MasterCraft Prostar Series User Manual

Crossing
When two power-driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run
the risk of collision, the vessel that views the crossing vessel to the starboard (right) side
must give-way.
If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, maintain your course and direction,
provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way as it should.
Overtaking
If you’re passing another vessel, you are
the give-way vessel. This means that the other vessel is expected to main-
tain its course and speed. You must stay out of its way as you clear it,
altering course and speed as necessary.
Conversely, if you are being passed by another vessel, you should
maintain your speed and direction so that the vessel can steer itself
around you.
Other Special Situations
There are other rules to always remember when driving your boat around other vessels:
• When navigating in narrow channel, you should keep to the right when it is safe and practical to do so.
• If the operator of a power-driven vessel is preparing to go around a bend that may obstruct the view of other
water vessels, the operator should sound a prolonged blast on the whistle or horn for four to six seconds.
• If another vessel is around the bend, it too should sound the whistle or horn. Even if no reply is heard,
however, the vessel should still proceed around the bend with caution.
Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way
All vessels that are fishing with nets, lines or
trawls are considered under international rules
to be fishing vessels. Boats with trolling lines are
not considered fishing vessels.
Fishing vessels have the right-of-way, regard-
less of position. But these vessels cannot impede
the passage of other vessels in narrow channels.
Sailing Vessel Right-of-Way
Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-way.
The exceptions to this are:
• When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven
vessel, the power-driven vessel has the right-of-way.
• Sailing vessels should keep clear of any fishing vessel.
• In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not hamper
the safe passage of a power-driven vessel that can navi-
gate only in such a channel.
Reading Buoys and Other Markers
The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The markers
and buoys you will encounter have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show which side of
the buoy a boater should pass when navigating in a particular direction.
The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward while the
boater is going toward the port. This means that red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side when
proceeding from open water into port, and the green buoys are to the port (left) side. When navigating out of
port, your position to the buoys should be reversed: red buoys to port and green buoys to starboard.
Many boating bodies of water are entirely within the boundaries of a single state. The Uniform State Waterway
Marking Systems have been devised for these waters. This system uses buoys and signs with distinctive shapes and
colors to show regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with black letters and orange borders.
The information signifies speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas and general information.
Remember: Markings may vary by geographic location. Always consult local boating authorities
before driving your boat in unfamiliar waters.
RULES
OF
THE
OPEN
WATER
2-2

MasterCraft Prostar Series Specifications

General

Brand	MasterCraft
Model	Prostar Series
Category	Boat
Language	English