boating unit 1 topic 7-10

true

You should not exceed either the stated maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people In many states, it is a violation to exceed capacity

tongue weight

the amount of the loaded trailer's weight that presses down on the towing hitch.

maximum weight

the combined weight of passengers, gear, and motors

One-third to get out One-third to get back One-third in reserve for emergencies

three things to help prevent you from running out of fuel

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

where can the capacity plate be found

Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in solid contact with the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark. Use caution and fill the tank slowly to avoid spilling fuel into the boat's bilge or into the water. Use an oil-absorbent pad to catch drips or spills. Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room for fuel to expand.

while fueling the tank:

26

Although federal law requires capacity plates only on boats less than 20 feet in length, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) requires a capacity plate on all boats less than ___ feet in order to be certified by NMMA

light

If the tongue weight is too ___, the trailer will tend to swing from side-to-side (or "fishtail")

heavy

If the tongue weight is too ____, the rear wheels of the towing vehicle will be weighted down, making it difficult to steer.

bilge

Interior of the hull below the floorboards; lowest part of a vessel's interior where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom

true

It is very important to have proper lighting on trailers, including turn signals and tail and brake lights. Also make sure you have a jack that fits properly under the trailer—most car jacks are too large to fit under a trailer

crisscrossed

Two strong safety chains should be ___ to support the trailer's coupler if it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle. The chains should be strong enough to hold the combined weight of the vessel, engine, and trailer.

control

A boat operator should never take a boat on the water with too many people or too much gear on board. Boats loaded beyond their capacity will swamp or capsize more easily and will be more difficult to ___

Tie the boat securely to the fuel dock. Ask all passengers to leave the boat and go onto the dock. Do not allow anyone in your group or others at the fuel dock to smoke or strike a match. Check to see that fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents are in good condition. Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines, fans, or electrical equipment. Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights. 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. Make sure that your fire extinguisher is within reach.

Before beginning to fuel:

gasoline

Evaporating _____ creates vapors or fumes that are heavier than air. These fumes settle to the bottom of the boat where they could explode if enclosed areas, such as the bilge, are not ventilated properly to remove fumes.

capacity plate

Federal law requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a ______. (However, personal watercraft [PWC] and sailboat manufacturers are not required to attach a capacity plate.) Always follow the recommended capacity found in the owner's manual and on the manufacturer's warning decal. Never exceed these capacity recommendations

Describes the vessel, including its registration number, length, make, horsepower, and engine type. Includes the description and license plate of the tow vehicle and trailer. Gives the number of passengers, their names and addresses, and a contact in case of emergency. States where you are going, the detailed route, your planned departure time, and your expected return time. Include the location of all stopping points, dates, and times. Gives the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. If boating on waters under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction, give the phone number of the U.S. Coast Guard.

For extended outings on the water, leave a float plan with a relative or friend, or at least a local marina. You should leave a float plan that:

Contact a responsible person before you go out and tell him or her where you will be boating and when you plan to return. Give your contact the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. Contact this person again when you return or if you decide to extend your time out on the water.

For shorter daytime outings on the water, at a minimum you should:

90%; 10%

Look at the load capacity of the trailer stated by the trailer's manufacturer. If the combined weight of your vessel and its engine is more than ___of the recommended load capacity, buy the next larger trailer. This is because your gear (fuel, PFDs, anchors, lines, etc.) will increase the overall weight by at least __.

coupler

Make sure the size stamped on the ball hitch on the towing vehicle is the same size that is stamped on the trailer's ___. If the ball hitch is too small, a bump in the road could cause the coupler to lift off the hitch.

Number of people = (boat length (ft.) × boat width (ft.)) /15

On boats less than 20 feet in length with no capacity plate, use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) the boat can carry safely in good weather conditions

horsepower rating

On outboard boats, the capacity plate also will display the recommended maximum_______ of the boat. Your boat's motor should never exceed this rating.

away

Serious accidents can occur when fueling. Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency. If you must refuel after dark, use only electric lights. To protect the water environment, try to refuel ___ from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp.

coupler

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

capsize

To turn on the side or turn completely over

boat

The trailer and towing vehicle should be designed to fit your ___

capacity plate

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

lug nuts

Tighten ___ on trailer wheels before departing.

swamp

To fill with water

transom

Vertical surface at the back of the hull

bunks

Wooden supports on which the vessel rests while on the trailer

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.

after fueling: