The advices

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Here you will find a number of useful tips from Zodiac™ to help you navigate safely, to maintain your boat and to enjoy all the fun of boating!

Navigation

Check-list before starting

  • Check weather, local currents and wind conditions.
  • Do not forget to advise someone on land of the time you plan to be back.
  • Explain basic boat operations to all passengers.
  • Make sure that one of your passengers can handle the boat in case of emergency.
  • Be sure inflation pressure is correct.
  • Inspect the valve caps. Remove the self-bailer cap.
  • Retighten the motor clamps. If it is not bolted, make sure you secure your engine with a safety lanyard attached to the bracket and the motor plate.
  • Top up fuel and oil levels.
  • if your outboard has a separate oil tank do not forget to fill it up.
  • install your fuel tank in the location provided. Check its fittings.
  • Safety equipment (check local regulations) :
    • 1 personal flotation device (PFD) per person
    • the foot-pump, the paddles (or the oars)
    • the repair kit and your tool kit
    • the mandatory equipment
    • the boat papers and your boating license

ENSURE YOUR FUEL SYSTEM IS IN GOOD ORDER AND MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY TO AVOID THE RISKS OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE HAZARDS. DON'T OPERATE A BOAT IF THE HORSEPOWER OF THE MOTOR EXCEEDS THE HORSEPOWER RATING.

On the water :

Check that the load is evenly distributed :

  • In normal conditions, the load must be distributed along the centreline of the boat, preferably at the rear
  • For single-handed operation, remain on the starboard side to compensate the torque of the propeller

In a "following" sea
load the stern
the tilt pin should be in the 3rd or the 4th position

In a "head on" sea,
load the bow
the tilt pin should be in the 2nd or even in the 1st hole position>

Under way :

  • Respect local regulations and practices.
  • Do not make a sharp change in direction without advising the passengers
  • Inspect the tightness of the engine clamps several minutes after starting the engine
  • Make your passengers sit on the wooden seat (standard equipment) or inside the boat

In case of incident :

An inflatable boat is practically unsinkable, even when full of water. If after an accident, a compartment deflates, bring it inside the boat and return at reduced speed. In case of a collision or an impact with a floating object, stop to examine the hull, the buoyancy tubes, the motor and its attachments and return to shore at a low speed.
Take your boat to your dealer for inspection before using it again.

NEGLECTING INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS COULD REDUCE THE LIFE OF YOUR BOAT AND MAY BE DANGEROUS.