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Four Winns® boats are not designed nor intended to be
used as a towing vessel. The mooring cleats on
Four Winns® boats are not designed or intended to be
used for towing purposes. These cleats are specifically
designed as mooring cleats for securing the boat to a
dock, pier, etc. DO NOT use these fittings for towing or
attempting to free a grounded vessel.
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that is dis-
abled requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Line failure and structural damage caused by improper
towing have resulted in fatal injuries. Because of this,
Four Winns strongly suggests that these activities be
left to those who have the equipment and knowledge such
as the U.S. Coast Guard, to safely accomplish the tow-
ing task.
Running aground can cause serious damage to
a boat and associated underwater gear. If the
boat should become grounded, distribute per-
sonal flotation devices and inspect the boat for
possible damage. Thoroughly inspect the bilge
area for signs of leakage. An experienced ser-
vice facility should check the hull and underwater
gear at the first opportunity. DO NOT continue
to use the boat if the condition of the hull or un-
derwater equipment is questionable.
If towing or being towed is absolutely necessary, use the
strongest lines available, and attach them to the bow
eyes or stern eyes only. Have all passengers slip on life
jackets and take a seat in the cabin or other protected
area.
Lines can snap or other hardware can be loos-
ened or broken while towing. Under certain con-
ditions, this can cause severe injury or fatality.
A - 11
BOATING EDUCATION
A. Boating Courses
Boating education classes are offered throughout the
country. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers
free courses on different topics usually during the off-
season. The most popular course is the "Boating Skills
& Seamanship Course," and information can be obtained
by calling 1-800-336-BOAT.
Owner's Manual
05/00
The United States Power Squadron also offers free courses
ranging from basic seamanship to celestial navigation.
For information, contact your local Power Squadron, or
write: U.S.P.S., P.O. Box 30423, Raleigh, NC 27622.
The Red Cross offers power boating and canoeing classes.
Contact: Director of Water Safety, American National Red
Cross, 17th & D Streets N.W., Washington, DC 20006.
The Canadian Power and Sail Squadron offers seaman-
ship courses. Information can be obtained by calling
1-800-268-3579 (Canada only).
B. Boating Manuals or Literature
A good source of information is the U.S. Coast Guard's
home study book called "The Skipper's Course". This
book may be purchased through: Superintendent of Docu-
ments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, Stock # 050-012-00159-6.
Another good source of boating information is Chapman's
"Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling". Also,
check the local library or bookstore for additional informa-
tion on boating.
C. Charts and Maps
U.S. nautical charts are sold throughout the country at
Governmental Printing Office stores and other agents. A
chart catalog is available by writing to: National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Survey,
Rockville, MD 20852.
In addition, many federal agencies publish recreational
maps, including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the
Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Ten-
nessee Valley Authority.
Addresses of all state boating agencies are listed in "A
Boater's Guide". For a free copy, write to: National Ma-
rine Manufacturers Association, 401 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611.
Section Q
Page 5
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