Steering Systems - Four winns vista Owner's Manual

G - 1 GENERAL
348 Vista model is equipped with tilt steering wheel and
hydraulic steering as standard features.
A. Tilt Steering (Hydraulic)
The steering wheel can be tilted up or down so as to
enhance the driver’s comfort and enjoyment. The tilt
steering is also hydraulic. See Section G-1B for de-
tails.
To tilt the steering wheel, depress the release lever with
your thumb . See Figure G1. Be sure to hold the top of
the wheel to assist in positioning. Refer to the steering
manufacturer’s literature for additional information.
Figure G1: Tilt Steering
The tilt mechanism should not be adjusted when
the boat is moving. Sudden boat movement may
cause loss of balance resulting in loss of control
and/or injury.
348 Vista Owner’s Manual
08/01

STEERING SYSTEMS

The tilt mechanism is spring loaded. Due to the
variation in steering wheel offerings, the wheel
may spring up rapidly when depressing the re-
lease lever. ALWAYS KEEP ONE HAND ON
THE WHEEL DURING TILT ADJUSTMENT OR
INJURY MAY OCCUR.
B. Hydraulic Steering
NOTICE
DO NOT force the steering wheel to either ex-
treme position. This can place undue strain on
the unit and can lead to hydraulic steering dam-
age.
Upon commissioning the boat, it is necessary to purge
the system of air. This is performed by your Four Winns
dealer during pre-delivery service. Should steering diffi-
culty increase with time, it is possible additional bleeding
of the system is required. See your Four Winns dealer
for assistance. This and other adjustments on hydraulic
steering units are critical and should be performed only
by a qualified service technician.
After the first two hours of running time, check
the entire steering system for loose bolts, nuts
and fasteners which could adversely affect steer-
ing control.
NOTICE
Check the fluid level in the reservoir periodically.
Low hydraulic fluid levels may increase steering
difficulty.
The hydraulic steering system is comprised of the helm
pump and reservoir, hydraulic hoses, and the hydraulic
cylinder. The helm assembly acts as a pump to move
the fluid through the system. In many aspects this type
of steering is similar to the mechanical system. Instead
of activating a cable, turning of the helm causes fluid in
the hydraulic hoses to flow and activate the hydraulic cyl-
inder causing the rudders to turn. See Figures G3 &
G4.
Section G
Page 1