state boating authorities for
information.
PASSENGER SAFETY
Whenever you are going for an outing, make sure that at least one
passenger is familiar with the operation and safety aspects of the boat in
case of emergency. Show all passengers the location of emergency
equipment and explain how to use it. Don’t allow passengers to drag their
feet or hands in the water, or sit on the bow, bow pulpit, deck, or gunwale
while the boat is moving.
1-11
BOATING SAFETY
Cruiser
KC-0352
DISTRESS
KC-0260
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-11

1-12 Cruiser
WATER SPORTS
Larger boats produce a wake too big for skiers. Only boats that are equipped
with a ski-tow eye should be used to pull water skiers.
When using your boat for water sports, be safe and courteous and follow
these guidelines:
●Be considerate to others you share the water with.
●Stay clear of other boats, skiers, fishermen and navigation markers.
●Return immediately to a fallen skier.
●Never swim alone or at night.
●Turn off engine and anchor boat before swimming.
●●Skiers must wear a USCG approved flotation device. A type III
water ski vest is an approved and practical PFD.
●●Keep at least 100’ away from all other objects.
●●When skiing have an experienced driver and aft facing
observer in the boat.
●●Never ski in shallow water or at night.
●●Always keep a downed skier in sight.
●●Turn the engine OFF when approaching someone in the
water.
CIRCLE
SPEED OK
TURN LEFT
TURN RIGHT
BACK
TO DOCK
STOP
SKIER IN WATER
SPEED FASTER
CUT MOTOR
SPEED SLOWER
SKIER O.K.
KC-0270
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-12

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Your safety, the safety of your passengers, and other boaters are among your
responsibilities as operator of this boat. Your boat must be in compliance with
U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment regulations. You should know how to
react correctly to adverse weather conditions, have good navigation skills,
and follow the “rules of the road” as defined by the Coast Guard and
state/county/local regulations.
You must never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or any
other drug. You are also responsible for the alcohol/drug use and on-board
behavior of your passengers. Drugs reduce your reaction time and affect your
better judgement. When combined with the sun, wind, noise and activity of
boating, drugs compound fatigue and can be very dangerous.
Never operate or allow another person to operate the boat while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 50% of all boating
fatalities involve alcohol.
Before each outing you should check all safety equipment, such as fire
extinguishers, PFDs, flares, distress flags, flashlights, engine stop switch, etc.
They should be operable, readily visible, and easily accessed.
Complete a float plan and tell someone of your travel plans. Check local
weather reports before casting off; do not leave the dock area when strong
winds and electrical storms are in the area or predicted to be in the area.
Know the weight capacity of your boat. Do not overload your boat.
Read and understand this manual and all other manuals
provided with your boat. Be sure that you understand all
controls and operating instructions before attempting to operate
the boat. Improper operation can be extremely dangerous.
1-13
BOATING SAFETY
Cruiser
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-13

SPECIAL GAS PRECAUTIONS
Holding tank systems on boats produce odorless methane gas
which is extremely lethal in enclosed spaces. Follow these
precautions when working on your boat’s holding tank system to
prevent injury:
●Before work, open all doors and hatches wide, and rig a good
fan to disperse gas.
●During work, have another person frequently check on you.
●Before and during work, DON’T SMOKE.
1-14 Cruiser
Cruiser Section 1 7/21/08 10:29 AM Page 1-14

Cruiser
The nautical rules of the road must be followed to prevent
collisions between vessels. Like traffic laws for automobiles, the
operator is legally required to follow safe operating rules.
The following information outlines only the most basic of the nautical rules of
the road. For more information, contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are the
signposts of the waterway. There are 2 primary
marking systems in use in the U.S.; the Uniform State
Waterway Marking System (USWMS) used on inland
waters and maintained by each state, and the Federal
Waterways Marking System (FWMS) used on coastal
waters and rivers and maintained by the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG). In addition, the FWMS has two
modified systems; Western River Buoyage, and
Intracoastal Waterway Buoyage. Be sure to check with
local authorities on the buoyage system in use.
The only buoys you are permitted to moor to are
mooring buoys. Mooring to a navigation buoy or other
navigational aid or regulatory marker is illegal.
!CAUTION
2-1
BASIC
RULES OF
THE ROAD
MOORING
BUOY
WHITE WITH BLUE BAND

MAY SHOW WHITE
REFLECTOR OR LIGHT
KC-0412
Cruiser Section 2 7/21/08 8:06 AM Page 2-1

Cruiser
The type of hazard/warning buoys and markers depend on the area of
jurisdiction. Check with boating authorities for information on local marking
systems.
USWMS System
In the USWMS Lateral System, well defined channels are marked with red
and black buoys. Lateral means the sides of the channel are marked and the
boat should pass between them.
The USWMS Cardinal System is used when there is no well defined channel
or where an obstruction may be approached from more than one direction.
With the cardinal system:
●Pass north or east of BLACK-TOPPED WHITE buoy.
●Pass south or west of RED-TOPPED WHITE buoy.
●RED and WHITE VERTICALLY STRIPED buoy indicates boat should
pass outside of the buoy (away from shore).
Uniform State Regulatory Markers
USWMS regulatory markers are white with international orange geometric
shapes; you must obey regulatory markers.
FWMS System
The FWMS Lateral System is for use on navigable waters except Western
Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways.
The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being
entered from seaward (the boater is going towards the port). This means that
red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side when proceeding from
open water into port, and black buoys to port (left) side.
The right side (starboard) of the channel is marked with RED, even
numbered buoys. The left (port) side of the channel is marked with GREEN,
odd numbered buoys.
The middle of the channel is marked with RED and WHITE vertically striped
buoys; pass close to these buoys.
Obstructions, channel junctions, etc. are marked with RED and GREEN
horizontally striped buoys.
A RED band at the top means the preferred channel is to the left of the buoy;
a GREEN top band means the preferred channel is to the right of the buoy.
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