Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 91.djvu/445

 Popular Science Monthly

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��green from the rocks although the small white blotches of sand are usually the first to attract the attention. Of course, the preceding remarks apply to clear water and will not hold good where the water is con- tinually agitated and clouded by mud or refuse. Swirling water usually indicates a shoal or some submerged obstruction or may be the result of a divergence of current.

When ready to cast off from the mooring, haul in the slack on the dinghy's painter to prevent the bight from dropping into the water and fouling the propeller. Test the engine to make sure that it is running and that the clutch is workin g properly, and let go. Allow the boat to drop back from the mooring enough to allow you to clear it and then start ahead, taking care that you do not veer off so sharply that the stern of the boat will foul in passing the buoy or dock.

"The Rules of the Road" are published in booklet form by the Steam Boat Inspec- tion Service and give complete instructions as to the proper equipment for motor-boats of various sizes. Four units, however, should be included on every craft whether large or small; they are, a good heavy- anchor and at least 150 feet of good heavy line to use with it; plenty of life preservers; a good substantial whistle or fog horn and the necessary lights to be used at night.

���Removing a beaching it

��These lights are rigged as shown in Fig. 31. The white light shows over an arc of 180 degrees while the starboard and port lights, called side lights, show over an arc of 90 degrees. As will be noted from the draw- ing, the starboard or right-hand light when facing forward is green, while the port or left-hand light is red.

Before completing this series of articles the writer wishes to call the attention of every motor-boat operator to the necessity of being courteous on the water as well as on the land. When, passing a boat load of timid women and children slow your boat down rather than cause the wave from your wake to fright- en them or maybe capsize them. When you see another boat in trouble run over to them and offer a tow, or at any rate ascer- tain whether they would like to have you send help out to them. Re- member that it does not cost a cent to be kindly and you can never tell when you m^y be glad to have Take good care

��motor-boat from the water preparatory to so that it may be housed for the winter

��the compliment returned, of your engine. A little extra care and attention when laying ft up for the winter or even when it is to be out of commission only a few weeks or days will prevent a variety of troubles later on. Investigate pecular noises. They invariably mean that something is out of gear. Ascertain the cause and remove the trouble before the engine is laid away.

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��Fig- 31

���Buoys have been called the sign posts of the waterways and there is probably no definition which could state their purpose more clearly. The color designates the course of travel

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