General Information
7
OS 355
live wells. Close all seacocks which are
designed to discharge water through the hull
bottom or hull sides for macerators, fish box
pumps and deck drains. This will prevent
flooding of mechanical spaces if a break in a
line were to occur. Since it is assumed the
vessel will be unoccupied during towing
operations this is a critical step prior to
beginning the towing operation.
On boats equipped with a generator, the
generator exhaust outlet must be sealed to
prevent water filling exhaust and flooding
generator engine block/cylinders. This can
be accomplished by installing an expand-
able plug in the exhaust outlet. Note, after a
towing operation is completed and prior to
starting the generator, the exhaust outlet
plug must be removed. Failure to remove
the exhaust outlet plug can lead to damage
to the generator, it’s exhaust system and/or
associated components.
Sea conditions will dictate the speed at
which your boat can be safely towed. Be
mindful of changing conditions and adjust
towing speeds accordingly.
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure
these guidelines are followed during all tow-
ing operations. Failure to follow the guide-
lines can possibly lead to damages or injury.
Damages to equipment and/or the vessel
which are deemed to be caused by failure to
follow the guidelines can void any warranty
coverage.
On models which do not offer an optional
factory installed custom bow tow eye, owner
will assume all responsibility for damages to
the vessel and equipment which are
deemed the result of installation and or use
of the non-factory tow eye.
Registration and Documentation
Federal law requires all undocumented ves-
sels equipped with propulsion machinery be
registered in the state of principal use. A cer-
tificate of documentation will be issued upon
registration. These registration numbers
must be displayed on your boat. The owner/
operator of a boat must carry a valid certifi-
cate of registration whenever the boat is in
use. When moved to a new state of principal
use, the certificate is valid for 60 days.
In order to be valid, the numbers must be
installed to the proper specifications. Check
with your dealer or state boating authority for
numbering requirements. The Coast Guard
issues the certificate of number in Alaska; all
others are issued by the state.
Insurance
In most states the boat owner is legally
responsible for damages or injuries the boat
causes. Responsible boaters carry ade-
quate liability and property damage insur-
ance for their boat. You should also protect
the boat against physical damage and theft.
Some states have laws requiring minimum
insurance coverage. Contact your dealer or
state boating authority for information on the
insurance requirements in your boating
area.
Reporting Boating Accidents
All boating accidents must be reported by
the owner or operator of the boat to the
proper marine law enforcement authority for
the state in which the accident occurred.
Immediate notification is required if a person
dies or disappears as a result of a recre-
ational boating accident.
If a person dies or there are injuries requir-
ing more than first aid, a formal report must
be filed within 48 hours.
A formal report must be made within 10 days
for accidents involving more than $500.00
damage or the complete loss of a boat.
A "Boating Accident Report" form is located
near the back of this manual to assist you in
reporting an accident. If you need additional
information regarding accident reporting,
please call the Boating Safety Hotline, 800-
368-5647 or uscgboating.org
Education
If you are not an experienced boater, we rec-
ommend the boat operator and other people
that normally accompany the operator, enroll