BEFORE YOU GET UNDERWAY

federal law requires single-hull boats less than __ft in length to have a capacity plate. however, ____ & ____ are not required to.

20 ft. PWC (personal watercraft) & sailboats

float plan

Info left with someone concerning your boating trip

before you begin to fuel,

tie the boat securely to the dock. ask all passengers to leave the boat. check that fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents are in good condition. turn off anything that might cause a spark. shut off all fuel valves. close all windows, ports, doors and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat. remove portable fuel tanks from the boat and fill them on the dock.

capsize

to overturn; to take and flip over

a boat operator should never take a boat on the water with too many people or too much gear on board because

boats loaded beyond their capacity will swamp or capsize more easily and will be more difficult to control.

tongue

maximum weight your trailer hitch can handle of the downward force exerted on it

capacity plate is located:

near the operator's position or on the transom of the boat.

while filling the fuel tank,

never fill a tank to the brim. avoid spilling oil into the water.

The capacity plate tells:

the maximum weight capacity and/or the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather

after fueling,

Put the fill cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping. Wipe up any spilled fuel and properly dispose of the used paper towels or rags on shore. Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings. If your boat is equipped with a power ventilation system (exhaust blower), turn it on for at least four minutes before starting your engine. This will help eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge. Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fuel vapors. Continue ventilating until you cannot smell any fuel vapors. Consider installing a gas vapor detection and alarm device. Start the engine and then reload your passengers.

coupler

The part of the trailer that attaches to the ball hitch on a towing vehicle

bunks

Wooden supports on which the vessel rests while on the trailer

fueling issues for a PWC

check the entire fuel system for leaks and inspect fuel system connections frequently. engine vibrations and the pounding from operating on rough water can loosen connections. after fueling, open the door of the engine compartment and sniff to check for any evidence of gas fumes.