Four winns Vista 328 Owner's Manual page 46

The use of trim tabs to attain quicker planing
should not be used by inexperienced boaters. The
combination of extreme inward drive position and
extended trim tabs can dangerously affect the
boats handling under certain sea conditions.
Moving the trim tabs downward will increase the lift and
the boat will achieve plane faster, or stay on plane at a
lower engine and boat speed.
After gaining plane and establishing cruising speed, de-
pressing both lower trim tab switches will cause both trim
tabs to move upward and will allow the bow to rise. This
should be used to adjust the running attitude of the boat
to decrease the drag at cruising speed or above, or when
running in a following sea.
When running at an engine speed that results in the boat
falling off plane or causes the boat to plane inefficiently,
lowering both tabs slightly (bow down) will improve the
running angle and improve operating efficiency.
Optimum efficiency is obtained when operating at a 3 to 5
degree running angle. Utilizing too much “Bow Down”
trim tab can reduce operating efficiency and cause
substantial steering and handling difficulties. Be extremely
careful when running in a following sea. The effect of trim
tabs is amplified under such conditions. Steering and
handling difficulties can result from improper trim tab us-
age, especially in a following sea. If unsure of proper trim
tab positioning, raise the trim tabs to the full-up position.
When running at high engine speeds, be sure
the trim tabs are in the full up position. Trim tab
action should be only enough to compensate for
any listing. Trim tab adjustments at high speeds
are extremely critical. Be prepared to slow down
should handling difficulties arise.
The combination of extreme inward drive position
and extended trim tabs will cause a severe bow
down running angle. In certain sea conditions,
this will limit the operator’s control over the boat.
When running in a displacement (very slow speed) mode,
better efficiency will be obtained with the trim tabs in the
full-up position.
298/328 Vista Owner’s Manual
09/00
C. Trim Tab Maintenance
Check the fluid level of the trim tab reservoir often. Al-
ways keep the fluid level between the designated marks
on the trim tab pump-reservoir. Refer to the manufactur-
ers information for specifications on the type of fluid to be
used and other operation and maintenance information.
E - 8 ENGINE INSTRUMENTATION
The helm station is equipped with a complete set of en-
gine instruments. These instruments allow the pilot to
constantly monitor the operational condition of the en-
gine. Close observation of these instruments could save
the engine from damage.
The 298 and 328 Vista® models have individual VDO
gauges in the dash panel as standard instrumentation.
See Figure E4.
Figure E4: 298/328 Helm Station
A. Tachometer
The tachometers indicate the speed of the engines in
revolutions per minute (rpm) and are preset by Four
Winns. This speed is not the boat speed or necessarily
the speed of the propeller. They may not register zero
with the ignition key in the OFF position.
NOTICE
Never exceed the maximum recommended
operating RPM of your engines. Maintaining
maximum, or close to maximum RPM for ex-
tended periods can reduce the life of the en-
gines.
Section E
Page 6