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Inflatable Boat - Navigational Advice

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

  • Be sure safety stop switch lanyard operates correctly

  • Top off fuel and oil levels

  • If your outboard has a separate oil tank do not forget to fill it up

  • Install your fuel tank at the spot provided. Check its fittings.

  • Safety equipment (check local regulations) :

    • Personal flotation devices (PFD's) per person

    • The foot-pump, the paddles/oars, repair kit and tool kit

    • The other mandatory equipment

    • The boat papers and your boating license

 

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

On the water
Check that the load is evenly distributed

  • In normal conditions, the load must be distributed along the centerline 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 "head on" sea,
load the bow - the tilt pin should be in the 2nd or even in the 1st hole position

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

Under way
Respect the local regulations and practices.

  • Do not make a sudden 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 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

Photos and information courtesy of Zodiac Canada - www.zodiac.ca

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