Ockelbo B18 Series User manual

B18
AL / CC / DC
OWNER ’S MANUAL

Owner’s Manual
Ockelbo®
B18 AL/CC/DC
Date of issue: 2018-03-10 rev 1
AB Ockelbo Aluminiumbåtar, Magasinsgatan 7,
SE-903 27 Umeå, Sweden
[e-mail] www.ockelboboats.se

WELCOME ABOARD!........................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................3
1.1 ABOUT THIS OWNER’S MANUAL....................................................................................3
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................4
1.3 CRAFT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (CIN) ......................................................................4
1.4 EXPLANATION OF SAFETY LABELS..................................................................................4
1.5 DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................5
1.6 WARRANTY ......................................................................................................................5
1.7 INSURANCE .......................................................................................................................6
1.8 SECURMARK ANTI-THEFT MARKING AND TRACKING SYSTEM ...................................6
2. OPERATING THE BOAT ..............................................................7
2.1 SAFETY ROUTINES BEFORE LEAVING SHORE..................................................................7
2.1.1 Weather and forecast ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 Loading ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.3 Passengers ................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.4 Fuel .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.5 Engine ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.6 Fastening of objects................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1.7 Nautical charts......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.8 Safety check of the boat....................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.9 Inform about your route ....................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUTDOWN SWITCH .................................................................8
2.3 MAN-OVERBOARD PREVENTION AND RECOVERY .......................................................8
2.4 FIRE PREVENTION .............................................................................................................9
2.4.1 Fire extinguisher....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.2 Refueling ................................................................................................................................................. 10
2.4.3 Fire port................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 STARTING THE BOAT .................................................................................................... 11
2.5.1 Starting the engine .............................................................................................................................. 11
2.5.2 After starting the engine .................................................................................................................... 11
2.5.3 Ventilation and risk of Carbon Monoxide accumulation......................................................... 11
2.5.4 Leaving shore......................................................................................................................................... 12
2.6 OPERATING THE BOAT AT SEA.................................................................................... 12
2.6.1 Trim of the engine (boat pitch) ....................................................................................................... 14
2.7 ANCHORING,MOORING AND TOWING ................................................................... 15
3. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................ 19
3.1 DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................ 19
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

3.2 DESIGN CATEGORIES.....................................................................................................20
3.3 ENGINE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................21
3.4 VESSEL STABILITY AND BUOYANCY .............................................................................22
3.5 LOAD CAPACITY ............................................................................................................22
3.6 PASSENGER LOCATIONS AND EMBARKING/DISEMBARKING.....................................23
3.7 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS............................................................................................24
3.8 THRU HULL LOCATIONS ...............................................................................................25
3.9 TRAILERING.....................................................................................................................26
3.10 STRONG POINTS ..........................................................................................................27
3.11 LIFTING OF THE BOAT.................................................................................................28
4. SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS ......................................................30
4.1 FUEL SYSTEM ...................................................................................................................30
4.1.1 Fuel tank.................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.1.2 Filling the tank.......................................................................................................................................31
4.1.3 Phase separation ..................................................................................................................................31
4.1.4 Fuel filter ................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.2 STEERING SYSTEM...........................................................................................................32
4.3 NAVIGATION LIGHTS.....................................................................................................33
4.4 BILGE PUMP .....................................................................................................................33
4.5 TRANSDUCER AND PLOTTER/DEPTH FINDER.............................................................34
4.6 ENGINE CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTATION ..........................................................35
4.7 SWIM LADDER /MOB RESCUE LADDER ......................................................................36
4.8 CONSOLE CONFIGURATIONS ......................................................................................36
4.9 CUSHIONS (OPTION) ....................................................................................................36
4.10 CANOPY FOR CONSOLE (OPTION)...........................................................................36
4.11 STERN CANOPY FOR CC/DC (OPTION)..................................................................36
4.12 TARGA BOW (OPTION) ..............................................................................................37
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ................................................................38
5.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................38
5.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGING .........................................................................................39
5.3 BATTERY MAIN SWITCH ................................................................................................39
5.4 CIRCUIT BREAKERS.........................................................................................................39
5.5 ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS .................................................................................................40
6. MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................41
6.1 FUEL SYSTEM ...................................................................................................................42
6.2 HULL,DECK,RAILS &SUPERSTRUCTURES ...................................................................42
6.2.1 Aluminum treatment M-400 maintenance & principle........................................................... 42
6.2.2 Hull below water, antifouling treatment ....................................................................................... 43
6.2.3 Anodes for prevention of galvanic corrosion................................................................................ 44

6.3 COMPONENT MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................... 44
6.3.1 Cushions and hook-and-loop fasteners ......................................................................................... 44
6.3.2 Acrylic windows ..................................................................................................................................... 45
6.3.3 Fender list ............................................................................................................................................... 45
6.3.4 Plastic panels ......................................................................................................................................... 45
6.3.5 Hinges and latches .............................................................................................................................. 45
6.3.6 MOB rescue & swim ladder............................................................................................................. 46
6.3.7 Canopy..................................................................................................................................................... 46
6.4 WINTER STORAGE/SPRING PREPARATIONS .............................................................. 47
6.4.1 Measures before winter storage ..................................................................................................... 47
6.4.2 Measures after winter storage ........................................................................................................ 48
6.5 SPARE PARTS &SERVICE ................................................................................................ 48
7. FIGURES........................................................................................ 50
8. ATTACHMENTS.......................................................................... 53

WELCOME ABOARD!__PAGE 1
WELCOME ABOARD!
WE WOULD LIKE TO congratulate you on the purchase of your new boat and thank
you for the faith you have placed in the dealer and Ockelbo.
We stand behind every boat we build with pride of craftsmanship and always strive to
deliver the best boats available in our market segment. Ockelbo boats are always built to
be extremely durable and have absolute top-class handling characteristics. An Ockelbo is
built to be driven.
This Owner’s Manual is intended to help you become familiar with your new boat.
Your Ockelbo dealer will be happy to help you to maintain your boat and answer
questions concerning operation, maintenance, warranty, performance, accessories, parts
and service. Information and assistance is also available via our website
www.ockelboboats.se.
Enjoy your boating. Enjoy Ockelbo. See you at sea!
Information in this publication is based upon the latest production specifications available at
printing. AB Ockelbo Aluminiumbåtar reserves the right to make changes at any time, without
notice, in the colors, equipment, specifications, materials and prices of all models, or to
discontinue models. Should changes in production models be made, Ockelbo is not obligated to
make similar changes or modifications to models sold prior to the date of such changes. All
figures are principal only.

WELCOME ABOARD!__PAGE 2

1. INTRODUCTION__PAGE 3
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 ABOUT THIS OWNER’S MANUAL
The purpose of this owner’s manual is to help you to use your boat in a safe and
enjoyable way. The manual includes detailed information about the boat and its
equipment and accessories, as well as instructions for use and correct maintenance of
the boat. Please read the manual carefully and familiarise yourself with your boat before
using it.
At Ockelbo, we believe that you shall be free to choose a suitable outboard engine for
your specific needs. For this reason, the boat manual cannot be very detailed on engine
related topics. Often, a reference to the engine manual or other specialized components
is made. We advise you to read the engine and engine instrumentation manuals carefully,
and do not hesitate to ask for help from experts.
Likewise, the boat may have been customized or modified by other party than Ockelbo,
either when new or later in its lifetime. If your boat deviates from the data, standard
equipment and optional equipment specified in this manual, this manual alone may not be
sufficient. Please consult the party who modified the boat and any manuals provided by
them.
The owner's manual alone is not a sufficient source of information on seamanship and
boating safety. If this is your first boat or the boat type is not familiar to you, ensure
your safety and comfort by obtaining sufficient experience in handling and using the boat
before you assume the responsibilities of the boat master. Your boat dealer, local
boating clubs and national motor boat and sailing associations will provide you with more
information about local training in boating and will be able to recommend qualified
instructors.
In some countries, operation of the craft may require a permit or authorisation, and
special regulations may apply. Your boat may also have to be registered with the proper
navigation authorities. A Declaration of Conformity is part of the documents that you
receive with the boat and it must be kept aboard with other official documents at all
times and may be mandatory when registering the boat.
This owner's manual is not a detailed service and troubleshooting guide. In case of
problems please contact your local Ockelbo dealer. Modifications that affect the safety
features of the boat are to be performed only with the builder's written authorization.
The builder assumes no responsibility for unauthorized modifications. Always keep your
boat in good condition and make allowance for the deterioration that may occur over
time. Be careful to observe any signs of wear caused by age, heavy use or abuse. Any
boat, no matter how strong it is, may sustain severe damage if used inappropriately.
Always adjust the speed and the heading of your boat to suit the prevailing sea
conditions. Make sure the forecasted wind and sea conditions match the design category
of your boat and that you and your crew can navigate the boat in the conditions that
may arise. Wind and sea conditions for design category C range from storm to strong

1. INTRODUCTION__PAGE 4
wind with a danger of unusual waves and gusts. These are dangerous conditions that
necessitate a skilled and fit crew and a well-maintained boat.
If your craft is equipped with a life raft, study its instructions carefully. The boat must be
equipped with the appropriate safety equipment (life vests, safety harnesses, etc.) as
required for the boat type and the weather conditions. In some countries, this
equipment is compulsory. The crew must be familiar with the correct use and operation
of all safety equipment and be able to handle the boat in emergencies (including rescuing
a person who has fallen overboard, towing, etc.). Yachting schools and clubs arrange
rescue training and practice opportunities on a regular basis. Everyone aboard the craft
should wear a suitable personal flotation device (life vest or boating vest). Please note
that in some countries national boating regulations may require everyone aboard to
wear a personal flotation device whenever on board.
Finally, please pay respect to the environment by complying with good practise as well as
local, national and international (Marpol) regulations. Thank you!
Please retain this manual and provide it to the boat's next owner if you sell your
boat.
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The boat is primarily intended for private and leisure use. The boat is of open type and
has a single hull type entirely made of aluminum, so are the handrails and cleats. The boat
is designed and built according to standards for CE approval in category C and is
designed to be propelled by a single outboard engine.
1.3 CRAFT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (CIN)
The Craft Identification Number is located on the starboard side of the transom. See
chapter 7, drawing 1, position 14. The CIN must be included in all correspondence
related to the boat, such as when buying parts or registering an insurance.
1.4 EXPLANATION OF SAFETY LABELS
Mounted at key locations throughout your boat and duplicated in this manual are labels
which advise the owner/operator of imperative safety precautions to follow when
operating or servicing equipment. Study chapter 3.7 to learn their location. Learn to
recognize the degree of precaution and understand the explanations of safety prior to
reading this manual. These precautions are not all-inclusive. Always follow recommended
instructions and think in general while operating your boat.
Do not remove or obstruct any safety label.
Replace any label which becomes illegible. Replacement safety labels can be
obtained by calling your dealer

1. INTRODUCTION__PAGE 5
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTE
This manual includes labels explained to highlight particularly important topics. They are
divided into 4 categories as explain below:
DANGER—Immediate hazards which with high probability will result in severe personal injury
or death if the warning is ignored.
WARNING—Hazards or unsafe practices which can result in personal injury or death if the
warning is ignored.
CAUTION—Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in personal injury, product or
property damage if the warning is ignored.
NOTE—Provides information which is important to make proper operation or maintenance.
1.5 DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to a pre-delivery check and service of the boat, your dealer is to provide:
A description and demonstration of the safety systems, features, instruments and
controls on your boat
An orientation in the general operation of your boat
A review of all warranty information and how to obtain warranty service
The Owner Information Package
If you do not receive all these materials, or have any questions, contact your dealer.
1.6 WARRANTY
The dealer who has sold you the boat will inform you of the product warranty terms and
conditions. If for some reason such information is not provided, or any of the below
steps fail, contact AB Ockelbo Aluminiumbåtar or any Ockelbo dealer.
Registration
The boat shall be registered to ensure correct warranty management. Please contact the
dealer from whom you have purchased the boat. If that is not possible, please contact
AB Ockelbo Aluminiumbåtar or any Ockelbo dealer.

1. INTRODUCTION__PAGE 6
Transfer of Warranty
Please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the boat to arrange the transfer. If
that is not possible, please contact AB Ockelbo Aluminiumbåtar or any Ockelbo dealer.
1.7 INSURANCE
Boat insurance is mandatory in most countries. We recommend you to contact a trusted
insurance company in your country prior to taking ownership of the boat.
1.8 SECURMARK ANTI-THEFT MARKING AND TRACKING SYSTEM
To prevent theft, and to locate boats after a theft, your boat has unique code number
which is sprayed in various places of your boat. It’s visible only by using special tools
used by the authorities. The code was added already at the factory and will be able them
to access boat and owner details from a database.
The SecurMark system requires a subscription, and it is pre-paid by Ockelbo for the first
12 months after registration of your owner details. We encourage you to activate
SecurMark and, after the first 12 months of free service, continue to subscribe. You may
also mark and register your engine. Ask your dealer for help to register and further
information. Printed info from SecurMark is also provided in the Ockelbo bag.

2. OPERATING THE BOAT__PAGE 7
WARNING
2. OPERATING THE BOAT
Read and make sure you understand the operation and safety topics of this owner’s manual
before you operate the boat for the first time.
2.1 SAFETY ROUTINES BEFORE LEAVING SHORE
Familiarize yourself with this owner’s manual. Always check the following items before
leaving shore:
2.1.1 Weather and forecast
Consider the wind, waves and visibility. Are the design category, size and equipment of
your boat, as well as the skills of the skipper and crew, sufficient for the waters you are
going to? In strong winds and rough seas all portholes, doors, hatches and vents must be
closed to prevent water from getting into/onto the boat.
2.1.2 Loading
Do not overload the boat, distribute loads suitably. For stability, do not place heavy
loads high up. See chapter 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6. You can also always check the maximum
allowed loading from the CE-plate.
2.1.3 Passengers
Ensure that there are life jackets for everybody on board and instruct passengers to be
seated while the boat is in motion. Location for passengers is described in chapter 3.6.
Make sure all members of the crew understand their specific tasks, before leaving shore.
It is recommended that at least 2 passengers knows to operate the boat.
2.1.4 Fuel
Check that there is enough fuel, plus a reserve tank for harsh weather etc. Look for any
fuel leaks.
2.1.5 Engine
Check the functioning and condition of steering, electrical equipment and batteries, and
carry out the routine checks specified in the engine instructions handbook.
2.1.6 Fastening of objects
Make sure everything on board is properly secured even in the event of high winds, fast
maneuverers and rough seas.
2.1.7 Nautical charts
If you are not navigating on totally familiar waters, ensure that you have nautical charts
covering a sufficiently large area. Even if you are having a chart plotter, you should carry

2. OPERATING THE BOAT__PAGE 8
WARNING
regular charts onboard. There is always a risk for technical malfunction of electronic
devices; therefore, regular charts are important as well.
2.1.8 Safety check of the boat
Check that hatches are closed and watertight.
Ventilate the stern sofa storage where the battery is installed. This is to remove
any battery gases.
Make sure that at least one person onboard knows the location of the
firefighting equipment.
Ensure that you have anchor with rope, emergency lights, communication
equipment, fendering ropes and a knife (to cut tangled ropes) onboard.
Check that bilge water is at minimum, and the electrical pump is working (test
using manual operation).
If darkness is expected, check navigation lights.
Check for any leakage of water into the boat, or fuel from tanks or fuel lines.
2.1.9 Inform about your route
Always inform someone on shore about your planned route, to enable fast support in
case of problems.
2.2 EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUTDOWN SWITCH
Your boat is equipped with an engine shutdown safety switch built into the engine
control. The engine shutdown switch incorporates a shut-off switch and a lanyard.
Before operating the boat, one end of the lanyard must be connected to the shut-off
switch while the other end is connected to the operator (around the wrist or attached
to a hook in the life jacket).
If an emergency arises where the engine must be shut down, pull the lanyard cord to
release it from the shut-off switch, which in turn shuts down the engine. This switch is
designed to shut the engine off when the operator of the boat leaves the control station,
either accidently by falling into the boat, or by being ejected overboard.
The lanyard should be long enough to prevent unintentional activation. Do not let the
lanyard become entangled and replace it if worn.
Wear the lanyard always when operating the boat. Use it to stop only in an emergency. DO
NOT use it to shut off the engine during normal operation. The boat may lurch heavily if
underway at high speeds, and passengers may hurt themselves or even fall overboard.
2.3 MAN-OVERBOARD PREVENTION AND RECOVERY
The passenger and working areas of the boat are described in chapter 3.6.

2. OPERATING THE BOAT__PAGE 9
WARNING
Other areas must not be occupied when underway due to the risk of falling, potentially
into the water.
If a person has fallen into the water in calm seas, the person can use the rescue ladder
located on the portside of the transom (see chapter 7, figure 1, position 21). Always turn
of the engine using the emergency (dead-man) switch before using the ladder. The ladder
can be pulled down by a person already in the water. In harsh weather, or if the person
is physically not able to climb, it may be hard to use the ladder alone and help from a
person onboard may be needed. It is therefore recommended to always be 2 persons
onboard, especially in harsh weather conditions. The MOB rescue / swim ladder is
further described in chapter 4.7.
A rotating propeller can be lethal for a swimmer or person who has fallen overboard, or a
person using the ladder to board the boat or to enter water. Shut down the engine and
activate the emergency switch (dead man’s switch) if there is any person in the water behind
the engine, and always before using the ladder.
2.4 FIRE PREVENTION
Fire is a serious boating hazard. Boats will burn quickly. Do not remain onboard and fight
a fire for more than a few moments. If the fire is out of control and cannot be put out
with the fire suppression equipment onboard, abandon ship immediately.
It is the ultimate responsibility of the boat owner to inspect and maintain the boat’s fire
prevention and fire-fighting equipment. This chapter covers fire prevention and fighting
measures related to the fuel-driven systems onboard the boat. For details of each
system/component, please refer to their specific chapters.
2.4.1 Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is located in the storage box in front of the starboard pulpit. See
chapter 7, figure 1, position 7. Make sure you know how to remove it and use it. The fire
port (see below) can be used for fast fighting of fires below deck.
The boat, when in service shall always be equipped with the following portable fire
extinguisher class:
Fire rating: 13A 89B C with a minimum of 2 kg capacity.
The boat owner/operator shall:
1. Have the fire-fighting equipment checked at the intervals indicated on the
equipment.
2. Replace portable fire extinguisher equipment, if expired or discharged, by
devices of identical fire-fighting capacity.
3. Ensure that the fire-fighting equipment is readily accessible when the boat is
occupied.

2. OPERATING THE BOAT__PAGE 10
WARNING
DANGER
4. Inform the members of the crew and passengers about the location and
operation of the fire-fighting equipment, the fire port and the locations of
escape routes and exits.
5. Unlock any deck hatches to be able to fight fires inside storage areas, and to
keep fire port free.
6. Keep the bilges clean and check for fuel and gas vapors or fuel leaks frequently.
Never obstruct passageways to exits or hatches, obstruct safety controls (fuel valves, LPG
valves, electrical switches, etc.), obstruct portable fire extinguishers and fire ports, or allow
unqualified personnel to modify any of the boat’s systems. Have the fire-fighting equipment
checked at the intervals indicated on the equipment.
2.4.2 Refueling
Before you start to fill the engine fuel tank, turn off the engine and naturally
any cigarettes or any other open flames like stoves, candles or lamps with
flames. It’s not allowed to use switches or appliances that can cause spark
formation during fueling.
When filling the fuel tank, do not use a plastic funnel between the fuel gun or fuel
container and the boat, as it prevents discharging the electric charge difference between
the fuel pistol and the filling fitting and could cause a spark.
Always clean up any spillage immediately after fueling.
If you keep loose reserve fuel containers onboard, they should be stored in one of the
pulpit storages (chapter 7, figure 1, position 6 & 25). Never store them in the stern sofa,
as electrical equipment may cause sparks. The pulpit storages are ventilated and drained,
so any major leak will be visible on the deck. Always check fuel containers before each
trip to detect leakages or smell of fumes.
Fuel and its vapors are highly explosive. Extreme caution must be exercised, and these
instructions must be followed when refueling. The smell of fuel always means that there is
vaporized fuel in the boat. Never store fuel close to electric circuits or batteries (so never in
the stern sofa). Do not use plastic funnels when fueling.
2.4.3 Fire port
The stern sofa storage is equipped with a fire port. The port makes it possible to detect
and fight a fire below deck (bilge/tank area). The access to the fire port is through the
sofa hatch. Make sure you know its location. The fire port has a transparent cover, and
an opening suitable for the fire extinguisher nozzle. In case of fire inside the bilge/ below
deck area, introduce the nozzle to the fire port opening and activate the extinguisher.
Replace the fire port if worn or damaged.

2. OPERATING THE BOAT__PAGE 11
WARNING
2.5 STARTING THE BOAT
2.5.1 Starting the engine
Read the engine owner’s manual carefully, as the boat may be equipped with several
engine brands and models.
Ensure that there are no fuel or oil leaks in or around the engine.
Check that the main power switch is turned on (for location and function, see chapter
5.3).
Make sure the engine gear shift is in neutral position (propeller will not rotate when
engine starts) and that the engine propeller is properly submerged in water and away
from any objects or persons.
Start the engine according to the manufacturer's owner’s manual. If the engine does not
start, or function poorly, check for instructions in the manual. If unsuccessful, contact
your engine dealer (in most cases it is your Ockelbo dealer).
2.5.2 After starting the engine
Ensure that the cooling system is working properly, by visually checking the cooling
water control beam (visible just below the engine hood, well above water level). If water
doesn’t flow out after start, the engine will be soon overheated which can cause serious
engine damage.
Your engine is equipped with visual and sonic alarms for critical malfunctions such as
overheating. Read the engine manual and make sure you understand these alarms. If
alarm goes off, turn off the engine immediately and check the probable reason as per the
manual. If the problem continues, contact nearest Engine Brand/Ockelbo dealer.
Do not turn off the main battery switch while the engine is running and ensure that no
exhaust fumes get inside the boat or endanger others.
2.5.3 Ventilation and risk of Carbon Monoxide accumulation
Carbon Monoxide (CO) can accumulate in dangerous concentrations anywhere in or
around your boat when the outboard engine or other fuel-burning equipment is used.
CO can remain in or around your boat at dangerous levels even if your engine is no
longer running. CO is invisible and do not smell and is therefore hard to detect. CO can
cause severe or lethal poisoning.
To minimize the risk of CO poisoning, consider the following:
Make sure that there is good ventilation throughout the boat.
Be extra careful when running the engine in neutral, when moving at low speeds
and with tailwind, and when running with a high bow, as fumes can then easier
accumulate in and around the boat.

2. OPERATING THE BOAT__PAGE 12
DANGER
Never operate the engine with the canopy (option) in use, unless there is good
ventilation throughout the boat (i.e. forward and aft canvas panels are opened to
allow air flow through the boat). Never operate the boat with canopy on and
with only the back/stern canopy panel opened (fumes could then enter inside the
canopy and accumulate in dangerous concentrations).
Fumes from the outboard engine, heater, stove and other equipment that burns fuel contains
Carbon Monoxide (CO) can kill you. Always ensure good ventilation. Study this chapter and
the engine manual carefully.
2.5.4 Leaving shore
The crew releases each mooring rope etc. as per your instructions. Make sure mooring
ropes or other ropes does not tangle with the propeller.
Ask crew to be seated as soon as possible after leaving mooring position. For seating
positions see chapter 3.6.
The emergency shutdown switch
Attach the lanyard of the emergency switch (see chapter 2.2) to your wrist, ankle or
lifejacket hook, immediately after loosening the mooring ropes. More specific
instructions can be found in the engine manual. Especially when you are driving the boat
alone it is crucial that the boat stops if you fall overboard or stumble on board.
Remember to unfasten the lanyard from yourself before coming ashore or moving
around in the boat. If not, an abrupt engine stop will occur and may cause fast boat
movements.
2.6 OPERATING THE BOAT AT SEA
Learn the seafaring rules and the COLREG provisions (International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and follow them. Navigate with
care and make sure your charts are up to date. Boating regulations are
available in bookstores or from local authorities. Always adapt your speed to
the prevailing conditions, your skills and the environment.
This owner’s manual is not a manual on good seamanship. The operator is always
responsible to ensure that he/she has the right skills to operate a boat. Therefore, this
manual does not substitute a course (or similar extensive experience) in boating and
seamanship. Always take proper training if you lack such, or in any way feel unsecure on
boat handling and seamanship. Operating a boat can often be more demanding than
driving for instance a car.
Always make sure that the boat and safety equipment is in a good and safe
condition.
Always maintain an unobstructed view of the area around the boat to detect
dangers such as other boats or floating objects in your course, shallow waters