Operation; General; Component Systems; Safety Equipment - Four winns V Series Owner's Manual

A - 1

GENERAL

Before starting the boat, become famil iar with all of
the various systems and related operations. Be sure
all neces sary safety equip ment is on-board. Know the
"Rules of the Road". Have an experi e nced operator
brief you on the general opera tion of your new boat.
Perform a "pre - cruise systems check". This manual
is a part of your boat's equipment. Always keep it
on board.
A - 2 COMPONENT SYS TEMS
Before you can really enjoy your boat, a thorough
understanding of its systems and their operation
is essential. This manual and the associated manu-
facturers information are included in the owner's
packet. This information is provided to enhance
your knowledge of the boat. Read this information
carefully.
After becoming familiar with the boat and its systems,
reread this manual and other material provided in the
owner's packet. Maintenance and service tips are
included to help keep the boat in like-new condition.
A - 3

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Besides the equipment installed on the boat by
Four Winns certain other equipment is re quired for
passenger safety. A booklet listing the Federal
equipment requirements is included in the owner's
packet or is available through your local US Coast
Guard Station. Remember that these laws are for
your protection and are minimum requirements.
Check your local and state regulations, also. More
information on safety equipment is provided in
Section B.
Items like a sea anchor, working anchor, extra dock
lines, flare pistol, a line perma n ently secured to your
ring buoy, etc. could at some time save your passen-
gers lives, or save your boat from damage.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a "Courtesy
Examination." This inspection will confirm the boat is
equipped with all of the necessary safety equip ment.
Operation - Section A
A - 4

PASSENGER SAFETY

You are responsible for the safety of your passen gers
as well as for their behavior while aboard. Make sure:
1. Each passenger is properly instructed in Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) use and keeps one within
reach in case of emergency. All non-swimmers
and children should wear a PFD at all times when
underway.
2. Passengers do not sit on gunwales, open decks,
elevated pedestal seats or on seat backs when
the boat is underway. This could cause them to
be thrown overboard during a sudden maneuver.
3. At least one other person knows how to oper ate
the boat in case of an emergency.
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"RULES OF THE ROAD"

As in driving an automobile, there are a few rules that
must be known if safe boating operation is to be
maintained. The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary,
Department of Natural Resources or your local boat
club sponsor courses in boat handling, including "rules
of the road". Such cours e s are strongly recommend-
ed. Books on this subject are also available from local
libraries.
A - 6

LIGHTNING

When boating, it is important to be aware of the
weather around you. When the weather changes for
the worse, DO NOT jeopardize your safety by trying to
"ride out the storm". If possible, return to safe harbor
and dock your vessel immediately.
If caught in a storm, seek shelter inside the cabin
and wait for the storm to pass. With certain models,
campers will provide some protec tion, but should
not be relied on if you are able to return to shore.
Exercise care when high winds are present!
NOTICE
Four Winns boats are not equipped with a
lightning protection system.

Operation

Owner's Manual Page 17