Catalina Owner's Manual - Chris Craft

Safety and Operations
Safety at Sea
Hitting underwater objects, or boating in dangerous conditions can
cause serious injury or death. Always know where you are going,
where the hazards are, and avoid them. If you find yourself in
uncharted waters, boat very slowly and post a lookout.
As the owner/operator, it is your responsibility to know where obstructions are, recognize shallow water,
and avoid unnavigable conditions such as dangerous currents. To achieve this you must be familiar with,
and know how to read, nautical charts. Nautical charts, and navigation data, are available from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA – web address: www.noaa.gov).
As the owner/operator, you must observe and understand all navigational aids, be aware of tide times
(where appropriate), and acquaint yourself with new technologies that can help you navigate your vessel
safely.
If you find yourself in unfamiliar waters, and without knowledge of the hazards, proceed slowly and post a
lookout – someone to watch for hazards.
Mechanical Failures
If your vessel breaks down due to mechanical failure, perform the following procedures:
1. If necessary, set the anchor or sea anchor to avoid drifting.
2. Investigate and troubleshoot the cause of the breakdown.
3. If available, refer to the specific systems manual for additional information.
4. If possible, correct the problem.
5. If necessary, seek assistance from any nearby vessels and/or signal for help using an appropriate signaling
device.
If you experience propulsion failure some items you may initially investigate are (not all inclusive):
1. Check fuel level.
2. Check for clogged fuel filters.
3. Check for a plugged tank vent.
4. Check for obstructions in the fuel lines.
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