Scout Boats 255 DORADO User manual

1
Owner’s Manual
255 DORADO
Scout Boats Inc.
2531 Hwy 78 West
Summerville, SC 29483

2
Rev 0
Print Date 9/20/2017

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 7
SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 8
BOAT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 9
SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................................10
CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................11
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION................................................................................13
SCOUT LIMITED WARRANTY................................................................................................15
Chapter 1:
Safety Equipment
1.1 General .....................................................................................................................19
1.2 Engine Alarms ............................................................................................................19
1.3 Neutral Safety Switch ..................................................................................................19
1.4 Engine Stop Switch .....................................................................................................19
1.5 Required Safety Equipment ..........................................................................................20
1.7 First Aid.....................................................................................................................22
1.8 Additional Safety Equipment.........................................................................................23
1.9 Caution & Warning Labels.............................................................................................24
Chapter 2:
Operation
2.1 General .....................................................................................................................25
2.2 Rules of the Road........................................................................................................25
2.3 Pre-Cruise Check ........................................................................................................28
2.4 Operating Your Boat ....................................................................................................29
2.5 Single Engine Docking, Anchoring & Mooring...................................................................30
2.6 Controls, Steering, or Propulsion System Failure..............................................................33
2.7 Collision.....................................................................................................................33
2.8 Grounding, Towing & Rendering Assistance.....................................................................33
2.9 Flooding or Capsizing...................................................................................................34
2.10 Fishing.....................................................................................................................34
2.11 Water Skiing & Wakeboarding .....................................................................................34
2.12 Man Overboard .........................................................................................................37
2.13 Teak Surng .............................................................................................................37
2.14 Trash Disposal ..........................................................................................................38
2.15 Yacht Certication/Capacities Plate ..............................................................................38
2.16 Transporting Your Boat...............................................................................................39
Chapter 3:
Propulsion System
3.1 General .....................................................................................................................41
3.2 Drive System Corrosion ...............................................................................................41
3.3 Engine Lubrication.......................................................................................................42
3.4 Engine Cooling System ................................................................................................42
3.5 Propellers ..................................................................................................................42
3.6 Performance Issues & Propellers ...................................................................................43
3.7 Engine Instrumentation ...............................................................................................44

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 4:
Helm Control Systems
4.1 General .....................................................................................................................47
4.2 Engine Throttle & Shift Controls ....................................................................................47
4.3 Neutral Safety Switch ..................................................................................................49
4.4 Engine Power Tilt & Trim ..............................................................................................50
4.5 Engine Stop Switch .....................................................................................................51
4.6 Steering System .........................................................................................................52
4.7 Joystick Controls.........................................................................................................53
4.8 Trim Tabs...................................................................................................................54
4.9 Control Systems Maintenance.......................................................................................55
Chapter 5:
Fuel System
5.1 General .....................................................................................................................57
5.2 Outboard Fuel System .................................................................................................58
5.3 Fueling Instructions.....................................................................................................59
5.4 Fuel System Maintenance.............................................................................................60
Chapter 6:
Electrical System
6.1 General .....................................................................................................................63
6.2 12 Volt DC System Overview ........................................................................................63
6.3 Batteries & Battery Switches - Twin Engines ...................................................................64
6.4 Batteries & Battery Switches - Single Engine ..................................................................65
6.5 Parallel Switch & Dead Batteries....................................................................................66
6.6 Key FOB Remote.........................................................................................................67
6.7 Ignition Switch Panels..................................................................................................67
6.8 12 volt Accessory Switch Panels....................................................................................69
6.9 DC Breaker Panel .....................................................................................................72
6.10 Additional DC Circuit Protection...................................................................................74
6.11 DC Power Management ..............................................................................................75
6.12 AC Battery Charging System.......................................................................................76
6.13 Bonding System........................................................................................................77
6.14 Electrical System Maintenance ....................................................................................78
Chapter 7:
Fresh Water System
7.1 General (Optional) ......................................................................................................79
7.2 Fresh Water System Operation......................................................................................79
7.3 Fresh Water System Maintenance..................................................................................81
Chapter 8:
Raw Water System
8.1 General .....................................................................................................................83
8.2 Raw Water Washdown System Operation........................................................................84
8.3 Baitwell .....................................................................................................................85
8.4 Raw Water System Maintenance....................................................................................86

5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 9:
Drainage Systems
9.1 General .....................................................................................................................87
9.2 Cockpit & Deck Drainage..............................................................................................87
9.3 Bilge Drainage............................................................................................................88
9.4 Head Compartment Drains ...........................................................................................89
9.5 Optional Hardtop Drains ..............................................................................................90
9.6 Drainage System Maintenance......................................................................................90
Chapter 10:
Exterior Equipment
10.1 Deck........................................................................................................................91
10.2 Hull.........................................................................................................................95
10.3 Cockpit Features ......................................................................................................97
10.4 Bimini Top & Enclosure.............................................................................................108
10.5 Hardtop .................................................................................................................110
10.6 Cockpit & Bow Covers..............................................................................................111
10.7 Aftermarket Hardtop or Arch ....................................................................................111
Chapter 12:
Interior Equipment
12.1 Head Compartment ................................................................................................113
12.2 Portable Marine Head System....................................................................................113
12.3 Manual Marine Head System.....................................................................................114
12.4 Head System Holding Tank ......................................................................................115
Chapter 13:
Routine Maintenance
13.1 Exterior Hull & Deck ................................................................................................117
13.2 Upholstery, Canvas & Enclosures ...............................................................................120
13.3 Interior .................................................................................................................122
13.4 Engines and Fuel.....................................................................................................122
13.5 Bilge, Pump & Components.......................................................................................123
13.6 Drainage System.....................................................................................................123
Chapter 14:
Seasonal Maintenance
14.1 Storage & Lay-up ....................................................................................................125
14.2 Winterizing.............................................................................................................127
14.3 Recommissioning ....................................................................................................129

6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix A:
Schematics.....................................................................................................................131
Deck Harness..................................................................................................................131
Drainage System.............................................................................................................132
Freshwater System..........................................................................................................133
Raw Water System ..........................................................................................................134
Waste System.................................................................................................................135
Fuel System....................................................................................................................136
Steering System..............................................................................................................137
Propulsion System...........................................................................................................138
Appendix B:
Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................139
Appendix C:
Maintenance Log .............................................................................................................143
Appendix D:
Boating Accident Report ...................................................................................................149
Appendix E:
Float Plan.......................................................................................................................153
Appendix F:
Troubleshooting Guide......................................................................................................155

7
WARNING
DANGER
CAUTION
SAFETY INFORMATION
Your Scout manual has been written to include a number of safety instructions to assure the safe op-
eration and maintenance of your boat. These instructions are in the form of CAUTION, WARNING,
DANGER and NOTICE 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 PRODUCTAND
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 internal combustion engines and ammable fuel. Every precau-
tion has been taken by Scout 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.

8
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
Scout Boats has made a commitment to quality since the very begin-
ning. More importantly, we’ve also made a commitment to saving our
natural resources. Our boating and shing waters are beautiful but
often abused and neglected. With care, we can turn the tide in favor of
preserving our shinning seas for generations to come. At Scout, we’re
doing our part by using earth-friendly manufacturing techniques and
materials, and by choosing suppliers who observe strict environmental
controls in making their products. It means more expense and time
on our part, but we think it’s worth it. You can do your part by being
sensitive to our environment. Our marshes are the lter systems of the
world. As responsible boaters we must manage our natural resources
so our children can enjoy them.
SOS
S.O.S SAVE OUR SEAS
A WIDE VARIETY OF COMPONENTS USED ON THIS VESSEL CONTAIN OR EMIT CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND BIRTH DEFECTS AND OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
• ENGINE AND GENERATOR EXHAUST.
• ENGINE AND GENERATOR FUEL, AND OTHER LIQUIDS SUCH AS COOLANTS AND OIL,
ESPECIALLY USED MOTOR OIL.
• COOKING FUELS.
• CLEANERS, PAINTS, AND SUBSTANCES USED FOR VESSEL REPAIR.
• WASTE MATERIALS THAT RESULT FROM WEAR OF VESSEL COMPONENTS.
• LEAD FROM BATTERY TERMINALS AND FROM OTHER SOURCES SUCH AS BALLAST OR
FISHING SINKERS.
TO AVOID HARM:
• KEEP AWAY FROM ENGINE, GENERATOR, AND COOKING FUEL EXHAUST FUMES.
• WASHAREAS THOROUGHLY WITHSOAPAND WATERAFTER HANDLING THE SUBSTANCES
ABOVE.
CALIFORNIA HEALTH & SAFETY CODE §§ 25249.5-.13

9
Please ll out the following information section and leave it in your Scout Owner’s Manual. This in-
formation will be important for you and Scout service personnel to know, if and when you may need
to call Scout for technical assistance or service.
BOAT INFORMATION
Scout reserves the right to make changes and improvements in equipment, design and vendored
equipment items, at any time without notication.
BOAT
MODEL: HULL SERIAL #:
PURCHASE DATE: DELIVERY DATE:
IGNITION KEYS #: REGISTRATION #:
DOOR KEY #: OTHER KEYS #:
ENGINES
MAKE: MODEL:
PORT SERIAL #: STARBOARD SERIAL #:
PROPELLERS
MAKE: BLADES:
DIAMETER/PITCH:
TRAILER
MAKE: MODEL:
SERIAL #: GVRW:
TIRE SIZE:
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT/NOTES
DEALER SCOUT
NAME: REPRESENTATIVE:
DEALER/PHONE: SCOUT PHONE:
SALESMAN: ADDRESS:
SERVICE MANAGER:
ADDRESS:
DEALER E- MAIL: SCOUT E- MAIL:

10
SPECIFICATIONS
HULL LENGTH OVERALL __________________________________________ 25’ 6” / 7.77 m
BEAM ___________________________________________________________ 8’ 11” / 2.72 m
DRY WEIGHT W/O ENGINES ____________________________________5,258 lbs / 2,385 kg
FUEL CAPACITY___________________________________________________132 gal / 499 L
FRESH WATER CAPACITY ___________________________________________ 15 gal / 57 L
HOLDING TANK ______________________________________________________9 gal / 34 L
DEADRISE AT TRANSOM __________________________________________________21.5 o
MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER ________________________________________ 400 HP / 298 kw
DRAFT W/ ENGINES UP (approx) ______________________________________ 17” / 0.43 m
OUTBOARD SHAFT __________________________________________________ 25” / 0.6 m
PERSON CAPACITY__________________________________________________________11
Note: Dry weight is the average weight of the base boat without options,
fuel, water, waste, batteries or gear.

11
*** For Export Only ***
To be in compliance with European directives for recreational boats as published by the Interna-
tional Organization for Standardization (ISO) in eect at the time this boat was manufactured,
we are providing the following information.
Manufacturer:
Name:
Address:
Zip Code:
Identication Numbers:
Hull Identication Number:
Port Engine Serial Number:
Starboard Engine Serial Number:
Intended Design Category:
Ocean: Inshore:
O󰀨shore: X Sheltered Waters:
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:
Scout Boats
2531 Hwy 78 West
Summerville, South Carolina
29483
CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

12
NOTES

13
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION
Warranty and Warranty Registration Cards
The Scout 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 con-
tact Scout customer service.
Scout, Yamaha Motor Corporation, engine manu-
facturers, and the suppliers of major components
maintain their own manufacturer’s warranty and
service facilities. It is important that you properly
complete the warranty registration cards included
with your boat and engines and mail them back
to the manufacturers 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 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. Please refer to the
engine owner’s manual for the location of the se-
rial numbers.
IMPORTANT:
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.
Product Changes
Scout is committed to the continuous improve-
ment of our boats. As a result, some of the
equipment described in this manual or pictured
in the catalog may change or no longer be avail-
able. Scout reserves the right to change standard
equipment, optional equipment and specications
without notice or obligation. If you have ques-
tions about the equipment on your Scout, please
contact Scout customer service.
Service
All warranty repairs must be performed by an au-
thorized Scout Dealer. Should a problem develop
that is related to faulty workmanship or materi-
als, as stated in the Limited Warranty, you should
contact your Dealer to arrange for the necessary
repair. If you are not near your dealer or another
authorized Dealer or the dealer fails to remedy
the cause of the problem, then contact the Scout
customer service department within 15 days. It
is the boat owner’s responsibility to deliver the
boat to the dealer for warranty service.
Transferring The Warranty
For an administration fee of $100, Scout will ex-
tend warranty coverage to subsequent owners
of Scout models for the duration of the original
warranty period. The Limited Warranty may be
transferred to any subsequent purchaser of the
vessel within seven years from the date of deliv-
ery to the original purchaser. Please refer to the
Limited Warranty Statement for the procedure to
transfer the warranty.
To take advantage of this program, notication
of the change of ownership, including the new
owner’s name, address and telephone number
together with the appropriate fee, must be sent
to Scout within 10 days of the date of resale.
Hull ID Number on Starboard Transom

14
Scout will conrm, in writing, that the transfer of
the warranty has taken place. After which, the
transferee will be treated as the original purchaser
as outlined in the Scout Boats Limited Warranty
Statement.
Yamaha Engine Warranty
Yamaha is ready to stand behind your purchase
with strong warranty coverage. To be sure you
receive all the benets of warranty for your en-
gines, please take the following steps:
• Be sure your new Yamaha is registered for
warranty. Your boat dealer should do this
at the time of sale. Make sure your dealer
gives you a copy of the completed Yamaha
registration card for your records.
• Read the Yamaha Limited Warranty statement.
This warranty applies to Yamaha outboard
motors sold in the United States, whether
purchased separately or when supplied as
original equipment by a boat builder.
• If you need warranty repairs, you must take
your Yamaha outboard to an authorized
Yamaha outboard dealer.
• If you are away from home, or your selling
dealer is not an authorized Yamaha dealer,
use the following toll-free numbers to nd the
nearest Yamaha dealer.
United States Dealer Locations:
800-692-6242
Canada Dealer Locations:
800-267-8577
• Your warranty applies specically to repairs
made in the country of purchase.
• If you need any additional information about
your Yamaha or warranty coverage which your
dealer cannot provide, please contact Yamaha
Directly. Refer to your engine owner’s manual
for the address and phone number to contact
Yamaha directly.
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION

15
2017
3 YEAR STEM TO STERN (LIMITED) WARRANTY
+
10YEAR TRANSFERRABLE STRUCTURALHULLWARRANTY
Scout Boats Inc. has a limited transferable warranty that insures to the purchaser that each hull is free from structural defects
in materials and workmanship, (under normal care and use), for a period of ten (10) years from the original date of purchase.
Scout Boats, Inc. agrees to repair or replace, (at our discretion, based on review and/or observation of the hull in question), to
the purchaser, any boats(s) that is found to be defective during the applied warranty period. Scout Boats, Inc. also warrants
for a period of three (3) years to the original purchaser, that each new hull is free from non-structural defects, (i.e. defective
materials and/or workmanship). During this three year period Scout Boats, Inc. will cover the cost of all parts and acces-
sories manufactured or installed by Scout Boats Inc. during the original manufacturing process. Labor associated with
these repairs will be covered for a period of twelve months from the original date of purchase. This warranty excludes
engines, trolling motors, batteries, generators, air conditioning systems, electronics, and all related components, which
will only be covered by their respective warranties.
In order to receive warranty service, the selling dealer must register the boat on www.dealerscircle.com, and the purchaser must take his/her
boat to an authorized Scout Boats, Inc. dealer. Depending on the nature of the claim, Scout Boats, Inc. may require the boat to be returned
to our factory at 2531 Highway 78 West, Summerville, SC 29483, in which case all transportation, haul-out, and/or loading charges shall be
prepaid and the sole responsibility of the original purchaser. Scout Boats, Inc. will reimburse up to one half of such transportation charges to
the original purchaser upon the discovery of a valid and applicable warranty claim that is a direct result of improper manufacturing processes
on the part of Scout Boats, Inc. or one of our suppliers. The original purchaser must remove and reinstall, at his/her own expense, all outboard
engines, (if directly related to damage in question), as well as any and all personal eects and electronics equipment. The decision to repair,
replace or make reimbursement for a particular boat or part shall be at the discretion of Scout Boats, Inc.
Online registration, a bill of sale, or proof-of-purchase demonstrating individual in question as the purchaser, along with a proof of customer’s
identity, is required before warranty service can be rendered.
Scout Boats, Inc. does not warrant: (1) any Scout Boat which has been powered or loaded in excess of the manufacturer’s maximum horse-
power or capacity recommendations. The maximum horsepower and capacity recommendations are shown on the certication plate axed to
every boat. (2) Any Scout Boat used in or for racing (of any type, organized or not), commercial shing, chartering or other commercial use.
(3) Any Scout Boat which has been subject to misuse, neglect, or structural alterations. (4) Gelcoat cracking, crazing, bubbling, or blistering.
(5) Excessive wear due to unprotected and/or over exposure to the elements. (6)Any fuses, bulbs, switches or the failure of any electrical
component due to corrosion. (7) Any boat that has been deemed to have been misused neglected or re-powered by anyone other than the
original purchaser. (8) Any Scout Boat sold to a customer, (who happens to be the original owner), by anyone other than an authorized Scout
Boats, Inc. dealer. (9) Any Scout Boat that has been used on a trailer that does not adequately support the hull or any trailer that may be
considered undersized, including any and all roller type trailers. (10) Any Scout Boat with a jack plate installed by anyone other than Scout
boats, Inc., or an authorized dealer, or on any hull other than the 191, 201, 221, or 251 models. Any Scout Boat with a jack plate of 8” or
greater. (11) Any part or component not manufactured directly by Scout Boats, Inc. after the rst three years of this warranty policy, (three
years from date of purchase), will only have that particular manufacturer’s warranty available.
Scout Boats, Inc. reserves the right to improve its product through changes in design or material without obligation to incorporate such changes
on boats built prior to the implementation of respected change(s).
SCOUT LIMITED WARRANTY

16
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranty implied or expressed. Scout Boats, Inc. accepts no responsibility for any representations, acts, or
omissions of its dealer relating to the preparation and/or sale of Scout Boats, Inc. products to original consumer. This warranty is transferable,
and to do so the original owner or purchaser must download a copy of the warranty transfer form fromwww.scoutboats.com from the warranty
section of the website and mail it to Scout Boats, Inc. within 10 days of sale of his/her boat to the new owner. A notarized bill of sale and a
$100 administration fee payable to Scout Boats, Inc. must also be included with the notication of customer’s intent to re-sell his/her boat.
Please mail to 2531 Hwy. 78 West, Summerville, SC 29483
 By signing below I do hereby agree that I have read this Warranty Policy and do fully understand the terms and procedures listed
within. I also attest and agree that my dealer, (listed below), has gone over this policy in full detail and has answered all of my
questions regarding this policy and how it applies and has registered my boat online at www.dealerscircle.com.
_______________________________
Customer Date
 By signing below the dealership representative hereby agrees that the status of this boat has been changed to “delivered” on Dealer’s
Circle, in order for warranty to go into eect.
___________________________________________________ _______________________________
Dealership Representative Date
You must mail the original signed copy of this agreement to Scout Boats Inc. at 2531 Highway 78 West; Summerville, SC 29483 and
log on to www.dealerscircle.com to complete the warranty registration process.
WARRANTYWILL BE NULLAND VOID UNLESS THE BOAT IS REGISTERED ONLINEAT WWW.DEALERSCIRCLE.COM
AND THE ORIGINALSIGNED COPY OFTHIS WARRANTYAGREEMENT IS RECEIVED BYSCOUT BOATS INC. WITHIN
30 DAYS OF THE POINT OF SALE!!!
Hull Identication Number: SLP ______________________________
(located on the top right side of transom, under the rub rail)
Owner’s Name: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________ State: _________________________ Zip: _________________
Email:_________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________
Date of Purchase: ____________________________
Dealership: ____________________________________________________________
Salesman’s Name: ______________________________________________________
Dealership Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Brand of Engine: ____________________________ Horsepower: ___________________________________
Scout (white) Customer (yellow) Dealer (pink)
SCOUT LIMITED WARRANTY

17
DATE ____________________________
HULLIDENTIFICATIONNO.SLP ____________________________________________________________
DATEOFPURCHASE ____________________________________________________________________
NEWOWNER’SNAME __________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________________
CITY_____________________________________________ STATE____________ ZIP___________
EMAIL ________________________________________ PHONE _______________________________
BRANDOFENGINE_________________________________ HORSEPOWER______________________
Iagreetothewarrantytermsandconditionspursuanttomyparticularmodelyearboat.
______________________________________________
SIGNATURE
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
PREVIOUSOWNER’SNAME _____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________
CITY ______________________________________________ STATE_____________ ZIP__________
EMAIL ________________________________________ PHONE ______________________________
ORIGINALDATEOF PURCHASE ___________________________________________________________
DEALERWHEREBOATWASORIGINALLYPURCHASED _________________________________________
WARRANTY REGISTRATION TRANSFER
Thereisa $100.00fee
payabletoScoutBoats.
Feecoversofficialtransferand
documentationofthewarranty.
Send CHECK or MONEYORDER witha
completedcopyofthisformalongwith
acopyofthenotarized BILLOFSALE.
Allinformationmustbeprovidedin
ordertotransferthewarranty.
SENDPAYMENT&FORMTO:
ScoutBoats,Inc.
WarrantyTransferDept.
2531Highway78West
SummervilleSC29483
PHONE:843.821.0068 www.scoutboats.com
SCOUT LIMITED WARRANTY

18
NOTES

1919
Chapter 1:
Safety Equipment
1.1 General
Your boat and outboard engines have been
equipped with safety equipment designed to
enhance the safe operation of the boat and to
meet U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. The
Coast Guard or state, county, and municipal law
enforcement 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 equip-
ment 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
alarms are designed to increase your boating
safety by alerting you to potentially serious prob-
lems in the primary power systems. Alarm sys-
tems are not intended to lessen or replace regular
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 outboards are equipped with an audible
alarm system mounted in the helm area that moni-
tors selected critical engine systems. The alarm
will sound if one of these systems begins to fail.
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for information
on the alarms installed with your engines.
If the alarms sounds:
• Immediately throttle the engine back to idle.
• Shift to neutral.
• Monitor the engine gauges to determine the
cause of the problem.
• If necessary, shut o the engine and investi-
gate until the cause of the problem is found
and corrected.
1.3 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety switch
incorporated into it. This device prohibits the
engine from being started while the shift lever
is in any position other than the neutral position
and should be inspected and tested periodically
to ensure the switch is working. If an engine
will not start, slight movement of the shift levers
may be necessary to locate the neutral position
and disengage the safety cutout switch. Control
or cable adjustments may be required to correct
this condition should it persist. See your Dealer
for necessary control and cable adjustments.
Please refer to the Helm Control Systems chapter
for more information on the neutral safety switch.
1.4 Engine Stop Switch
Your Scout is equipped with an engine stop switch
and lanyard. When the lanyard is pulled (disen-
gaged from the stop switch), 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 inserted
into the engine stop switch. Always make sure
the lanyard is properly attached to the engine stop
switch before attempting to start the engines.

20
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
Scout, 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 the required equipment. You also can visit the
U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety web site, www.
uscgboating.org, for information on boat safety
courses and brochures listing the Federal equip-
ment 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 read-
ily 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 Scout
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).
Please note that most state laws now require that
children 13 years old and under must wear a PFD
at all times.
Visual Distress Signals
All Scout boats used on coastal waters, the Great
Lakes, territorial seas, and those waters connected
directly 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 oat-
ing.
• 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.