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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 con-
tact with metal parts such as bow rails, control handle, or
windshield.
Q - 7
DRINKING AND DRIVING
Please keep in mind that along with the fun of boating
comes responsibility. As the owner or operator of a plea-
sure 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 by
mariners involves the use of alcohol or drugs. Each year,
about half of all accidents involving fatalities involve the
use of alcohol or drugs.
Laws enacted in 1984 make it a federal offense to oper-
ate a boat while intoxicated. Criminal penalties may in-
clude 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 judge-
ment and reaction time of the helmsmen. Heed the ad-
vice 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 boat but also, have the good
sense to be mentally alert and physically capable of op-
erating the boat in a safe manner.
Q - 8
PRE-CRUISE SYSTEM 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.
Vista Owners Manual
10/93
2. Check the bilge water level and bilge pump opera-
tion. Check the engine and drive fluid levels. Look
for other signs of potential problems. Check for the
scent of fuel fumes.
3. Set the Battery Selector Switch to the desired posi-
tion. See Section E Electrical Equipment.
4. Activate the Bilge Blower. Check the blower output.
5. Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on-board
and operative. This includes items such as the run-
ning lights, horn, spotlight, life saving devices, etc.
6. Be sure the dockside shore power cord is discon-
nected.
7. Be sure the dockside water supply line is discon-
nected.
8. Ensure an adequate amount of fuel is on board.
9. Be sure you have sufficient water and other provi-
sions on board for the cruise planned.
10. 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 ap-
parent water or oil leaks.
2. Check the gauges. Make sure the oil pressure, wa-
ter temperature, voltmeter, etc. are reading normally.
3. Have a safe cruise and enjoy yourself.
Q - 9
ENGINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
A. Before Starting
1. Check the engine compartment for water, gas, and/
or oil leaks of any kind. Keep the bilge in a clean
condition to prevent blower and bilge pump damage,
and fire hazards.
Section Q
Page 2
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