Drugs And Alcohol; Pre-Cruise System Check; Before Starting The Engines; After Starting The Engine - Four winns 278 VISTA Owner's Manual

DO NOT swim or dangle legs or arms into
the water during a lightning storm. Stay out
of the water!
Lightning will seek a ground when it strikes. Avoid
contact with metal parts such as bow rails, control
handle, or windshield.
A - 7

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Please keep in mind that along with the fun of boating
comes responsibility. As the owner or operator of a
pleasure boat, you are obligated (morally and legally)
to use good judgement while underway in providing
for the safety and well-being of your passengers and
other boaters around you.
A common and flagrant violation of good judgement
and the law by boaters involves the use of alcohol or
drugs. Each year, about half of all accidents involving
fatalities involve the use of alcohol or drugs.
It is a federal offense to operate a boat while intoxi-
cated. Criminal penalties may include the termination
of operating privileges for up to one year. Many states
have passed similar laws.
Alcohol or drugs have an inhibiting effect on the
judgement and reaction time of the boat operator
and his/her passengers. Heed the advice of experts
and statisticians...DO NOT drink or use drugs when
operating a boat. NEVER allow an obviously
intoxicated person to take the helm.
Have fun in your Four Winns
the good sense to be mentally alert and physically
capable of operating the boat in a safe manner.
A - 8 PRE-CRUISE SYSTEMS CHECK
Before leaving the dock, the following items should
be checked:
A. Before Starting The Engine
1. Check the weather forecast. Determine if the
cruise planned can be made safely.
Operation - Section A
boat, but also have
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2. Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on
board and operative. This includes items such
as the running lights, horn, spotlight, life saving
devices, etc.
3. Check the bilge water level and bilge pump
operation. Check the engine and drive fluid levels
(if applicable). Look for other signs of potential
problems. Check for the scent of fuel fumes.
4. Activate the Bilge Blower. Check the blower
output.
Gasoline vapors can explode resulting in
injury or death. Before starting the engine,
check engine compartment bilge for
gasoline or vapors. Operate blower for four
minutes, and verify blower operation.
ALWAYS run the blower when the vessel is
operating below cruising speed.
5. Ensure an adequate amount of fuel is on board.
6. Be sure you have sufficient water and other
provisions on board for the cruise planned.
7. Leave a written message listing details of the
planned cruise with a close friend ashore.
B. After Starting The Engine
1. Visibly check the engine to be sure there are no
apparent water or oil leaks.
2. Check the gauges. Make sure the oil pressure,
water temperature, voltmeter, etc. are reading
normally.
3. Have a safe cruise and enjoy yourself.
Always be sure to raise the anchor and
ensure the chain stop is engaged prior to
operating your boat. Failure to raise and
secure anchor before getting underway
could result in damage to boat and even
severe injury or death from a rebounding
anchor.
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